Common Law Admission Test is an entrance exam for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in National Law Universities across India. The Undergraduate exam includes sections such as English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The postgraduate exam focuses on Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and other law subjects. The exam is take place once a year, with registration fees approximate INR 4,000 for general candidates. The admission take place on the basis of CLAT scores and counselling.
CLAT Exam Highlights
Full Form |
Common Law Admission Tests |
Conducting Authority |
Consortium National Law of Universities |
Mode of Exam |
Computer Based Test |
Frequency |
Annually |
Duration |
Two hours |
Total Questions |
150 for UG 120 for PG |
Registration Fee |
INR 4,000 for General/OBC INR 3500 for SC/ST/PwD |
Official Website |
CLAT Exam Eligibility
For UG Course
The candidate who wants to pursue Undergraduate courses should have passed their 10+2 examination from a recognized board, with a minimum of 45% for general candidates, and 40% for SC/ST candidates.
For PG Course
The candidates should have 3 year or 5 year LLB degree from a recognized university. The minimum 50% marks is required for general candidates, and 45% for SC/ST candidates.
CLAT Exam Syllabus
For UG Course
English Language and Comprehension
General Knowledge and Current Affairs
Legal Aptitude
Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Techniques
For PG Course
Constitutional Law
Jurisprudence
Other Law Subjects such as Civil and criminal law, contracts, torts, family law, etc.
CLAT Exam Registration Fee
For General/OBC candidates: INR 4,000
For SC/ST/PwD candidates: INR 3,500
Last Date for CLAT Exam Registration
The last date for registration of CLAT exam 2025 will usually take place in May 2025. You should check regularly the official website of CLAT for exact dates as they can vary.
CLAT Exam Admission Process
The exam is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities every year.
After the exam merit list is released on the basis of marks obtained.
On the basis of merit list, candidates are shortlisted for counselling and seat allocation.
Each National Law University has its own criteria for admission, but it is primarily on the basis of CLAT scores and preferences for specific NLUs.
Top Institutes Featured by CLAT Exam
Some top National Law Universities that accept CLAT scores for UG and PG admissions are as following:
National Law School of India University, Bangalore
National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad
National Law University, Delhi
National Law University, Jodhpur
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
National Law University, Bhopal
National Law University, Odisha
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow
Top Coaching Centers for CLAT Exam
Some popular coaching centers for the preparation of CLAT exam are as following:
IMS Learning Resources
Career Launcher
T.I.M.E.
Aakash Institute
Success Mantra
The CLAT Gurukul
B.S. Foundation
Legal Edge
Alternative Learning Systems
Takshilsa Learning
Preparation Tips for CLAT Exam
You should allocate time to each section.
You should focus on weak areas.
You should practice mock tests and previous year question papers.
You should revise regularly for better performance.
FAQ’s
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for CLAT?
Ans. The candidate should have completed 10+2 for UG course and LLB degree for PG course.
Ques. How many times is CLAT conducted in a year?
Ans. The CLAT exam is conducted once a year usually in May.
Ques. Is there any negative marking in CLAT?
Ans. Yes, 0.25 marks are reduced for each wrong answer.
Ques. How many seats are available in NLU’s?
Ans. There are approximately 2,000 seats available across all NLUs.
Ques. Can I change my preference for NLUs after registration?
Ans. The preference cannot changed after registration but during counselling you may change your choices based on available seats.
Ques. What is the pattern of CLAT exam?
Ans. The CLAT exam has 150 questions in total, divided into five sections:
English Language
General Knowledge and Current Affairs
Legal Reasoning
Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Techniques
Ques. How can I prepare for CLAT?
Ans. You should practice regularly of mock tests, solve previous papers, and focus on strengthening your general knowledge and legal aptitude are key to doing well in the exam.