With the growing number of aspirants, there are many questions that arise regarding the exam, its structure, and its preparation.
The National-level entrance exam for admissions into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. It is one of the most sought-after exams for students aspiring to study law, with fierce competition for limited seats at top institutions.
1. What is CLAT, and why is it important?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is an entrance exam conducted annually for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at NLUs in India. The importance of CLAT stems from its role as the primary gateway to the most prestigious law schools in the country. It tests students on various skills such as reading comprehension, legal reasoning, general knowledge, and quantitative techniques. Scoring well in CLAT can secure a spot in one of the highly ranked NLUs, which opens doors to lucrative careers in law, be it in corporate firms, judicial services, litigation, or academics.
2. What is the eligibility criteria for CLAT?
The eligibility criteria differ for UG and PG programs:
- For UG (CLAT-UG):
- Candidates must have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
- General/OBC/PWD/NRI candidates must secure at least 45% marks, while SC/ST candidates need 40% marks.
- Candidates appearing for the qualifying exam (10+2) in the same year can also apply, provided they meet the conditions at the time of admission.
- For PG (CLAT-PG):
- Applicants must hold an LLB degree or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
- Final-year LLB students can also apply if they meet the eligibility criteria at the time of admission.
3. What is the exam pattern for CLAT?
The CLAT exam pattern is slightly different for UG and PG courses:
- For CLAT-UG: The test is a 2-hour long paper consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The paper is divided into five sections:
- English Language (28-32 questions)
- Current Affairs including General Knowledge (35-39 questions)
- Legal Reasoning (35-39 questions)
- Logical Reasoning (28-32 questions)
- Quantitative Techniques (13-17 questions)
- Each question carries 1 mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
- For CLAT-PG: The exam consists of 120 MCQs based on comprehension passages from subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, etc. The paper lasts 2 hours. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark, with a penalty of 0.25 marks for wrong answers.
4. How can I prepare for CLAT effectively?
Effective CLAT preparation requires a blend of strategic planning, regular practice, and resourceful study techniques. Here are some tips:
- Understand the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus, and break it down into manageable sections.
- Make a study plan: Create a personalized study schedule that ensures each section gets enough focus.
- Read newspapers daily: Current Affairs and Legal Reasoning sections demand that you stay updated on national and international news.
- Take mock tests: Regularly attempt full-length mock tests to get a feel for the actual exam. Analyze your performance and work on weak areas.
- Practice comprehension: For Legal Reasoning, English, and Logical Reasoning sections, build your reading comprehension skills by reading editorials, articles, and legal journals.
- Revise consistently: Make it a habit to revise key concepts and important topics frequently to retain information.
5. Is CLAT difficult to crack?
CLAT is a competitive exam, but whether it’s difficult or not depends on the individual’s preparation. With effective time management, a strategic approach, and consistent practice, it’s very possible to score well in CLAT. The key challenge is the intense competition, as only a small percentage of students get admission into the top NLUs. However, focusing on accuracy, smart guessing (due to negative marking), and thorough preparation can make a huge difference.
6. What are the best resources for CLAT preparation?
Choosing the right resources can make your preparation more effective. Some of the best resources include:
- Books:
- “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis for vocabulary
- “Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by RS Aggarwal
- “Lucent’s General Knowledge” for static GK
- CLAT past year papers and mock tests
- Websites:
- CLAT online coaching platforms like Vidhigya and others provide regular mock tests and study materials.
- Online GK portals and apps like The Hindu, GK Today, and BYJU’s offer reliable current affairs coverage.
- YouTube Channels:
- Vidhigya’s YouTube channel has videos related to exam strategies, section-wise preparation tips, and legal reasoning.
7. What is the role of mock tests in CLAT preparation?
Mock tests play an essential role in CLAT preparation as they help you:
- Simulate real exam conditions: Taking timed mock tests helps build your stamina for the actual exam day.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses: Analyzing your mock test results will show which areas need improvement and which sections are your strengths.
- Improve time management: With 150 questions to answer in 2 hours, effective time management is critical. Mock tests help in refining your speed and accuracy.
- Boost confidence: Regular mock testing and familiarity with the exam format reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.
8. Is it necessary to join a coaching institute to crack CLAT?
No, it’s not mandatory to join a coaching institute to crack CLAT. Many students have cleared the exam through self-study, using the right resources, and a disciplined approach. However, coaching institutes can provide structure, guidance, and additional resources. It depends on your personal learning style. If you need a systematic approach with regular classes and peer competition, coaching may be helpful. If you’re self-motivated and can create your own study plan, self-study with online resources can be equally effective.
9. How is the CLAT score calculated?
The CLAT score is calculated based on the number of correct answers and negative marking for incorrect answers. For every correct answer, 1 mark is awarded, and for every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. The final score is the sum of your correct answers minus the penalty for wrong ones.
10. When is the best time to start preparing for CLAT?
It’s ideal to start preparing for CLAT in Class 11 or Class 12. This gives you ample time to understand the syllabus, develop the necessary skills, and take enough practice tests before the actual exam. However, students who start later can still succeed with intensive preparation, especially if they are disciplined and strategic in their study plan.
11. What are the top NLUs participating in CLAT?
Some of the top National Law Universities that accept CLAT scores include:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
Each NLU has its own cutoff, and students aim for top ranks to secure admission in these premier institutions.
12. What is the cutoff for CLAT?
