CLAT is a national-level, pen‑and‑paper entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) for admission to:
Undergraduate (UG): 5‑year integrated law programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.).
Postgraduate (PG): 1‑year LLM programs.
It also serves as a recruitment test for PSUs and JAG in the Indian Army
UG CLAT: 10+2 students aiming for integrated law degrees.
PG CLAT: Law graduates (LLB) seeking LLM admissions.
Aspirants also include those targeting PSU legal roles and JAG officer entry into the Indian Army
UG: 10+2 pass (or current students), with 45% aggregate (General/OBC/NRI/OCI) or 40% (SC/ST). No age limit.
PG: LLB degree with 50% marks (General) or 45% (SC/ST). No age limit
Duration: 2 hours.
UG: 120 MCQs across 5 sections — English, Current Affairs/General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques. Each correct answer = +1, wrong = −0.25
PG: 120 MCQs based on LLB subjects (e.g., Constitutional Law, Contracts, Torts)
Scoring: +1 per correct answer, −0.25 per incorrect.
UG Total: 120 marks (range −30 to 120)
There are no percentiles; admission is based on rank normalized from marks.
24 NLUs, including NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur, among others
Over 60+ private/self‑financed law colleges, Delhi University (BA LLB), IIM Rohtak (BBA LLB), and PSU/JAG recruitment
Focus on reading, comprehension, legal reasoning, current affairs, logic, and quantitative skills.
Use standard CLAT prep books, mock tests, current affairs briefs, and maintain consistent practice.
Choose between self-study or coaching based on individual discipline and need for structured guidance.
Books: Universal’s CLAT Guide, Pearson’s Legal Aptitude, Manupatra Legal GK.
Platforms: CLAT-specific coaching (Career Launcher, CL Educate), online mocks (Oliveboard, TestFunda).
YouTube: Channels offering sectional strategies and solved papers.
There is no fee waiver scheme for appearing in CLAT.
However, some NLUs offer fee concessions or scholarships based on merit, state domicile, or financial criteria.
Neglecting current affairs and legal reasoning sections.
Overemphasis on either English or Maths.
Irregular mock practice and failure to analyse mistakes.
Ignoring negative marking in rushed attempts.
6–12 months recommended, depending on prior aptitude and commitment.
Standalone 3–4 months of concentrated study may work for those with strong foundations.
UG: 90+ out of 120 is considered competitive for top NLUs
PG: Percentile required varies by NLU—usually 85th+ percentile to clear cut-offs.
Valid for 1 academic year only
Yes, no limit on attempts. You can appear multiple times as long as you satisfy eligibility each year