What is CLAT?
- jaya lawprep
- May 15
- 3 min read
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by the National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. The exam is organized by the Consortium of National Law Universities every year.
CLAT is one of the most competitive law entrance exams in India and is accepted by top law universities, private institutions, and several public sector organizations for recruitment. Students who want to pursue integrated law courses like BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, and LLM usually appear for this examination.
Why is CLAT Important?
CLAT opens the door to some of the best law universities in the country, including prestigious NLUs. A good CLAT score can help students build careers in:
Corporate Law
Litigation
Judiciary
Legal Journalism
Civil Services
Legal Consultancy
Company Secretary (CS)
Public Sector Units (PSUs
Many students choose CLAT because it offers excellent placement opportunities, internships, and exposure in the legal field.
Levels in CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
The CLAT law entrance exam is conducted at two levels:
1.CLAT UG (Undergraduate)
CLAT UG exam is for school students who want to study law from NLUs and CLAT-affiliated universities after their class 12th.
It’s for those who dream of becoming lawyers and want to start their journey right after 12th grade. The CLAT UG exam tests the students in subjects like English, General Knowledge (GK) & Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
Once you clear the exam and get a good score in CLAT, you can apply to various top law colleges across India.
2. CLAT PG (Postgraduate)
On the other hand, CLAT PG exam is for students who have already completed their undergraduate studies (or degree in law) and want to do masters in law (LLM) from a top law college.
CLAT PG tests your knowledge in various legal subjects. It’s more advanced and focuses on deeper concepts and understanding. It’s for those who want to become experts in specific areas of law and pursue higher studies in the field.
Aspect | CLAT UG | CLAT PG |
Target Audience | School students aspiring for law programs | Law graduates seeking specialization in law |
Educational Requirement | Completion of 10+2 education | Completion of Bachelor’s degree |
Admission to | Undergraduate law programs (LLB) | Postgraduate law programs (LLM) |
CLAT Exam Pattern
Aspecta | Details |
Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs (National Law Universities) |
Frequency | Once a year |
Exam Level | National |
Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and paper-based) |
Duration | 2 hours |
Exam Purpose | Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at NLUs |
CLAT Eligibility | UG: 10+2 or equivalent with 45% (40% for SC/ST) |
PG: LL.B or equivalent with 50% (45% for SC/ST) | |
CLAT Age Limit | UG: No upper age limit |
PG: No upper age limit | |
Total Questions | UG: 120 MCQs |
PG: 120 MCQs | |
Sections | UG: English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques |
PG: Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, Other Law Subjects | |
+1 for correct answer, -0.25 for wrong answer | |
CLAT Exam Date | 6 December 2026 (Sunday) |
Application Period | From 1 August 2026 to 31 October 2026 |
CLAT Registration Fee | INR 4,000 |
INR 3,500 (SC, ST, PwD, and BPL) | |
CLAT Admit Card Release | 3rd Week of November 2026 |
CLAT Result Declaration | Around one week after exam date |
Starting within a few days after result | |
Participating Colleges/Universities | – 26 NLUs – 42 Affiliated Universities |
CLAT Preparation Tips
Create a Study Schedule
Maintain a proper timetable and divide time for each subject daily.
Read Newspapers Regularly
Reading newspapers improves current affairs knowledge and English comprehension.
Practice Mock Tests
Mock tests help students understand the exam pattern and improve time management.
Improve Reading Speed
Since CLAT contains lengthy passages, reading speed plays an important role.
Conclusion
CLAT is an excellent opportunity for students who want to build a successful career in the legal profession. With proper preparation, consistent practice, and a strong understanding of the exam pattern, students can secure admission to top law universities in India. Starting preparation early and staying updated with current affairs can significantly improve performance in the examination.
For official updates, syllabus, notifications, and application details, students can visit the official website of the Consortium of NLUs
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