👤 By Dr. Nirbhay Kumar – Educational Consultant | Founder, Early Career Help
“One Exam. Endless Legal Possibilities.”
Introduction
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the premier entrance examination for students aspiring to enter the field of law in India. Conducted annually by the Consortium of National Law Universities, CLAT serves as the gateway to 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) for undergraduate (UG) and 21 NLUs for postgraduate (PG) law programs.
With over 60,000+ candidates appearing each year for approximately 3,000 UG seats, competition is intense. However, for those who are passionate about justice, debate, or public service, CLAT is the crucial first step towards a fulfilling legal career.
Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate (UG) CLAT – 5-Year Integrated Law Programs
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
- Students appearing in the final examination (12th grade) can also apply provisionally.
- Minimum Marks:
- General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI: 45% aggregate marks
- SC/ST: 40% aggregate marks
Postgraduate (PG) CLAT – LLM Program
- Educational Qualification:
- LL.B. degree or equivalent (3-year/5-year) from a recognized university.
- Minimum Marks:
- General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI: 50% aggregate marks
- SC/ST: 45% aggregate marks
Note: There is no upper age limit for both UG and PG exams.
Important Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| CLAT UG Applicants (2024) | 60,272 |
| CLAT PG Applicants (2024) | 10,215 |
| Total Seats (UG across NLUs) | Approx. 3,243 |
| Top NLU Cut-offs | Rank 1–100 (for NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS) |
| Top 3 NLUs Average Fee | ₹2.5 – ₹3 Lakhs/year |
CLAT Exam Structure
CLAT UG Exam Pattern
- Mode: Offline (Pen-paper based)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Questions: 120
- Marking: +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong answers
| Subject Area | Approx. 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% |
CLAT PG Exam Pattern
- Mode: Offline
- Duration: 2 hours
- Questions: 120 MCQs
- Subjects:
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Torts
- Contracts
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
- International Law
- Environmental Law
- Intellectual Property, and more
Timeline and Key Dates (Typical)
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | August–September |
| Application Closes | November |
| Admit Card Release | Early December |
| CLAT Exam Date | Mid-December |
| Answer Key | Within 2–3 days post exam |
| Result Declaration | Late December |
| Counseling Begins | January |
Participating National Law Universities (NLUs)
Here’s a snapshot of some key NLUs participating in CLAT:
| NLU | Location | Seat Intake (UG) | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU | Bengaluru | 240 | India’s first and most prestigious law school |
| NALSAR | Hyderabad | 132 | Strong alumni network, academic rigor |
| WBNUJS | Kolkata | 132 | Corporate placements, litigation |
| NLU Jodhpur | Jodhpur | 104 | Dual-degree options |
| GNLU | Gandhinagar | 172 | Policy research, international exposure |
| NLIU | Bhopal | 120 | Judicial training, moot court success |
CLAT Seat Matrix Overview (UG Level)
| Category | Approximate Seats |
|---|---|
| General (All India) | ~1300 |
| OBC/SC/ST/EWS | ~1300 |
| Domicile/State Quotas | Varies by state (up to 25–50% in some NLUs) |
| NRI/NRI Sponsored | ~200 |
| Total Seats | 3,000+ (UG) |
Note: Seats and quotas vary per NLU. Always consult the latest official brochure.
Counseling Process
- Online Registration for Counseling after CLAT result
- Preference Filling for NLUs
- Seat Allotment in multiple rounds based on rank & category
- Accept/Upgrade/Withdraw Options
- Fee Payment & Document Verification
Counseling Fee:
- ₹30,000 for General/OBC candidates
- ₹20,000 for SC/ST/PwD candidates
How to Prepare for CLAT: Strategy Guide
Subject-Wise Tips
- English: Focus on comprehension, vocabulary, grammar. Read editorials from The Hindu, Indian Express.
- Current Affairs/GK: Regularly follow monthly current affairs magazines (like Pratiyogita Darpan, Drishti, or online portals).
- Legal Reasoning: Practice passage-based questions with emphasis on principle-fact application. No prior legal knowledge needed.
- Logical Reasoning: Practice puzzles, syllogisms, assumptions, and critical reasoning (books like RS Aggarwal, MK Pandey).
- Quantitative Techniques: Revise class 10-level math: ratios, percentages, averages, data interpretation.
Recommended Books
| Section | Book/Resource |
|---|---|
| English | Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis) |
| Legal | Universal’s Guide to CLAT Legal Aptitude |
| GK | Lucent GK, Manorama Yearbook, Daily Newspapers |
| Quant | RS Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude |
| Mocks | CLAT Prep Series by Career Launcher, LegalEdge, IMS |
Online Platforms and Coaching
Several platforms now offer quality CLAT prep both free and paid:
- Top Coaching Brands: LegalEdge, IMS, Career Launcher, LawPrep
- Free Portals: Consortium’s own sample papers, Lawctopus, Legal Bites
- YouTube Channels: StudyIQ Law, LegalEdge Tutorials
Career Paths After CLAT and Law School
CLAT is not just an entrance—it is the beginning of a transformative career. After completing law from a top NLU, students have multiple avenues:
- Litigation: Practice in courts (Supreme Court, High Courts, Trial Courts)
- Corporate Law: Work with top law firms like Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, Trilegal
- Judiciary: Appear for state judicial service exams
- Civil Services: Appear for UPSC or State PSCs
- Academia & Research: Join think tanks, research institutions, or pursue higher studies abroad
- International Opportunities: Study LLM abroad, work with UN, NGOs, etc.
Conclusion
CLAT is the single most important exam for law aspirants in India. It is challenging, competitive, and transformative. With structured preparation, early planning, and disciplined execution, thousands of students secure admissions into India’s top law schools every year.
A career in law opens doors not just in courtrooms but in boardrooms, bureaucracies, international arenas, and beyond. For students driven by a sense of justice, public speaking, argumentation, or civic leadership—CLAT is the first milestone on the road to success.