Did you know that every year, thousands of bright young minds across India set their sights on a single goal: cracking the CLAT exam? What is CLAT exam, you ask? Well, it’s not just any ordinary test—it’s a key that opens doors to some of the best law colleges in India including but not limited to National Law Universities.
Imagine this: You’re a student with big dreams of becoming a lawyer, fighting for justice, and making a difference in the world. But how do you get there?
That’s where the CLAT exam comes in. Here, we’re going to discuss everything about CLAT and show you why it’s so important for aspiring lawyers like you to know all about it. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of the meaning of CLAT, why it matters, and what you need to know to ace the exam.
What is the CLAT Exam?
CLAT stands for Common Law Admission Test, a crucial exam in India for entry into esteemed law schools, ensuring promising opportunities for aspiring lawyers. It is a national-level law entrance exam is designed for students who want to study law at National Law Universities (NLUs) and top law colleges in India. There are 26 NLUs in India accepting CLAT scores.
Understand it like this. Just as the IIT exam is given to get admission to IIT colleges and top engineering colleges, the CLAT exam is given to get admission to NLUs and best law colleges.
Levels in CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
The CLAT exam is conducted at two levels:
1. CLAT UG (Undergraduate)
CLAT UG exam is for school students who want to study law from NLUs and CLAT-affiliated universities after their class 12th. It’s for those who dream of becoming lawyers and want to start their journey right after 12th grade. The CLAT UG exam tests the students in subjects like English, General Knowledge (GK) & Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Once you clear the exam and get a good score in CLAT, you can apply to various top law colleges across India.
2. CLAT PG (Postgraduate)
On the other hand, CLAT PG exam is for students who have already completed their undergraduate studies (or degree in law) and want to do masters in law (LLM) from a top law college. CLAT PG tests your knowledge in various legal subjects. It’s more advanced and focuses on deeper concepts and understanding. It’s for those who want to become experts in specific areas of law and pursue higher studies in the field.
| Aspect | CLAT UG | CLAT PG |
| Target Audience | School students aspiring for law programs | Law graduates seeking specialization in law |
| Educational Requirement | Completion of 10+2 education | Completion of Bachelor’s degree |
| Admission to | Undergraduate law programs (LLB) | Postgraduate law programs (LLM) |
Purpose of the CLAT Exam
The purpose of the CLAT Exam is to provide a fair and standardized evaluation process for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in India.
1. Merit-based Admissions
CLAT ensures that admissions to law colleges are based on merit, as determined by performance in a standardized entrance exam. This helps maintain fairness and transparency in the selection process.
2. Access to Top Law Colleges
By clearing CLAT, students get to study at the best law schools and universities in India. These institutions offer high-quality legal education and opportunities for professional growth.
3. Assessment of Aptitude
The exam assesses candidates’ aptitude in key areas such as logical reasoning, legal reasoning, English, general knowledge, and quantitative techniques. This helps test their readiness for legal studies and practice.
4. Door to Successful Career in Law
CLAT works like a gateway for students to kick-start their legal careers. It opens doors to various opportunities in the legal profession, including advocacy, litigation, corporate law, academia, and public service.
5. Standardized Evaluation
By following a standardized evaluation process, the Common Law Admission Test ensures that candidates from diverse backgrounds are evaluated on a level playing field. This helps identify talented individuals irrespective of their educational or socio-economic background.
CLAT Exam Details (Quick Overview)
The following are all the details and information about CLAT:
| Aspect | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs (National Law Universities) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and paper-based) |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at NLUs |
| CLAT Eligibility | UG: 10+2 or equivalent with 45% (40% for SC/ST) |
| PG: LL.B or equivalent with 50% (45% for SC/ST) | |
| CLAT Age Limit | UG: No upper age limit |
| PG: No upper age limit | |
| Total Questions | UG: 120 MCQs |
| PG: 120 MCQs | |
| Sections | UG: English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques |
| PG: Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, Other Law Subjects | |
| CLAT Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for wrong answer |
| CLAT Exam Date | First Week of December 2025 (Expected) |
| Application Period | From July 2025 to October 2025 (Expected) |
| CLAT Registration Fee | INR 4,000 |
| INR 3,500 (SC, ST, PwD, and BPL) | |
| CLAT Admit Card Release | Second Week of November 2025 (Expected) |
| CLAT Result Declaration | Around one week after exam date |
| CLAT Counselling | Within a few days after result |
| Participating Colleges/Universities | – 26 NLUs – 42 Affiliated Universities |
Number of CLAT Applicants Every Year
Around 60,000 students appear for CLAT UG exam every year. Whereas, the number of students for CLAT PG exam is around 10,000 per year. Below is some data on CLAT applicants over the last few years:
| Details | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | CLAT 2025 |
| No. of CLAT Applicants | 75,000+ | 70,000+ | 60,000+ | 60,000+ | 71,000+ | 75000+ |
| No. of Seats | 2600+ | 2600+ | 2800+ | 2800+ | 3000+ | 3500+ |
Brief History of the CLAT Exam
- In 2008, something important happened in law studies in India. The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, the oldest NLU in the country, introduced the CLAT exam. It was a big deal because it changed how students got into law colleges.
