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Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most prestigious entrance exams for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in India. CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) for candidates who wish to pursue a career in law and seek admission to top National Law Universities (NLUs) across the country.

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential details about the CLAT exam, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, application process, fee structure, and other important aspects to help you succeed in this highly competitive exam.


What is CLAT?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level law entrance exam that allows candidates to gain admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in various National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. CLAT is conducted annually and offers a gateway to the most prestigious law colleges in the country.

Candidates who wish to pursue a career in law and get into a top NLU must clear the CLAT exam, which assesses their aptitude in various areas like legal reasoning, general knowledge, English language proficiency, and logical reasoning.


CLAT Exam Details

AspectDetails
Exam NameCommon Law Admission Test (CLAT)
Conducting BodyConsortium of National Law Universities (NLUs)
FrequencyAnnually
Mode of ExamComputer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration2 hours
Number of Questions150
Total Marks150
Eligibility CriteriaFor UG: 10+2 with minimum 45% marks (40% for SC/ST)
For PG: LLB degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST)
Application ModeOnline
Age LimitNo age limit for CLAT

CLAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for the CLAT exam depends on the type of course you are applying for (UG or PG). Below are the criteria for both courses:

1. Undergraduate (UG) Program Eligibility:

  • Educational Qualifications:
    • Candidate must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates).
    • Candidates appearing for their 12th board exams in the current year are also eligible to apply.
  • Age Limit:
    • There is no age limit for candidates applying for the UG program.

2. Postgraduate (PG) Program Eligibility:

  • Educational Qualifications:
    • Candidate must hold a 5-year integrated LLB degree or a graduate degree in law (3 years) from a recognized university.
    • Must have secured a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates) in their undergraduate law degree.
  • Age Limit:
    • There is no age limit for candidates applying for the PG program.

CLAT Exam Syllabus

The CLAT syllabus is divided into various sections that assess a candidate’s proficiency in critical areas like Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.

1. English Language:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Sentence Correction
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • Grammar

2. Current Affairs and General Knowledge:

  • General Knowledge
  • Current Events (National & International)
  • Legal GK (important judicial decisions, constitutional law, etc.)
  • History, Geography, Science, and Technology

3. Legal Reasoning:

  • Legal Knowledge
  • Legal Principles and their Application
  • Constitution of India
  • Criminal Law, Contract Law, Family Law, etc.

4. Logical Reasoning:

  • Analogies
  • Syllogisms
  • Blood Relations
  • Series Completion
  • Coding-Decoding

5. Quantitative Techniques (For UG):

  • Elementary Mathematics
  • Profit and Loss
  • Percentages
  • Simple and Compound Interest
  • Averages
  • Time-Speed-Distance
  • Algebra

CLAT Exam Pattern

The CLAT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections. The total duration of the exam is 2 hours. Below is the detailed CLAT exam pattern:

SectionNumber of QuestionsMarks per QuestionTotal MarksTime Allocation
English Language28-321 mark28-3240 minutes
Current Affairs, including GK35-391 mark35-3935 minutes
Legal Reasoning35-391 mark35-3935 minutes
Logical Reasoning28-321 mark28-3235 minutes
Quantitative Techniques (UG only)13-171 mark13-1720 minutes
Total1501 mark1502 hours

Marking Scheme:

  • Correct Answer: +1 mark
  • Incorrect Answer: -0.25 mark for each wrong answer
  • Unanswered Question: No penalty

CLAT Application Process

The application process for CLAT involves the following steps:

  1. Step 1: Registration:
    • Visit the official CLAT website and register by providing basic details such as name, email address, and mobile number.
  2. Step 2: Fill Application Form:
    • Fill in the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, and exam center preferences.
  3. Step 3: Upload Documents:
    • Upload required documents such as a photograph and signature.
  4. Step 4: Application Fee Payment:
    • Pay the application fee through credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
  5. Step 5: Submit Application:
    • Review the application and submit it. Make sure to take a printout for future reference.

CLAT Fee Structure

The application fee for CLAT varies based on the category of the candidate. Here is a typical fee breakdown:

CategoryApplication Fee
General/OBC/PwD₹4000
SC/ST₹3500
Mode of PaymentCredit/Debit Cards, Net Banking, UPI

CLAT Selection Process

The selection process for CLAT involves the following steps:

  1. Written Examination:
    • Candidates need to clear the CLAT exam with a high score to qualify for further rounds.
  2. Merit List:
    • Based on the CLAT score, candidates will be placed in a merit list for admission to various participating NLUs.
  3. Counseling:
    • Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling. During counseling, candidates can select their preferred NLIU and confirm their admission.
  4. Document Verification:
    • Candidates need to submit all the necessary documents for verification during the counseling process.

Preparation Tips for CLAT Exam

  1. Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and identify the areas that require more focus.
  2. Practice Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to evaluate your preparation and improve your speed and accuracy.
  3. Time Management: Practice time management by solving previous year’s papers and setting time limits for each section.
  4. Stay Updated: Keep up with current affairs, especially in areas related to national and international events, legal updates, and general knowledge.
  5. Focus on Weak Areas: Spend more time on areas where you feel less confident, especially in subjects like legal reasoning and quantitative techniques.

Conclusion

CLAT is a gateway to the best law schools in India, offering a platform for aspiring lawyers to pursue their dreams. By understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and application process, and following a disciplined preparation approach, you can enhance your chances of success.

If you need further assistance or expert guidance on CLAT preparation, feel free to contact us. Our team of professionals is here to help you achieve your goal of studying law at a top National Law University.

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