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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)

  • Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper).

  • Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).

  • Total Questions: 120 MCQs, 1 mark each.

  • Negative Marking: –0.25 per incorrect response.

  • 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:

  1. Higher Legal Reasoning score.
  2. Older candidate.
  3. 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

FeatureDetails
Exam TypePen-and-paper UG entrance test
Duration2 hours
Total Qs/Marks120 MCQs → 120 marks
SectionsEnglish, GK, Legal, Logical, Quantitative
Marking+1 correct, –0.25 wrong, 0 for unattempted
Eligibility10+2 with ≥45% (40% for SC/ST/PwD); no age limit
Tie-breakersLegal score → Age → Draw

Final Prep Tips

  1. CLAT Official Prep Platform: Practice model papers, webinars, and exercises post-registration.
  2. Quality Study: Use standard prep books and newspapers (e.g., Hindu, Indian Express).
  3. Mock Drill: Simulate exam conditions; regularly refine weak spots.
  4. Stay Updated: Keep track of current issues, law amendments, and national events.