
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level and centralised entrance examination in India. It is administered by the Consortium of National Law Universities. The entrance test typically facilitates admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law degree programmes. CLAT exam scores offer admission to 22 National Law Universities and other top law schools in India. Prospective students looking for LLB admission must start their CLAT preparations early as it is one of the most challenging entrance exams to enter a well-recognised law school in India.
Apart from making students eligible to apply to top law schools, the CLAT exam can also gain acceptance and recruitment in Private Law Firms and Public Sector Agreements. CLAT exam scores can pave your way toward lucrative career opportunities.
As one of India's most prestigious law entrance exams, students often look for reliable information about CLAT exams. If you are looking for information about the CLAT exam, you have landed the right article. Keep reading this article as we discuss its exam pattern, syllabus, and exam preparation tips to kick-start their journey of landing a law school successfully.
Prerequisite to take the CLAT Exam
The prerequisite to take the CLAT entrance exam is not very stringent and requires basic qualifications. To be eligible for the CLAT exam, aspirants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Must have completed senior secondary schooling from a recognised institution
- Applicants must have 45% marks in the qualifying exam
- Candidates in the final year of senior secondary school are also eligible to apply
In contrast, to apply for post-graduation programmes with CLAT scores, candidates must possess the following qualifications:
- Must have completed an LLB degree
- Applicants must have 55% percent marks in qualifying exams
- Applicant must have appeared or passed the final semester examination
CLAT exam pattern
The undergraduate CLAT exam is spread over a 2-hour duration and will have 150 questions. In contrast, the postgraduate CLAT examination will have 120 questions. The marking scheme is important for students as they can base their exam strategies on it. Each question carries one mark for the CLAT examination, and each incorrect attempt is worth 0.25 points.
CLAT exam syllabus
The undergraduate CLAT exam is divided into five sections, whereas the postgraduate CLAT examination covers the major topic of the LLB programme.
Below we have listed the syllabus for undergraduate CLAT exams:
- Current affairs, including general knowledge
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- English Language
Here are the section-wise weightage and number of questions:
Section |
Question and Weightage |
Quantitative Techniques |
13-17 (10% of the exam) |
Legal Aptitude |
35-39 (25% of the exam) |
General Awareness |
35-39 (25% of the exam) |
English Language |
28-32 (20% of the exam) |
Logical Reasoning |
28-32 (20% of the exam) |
Now, you know about the CLAT syllabus, exam pattern, and marking system. Here are some tips on preparing for the CLAT exam:
- Thoroughly understand the syllabus and marking scheme
- Practice, analyse, and improve
- Invest in reliable study resources
- Develop reading habit
- Give many mock examinations
Ready to take the CLAT exam
Now you have an overall understanding of the CLAT exam. The right mindset and strategy are all needed to clear the CLAT exam. Start your preparations for the CLAT examination early to apply to the best law schools in India!