CLAT
What is CLAT..?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a highly competitive exam in India for students seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in prestigious national law universities. This standardized test evaluates a candidate’s aptitude in areas like English, logical reasoning, legal reasoning, quantitative techniques, and general knowledge.
CLAT’s significance lies in its role as a gateway to esteemed institutions, shaping the future legal professionals of the country. Success in CLAT requires not just academic prowess but also critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a comprehensive understanding of legal concepts.
Preparation for CLAT demands dedication, consistent practice, and a deep understanding of diverse subjects. Many aspirants enroll in coaching programs, solve previous years’ papers, and take mock tests to refine their skills and boost their confidence.
Exam Highlights:
Aspect | Details |
Name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
Purpose | Entrance exam for admission to NLUs (National Law Universities) in India |
Exam Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities |
Exam Level | Undergraduate (UG) for LL.B and Postgraduate (PG) for LL.M |
Exam Frequency | Once a year (usually in May) |
Mode of Exam | Computer-based test (CBT) |
Sections | – English Language – Current Affairs, including General Knowledge – Legal Reasoning – Logical Reasoning |
Total Marks | 150 |
Marking Scheme | +1 for Correct Answer, -0.25 for Incorrect Answer |
Eligibility | UG: 10+2 with minimum qualifying marks PG: LL.B degree or equivalent |
CLAT: Admission & Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria for CLAT UG:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or an equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates).
- Age Limit: There’s no upper age limit to apply for CLAT UG.
Eligibility Criteria for CLAT PG:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates should have an LL.B. degree or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
- Age Limit: There’s no upper age limit for CLAT PG as well.
Admission Process:
- Application: The CLAT notification is usually released around January, and the application process begins around that time. Interested candidates need to apply online through the CLAT website by filling out the application form and paying the application fee.
- Admit Card: After successful application submission, candidates can download their admit cards from the official website.
- Exam: The CLAT exam typically takes place in May. It’s a two-hour examination consisting of multiple-choice questions covering subjects like English, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, Elementary Mathematics (Numerical Ability), Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.
- Result and Counseling: After the examination, the results are usually declared in a few weeks. Based on the CLAT scores, candidates are then called for counseling and seat allotment in various NLUs.
CLAT: Documents List
For CLAT UG:
- Class 10th Mark Sheet/Certificate: This document serves as proof of date of birth.
- Class 12th Mark Sheet/Certificate: Proof of completion of the qualifying examination.
- Category Certificate (if applicable): SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable): Some NLUs may require a domicile certificate for state quota seats.
- Passport-sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs as per the specifications mentioned in the application form.
- Signature: Scanned copy of the candidate’s signature as per the specified format.
For CLAT PG:
- B. Degree/Certificate: Proof of completion of LL.B. or equivalent degree.
- Mark sheets of LL.B.: Mark sheets of all years/semesters of LL.B. or equivalent.
- Category Certificate (if applicable): SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable): If state domicile quota is applicable.
- Passport-sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the mentioned specifications.
- Signature: Scanned copy of the candidate’s signature as per the specified format.
CLAT: Registration Process
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official CLAT website, which is typically clatconsortiumofnlu.ac.in. Check for the latest notification regarding the exam and the application process.
- New Registration: Click on the “New Registration” or “Apply Now” button. You’ll be directed to a page where you need to register by providing basic details like your name, email address, mobile number, etc.
- Filling the Application Form: After registration, log in using the credentials provided (user ID and password). Fill in the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, preferred NLUs, category details, etc.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents like photographs, signatures, mark sheets, category certificates (if applicable), etc., as per the specified format and size mentioned in the instructions.
- Application Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online using the available payment options (credit/debit card, net banking, etc.). The fee varies for different categories and is non-refundable.
- Review and Submit: Before final submission, review all the information filled in the form. Ensure accuracy and completeness. Once confirmed, submit the application form.
- Download Confirmation Page: After successful submission, download and save the confirmation page. This page will have details like your application number, transaction ID, etc. It’s advisable to keep a printed copy of this confirmation for future reference.
- Admit Card Download: After a specified period, the admit cards will be available for download from the CLAT website. Use your login credentials to access and download the admit card.
Important Tips:
- Always double-check the information entered in the application form before submission to avoid any errors.
- Keep all the required documents and information handy before starting the application process.
- Follow the instructions provided in the application form and official notifications regarding document formats, sizes, and other specifications.
- Ensure a stable internet connection while filling the form and making payments to avoid any technical issues.
- Stay updated with the official website or notifications for any updates or changes in the exam schedule or application process.
CLAT: Syllabus
For CLAT UG:
- English Language:
- Comprehension passages
- Grammar (including correction of incorrect sentences)
- Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, analogies)
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs:
- Static general knowledge (History, Geography, Polity, Science, etc.)
- Current affairs from various fields (National, International, Sports, Awards, etc.)
- Elementary Mathematics (Numerical Ability):
- Math up to Class 10 level including topics like Arithmetic (Number System, Percentage, Profit & Loss, etc.), Algebra, Mensuration, Geometry, etc.
