Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2025: Syllabus, Eligibility, Question Papers & More

Common Law Admission Test

The Common Law Admission Test, commonly known as CLAT, stands as a pivotal gateway for students aspiring to carve their paths in the legal realm. Conducted annually, CLAT opens doors to prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) across India, offering aspirants opportunities to pursue undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs. This standardized test assesses a candidate's aptitude and skills necessary for a successful legal education, emphasizing areas such as logical reasoning, legal aptitude, mathematics, general knowledge, and English.

The inception of the Common Law Admission Test marked a significant evolution in legal education in India, standardizing the admission process to NLUs and ensuring a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection procedure. As the legal profession demands a high level of analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical grounding, CLAT aims to identify candidates who exhibit these essential qualities, thereby maintaining the high standards expected in the legal field.

Preparing for the Common Law Admission Test is a rigorous process, requiring dedication, consistency, and a strategic approach to mastering the diverse sections of the exam. Candidates often begin their preparation months in advance, enrolling in coaching centers, participating in mock tests, and immersing themselves in an extensive study of current affairs, legal principles, and practicing comprehension and mathematical skills. The importance of CLAT in a law aspirant's career cannot be overstated, as it paves the way to institutions that not only offer excellent legal education but also exposure to real-world legal challenges through internships, moot courts, and seminars.

The competitive nature of the Common Law Admission Test, coupled with the limited seats available in the NLUs, underscores the exam's high stakes. Year after year, thousands of candidates vie for a place in these esteemed institutions, making CLAT one of the most competitive examinations in India. This intense competition necessitates a well-planned and focused preparation strategy, tailored to the unique format and demands of the test.

Furthermore, the dynamic nature of CLAT, with its evolving pattern and syllabus, requires candidates to stay adaptable and up-to-date with the latest exam trends and changes. The organizing body of the Common Law Admission Test periodically reviews and modifies the exam structure to better assess the aptitude of prospective law students, ensuring that the selection process remains relevant and challenging.

The impact of CLAT extends beyond the admission process, influencing the broader landscape of legal education in India. By setting high standards for entry into top law schools, the Common Law Admission Test drives a culture of excellence and continuous improvement among aspirants. It encourages a deeper engagement with the legal system and current societal issues, fostering a generation of well-informed, critical-thinking, and socially responsible legal professionals.

CLAT Full Form

The full form of CLAT is the Common Law Admission Test.

What is CLAT Exam?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national level entrance exam in India for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) around the country. Apart from the NLUs, various other educational institutes and universities also use CLAT scores for admitting students into their law courses.

CLAT is organized by the Consortium of National Law Universities, which consists of the representative universities. The exam tests the candidates on various areas such as legal reasoning, logical reasoning, comprehension skills, general knowledge, and current affairs.

The UG CLAT primarily evaluates candidates for admission into five-year integrated law programs like BA LLB, BSc LLB, BCom LLB, etc., while the PG CLAT is for those interested in pursuing LLM (Master of Laws) programs.

CLAT is known for its high level of competition, with thousands of law aspirants taking the test each year, making it one of the most sought-after law entrance exams in India. The format and structure of the exam have evolved over the years, but its core purpose remains to select candidates with the aptitude and skills suitable for legal studies and the profession.

Exam	CLAT 2025
Admission	BA LLB, LLM
Total Seats	UG - 3000 PG - 1000
Application Mode	Online
Total NLU	25
Last Date	November 2024
Qualification	10+2
Fees	Rs 4000/-
University	National Law University
Official Website	Consortiumofnlus.ac.in

CLAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CLAT 2025 exam: EXPECTED DATES

