Know all about CLAT Exam

The CLAT Exam is the most popular among all Law entrance exams held every year. Pursuing an Law degree from a reputed institution is a dream for many aspirants. Candidates seeking admission to Law programs must appear for the CLAT Exam.

The CLAT exam is the minimum eligibility criteria for admissions into the National Law Colleges NLSIU Banglore, and other top Law Colleges like NALSAR – HYDERABAD, NLU JODHPUR. Candidates aspiring to take the CLAT 2025 exam must learn about CLAT exam, CLAT Eligibility criteria, CLAT Syllabus as well as the time needed to complete the entire syllabus to get through the CLAT exam and get admission into the top Law University.

What is CLAT Exam?

CLAT stands for Common Law Admission Test. It is a centralized entrance exam conducted in India for admission to undergraduate (LL.B) and postgraduate (LL.M) law programs offered by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) and other institutions accepting CLAT scores.

Here are some key points about CLAT:

Purpose: CLAT is conducted to assess the eligibility of candidates for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in participating institutions.
Exam Format: It is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam tests candidates on subjects such as English, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Elementary Mathematics (for some undergraduate programs).
Participating Institutions: CLAT scores are accepted by NLUs and other private and public law colleges across India. The NLUs include prestigious institutions like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Delhi, etc.
Eligibility: For undergraduate programs (LL.B), candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum percentage as specified by the participating NLUs. For postgraduate programs (LL.M), candidates need to have a LL.B or equivalent degree.
Application Process: Candidates need to register for the exam online, fill out the application form, pay the application fee, and then download their admit cards to appear for the exam.
Score Validity: CLAT scores are valid for admission in the academic year they are taken and in some cases for the following academic year as well, depending on the policy of the participating NLUs.
Counseling and Admission: After the exam, counseling sessions are conducted where candidates are allotted seats in the participating institutions based on their CLAT rank and preferences.

CLAT is highly competitive, and preparation typically involves thorough study of legal concepts, regular practice of mock tests, and staying updated with current affairs and legal developments.

CLAT Exam Highlights:

As per previous year trends, the CAT Exam 2025 will be held in three sessions on 26th November 2023.

CLAT 2025 Exam Dates

CLAT 2024 was conducted on December 3, 2023.

Important dates related to the CLAT 2025 examinations will be updated as soon the notification for the same is released. Candidates should keep in mind that once the CLAT 2024 admission and allotment process is completed, the notification for CLAT 2025 will be released. All updates related to CLAT 2025 will be made available on this page.

Important Dates for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2025
S.No.	Description	Important Dates
1	CLAT 2025 notification release date	July 15, 2024
2	Commencement of registration for CLAT 2025	July 2024
3	Last date to apply for CLAT 2025	November 2024
4	CLAT 2025 admit card release date	November 2024
5	CLAT exam date 2025	December 1, 2024
6	Date of release of Master Question Paper and Provisional Answer	To be Announced
7	Publication of Notification inviting objections to Questions or Provisional Answer Key for CLAT 2025	Yet to be Announced
8	Date of release of CLAT 2025 final answer key	To be Announced
9	Date of release of CLAT 2025 result	To be Announced
10	Publication of Counselling Invite List for CLAT 2025	To be Announced
11	Last Date to register for CLAT 2025 counselling	To be Announced
12	Publication of CLAT 2025 notification to redress the grievances of candidates	To be Announced
13	Publication of First Allotment List CLAT 2025	To be Announced
14	Publication of Second Allotment List CLAT 2025	To be Announced
15	Publication of Third List CLAT 2025	To be Announced
16	Publication of Fourth Allotment List 2025	To be Announced
17	Publication of Fifth and Final List CLAT 2025	To be Announced

Candidates aiming for the CLAT 2025 exam can check the highlights given below:

CLAT Exam 2025 Highlights
Name of the Exam	Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
CLAT Official Website	https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/
Conducting Body	The Executive Committee and Governing body of Consortium of National Law Admission Test
Exam Duration	2 hours
CLAT Exam Fees (2025)	INR 3500 (Reserved categories) INR 4000 (Other categories)
CAT 2025 Exam Date	1st December 2024
Medium of Exam	English
Mode of Exam	Computer Based Test (CBT)
CLAT Exam Question Type	MCQ
Syllabus	Quantitative Technique Logical Reasoning Legal reasoning English Language Current Affair including General Knowledge
Eligibility	Bachelor’s Degree with 50% aggregate (45% aggregate or equivalent for reserved categories)

CLAT Exam Related Videos:

CLAT 2025 Exam Application Process

Candidates who wish to apply for the upcoming CLAT UG and PG admissions can follow the steps given below:

Visit the official website of Consortium of National Law Universities i.e. consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
Candidates should register themselves for CLAT (Year) on the Consortium’s website. They should fill in their names, email id, contact number and password. An OTP will be generated and sent to the aspirant’s contact number. The system generated OTP number should be used to complete the registration process.
After completing the registration process, candidates should login again using their mobile numbers and passwords.
After logging in, a candidate should carefully read the instructions before selecting either the “Postgraduate 1 Year LLM Course” or the “Undergraduate (UG) 5 Year LLB Course”. After choosing the course, candidates should click on “Apply for CLAT 2025.”
A new page will be displayed on the screen. Candidates should fill in their personal information, qualifying examination details, preference for exam centre, reservation details, etc. Candidates can select any 3 exam centres of their choice.
Candidates should upload their photograph, signature, category certificate and other relevant documents as per the guidelines given in the official notification.
Candidates should verify the information given in the online application form and click on ‘Submit Form’.
Candidates should pay the application fee after submitting the online application.

After submitting the application form online and paying the fee, aspirants should take a printout of the application form for future reference.

CLAT 2025 Exam Application Fee

Candidates have to pay the application fee online after submitting the online application form. Aspirants should remember that the application fee does not include bank charges; hence, it must be paid along with the application fee online. Moreover, the application fee is non-refundable. The CLAT 2024 application fee for various categories of candidates is given in the table below.

CLAT 2024 Exam Application Fee
S.No.	Category	Application Fee
1	General/OBC/PWD and NRI Category	Rs 4000
2	SC/ST/BPL candidates	Rs.3,500

CLAT 2025 Exam Admit Card

Information on CLAT 2025 admit cards will be updated here. Meanwhile, candidates can check the CLAT 2025 Admit Card-related information.

Candidates can easily download the Admit Card for upcoming CLAT examinations by following the steps given below:

Visit the Consortium’s official webpage i.e. consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
Click on the tab ‘CLAT (Year)’ on the homepage.
Select ‘Click here to download the Admit Card’ link.
Applicants should login using their registration number or application number and date of birth. They should click on ‘Download Admit Card’
After downloading the admit card they should take a print out. Candidates should also check the admit card for any discrepancies and if they find any or need any assistance related to the admit card, they can send an email to clat@consortiumofnlus.ac.in.

Aspirants can also download their admit cards by logging into their account that was created while applying for the CLAT exam.

CLAT 2025 Books

For preparing for CLAT 2025, it’s essential to choose the right books that cover the syllabus comprehensively and provide practice questions to enhance your preparation. Here’s a list of recommended books across various subjects included in the CLAT syllabus:

1. English Language:

Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
Objective General English by SP Bakshi

2. Current Affairs and General Knowledge:

Manorama Yearbook (for current affairs and general knowledge)
Pratiyogita Darpan
Lucent’s General Knowledge

3. Legal Reasoning:

Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning by Pearson
Legal Aptitude for the CLAT and other Law Entrance Examinations by Bhardwaj

4. Logical Reasoning:

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
Logical Reasoning for the CLAT by A. P. Bhardwaj

5. Elementary Mathematics (for UG CLAT):

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma

6. Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests:

CLAT Solved and Practice Papers by GKP
Universal’s CLAT Guide by Manish Arora
CLAT Study Kit by Arihant Experts

Tips for Choosing Books:

Check Edition: Ensure you choose the latest editions of the books to stay updated with any changes in the exam pattern or syllabus.
Practice Papers: Books that include previous years’ papers and mock tests are beneficial for understanding the exam pattern and assessing your preparation.
Subject-Specific Books: Focus on books that specifically cater to each subject included in the CLAT syllabus to cover all aspects thoroughly.

Additionally, apart from books, you can also utilize online resources such as practice websites, video lectures, and mobile apps for CLAT preparation. Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers, magazines, and online news portals to enhance your general knowledge.

As the exam approaches, it’s essential to maintain a consistent study schedule, revise regularly, and solve ample practice questions to build confidence and improve your performance in the CLAT exam.

CLAT Exam Resources:

Candidates aiming for the CLAT Exam, need to have the right resources to prepare for the exam. Here, we have provided the CLAT Exam resources, which the applicants can directly access by clicking on the links given below.

CLAT Preparation

CLAT Exam Analysis

CLAT Question Papers

CLAT FAQ

CLAT Quantitative Aptitude

CLAT Logical Reasoning

CLAT Data Interpretation

CLAT Shortcut Techniques

CLAT Mock Test

CLAT Sample Papers

CLAT Exam Results

CLAT Exam Tips & Tricks Related Resources:

The candidates can check the links given below to know the tips and tricks to ace the CAT exam:

How To Prepare For CLAT Exam?	CLAT Preparation Tips for Final Year Graduate Students
How To Prepare for CLAT In Two months?	CLAT Preparation Tips for Non-Engineers
How to Crack CLAT 2024 in 3 Months?	Should I Re-Attempt CLAT Exam?
How To Prepare for CLAT in 6 Months?	Data Interpretation Tips For CLAT Preparation
How Important is CLAT Exam for Your Career?	Logical Reasoning Tips for CLAT Exam
How to Guess an Answer in CLAT?	Online CLAT Preparation Tips for Working Professionals
How to Improve Reading Speed for CLAT Exam 2025?	How To Crack Non-MCQ Questions in CAT?
How to Solve Your Vocabulary Woes?

