What is CLAT Entrance Exam?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is an all-India entrance exam conducted for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes offered by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.

The CLAT 5-year program consists of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree. The duration of the course is five years, and it is an integrated programme, meaning that students do not need to complete a separate graduation before pursuing a law degree. The CLAT 5-year program covers subjects related to law and social sciences.

The Following Are The Details Of The CLAT 5-year Program:

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Eligibility: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates)
  • Selection process: Candidates are selected based on their performance in the CLAT exam, which includes a computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions, followed by a counselling session

Paper Pattern

Paper Pattern For The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) For 5-year Integrated Law Programs:

Exam Mode Duration Number of Questions Type of Questions Marking Scheme Negative Marking
Computer-Based Test
2 hours
150
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
+1 for correct answer
-0.25 for wrong answer

The CLAT Exam for 5-year Integrated Law Programs Exam Paper Pattern:

Section Name Number of Questions Marks
1
English Language
28-32
28-32
2
Current Affairs
35-39
35-39
3
Legal Reasoning
35-39
35-39
4
Logical Reasoning
28-32
28-32
5
Quantitative Techniques
13-17
13-17

Each question carries one mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. The CLAT exam is scored out of 150 marks.

Syllabus For The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) 5-year Program:

Section 1: English Language

  • Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Word meanings, etc.
  • Grammar: Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Verb, Preposition, Conjunction, Articles, Tenses, etc.
  • Reading Comprehension: Reading and comprehension of a given passage, including the central theme, the meanings of words used therein, etc.

Section 2: Current Affairs

  • Static General Knowledge: General awareness including static general knowledge such as History, Geography, etc.
  • Current Affairs: Knowledge of Current affairs (of the past one year) including events of national and international importance.

Section 3: Legal Reasoning

  • Legal Awareness: Indian Constitution, Indian Penal Code, Law of Contracts, Law of Torts, Family Law, Legal Fundamentals and Terms, etc.
  • Legal Reasoning: The candidate will be given a set of facts and a proposition. The candidate has to apply the proposition to the given set of facts and select the best answer out of the given options.

Section 4: Logical Reasoning

  • Analytical Reasoning: Logical sequences, Analogies, Puzzles, Syllogisms, Logical Consistency, etc.
  • Logical Reasoning: Arguments, Assumptions, Conclusion, etc.

Section 5: Quantitative Techniques

  • Elementary Mathematics: Number Systems, Surds and Indices, Square Roots, Fractions and Decimals, HCF and LCM, Simplification, Approximation, Ratio and Proportion, Average and Logarithms, etc.
  • Data Interpretation: Graphs and Charts, Tables, Data Sufficiency, etc.

The Process For CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) For The 5-year Integrated Law Program is As Follows:

Stage Description
Stage 1: CAT Exam
The first stage is the CAT exam itself, which is conducted in November every year. Candidates who score above the cutoff marks for their chosen institute are shortlisted for the next stage.
Stage 2: Group Discussion (GD) or Written Ability Test (WAT)
The second stage may involve either a Group Discussion (GD) or a Written Ability Test (WAT), depending on the institute. The GD or WAT is conducted to assess the candidate's communication skills, analytical ability, and knowledge of current affairs.
Stage 3: Personal Interview (PI)
The third stage is the Personal Interview (PI), which is conducted by the institute. The PI assesses the candidate's overall personality, communication skills, and suitability for the MBA program.
Final Selection
The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in all three stages, as well as their academic record, work experience, and other factors as specified by the institute.

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) Application Process:

  1. Online Application: Candidates need to fill the CLAT application form online on the official website. They need to provide their personal details, educational qualifications, photograph, signature, etc.

  2. Admit Card: Candidates can download the admit card from the official website by entering their login credentials.

  3. Entrance Exam: The CLAT entrance exam is conducted online for a duration of 2 hours. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions from various subjects like English, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.

  4. Result: The CLAT result is declared on the official website. Candidates can check their results by entering their login credentials.

  5. Counselling: Based on the merit list, candidates are called for counselling. During counselling, candidates need to fill their preferences for the law schools and courses. Seats are allotted based on their ranks and preferences.

  6. Admission: After the seat allotment process is completed, candidates need to report to the respective law school for document verification and payment of fees.

The Top Colleges Offering 5-year Integrated Law Programs Through CLAT Exam:

  1. National Law School of India University, Bangalore
  2. National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad
  3. National Law Institute University, Bhopal
  4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
  5. National Law University, Jodhpur
  6. Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
  7. Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
  8. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow
  9. Chanakya National Law University, Patna
  10. National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi
  11. National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati
  12. Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirappalli
  13. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam
  14. Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
  15. Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
  16. Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur
  17. Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
  18. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat
  19. Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad

The Top Colleges Offering 5-year Integrated Law Programs Through CLAT Exam:

Q. What is CLAT?

Ans: The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. 

 

Q. When is the CLAT exam held?

Ans: The exact date for the CLAT exam is announced annually. It typically takes place in May.

Q. How can I apply for CLAT?

Ans: You can apply for CLAT online through the official CLAT website.

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for CLAT?

Ans: The eligibility criteria vary for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Please refer to the official CLAT notification for detailed information.

Q. What is the exam pattern for CLAT?

Ans: The CLAT exam typically consists of five sections: English Language, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, and Legal Awareness, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.

Q. What is the syllabus for CLAT?

Ans: The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including English language, current affairs, legal knowledge, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. For detailed information, refer to the official CLAT notification.

Q. How can I prepare for CLAT?

Effective preparation involves a combination of:

  • Understanding the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and weightage of each section.
  • Regular Practice: Solve previous year’s papers and practice tests.
  • Time Management: Practice time management techniques to complete the exam within the stipulated time.
  • Seek Expert Guidance: Consider joining a coaching institute or seeking guidance from experienced mentors.
  • Stay Updated: Stay updated with current affairs and legal developments.

Q. Are there any good books for CLAT preparation?

Ans: Yes, several books are available for CLAT preparation. Consult with experienced mentors or refer to online forums for recommendations.

Q. How important is mock test practice for CLAT?

Ans: Mock tests are crucial for assessing your preparation level, identifying weak areas, and improving time management skills.