CLAT 2025 Application process begins : 1 July, 2024 - November 2024

Last date of CLAT 2025 Application Process: November 2024

CLAT 2025 Application Correction Window: To be announced

CLAT 2025 Admit cards: To be announced

CLAT 2025 exam day: December 2024, from 2 PM to 4 PM

Official CLAT 2025 answer key: To be announced

Release of final CLAT 2025 answer key: To be announced

Declaration of CLAT 2025 Result: To be announced

CLAT 2025 Application Fee

• Application fees can be paid online only.
• Application fee for General/OBC/PWD/NRI candidates: Rs.4,000/-
• Application fee for SC/ST/BPL category candidates: Rs.3,500/-
• The cost of previous years' question papers is Rs.500/- (not included in the CLAT 2024 application fee of Rs.4,000/- or Rs.3,500/- as the case may be.)
• The candidates themselves will have to bear the bank transaction charges for remitting the fee online. The actual bank transaction charges will be displayed in the payment gateway page after candidates choose the mode of payment.
• Application Fees is non-refundable.

CLAT 2025 Syllabus

The UG-CLAT 2024 aims to assess candidates' comprehension and reasoning abilities, focusing on the aptitude and skills essential for pursuing legal education rather than relying on prior knowledge. However, having some background knowledge could occasionally be beneficial, especially for answering questions in the Current Affairs including General Knowledge segment.

• English Language (22-26 questions, or roughly 20% of the paper)
• Current Affairs, including General Knowledge (28-32 questions, or roughly 25% of the paper)
• Legal Reasoning (28-32 questions, or roughly 25% of the paper)
• Logical Reasoning (22-26 questions, or roughly 20% of the paper)
• Quantitative Techniques (10-14 questions, or roughly 10% of the paper)

Scheduled as a 2-hour examination, the UG-CLAT 2024 consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, each worth a mark, across five distinct areas: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Note that incorrect answers will incur a penalty of 0.25 marks.

• Exam Time: 2-hour
• No. of Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
• Negative Marking:  0.25 marks

English Language

Candidates will encounter passages approximately 450 words in length, sourced from both contemporary and historically significant works of fiction and non-fiction. The questions that follow will test your ability to understand and engage with the text, including summarizing, inferring, and analyzing various viewpoints and arguments presented in the passages.

Current Affairs Including General Knowledge

This section involves passages up to 450 words, drawn from journalistic sources or non-fiction, focusing on significant contemporary and historical events, arts and culture, and international affairs. Questions will test candidates' awareness of current affairs and general knowledge, without necessitating specific legal knowledge.

Legal Reasoning

Passages in this section, also around 450 words, will present scenarios involving legal matters, public policy, or moral questions. No prior legal knowledge is required to answer these questions. However, a general awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues could prove helpful in applying the principles or propositions to the given scenarios.

Logical Reasoning

Short passages in the Logical Reasoning section will challenge candidates to identify arguments, analyze reasoning patterns, and draw logical conclusions. This section aims to evaluate the ability to critically engage with arguments and assess their validity based on the information provided.

Quantitative Techniques

Featuring short sets of facts or propositions that present numerical information, this section tests candidates' ability to perform mathematical operations and solve problems based on the given data. It covers basic algebra, ratios, proportions, mensuration, and statistical estimation, requiring a solid grasp of 10th standard mathematics.

Preparation for the UG-CLAT 2024

To assist candidates in their preparation, the Consortium will release a range of materials, including guidebooks, model question papers, and instructional content for each exam section. Additionally, a dedicated learning platform will offer access to these resources, alongside performance feedback through various exercises and model question papers. Online sessions with subject experts will further guide candidates on how to best prepare for the exam.

Candidates are advised to enhance their reading and comprehension skills, stay informed about current affairs by regularly reading reputable newspapers and periodicals, and sharpen their quantitative skills using 10th standard mathematics textbooks to prepare effectively for the UG-CLAT 2024.

