CLAT

About the Examination Process

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is an entrance exam for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. 

Plan of Examination

• The CLAT examination is conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) and lasts for 2 hours. 
• The UG exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while the PG exam contains 120 MCQs. The exam is divided into English Language, Current Affairs, including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques (which is only applicable for the UG exam). 
• The marking scheme awards 1 mark for each correct answer, with a penalty of 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer. 
• This structure ensures a thorough evaluation of the candidates’ skills in various areas relevant to law education.

Eligibility Criteria

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) has specific eligibility criteria for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs. 

• Regarding nationality, Indian nationals are eligible to apply for the exam. Additionally, some National Law Universities (NLUs) offer a separate quota for foreign nationals, with specific eligibility criteria varying by each university. 
• These foreign nationals are generally required to apply directly to the individual NLUs instead of through the CLAT process.
• As for the age limit, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the UG exam. Similarly, there is no age limit for candidates applying for the PG exam either. This allows greater flexibility for candidates seeking admission to law programs.
• In terms of educational qualifications, candidates applying for the UG program must have completed their 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board, with at least 45% marks (or 40% for SC/ST candidates). 
• Candidates who are in their final year of schooling and awaiting their 12th exam results are also eligible to apply. For the PG program, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or an equivalent degree from a recognized university, with a minimum of 50% marks (or 45% for SC/ST candidates).
• Those in their final year of the LLB program are also eligible but must submit their degree prior to the conclusion of the admission process.
• These criteria ensure that candidates have the necessary academic qualifications and eligibility to pursue law education through the prestigious National Law Universities in India.

Number of Attempts

There is no limit on the number of attempts for the CLAT exam, as long as the candidate meets the age and educational qualifications.

Application Process

• Candidates must register online on the official CLAT website and create a user account.
• The application involves filling in personal details, educational qualifications, and selecting the preferred NLUs.
• The fee varies for different categories (e.g., ₹4000 for General/OBC and ₹3500 for SC/ST candidates).