- Legal Aptitude:
- Legal reasoning questions to test the ability to understand and apply legal principles to given situations.
- Legal maxims, landmark judgments, and legal propositions.
- Logical Reasoning:
- Logical puzzles
- Syllogisms
- Logical sequences
- Analogies
For CLAT PG:
- Constitutional Law:
- Principles and doctrines of the Constitution
- Important cases and judgments
- Jurisprudence:
- Schools of jurisprudence
- Legal theories and concepts
- Other Law Subjects:
- Contract Law
- Torts
- Criminal Law
- International Law
- Family Law
- Property Law
CLAT: Exam Pattern
CLAT UG Exam Pattern:
Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
English Language | 28-32 | 1 | 28-32 |
General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 35-39 | 1 | 35-39 |
Elementary Mathematics (Numerical Ability) | 13-17 | 1 | 13-17 |
Legal Aptitude | 35-39 | 1 | 35-39 |
Logical Reasoning | 28-32 | 1 | 28-32 |
Total | 150 |
| 150 |
Duration | 2 hours |
|
|
- The CLAT UG exam comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) only.
- Each correct answer fetches 1 mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
- The total marks for the CLAT UG exam are 150.
CLAT PG Exam Pattern:
Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
Constitutional Law | 40-50 | 1 | 40-50 |
Jurisprudence | 40-50 | 1 | 40-50 |
Other Law Subjects | 50-60 | 1 | 50-60 |
Total | 150 |
| 150 |
Duration | 2 hours |
|
|
- The CLAT PG exam consists of objective-type questions and subjective questions (essay type).
- Each correct objective-type answer earns 1 mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
- The total marks for the CLAT PG exam are 150.
CLAT: Application Fee
CLAT UG Application Fees:
Category | Application Fee |
General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI | Rs. 4,000/- |
SC/ST/BPL | Rs. 3,500/- |
CLAT PG Application Fees:
Category | Application Fee |
General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI | Rs. 4,000/- |
SC/ST/BPL | Rs. 3,500/- |
CLAT: Exam Date
Event | Dates |
CLAT 2024 Application Start Date | July 1, 2023 |
CLAT 2024 Application Form Last Date | November 10, 2023 |
CLAT 2024 Form Correction window Last Date | November 12, 2023 |
Issue of CLAT 2024 Admit Card | 3rd week of November 2023 |
CLAT 2024 Exam Date | December 3, 2023 |
CLAT Answer Key Release Date | December 2023 |
CLAT 2024 Result Date | January 2024 |
CLAT 2024 Counselling Date | January 2024 |
CLAT: Counseling
Steps in CLAT Counseling:
- Publication of Merit List: After the CLAT results are declared, a merit list is published based on candidates’ performance in the entrance exam.
- Online Counseling Registration: Candidates who qualify for counseling must register themselves on the CLAT website within the specified timeframe. This registration usually requires payment of a counseling fee.
- Choice Filling and Locking: Registered candidates need to fill their preferred choices of NLUs and courses. They can prioritize their options according to their preferences. It’s crucial to lock the choices within the stipulated time.
- Seat Allotment: Based on the merit-cum-preference, seats are allotted to candidates in various NLUs. The allotment process considers the candidate’s rank, category, and the availability of seats.
- Payment of Admission Fee and Acceptance of Seat: Candidates who receive a seat allotment have to pay the admission fee and reserve their seat within the specified period. If they fail to do so, their allotted seat might be forfeited.
- Reporting to the Allotted University: After fee payment and seat acceptance, candidates are required to physically report to the allotted NLU with the necessary documents for verification. Failure to report within the given time may result in the cancellation of the seat.
- Waitlist Movement: Sometimes, candidates might be on the waiting list for their preferred NLU. As seats become available due to withdrawal or non-acceptance by others, the counseling authority may release subsequent rounds of seat allotment.
Important Points:
- It’s crucial to regularly check the CLAT counseling portal and emails for updates and notifications regarding counseling dates, seat allotment, and other related information.
- Candidates must carry original documents for verification during the reporting process at the allotted NLUs.
- Each NLU may have its specific counseling and admission process. Therefore, candidates should thoroughly read the counseling guidelines provided by the respective NLUs.
- Ensure to meet the deadlines for each stage of the counseling process to avoid missing out on seat allotment or losing the chance to secure a preferred NLU.
CLAT Cut off 2024 (Expected)
College Name | Expected CLAT Cut Off 2024 |
NLSIU, Bangalore | 85-90 |
NALSAR, Hyderabad | 82-85 |
WBNUJS, Kolkata | 80-84 |
NLU, Jodhpur | 78-82 |
CLAT Cut Off 2023
College Name | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
NLSIU, Bangalore | 1 | 7829 |
NALSAR, Hyderabad | 25 | 12004 |
WBNUJS, Kolkata | 136 | 14805 |
NLU, Bhopal | 186 | 19810 |
GNLU, Gandhinagar | 147 | 15666 |