CLAT 2025 UG Eligibility

There is no upper age restriction for applicants seeking admission to the Undergraduate Programme via CLAT 2024. The minimum academic requirements for eligibility are as follows:

• Candidates from General / OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories must achieve at least forty-five percent (45%) marks or its equivalent grade in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.
• Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are required to obtain forty percent (40%) marks or its equivalent grade.
• Applicants who are scheduled to sit for their qualifying exams in March/April 2024 may also apply for CLAT 2024. However, they must provide proof of passing their qualifying exam at the time of admission. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of their admission eligibility.
• It is mandatory for all candidates to present the result of their qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2) during admission. Absence of this will render the candidate ineligible for admission to their chosen course.
• In instances where candidates achieve identical scores in CLAT 2024, the tie-breaker will be resolved in the following sequence:
• Priority will be given to candidates with higher scores in the Legal Aptitude section of the CLAT 2024.
• If a tie persists, the older candidate will be given preference.
• Should the tie still remain, a computerized draw of lots will be the final decider.

PG CLAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates appearing for CLAT PG 2025 can check the eligibility below:

• An LL.B. Degree or an equivalent examination with a minimum of Fifty percent (50%) marks or its equivalent grade
• In case of candidates belonging to General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories and Forty-Five percent (45%) marks or its equivalent grade
• In case of candidates belonging to SC/ST categories
• Candidates appearing for their qualifying examination in April/May 2023 are also eligible to apply

List of National Law Universities

Here's a list of National Law Universities (NLUs) in India:

1. National Law School of India University, Bangalore
2. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
3. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
4. Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
5. GNLU Silvassa (an off-centre campus of GNLU), Silvassa
6. National Law University, Jodhpur
7. National Law Institute University, Bhopal
8. Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
9. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow
10. National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
11. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala
12. Chanakya National Law University, Patna
13. National Law University Odisha, Cuttack
14. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Vishakhapatnam
15. National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi
16. National Law School and Judicial Academy, Guwahati
17. Tamil Nadu National Law University, Trichy
18. Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
19. Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
20. Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad
21. Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
22. Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur
23. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat
24. National Law University Tripura, Agartala
25. RPNLU, Prayagraj

Please note that NLU Delhi conducts its own entrance exam, known as the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), and NLU Meghalaya, Shillong, also administers its own entrance test.

CLAT 2025: Application Process

The detailed step-by-step process you've outlined for the CLAT 2025 application form is comprehensive and provides a clear guide for prospective candidates on how to register and apply for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for the year 2025. From initial registration, document preparation, filling out the application form, to fee payment, each step is crucial for successfully submitting the CLAT application.

Here's a brief overview of the key points and requirements for the CLAT 2025 application:

Before Applying:

Prepare Necessary Documents: Ensure you have a working email ID, mobile number, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, ID and address proof (such as Aadhaar Card, Driving License, PAN Card, etc.), and certificates for category or disability (if applicable) in the specified format and size.

Registration Process:

• Register on the Official CLAT Consortium Website: Provide your name, mobile number, and create a secure password.
• Activate Your Account: Use the OTP sent to your registered mobile number for account activation.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Enter personal, communication, and academic details accurately.
• Upload Required Documents: Upload your photograph, signature, state domicile certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and relevant certificates for PwD or BPL status in the specified format and size limits.
• Test Centre and College Preferences: Select your preferred test centers and National Law Universities (NLUs) in order of preference. Also, fill in reservation details if applicable.
• Application Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online, noting the additional bank charges that may apply.

CLAT 2025: Admit Card

The process to download the CLAT 2025 Admit Card is straightforward and involves a few simple steps. Here's a quick guide to ensure you can access and print your admit card without any issues:

Steps to Download CLAT Admit Card 2025

Method 1:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the CLAT Consortium's official website at https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
• Login Credentials: Enter your registered mobile number and password in the designated fields.
• Access Admit Card: Click on the "Login" button to access your dashboard.
• Download Admit Card: Find and click on the "Download Admit Card" link, usually positioned at the top right of the screen.
• Save and Print: Download the admit card PDF to your device. It's advisable to print at least three copies of the admit card on an A4 size sheet for future reference.

Method 2:

• Access Admit Card Portal: Directly log on to the admit card section of the CLAT Consortium website at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
• Enter Details: Type in your registration/application number and date of birth in the respective fields.
• Download Admit Card: Click on the "Download Admit Card" button to view your admit card.
• Print Admit Card: Download, save, and print the admit card PDF for your records.

