Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) – The Complete Guide
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is India’s premier national-level entrance exam for admission into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs. It serves as the primary gateway to the prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) and other top-tier law colleges across the country.
What is CLAT?
CLAT is a centralized test conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for a career in law through a rigorous comprehension-based format.
UG Programs (5-Year Integrated)
- BA LLB (Arts + Law)
- BBA LLB (Business + Law)
- BCom LLB (Commerce + Law)
- BSc LLB (Science + Law)
PG Program (1-Year)
- LLM: Master of Laws for candidates who have already completed their LLB degree.
CLAT Eligibility & Selection Process
The selection process is purely merit-based, determined by your CLAT rank and subsequent counseling rounds.
| Criteria | UG (5-Year LLB) | PG (LLM) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Class 12 (10+2) Passed/Appearing | LLB Degree or Equivalent |
| Minimum Marks | Gen/OBC: 45% | SC/ST: 40% | Gen/OBC: 50% | SC/ST: 45% |
| Age Limit | No Upper Age Limit | No Upper Age Limit |
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme (UG)
CLAT is an offline (pen-and-paper) test that emphasizes comprehension over rote learning.
Exam Structure
- Duration: 120 Minutes (2 Hours)
- Total Questions: 120 Objective Type
- Total Marks: 120 Marks
Marking Rules
- Correct Answer: +1 Mark
- Wrong Answer: -0.25 Mark (Negative Marking)
- Unattempted: 0 Marks
Section-Wise CLAT Syllabus
The UG paper is divided into five key areas designed to test your reading and analytical abilities.
English & GK
- English: Reading Comprehension, Inference, Tone, and Vocabulary.
- Current Affairs & GK: National/International events, Govt schemes, and Legal news.
Reasoning & Quant
- Legal Reasoning: Applying legal principles to factual situations.
- Logical Reasoning: Arguments, assumptions, and critical reasoning.
- Quant: Class 10 level Math (DI, Percentages, Ratios).
The 5-Step CLAT Preparation Roadmap
Step 1: Habitual Reading: Read editorials from The Hindu or Indian Express daily to build comprehension speed.
Step 2: Conceptual Clarity: Master the basics of critical reasoning and legal principles early in your prep.
Step 3: Daily GK & Current Affairs: Stay updated with monthly news capsules and national reports.
Step 4: Solve Past Papers: Understand the shift in question styles and identify recurring patterns.
Step 5: Mock Test Strategy: Take 2-3 mocks per week and perform a detailed analysis of every wrong answer.
How EMGC CLAT Coaching Can Help
EMGC offers a structured and comprehensive preparation ecosystem designed to help you secure a seat in the top NLUs.
- Expert Mentorship: Classes led by experienced legal professionals and NLU alumni.
- Reading-Based Training: Special focus on improving speed and accuracy in comprehension.
- Updated Material: Passage-based study modules and current affairs monthly PDFs.
- Full-Length Mocks: National-level mock tests with detailed performance tracking.
- Doubt Clearing: Personalized sessions to resolve complex logical and legal hurdles.
Conclusion
CLAT is a test of your stamina and analytical power. While highly competitive, the right strategy and consistent practice make success entirely achievable. Focus on your reading habits, stay updated on legal developments, and utilize professional guidance to turn your NLU dream into reality.
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