CLAT Exam Syllabus:

A thorough understanding of the CAT exam syllabus is important for determining your direction all through this CAT journey. It will be much easier to determine how much time you should spend on each segment, when you have a reasonable understanding of the CAT syllabus.

CLAT Exam Syllabus	Topics
Quantitative Technique	Elementary-level mathematics topics such as numerical ability, quantitative aptitude, etc. Arithmetic (number system, percentage, time and work, speed and distance, algebra, etc.)
Logical Reasoning Legal Reasoning	Logical sequences Syllogisms Analogies Logical puzzles Relationship and deductive reasoning Legal propositions and principles Questions based on facts and situations to test the understanding and application of the law Legal reasoning skills
English Language Current Affairs and General Knowledge: Optional Subject (for postgraduate LL.M):	Reading comprehension passages Grammar (including correction of incorrect sentences, filling of blanks with appropriate words, etc.) Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, analogies, etc.) Idioms and phrases Static GK (history, geography, political science, etc.) Current affairs (national and international) Major events, awards, and honors Important judicial decisions, international treaties, and legal developments Constitutional Law Jurisprudence Other law subjects (Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, Environment Law, etc.)

Note:

The undergraduate (UG) CLAT exam focuses more on testing the candidate’s aptitude in English, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
The postgraduate (PG) CLAT exam includes questions from all these areas but also incorporates specific legal subjects depending on the chosen specialization.

Candidates preparing for CLAT should refer to official notifications and sample papers provided by the organizing body (usually the Consortium of NLUs) for the latest updates and detailed syllabus. It’s crucial to study comprehensively across all these areas and regularly practice mock tests to excel in the exam.

CLAT Exam Marking Scheme:

The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) marking scheme for both the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) exams is structured as follows:
UG CLAT Marking Scheme:
- Total Marks: The CLAT UG exam is typically out of 150 marks.
- Number of Questions: There are usually 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the UG CLAT exam.
- Marking Scheme:
  - Correct Answer: Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark.
  - Incorrect Answer: There is a penalty for wrong answers. 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
  - Unanswered Questions: No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
PG CLAT Marking Scheme:
- Total Marks: The CLAT PG exam is typically out of 120 marks.
- Number of Questions: There are usually 120 MCQs in the PG CLAT exam.
- Marking Scheme:
  - Correct Answer: Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark.
  - Incorrect Answer: Similarly, there is a penalty for wrong answers. 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
  - Unanswered Questions: There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.
Important Points to Note:
- Total Score Calculation: The final score of a candidate in CLAT is calculated by subtracting the penalty for wrong answers from the total score obtained from correct answers.
- Use of OMR Sheets: Candidates mark their answers on Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets provided during the exam.
- Scrutiny and Result: After the exam, OMR sheets are scrutinized by the conducting body to ensure accuracy in scoring.
- Ranking: Candidates are ranked based on their scores. The rank determines their eligibility for admission into various participating NLUs and other institutions offering law programs based on CLAT scores.
Candidates are advised to strategize their approach to answering questions in CLAT, considering the penalty for incorrect answers. It’s beneficial to attempt questions where one is reasonably confident about the answer and to manage time effectively during the exam.

Time Required to Complete the CLAT Exam Syllabus:

The time required to complete the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) exam syllabus can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s existing knowledge, study habits, and availability of study materials. Here’s a general breakdown of how you might plan your study time effectively:

1. Assess Your Starting Point:

Evaluate your current understanding of each subject included in the CLAT syllabus.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses to prioritize areas needing more attention.

2. Divide the Syllabus:

Break down the entire CLAT syllabus into manageable sections based on subjects: English Language, Current Affairs and General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Elementary Mathematics (if applicable).
Allocate more time to subjects or topics where you feel less confident.

3. Create a Study Schedule:

Plan a study schedule that suits your daily routine and allows for focused study sessions.
Set realistic goals for completing each section of the syllabus. For example, aim to cover a certain number of topics or chapters per week.

4. Utilize Study Materials:

Gather relevant study materials such as textbooks, previous years’ question papers, and mock tests.
Use online resources and study guides specifically designed for CLAT preparation.

5. Practice Regularly:

Regular practice is crucial for mastering concepts and improving speed and accuracy in answering questions.
Solve mock tests and sample papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and develop effective time management skills.

