Mastering the CLAT: Your Guide to Law School Admission in India

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national level entrance exam for admissions to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programmes offered by 24 National Law Universities in India. It is organized by the Consortium of National Law Universities, comprising representative universities. Several affiliate universities and organisations also use the CLAT exam for admissions and recruitment respectively, making it a crucial step for those exploring career opportunities after 12th.

Under graduation (UG)

Eligibility 

1. Age limit – No upper age limit
2. Qualifying exam – 10+2 or equivalent
3. Qualifying examination minimum percentage
1. General/ OBC/NRI/ PIO/ OCI – 45% or equivalent grades
2. SC/ST/PWD – 45% or its equivalent
4. Candidates who may be appearing for their qualifying examination in March/ April are also eligible. However, they shall be required to produce evidence of their passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission, failing which they shall lose their right to be considered for admission. The result of the qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2) shall be submitted by the candidate at the time of admission, failing which the candidate shall be ineligible for admission to the course they may have applied for.
5. If more than one candidate secures an equal number of marks, the break of tie shall be by the following procedure and order as under:
1. Higher marks in the component/section on Legal Aptitude in the CLAT 2025 exam;
2. Higher age;
3. Computerised draw of lots.

Syllabus & Test format

It is focused on evaluating the comprehension and reasoning skills and abilities of candidates, necessary for legal education, with occasional evaluation of prior knowledge. 

It is a 2-hour test, with 120 multiple-choice questions carrying 1 mark each for correct response and -0.25 (negative) marks for every wrong answer.

Question paper format is as below

1. English language 
2. Current affairs & General Knowledge 
3. Legal reasoning 
4. Logical reasoning 
5. Quantitative techniques 

Question paper format

Preparing for CLAT

The Consortium publishes various preparatory materials, including:

1. Guides to the question paper and sample questions;
2. Model question papers; and
3. Instructional materials and exercises for each of the subjects

Candidates must develop a capacity to read and understand bodies of text, ensure they stay abreast of news and current affairs by regularly reading quality newspapers and periodicals, and improve their speed of answering questions on quantitative techniques by practising with materials such as 10th standard mathematics textbooks.

Post Graduate (PG)

Eligibility

1. No higher age limit
2. Educational qualification - LLB degree or an equivalent examination 
3. Minimum marks 
1. General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI - 50% or equivalent grades
2. SC/ST/PWD – 45% or equivalent grades
4. Tie breaker – Higher age, then computerized draw of lots

Syllabus & Test format

1. 120 Questions in 120 Minutes, +1 for correct answer, (-)0.25 – negative marks for wrong answer
2. Mandatory subjects of UG program including Constitutional law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of contracts, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour & Industrial Law
3. Assessment of ability to read & comprehend, awareness of issues, summarization, application of knowledge in the field of law

Preparation

You should refresh your knowledge of important judgments. Try to discern various issues discussed in these judgments. Refresh your knowledge of important constitutional and legislative provisions. Become aware of historical case law and related amendments. 

Conclusion: 

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) serves as a gateway to a plethora of career opportunities after 12th for aspiring law students in India. By successfully navigating this challenging exam, candidates can secure admissions to esteemed National Law Universities and other affiliated institutions. Thorough preparation, a solid understanding of the exam format, and staying updated with current affairs are key to achieving success in CLAT. Whether you aim to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate law programs, excelling in CLAT can significantly enhance your prospects in the legal profession, setting you on a path towards a rewarding and impactful career.