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What is CLAT?
What is CLAT? CLAT full form is Common Law Admission Test, and it is one of the most important law entrance exams in India. Students who meet the CLAT eligibility criteria can appear for this exam to secure admission into National Law Universities, often called the top NLUs of the country. Are you dreaming to be a successful lawyer, a powerful judge, or a leading businessman? If you are a student in India and willing to pursue a law degree, you might be aware of CLAT exam. However, you might be thinking what CLAT is and why CLAT has so much popularity among students. We are answering these questions in this article.
A lot of students are apprehensive about the competition and the syllabus. But once you are aware of what exactly is CLAT, the preparation becomes much easier to tackle. In this article, we are going to break down all the information you need about the Common Law Admission Test so you no longer have to wonder what is CLAT and can begin on the right path with confidence. Once you are done with this article, you would exactly understand what is CLAT and how it can help you achieve your goals.
What is CLAT Exam?
The CLAT is a major entrance exam held across India for anyone dreaming of a career in legal studies. Most people call it the gateway to the National Law Universities (NLUs), which are widely considered the most prestigious law schools in the country.
Every year, the Consortium of National Law Universities organizes this test. If you pass, you can enroll in a 5-year combined degree, such as a BA LLB or BBA LLB. If you have already finished your graduation, there is a PG version of the exam for those who want to earn a Master of Laws (LLM).
Why CLAT is Right for You?
- High Paying jobs: The graduates of National Law Universities are highly sought after. The top law firms and companies regularly recruit students from these Universities and offer starting annual salary packages worth between ₹10-20 Lakh.
- A Community of Achievers: Upon joining an NLU, you will be placed into a community of the most ambitious and accomplished students from across the country. This environment will encourage you to achieve more than you could on your own, as well as provide you with a professional network that can last throughout your career.
Many Career Options: There are many more opportunities to pursue a career after obtaining your law degree than you may realise. Law is not limited to litigation or courtroom work; you can also build a successful career as a legal advisor for a multinational corporation, work with international NGOs, or represent India at the UN and other international organizations.
CLAT Eligibility: Can You Apply?
Before you start buying books, check if you are eligible. The rules are actually quite simple:
- Basic Schooling: To apply, you only need to have completed your 12th-grade exams or any equivalent high school qualification..
- Scoring and Age Requirements: You don’t need to be a topper to apply. Most students only need a minimum of 45% in their 12th-grade results. If you belong to the SC or ST categories, the requirement is even lower at 40%.
No Age Barriers: One of the best things about this exam is its flexibility. You don’t have to worry about how old you are there is no age cap for those taking the CLAT UG. Whether you are finishing school at 17 or decided to change careers at 25, the doors are wide open for you!
CLAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The CLAT exam is not a memory test. It is a test of your reading and reasoning skills. The paper is offline (pen and paper) and lasts for 2 hours.
The Marking Scheme
- Total Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Correct Answer: +1 mark.
- Wrong Answer: -0.25 marks (Negative marking).
Section-Wise Breakdown
| Section | Approx. Weightage | What it Tests |
| English Language | 20% | Reading speed and grammar. |
| Current Affairs & GK | 25% | National and international news. |
| Legal Reasoning | 25% | Applying law to situations. |
| Logical Reasoning | 20% | Identifying patterns and arguments. |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10% | Basic 10th-grade math. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Cracking CLAT.
Getting a seat in a top NLU like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad requires a smart strategy. Here is how you can start:
1. Master the Habit of Reading
Since the paper is full of long passages, you must be a fast reader. Start reading editorials from The Hindu or The Indian Express every single day. This helps with English, Legal, and Logical sections all at once!
2. Focus on “Logic” Over “Law”
Many students think they need to memorize the entire Indian Constitution. You don’t! You just need to understand legal principles. In the exam, they will give you a rule and a situation. You just have to apply the rule to the situation logically.
3. Don’t Ignore Math
Though it only has 10% weightage, the math section is a “rank booster.” Most law aspirants skip math, so if you score well here, your rank will jump significantly.
4. Solve Mock Tests
You cannot win this race without practice. Aim to solve at least 20-30 full-length mock tests before the actual exam. This will help you manage your time and handle the pressure.
Top Colleges that Accept CLAT Scores.
While numerous private institutes exist, 24 of those National Law Universities are incredibly well-respected and highly desired. They can be classified according to entering into the National Law School
- Tier 1 : NLSIU (Bangalore), NALSAR (Hyderabad), WBNUJS (Kolkata).
- Tier 2 : NLU Jodhpur, GNLU (Gandhinagar), NLIU (Bhopal).
- Tier 3 : HNLU (Raipur), RMLNLU (Lucknow), NLU Odisha.
Important Links for CLAT Exam
Students appearing for CLAT should regularly check the official portal for the latest and most reliable updates. All important announcements related to the CLAT exam updates, CLAT notification, application process, counselling schedule, and CLAT score card are published on this website. Bookmarking this page will help you stay informed and avoid missing any critical deadlines.
- CLAT Exam Updates & Announcements
- CLAT Notification & Application Details
- CLAT Score Card & Result Updates
- CLAT Counselling and Admission Process
Visit here : https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/
Conclusion
Beyond attaining a high-paying and prestigious job, completing the CLAT examination opens up numerous opportunities for success. The CLAT examination is more than an entrance exam; it is an opportunity for personal develop and enhancement of your analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as your ability to develop creative solutions. Whether your focus will be in corporate or humanitarian issues, the CLAT examination opens all doors. Are you ready to begin your CLAT preparation? If so, you can start today by purchasing your first newspaper and working on building your speed-reading skills. Would you like me to help you with a customized 6-month CLAT 2026 study schedule?
FAQ
What is CLAT examination?
The Common Law Admissions Test (CLAT) is a comprehensive test for prospective Law Students applying to Under Graduate or Post Graduate Law courses in India/National Law Universities.
Who organizes the CLAT?
The CLAT is an annual examination organized by the Consortium of National Law Universities.
The importance of the CLAT examination for law aspirants:
The CLAT admission process allows candidates to apply to leading law schools/Universities in India providing high-quality legal education and career paths.
CLAT UG eligibility criteria?
To apply for the CLAT at the undergraduate level, an applicant must have completed their 12th grade with a minimum of 45 per cent marks (or 40% for SC/ST category).
Does CLAT have any age restriction?
There isn’t a Maximum Age limit for appearing for the CLAT – they are designed for all law students.
What is the number of questions in CLAT?
The CLAT for UG predominantly consists of 120 Objective Multiple Choice Questions,
What section of the CLAT has the highest weighting?
The Current Affairs section and the Legal Reasoning section comprise the highest weighting in regard to possible points in the CLAT.
Does Mathematics form part of CLAT?
It is Mandatory for all CLAT candidates to take the Quantitative Technique test in order to appear for the examination, however Mathematics has only been awarded 10%.
How Long will an Average Law Student need for preparation for the CLAT?
The average law student will typically take between 6 and 12 months of continued preparation in order to effectively prepare for, and successfully apply to the CLAT.