- At first, a committee from seven NLUs got together to decide how CLAT would work. They decided that each year, a different NLU would organize the exam. This meant that CLAT was conducted by different NLU each year, starting with NLU Bangalore in 2008 and continuing to others like Hyderabad, Bhopal, and Kolkata in the following years.
- In 2019, things changed again. All the NLUs came together to form a group called the Consortium of NLUs. This group took over the responsibility of organizing CLAT exams from then on. It was a big step towards making CLAT exams fair and consistent for everyone.
- Before CLAT, every NLU had its own entrance exam. This made things hard for students because they had to prepare for different exams at the same time. CLAT changed that by giving students one common exam to focus on.
- CLAT was started because students found it tough to prepare for multiple exams, and sometimes they missed out on opportunities. There was even a court case about it in 2006. The court agreed that there should be one common entrance exam, so CLAT came into existence in 2008.
- Even though most NLUs now use CLAT for admissions, NLU Delhi still has its own entrance exam called AILET.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria
| Particulars | Eligibility Criteria |
| Nationality | Students of India/ NRI/ PIO/ OCI are eligible to apply for CLAT |
| CLAT Age Limit | There is no lower or upper age limit |
| Educational Qualification for CLAT UG | Passed 12th class exam with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for reserved category) |
| Educational Qualification for CLAT PG | Passed LLB degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved category) |
| Number of Attempts | No limit |
- Nationality: Indian students as well as NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs can apply for the CLAT exam.
- CLAT Age Limit: Anyone can apply for the CLAT exam as there is no minimum or maximum age limit.
- Educational Qualification for CLAT UG: You must have passed your 12th class exams with at least 45% marks, or 40% if you belong to a reserved category.
- Educational Qualification for CLAT PG: You need to have completed an LLB degree with a minimum of 50% marks, or 45% for reserved categories.
- Number of Attempts: There is no limit on how many times you can attempt the CLAT exam.
Subjects in CLAT Exam (With Marks Distribution)
Here is the list of CLAT subjects with marks distribution and weightage in paper:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Weightage |
| English Language | 22-26 questions | 20% |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 questions | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 questions | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 questions | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 questions | 10% |
Syllabus of CLAT Exam
Below is the latest CLAT exam syllabus:
| Section | Description |
| English Language | Passages of about 450 words, derived from contemporary or historically important fiction and nonfiction writing. |
| Questions assessing comprehension, inference, summarization, comparison, contrasting arguments, and understanding of words and phrases in context. | |
| Current Affairs & GK | Passages of up to 450 words from journalistic sources and news. |
| Questions covering contemporary events from India and the world, arts and culture, international affairs, and historical events. | |
| Legal Reasoning | Passages related to legal matters, public policy questions, or moral philosophical inquiries. |
| Questions testing principles and rules identification, application, and understanding of changes to principles/rules in different scenarios. | |
| Logical Reasoning | Short passages followed by questions on argument recognition, analysis of reasoning patterns, inference, derivation of relationships, and assessment of arguments. |
| Quantitative Techniques | Short sets of facts, propositions, or numerical data passages. |
| Questions requiring derivation, manipulation of numerical details, and application of 10th-standard mathematical operations. |
Courses at NLUs
The National Law Universities in India offer a variety of law courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels:
Undergraduate Courses
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B): A three-year law degree program following a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- B.A. LL.B. (Hons.): A five-year integrated degree program combining Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws.
- B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.): A five-year integrated degree program combining Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws.
- B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.): A five-year integrated degree program combining Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws.
- B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.): A five-year integrated degree program combining Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws.
Postgraduate Courses
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year or two-year postgraduate degree in various specializations of law.
- M.Phil. (Law): A research degree aimed at those seeking academic research and teaching careers.
- Ph.D. in Law: The highest level of degree in the field of law, focusing on in-depth research.
Diploma and Certificate Courses
- Postgraduate Diploma in various legal fields: These are generally one-year courses aimed at specialization in specific areas such as Business Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Human Rights, etc.
- Certificate courses in specialized areas of law: Short-term courses that provide specific skills or knowledge in areas like Cyber Law, Environmental Law, or Consumer Law.
How to Register for CLAT Exam?
Here’s a step-by-step CLAT register process:
- Visit the Official Website: Start by visiting the official CLAT Consortium website at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Create an Account: If you’re a new user, create an account by providing your email address, mobile number, and password. You’ll receive an activation link on your registered email to activate your account.
- Log In and Access the Application Form: Once your account is activated, log in using your credentials and access the CLAT application form.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Enter all required details accurately, including your personal information, academic qualifications, and choice of test centers.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents such as your photograph, signature, and any applicable category certificates. Ensure that these documents meet the specified size and format requirements.
- Pay the Application Fee: Complete the application by paying the CLAT registration fee online. The fee can be paid via net banking, credit card, or debit card.
- Review and Submit: Before submitting the form, review all the information and ensure everything is correct. Once satisfied, submit the form.
- Save and Print: After submitting, save a copy of the application form and payment receipt for your records. You might need these documents later.
