CLAT 2025: Complete Guide
What is CLAT?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is India’s premier national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate/postgraduate law programs (e.g., BA LLB, LLM) across 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) and various private institutions. Administered by the Consortium of NLUs, CLAT also plays a role in PSU and Indian Army JAG recruitment consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent with ≥45% overall (General/OBC), ≥40% for SC/ST/PwD .
- Age Limit: No upper age limit for UG.
- Ongoing Board Exam Candidates (e.g., March/April 2025) are eligible, subject to passing by admission time.
Exam Pattern (UG)
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Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper).
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Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).
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Total Questions: 120 MCQs, 1 mark each.
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Negative Marking: –0.25 per incorrect response.
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Sections (120 mins → ~1 min/question):
- English Language – 22–26 Q (20%)
- Current Affairs/General Knowledge – 28–32 Q (25%)
- Legal Reasoning – 28–32 Q (25%)
- Logical Reasoning – 22–26 Q (20%)
- Quantitative Techniques – 10–14 Q (10%)
Syllabus Overview
- English: Comprehension (450-word passages), vocabulary, inference, summarization, grammar in context .
- Current Affairs & GK: National/international developments, arts, culture, basic legal awareness via passages .
- Legal Reasoning: Application of principles in fact contexts without needing prior legal knowledge .
- Logical Reasoning: Argument analysis, inference, analogies, pattern-recognition .
- Quantitative Techniques: Class X math—ratios, algebra, mensuration, data interpretation .
Marking Scheme
- +1 for correct responses, –0.25 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted.
Tie-Breaker Rules
If scores are equal:
- Higher Legal Reasoning score.
- Older candidate.
- Random draw .
Preparation Cheat Sheet
1. Build Comprehensive Reading Ability
- Read 450-word passages on diverse topics.
- Practice inference, summarization, context-based vocabulary.
2. Regular Current Affairs Review
- Focus on national/international events, basic legal principles, economics, environment.
- Use quality newspapers and magazines.
3. Enhance Legal & Logical Reasoning
- Regularly solve inference‑based legal passages.
- Practice logical puzzles, arguments, syllogisms.
4. Strengthen Quantitative Skills
- Revise Class 10 math concepts.
- Apply in context of short setup problems within passages.
5. Time & Strategy
- Allocate ~25–30 minutes per major section, ~12–15 for Quant.
- Take full-length mock tests; review errors and pacing.
Post-Exam Counselling & Seat Allotment
- Counselling portal opened May 18, Round 1 seat allotment declared May 26.
- Seats available across NLUs including new addition RPNLU, Prayagraj (60 UG seats).
Quick Reference Table
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Exam Type | Pen-and-paper UG entrance test |
Duration | 2 hours |
Total Qs/Marks | 120 MCQs → 120 marks |
Sections | English, GK, Legal, Logical, Quantitative |
Marking | +1 correct, –0.25 wrong, 0 for unattempted |
Eligibility | 10+2 with ≥45% (40% for SC/ST/PwD); no age limit |
Tie-breakers | Legal score → Age → Draw |
Final Prep Tips
- CLAT Official Prep Platform: Practice model papers, webinars, and exercises post-registration.
- Quality Study: Use standard prep books and newspapers (e.g., Hindu, Indian Express).
- Mock Drill: Simulate exam conditions; regularly refine weak spots.
- Stay Updated: Keep track of current issues, law amendments, and national events.