CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) – Complete Guide
📌 Introduction
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam in India for admissions to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at National Law Universities (NLUs) and other prestigious law schools.
CLAT is conducted once a year by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) on a rotational basis. The exam tests candidates on legal aptitude, logical reasoning, English, general knowledge, and mathematics.
📢 Latest Update: The CLAT 2025 exam is expected to be held in December 2024.
🎓 Courses Offered Through CLAT
✔ Undergraduate (UG) Courses
- BA LLB (Hons)
- BBA LLB (Hons)
- BCom LLB (Hons)
- BSc LLB (Hons)
✔ Postgraduate (PG) Course
- LLM (Master of Laws)
📌 Fact: NLU Delhi does not accept CLAT scores and conducts its own entrance test (AILET).
📝 CLAT 2025 Exam Overview
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions (UG) | 120 |
| Total Questions (PG) | 120 |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for each wrong answer |
| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
📌 Fact: CLAT was previously a 200-mark exam, but from 2024 onwards, it has been reduced to 120 marks for better efficiency.
🎯 Eligibility Criteria for CLAT 2025
🔹 UG (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.)
✔ Educational Qualification: 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
✔ Minimum Marks:
- 45% for General/OBC/PWD/NRI categories
- 40% for SC/ST categories
✔ Age Limit: No upper age limit.
🔹 PG (LLM)
✔ Educational Qualification: LLB (3-year or 5-year) degree from a recognized university.
✔ Minimum Marks:
- 50% for General/OBC/PWD/NRI categories
- 45% for SC/ST categories
✔ Age Limit: No upper age limit.
📌 Fact: Around 60,000+ students appear for CLAT every year for only 3,000 UG seats in NLUs.
📚 CLAT Exam Pattern 2025 (UG)
| Section | No. of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs & GK | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
📌 Fact: The Legal Reasoning section is the most important, as it carries the highest weightage.
📖 CLAT Syllabus 2025
✔ English Language – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary.
✔ Current Affairs & GK – Legal & political news, national and international events.
✔ Legal Reasoning – Legal principles, legal facts, court judgments.
✔ Logical Reasoning – Critical thinking, syllogisms, puzzles, analogies.
✔ Quantitative Techniques – Basic arithmetic, data interpretation, percentages.
📌 Fact: The Mathematics section is of Class 10 level, so candidates should focus on basic numerical aptitude.
🏛 Top National Law Universities (NLUs) Accepting CLAT
| Rank | National Law University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | National Law School of India University (NLSIU) | Bangalore |
| 2️⃣ | NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad |
| 3️⃣ | WB National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) | Kolkata |
| 4️⃣ | National Law University (NLU) | Jodhpur |
| 5️⃣ | National Law University (NLU) | Bhopal |
📌 Fact: NLSIU Bangalore is India’s best-ranked law school with top corporate placements.
📝 How to Apply for CLAT 2025?
1️⃣ Visit the Official Website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
2️⃣ Register: Provide personal details and create a login ID.
3️⃣ Fill the Application Form: Enter academic details and preferences.
4️⃣ Upload Documents: Passport-size photo, signature, and category certificates.
5️⃣ Pay the Application Fee:
- ₹4,000 for General/OBC/PWD/NRI
- ₹3,500 for SC/ST/BPL categories
6️⃣ Download Confirmation Slip: Keep it safe for future reference.
📌 Fact: CLAT applications typically open in August or September each year.
💼 Career Opportunities After CLAT
✔ Judiciary & Litigation – Become a lawyer, judge, or legal advisor.
✔ Corporate Law Firms – Work with top firms like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
✔ Public Sector & Government Jobs – Join PSUs, RBI, SEBI, and other regulatory bodies.
✔ Academia & Research – Pursue LLM or PhD for teaching and research roles.
✔ Legal Journalism & Media – Work as a legal correspondent.
📌 Fact: Top NLU graduates earn starting salaries of ₹12-15 LPA in corporate law firms.
📢 Conclusion
CLAT is the gateway to India's best law schools, offering excellent career prospects in corporate law, judiciary, public policy, and litigation. With a strategic study plan, mock tests, and current affairs preparation, cracking CLAT becomes easier.
📢 Are you preparing for CLAT 2025? Drop your questions below! ⬇🎓
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