CLAT exam is a national exam that is taken by the students who wish to pursue law studies in the best colleges in India or the recommended National Law Universities (NLUs). It is an entrance to integrated UG law 5 year and PG law 1 year course. The exam checks aptitude, legal reasoning, reading, logical reasoning as well as basic mathematical abilities of a student. In this guide, we shall discuss all the information that you must know in order to prepare well- what is CLAT exam, the full form of CLAT, syllabus of CLAT, the eligibility of CLAT and so on.
What is CLAT Exam?
The Common law admission test (CLAT) is a common access test centred at the national level examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations with the aim of admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate law courses. It is offered by Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) and is recognized by 24 NLUs in India. There are thousands of students in attendance at CLAT exam every year to gain access to popular law colleges which are to provide a 5-year integrated BA LLB, BBA LLB, or a 1-year LLM degree.
The test will aim at determining the aptitude of a candidate, in sections like English, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, current affairs and quantitative techniques. Its pass exam takes place every year and it is strictly pattern-based and syllabus-based. There is no need to know much about legal background; however, it will challenge you on your understanding of how to interpret and apply basic legal principles.
To conclude, it is correct to say that CLAT exam is the stepping stone to your successful career in the sphere of law.
CLAT Full Form and Exam Overview
Understanding CLAT full form is easy. It stands for Common Law Admission Test. This exam started in 2008 to unify law admissions among NLUs.
Key details at a glance:
- Exam Name: CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
- Conducting Body: Consortium of NLUs
- Level: National
- Mode: Offline, multiple choice
- Programs: UG (BA LLB, BBA LLB) and PG (LLM)
- Next Exam: CLAT 2025
More than 100,000 students appear each year. The test includes five main sections and lasts two hours.
CLAT Exam Eligibility
Check the CLAT exam eligibility to avoid surprises. Here are rules for each level:
UG Level (BA/BBA LLB)
- Qualification: Pass 10+2 or equivalent
- Marks: 45% for General/OBC; 40% for SC/ST/PwD
- Age: No upper limit
Final-year students can apply too
PG Level (LLM)
- Qualification: LLB or equivalent law degree
- Marks: 50% for General/OBC/NRI; 45% for SC/ST/PwD
- Age: No limit; final-year students are eligible
Tie-breakers:
CLAT Exam Syllabus – What to Study
Here’s the core CLAT syllabus for UG, also referred to as the CLAT 2025 syllabus.
It includes:
- English Language
- Current Affairs and General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
The exam has 120 questions, each worth one mark. Negative marking is 0.25 for wrong answers, with no penalty for skipped questions.
Subject‑Wise Breakdown of the CLAT Syllabus
Let’s look at each subject in detail.
A. English Language
- Passages (~450 words) from fiction or non-fiction
- Questions include:
Focus on reading comprehension and language skills.
B. Current Affairs & General Knowledge
- Passages derived from news or journalistic sources
- Covers:
- National/international events
- Awards, arts, culture, science
- Legal updates and important cases
- National/international events
Aim to stay updated with the past 6–12 months of news, plus static GK.
C. Legal Reasoning
- Passages (450 words) involving legal scenarios or ethical issues
- Questions focus on:
You don’t need prior legal knowledge. Just logical application of rules and principles.
D. Logical Reasoning
- Passages (~450 words) with puzzles or arguments
- Tests include:
Practice reasoning puzzles and identify hidden assumptions.
E. Quantitative Techniques
- Based on up-to-Class 10 maths:
Quant is only 10–14 questions, but they can swing your score.
CLAT Exam Pattern
Understanding the CLAT exam pattern helps manage time and focus.
UG Exam Pattern
120 MCQs, 120 marks, 2 hours (120 minutes)
Marking:
- +1 for correct
- -0.25 for wrong
- 0 for unattempted
Subject-wise counts:
- English: 22–26 (20%)
- Current Affairs: 28–32 (25%)
- Legal Reasoning: 28–32 (25%)
- Logical Reasoning: 22–26 (20%)
- Quantitative Tech: 10–14 (10%)
PG Exam Pattern
- 120 MCQs, 120 marks, 2 hours
- No descriptive tests
- Same marking scheme
Most seats are for objective questions.
CLAT Exam Eligibility and Syllabus
| Level | Qualification | Marks Required | Sections Covered | Total Qs/Marks |
| UG | 10+2 or equivalent | 45% Gen/OBC; 40% SC/ST/PwD | English, Current Affairs, Legal, Logical, Quant | 120 / 120 |
| PG | LLB degree | 50% Gen/OBC; 45% SC/ST/PwD | Legal, Logical, English, Current Affairs, Math | 120 / 120 |
You must satisfy CLAT exam eligibility and syllabus to proceed with preparation.
Preparation Tips for CLAT 2025
Here are tips to help you craft a winning strategy:
- Early Start: Begin 9–12 months ahead. Plan by topic and subject week by week.
- Daily Reading: Read newspapers and monthly current affairs. Note key facts.
