CLAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the comprehensive FAQ section for CLAT (Common Law Admission Test). Find answers to all your questions about the exam, eligibility, preparation, and career prospects.

General CLAT Information

What is CLAT?

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a centralized national-level entrance test for admissions to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.

Who conducts CLAT?

CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, which was established in 2017 to improve legal education in India and organize better admission processes.

When is CLAT 2025 scheduled?

CLAT 2025 is typically conducted in December. The exact date is announced by the Consortium on their official website. Students should regularly check the official CLAT website for updates.

Eligibility Criteria

What are the eligibility criteria for CLAT UG?

• Age Limit; No upper age limit
• Educational Qualification: 10 +2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board
• Minimum Marks:
• General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories: 45% marks
• SC/ST categories: 40% marks
• Appearing Candidates; Candidates appearing in the qualifying examination in March/April 2025 are also eligible

Is there any age limit for CLAT?

No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in CLAT as per the current guidelines.

Can foreign nationals apply for CLAT?

Yes, foreign nationals can apply for CLAT under the NRI/OCI/PIO category. They need to satisfy the eligibility criteria and follow the application process specified for foreign candidates.

Exam Pattern and Structure

What is the pattern of CLAT UG exam?

• Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
• Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
• Total Marks: 120 marks
• Negative Marking: -0.25 marks for each wrong answer
• Language; English

What are the sections in CLAT UG?

1. English Language: 24 questions (24 marks)
2. Current Affairs & General Knowledge: 28 questions (28 marks)
3. Legal Reasoning: 28 questions (28 marks)
4. Logical Reasoning: 24 questions (24 marks)
5. Quantitative Techniques: 16 questions (16 marks)

Is CLAT conducted online or offline?

CLAT is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based test) at designated test centers across India and some international locations.

Can I choose the exam center?

Yes, candidates can choose their preferred exam centers while filling the application form. The centers are allotted based on availability and preference.

Application Process

When do CLAT applications usually open?

CLAT applications typically open in August and close in November/December. Candidates are advised to check the official CLAT website for exact dates.

What is the application fee for CLAT?

• General Category: ₹4,000 /-
• SC/ST/BPL Category: ₹3,500 /-
• Foreign Candidates; Additional fees apply

What documents are required for CLAT application?

• Class 10th mark sheet
• Class 12th mark sheet (if appeared)
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)

Preparation Strategy

How many months are required for CLAT preparation?

Ideally, 6-12 months of consistent preparation is recommended for CLAT. However, with dedicated effort and proper strategy, candidates can prepare in 3-4 months as well.

Which books are best for CLAT preparation?

English Language:

• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
• Objective General English by S. P. Bakshi

Current Affairs & GK:

• The Hindu or Indian Express newspaper
• Pratiyogita Darpan magazine
• Manorama Yearbook

Legal Reasoning:

• Legal Aptitude for CLAT by Bhardwaj
• Universal’s CLAT Guide

Logical Reasoning:

• Analytical Reasoning by M. K. Pandey
• A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R. S. Aggarwal

Quantitative Techniques:

• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R. S. Aggarwal
• Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M. Tyra

How should I prepare for Current Affairs section?

• Read newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express)
• Follow monthly current affairs magazines
• Focus on events from the last 12 months
• Make notes of important events, appointments, awards
• Practice with previous year papers

Is coaching necessary for CLAT preparation?

Coaching is not mandatory but can be helpful for structured preparation. Many candidates clear CLAT through self-study using quality study materials and online resources.

Participating NLUs

How many NLUs participate in CLAT?

Currently, 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) participate in CLAT admissions.

Which are the top NLUs in India?

1. NLSIU, Bengaluru
2. NALSAR, Hyderabad
3. WBNUJS, Kolkata
4. NLIU, Bhopal
5. NLUJ, Jodhpur

Does CLAT include all NLUs?

Most NLUs accept CLAT scores except NLU Delhi, which conducts its own entrance test (AILET).

Results and Admissions

How are CLAT results declared?

CLAT results are declared online on the official website. Candidates can check their scores and All India Rank (AIR) using their login credentials.

How does the admission process work after CLAT results?

1. Result declaration and rank list
2. Online counseling and registration
3. Choice filling and locking
4. Seat allotment process
5. Document verification
6. Fee payment and admission confirmation

What is the reservation policy in NLUs?

Reservation varies across different NLUs but generally includes:

• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• OBC: 27%
• EWS: 10%
• PwD: 5%
• State quotas in some NLUs

Career Prospects

What career options are available after CLAT?

• Litigation (Lawyer/Advocate)
• Judicial Services
• Corporate Law
• Legal Consulting
• Civil Services
• Legal Journalism
• Academia
• Public Prosecutor
• Legal Advisor in companies

What is the average package after NLU?

The average package varies from NLU to NLU but generally ranges from ₹8-15 lakhs per annum for domestic placements. Top NLUs see packages going up to ₹30-40 lakhs per annum.

Can I practice law after completing LLB from NLU?

Yes, after completing LLB from any NLU and enrolling with the State Bar Council, you can practice law in any court in India.

Additional Information

Is there any sectional cutoff in CLAT?

No, there is no sectional cutoff in CLAT. Candidates need to score the overall cutoff marks for admission.

How many times can I appear for CLAT?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for CLAT as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Can I get admission if I miss the CLAT exam?

Some private universities and state universities conduct their own law entrance tests. However, for admission to NLUs, CLAT is mandatory.

Where can I get more information about CLAT?

• Official CLAT website; consortiumofnlus. ac. in
• Individual NLU websites
• CLAT social media handles
• Educational portals and news websites

This FAQ is regularly updated. For the most current information, please refer to the official CLAT website.