6. Review and Revise:

Schedule regular review sessions to consolidate what you have studied.
Revise important concepts and formulas periodically to ensure retention.

7. Monitor Progress:

Track your progress regularly against your study schedule and adjust it as needed.
Identify and address any areas where you may need additional focus or support.

8. Seek Guidance:

If needed, seek guidance from teachers, mentors, or coaching institutes specializing in CLAT preparation.
Participate in doubt-clearing sessions to resolve any queries or difficulties.

Time Estimate:

Average Duration: On average, candidates often allocate 4-6 months for comprehensive preparation for CLAT, depending on their familiarity with the subjects and the intensity of their study schedule.
Daily Commitment: Plan to dedicate a few hours each day for studying, with longer sessions on weekends or during periods when you have more time available.

By following a structured study plan and staying disciplined in your preparation, you can effectively cover the CLAT syllabus within a reasonable time frame and maximize your chances of performing well in the exam.

List of CLAT Exam Centres:

The CLAT 2024 was held at 139 test centres throughout India. A list of exam centres for CLAT 2024 is given below. The exam centres for CLAT 2025 are expected to remain the same, however, if there are any changes, updates will be made available on this page.

List of CLAT 2024 Exam Centres
Agra	Allahabad
Aurangabad	Barasat
Gurugram	Haldwani
Bangalore	Bilaspur
Indore	Bhubaneswar
Chandigrah	Chennai
Dehradun	Ernakulam
Faridabad	Siliguri
Sonepar	Visakhapatnam
Amrawari (Maharasthra)	Cuttack
Vadodara	Rajkot
Gandhinagar	Gangtok
Ghaziabad	Gorakhpur
Noida/Greater Noida	Guwahati
Bhopal	Hyderabad
Jabalpur	Calicut
Jalandhar	Jammu
Jamshedpur	Jodhpur
Kanpur	Thane
Thiruvananthapuram	Vijayawada
Hooghly	Hubli / Dharwad
Surat	Kolkata
Kota	Kurukshetra
Lucknow	Mohali
Muzzafarpur	Hisar
Imphal	New Delhi
Jaipur	Patna
Pune	Raipur
Ranchi	Shillong
Rajahundry	Puducherry
Chittor / Tirupati	Kurnool
Vellore	Meerut
Ahmedabad	Amritsar
Barrackpore	Madurai
Mysore	Mumbai
Nagpur	Varanashi
Navi Mumbai	Patiala
Coimbatore	Durg
Shimla	Tiruchirappalli
Srinagar	Salem
Kanyakumari	Kottayam
Tirunelveli	Gwalior
Mangalore	Rajkot
Diu	Silvasa

Other CLAT Exam other than CLAT

If you’re referring to exams other than the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) for admission to law programs in India, there are several other national and state-level entrance exams conducted by different institutions and universities. These exams cater to various law programs at undergraduate (LL.B) and postgraduate (LL.M) levels. Here are some notable ones:

1. AILET (All India Law Entrance Test):

Conducted by: National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi)
Programs: BA LL.B (Hons), LLM, PhD

2. LSAT-India (Law School Admission Test – India):

Conducted by: Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
Accepted by: Several private and some public law colleges across India

3. Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT):

Conducted by: Symbiosis International (Deemed University)
Programs: BA LL.B, BBA LL.B

4. MH CET Law (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law):

Conducted by: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra
Programs: 5-year LL.B, 3-year LL.B

5. BVP CET Law (Bharati Vidyapeeth Common Entrance Test for Law):

Conducted by: Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University
Programs: BA LL.B, BBA LL.B, 3-year LL.B, LL.M

6. AIL Entrance Test (Army Institute of Law Entrance Test):

Conducted by: Army Institute of Law, Mohali
Programs: BA LL.B

7. CUSAT CAT (Cochin University of Science and Technology Common Admission Test):

Conducted by: Cochin University of Science and Technology
Programs: LL.B, LL.M

8. PU CET (Panjab University Common Entrance Test):

Conducted by: Panjab University
Programs: BA LL.B, B.Com LL.B, B.Sc LL.B

9. CLAT PG (Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate):

Conducted by: Consortium of NLUs
Programs: LL.M

These exams vary in their scope, syllabus, and the institutions they are accepted by. Candidates interested in pursuing law programs should research and identify which exams are applicable for the institutions they wish to apply to, and prepare accordingly. Each exam has its own eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and application process, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information from the respective exam authorities.

For CLAT-related Information, check below-mentioned links:

CLAT Admit Card	CLAT Age Limit
CLAT Application Form	CLAT Books
CLAT Cut Off	CLAT Eligibility
CLAT Exam Centres	CLAT Exam Dates
CLAT Exam Fee	CLAT Exam Pattern
CLAT Result	CLAT Subjects