- Build Vocabulary: Learn new words using flashcards. Try context-based usage tests.
- Practice with Purpose:
- Mock tests and sectionals
- Review wrong answers
- Focus on pacing and accuracy
- Mock tests and sectionals
- Legal Reasoning Prep:
- Learn basic legal principles and maxim rules
- Solve case-based questions from sample papers
- Track recent judgements and statutes
- Learn basic legal principles and maxim rules
- Logical Reasoning Practice:
- Do puzzles daily: syllogisms, blood relations, seating
- Analyze arguments and inferences
- Do puzzles daily: syllogisms, blood relations, seating
- Quantitative Techniques:
- Revise basics from Class 10
- Practice data interpretation and speed drills
- Revise basics from Class 10
- Time Management:
- Aim 30–35 mins per section
- Skip tough questions and return later
- Aim 30–35 mins per section
- Mock Full Tests:
- Attempt at least one weekly full mock
- Simulate exam conditions
- Analyze performance after each test
- Attempt at least one weekly full mock
- Revision is Key:
- Create notes for fast review
- Revise legal, GK, formulas, and word lists weekly
- Create notes for fast review
Additional LEARNING Resources
To support your study, here are trusted resources:
- Books:
- Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis) – English
- Lucent’s General Knowledge – GK
- RS Aggarwal – Logical & Quant
- AP Bhardwaj – Legal Reasoning
- Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis) – English
- Online Courses & Mock Tests:
- Look for platforms with timed mocks and detailed analysis
- Join weekly quizzes for current affairs
- Look for platforms with timed mocks and detailed analysis
Recent Trend & Updates
- In July 2025, Delhi University released CLAT round‑1 cut‑offs for their BA LLB and BBA LLB (Hons.) programs. Students meeting those scores proceed to seat allocation dsnlu.ac.in+1The Times of India+1.
- Exams now include paragraph-based questions in all subjects. This tests how fast and well you read.
- No descriptive writing sections after 2020. In PG too, only MCQs remain.
Always check official notices for exam dates, application fees (around ₹4,000 for general, ₹3,500 for SC/ST) SATHEE+1SAGE University Bhopal+1.
Conclusion
CLAT exam is a very significant entrance exam to law students in India. The competition is keen with admission to the most national law Universities and other good institutions. But under the proper guidance, with the proper knowledge of the full form of CLAT and proper knowledge of CLAT syllabus and examination pattern, you are able to make a strategic and successful study plan.
Hards work is not the only factor that determines success in CLAT exam. It takes well thought and regular practice and great time management. The very first step is to know the details of the CLAT exam eligibility and the next is to get to know the detailed subject-wise syllabus. Mock testing, previous years papers, and reading the current affairs regularly will give you an additional advantage.
It is imperative to keep in mind that CLAT is not so much about fact memorization, but rather the ability to comprehend concepts, analyze information and reason under pressure. Walk, run, rewrite and keep records.
The CLAT exam can make your entry to a successful career in law provided you maintain focus and take the right route of resources. Train hard, work and believe in yourself. Your dream law school is achievable and you should make everyday count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the CLAT Exam
1. What is CLAT exam?
The CLAT exam or Common Law Admission Test is a national entrance examination of students who seek to pursue the study of law in the best National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. It is applied up to postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) programs of law.
2. What is the full form of CLAT?
The CLAT full form is Common Law Admission Test. It is one of the most popular law entrance exams in India.
3. Who is eligible to appear in CLAT exam?
All students who have finished or are going to take Class 12 (Under-Graduate) and LLB (Post-Graduate) will be able to apply. Age is not limited. It is always wise to find out the detailed CLAT exam eligibility before making the application.
4. How many subjects are covered in CLAT exam?
CLAT exam syllabus contains:
- English Language
- Current Affairs and General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
In the section above, you can find the whole subject-wise CLAT 2025 syllabus.
5. Does CLAT exam have age limit?
No the upper age limit of the CLAT exam does not exist. However, you should have the requirements in terms of education.
6. What is the date of CLAT 2025 exam?
The CLAT Consortium will announce the date, but it is normally in the month of December each year. Visit the official site to know more.
7. Is it possible to apply to CLAT when in Class 12?
Of course, those students can apply who are in Class 12 and can end it within the year of the exams. All you have to do is ensure that you satisfy all the eligibility criteria of the CLAT exam during the time of the admission.
8. Is CLAT exam Difficult?
CLAT is a competitive exam but by following the right strategy and preparation on a regular basis it is achievable. The syllabus of the CLAT is important to grasp it well in order to score high.
9. Is it possible to appear in CLAT exam more than once?
Coming to the number of attempts, yes, you are not limited to the number of attempts at CLAT. Provided that you are eligible, you can take it on an annual basis.
10. Who will guide me about the best materials regarding CLAT 2025 syllabus?
There are numerous websites where the resources are free and paid. Follow the official syllabus strictly, do practice tests and even the general books available on every subject.