- Keep Track of Important Dates: After registering, keep track of important dates such as the release of admit cards and the exam date.
How to Prepare for CLAT Exam?
CLAT preparation is crucial for aspiring law students. Cracking it requires a strategic approach, discipline, and thorough preparation. The following are some effective strategies:
1. Understand Exam Pattern and Syllabus
First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the CLAT exam pattern and syllabus. The exam consists of five sections:
- English Language
- Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
Each section tests different skills, so understanding the weightage and type of questions asked in each is crucial.
2. Develop a Study Plan
Creating a study plan for CLAT is essential to cover all the topics systematically. Allocate time based on the difficulty and your proficiency in each subject. Ensure to revise regularly and adjust your plan as needed based on your progress and comfort with the material.
3. Enhance Your General Awareness
Current Affairs and GK in CLAT can be game-changers. Stay updated with the latest events by reading newspapers, following reliable news sources, and using current affairs apps. Make notes of important events and revise them regularly.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests
Practicing previous year question papers and taking mock tests for CLAT are indispensable parts of the preparation. They help you get accustomed to the exam’s format, improve time management, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your performance in these tests to refine your strategy further.
5. Join a Coaching Institute or Online Course
Consider joining the offline or online coaching for CLAT by Law Prep Tutorial. It provides structured learning and professional guidance, which is very beneficial and helps you crack the exam with confidence.
6. Develop Reading and Comprehension Skills
The CLAT heavily tests your reading comprehension skills, particularly in the English and Legal Reasoning sections. Regular reading of diverse texts, from editorials to fiction, can significantly enhance your speed and comprehension abilities.
7. Stay Healthy and Manage Stress
Lastly, take care of your mental and physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep will enhance concentration and efficiency.
Additionally, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These will help you to handle exam stress during CLAT preparation.
Best Books for CLAT Preparation
Choosing the right CLAT study materials is crucial for effective preparation. In the table below, we have compiled a list of highly recommended and best books for CLAT preparation.
These books have been selected based on their comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, clear explanations, and proven success in helping candidates excel in the exam.
| Subject | Book Name | Author/Publisher |
| English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Norman Lewis | |
| High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin | |
| English is Easy | Chetan Anand Singh | |
| General Knowledge | Pratiyogita Darpan | – |
| Manorama Year Book | – | |
| Pearson’s Concise GK Manual | – | |
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | – | |
| Competition Review Yearbook | – | |
| CLAT Express | Law Prep Tutorial | |
| Quantitative Techniques | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations (English) | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Data Interpretation | BSC Publications | |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M Tyra | |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Pearson’s | |
| Logical Reasoning | Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| GMAT Official Guide | – | |
| Legal Reasoning | Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning | Pearson |
| Important Judgement That Transformed India | Alex Andrews George | |
| The Pearson Guide to the CLAT | Harsh Gagrani | |
| CLAT PG | S S Handbook for LLM Entrance Exam | Singhal’s Law Publications |
| Guide To LLM Entrance Examination, including Previous Year’s Solved Papers | Universal’s | |
| Solved Papers of LLM Entrance Test | Singhal’s Law Publications | |
| Ascent’s Law Guide for LLM Entrance Exam | Ashok K Jain |
Role of Coaching for CLAT Preparation
CLAT preparation can be a challenging task given the vast syllabus and the competitive nature of the exam. This is where specialized coaching for CLAT plays a crucial role in the success of aspirants:
1. Structured Learning Approach
Coaching provides a structured approach to learning that covers all aspects of the exam systematically. This ensures comprehensive coverage without any gaps in knowledge.
2. Expert Guidance and Mentorship
Experienced instructors offer invaluable advice, tips, and tricks that are crucial for tackling difficult questions efficiently. Their mentorship helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses, enabling focused preparation.
3. Regular Mock Tests and Feedback
Regularly scheduled mocks that mimic the actual exam scenario are crucial. They help students manage time effectively and gain confidence. Detailed feedback from these sessions allows candidates to improve continuously.
4. Study Material and Resources
Coaching centers like Law Prep Tutorial provide updated material which include notes, practice questions, and revision kits specifically designed to meet the CLAT pattern and difficulty level.
5. Motivation and Peer Learning
Being in a competitive environment with peers can boost motivation and encourage a healthy competitive spirit. It also opens up opportunities for group study and peer discussions, which are beneficial for clarifying doubts and learning new concepts.
One of the premier institutes is Law Prep Tutorial, renowned for its significant track record in law entrance preparation. With over 23 years of experience, LPT has been instrumental in producing consistent top rankers in CLAT, including the All India Rank (AIR) 1 of CLAT 2024.
More than 1000 students from LPT secured selections in NLUs in the same year, underlining the effectiveness of their coaching methods and materials. LPT’s enduring success in producing CLAT toppers annually makes it a top choice for aspirants aiming to excel in the exam.
So, now that you have read this, you know everything about CLAT. And if you are looking forward to ace CLAT, you have reached the right destination! Call us on +91 87505 81505 to enquire about the best CLAT coaching in Delhi NCR today!
