CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) Guide 2026
Overview
CLAT is a centralized national-level entrance test for admissions to 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. It is the primary gateway for students aspiring to pursue integrated undergraduate (LL.B) and postgraduate (LL.M) law programs.
Exam Pattern
- Total Marks: 120
- Duration: 120 Minutes
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Sections: 5
| Section | Weightage (Approx) |
|---|---|
| English Language | 20% |
| Current Affairs & GK | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10% |
Detailed Syllabus
- Legal Reasoning: Focus on reading passages and identifying legal principles. No prior legal knowledge is required, but awareness of contemporary legal issues helps.
- Current Affairs: National and international events, contemporary events of significance from arts and culture, international affairs, and historical events of continuing significance.
- English: Comprehension passages, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Logical Reasoning: Recognition of patterns, identifies of arguments, and drawing inferences.
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +1 Mark
- Wrong Answer: -0.25 Marks
- Unanswered: 0 Marks
Preparation Strategy
- Develop Reading Speed: CLAT is a passage-heavy exam. Practice reading editorials and long-form articles daily.
- Master Legal Logic: Focus on applying the "Principle" to the "Fact" provided in the question without using external knowledge.
- Current Affairs: Follow a monthly compendium for GK and Current Affairs.
- Mock Tests: Take at least one full-length mock test per week to manage time effectively across sections.