Important Tips:

• Check Details: After downloading the admit card, ensure all the details mentioned (such as your name, application number, exam date, exam center address, etc.) are correct. If you find any discrepancies, contact the CLAT authorities immediately.
• Exam Day Requirement: Remember to carry the printed copy of your admit card to the examination center. Without it, you may not be allowed to enter the examination hall.
• Additional Documents: Carry a valid photo ID proof (such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License) along with your admit card to the exam center for verification purposes.
• Keep It Safe: Preserve your admit card until the entire admission process is completed, as it might be required during counselling or at the time of admission.
• By following these steps, you can smoothly download and print your CLAT 2025 Admit Card, ensuring you're well-prepared for the exam day.

CLAT 2025 Required Documents

When completing the online application, the following documents must be uploaded:

• A recent passport-sized photograph with a plain background, facing the front.
• The candidate's signature.
• A category certificate for candidates applying under SC/ST/OBC categories.
• A certificate from a competent authority for candidates applying as Persons with Disabilities (P.W.D).
• A certificate from a competent authority for candidates applying under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

Important Notes:

• At the time of admission, candidates must submit the original certificates/documents issued by the competent authority, as outlined in the admission brochure. These documents must be presented to the allotted university in the format and manner specified by that university.
• The photograph and signature of the candidate do not require attestation for the online application form.
• All documents and certificates should be uploaded in PDF format.

CLAT 2025 Admit Card/Hall ticket & Exam Date

The Admit Card/Hall ticket can be downloaded by the candidate by logging into his/her account. The exact date on which the hall tickets will be made available will be intimated on the website.

The CLAT 2025 exam is set to be conducted in an offline format. Interested candidates must submit their applications exclusively online via the official website at consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The examination is scheduled for December 2024, from 2 PM to 4 PM, though this date may be subject to change if necessary. (Expexted)

Indian Nationals and NRIs aiming for undergraduate programs are required to participate in CLAT 2025. Foreign Nationals are exempt from this requirement. For detailed information about the 22 participating NLUs, candidates should consult the e-brochures on the Consortium's website.

For seats designated for NRI/NRI Sponsored/Foreign Nationals, applicants must refer to both the e-brochures and the individual websites of the respective NLUs for detailed information. NRI category applicants must take the CLAT 2025 exam for admission to those NLUs that select NRI category candidates based on CLAT 2025 rankings, rather than direct admissions by the universities themselves. It is essential for candidates to apply directly to the concerned NLU in addition to appearing for the CLAT exam for consideration for these categories. Further details are available on the respective NLU websites.

The Information Brochure available on the official CLAT website and the websites of the participating NLUs contains details on intake numbers, reservation policies, courses offered, fee structures, and more. Candidates are advised to thoroughly review these details before applying, especially for NRI and Foreign National seats.

For comprehensive information about intake, reservation policies, fees, course offerings, and specialization areas, candidates should visit the websites of the participating NLUs.

Candidates are encouraged to regularly check the CLAT 2025 website for updates. Seat allotment and admission offers under CLAT 2025 are provisional and do not guarantee admission.

Additional Instructions:

• Online registration for CLAT 2025 opens on July 1, 2024, and closes on November 2024. (EXPEXTED)
• To register, candidates must use a personal mobile number and email ID. After registration, an OTP will be sent for mobile number validation.
• It's crucial to fill in the application form accurately, especially the names of the candidate and parents, as discrepancies may lead to disqualification.
• After submission and payment, changes to the program, category, and BPL status cannot be made.
• Accurate and truthful information is essential throughout the application and admission process. False or incorrect information will result in cancellation of provisional admission.
• Candidates should correctly select their desired program (UG/PG) and category as changes will not be entertained later.
• The Convenor of CLAT 2024 reserves the right to cancel or change test cities or centers if necessary.
• To avail of reservation benefits, candidates must provide the relevant certificates as prescribed by the Government and the respective NLU at the time of admission.
• The CLAT 2025 application fee is non-refundable and non-adjustable.
• The number of seats and reservation policies of participating NLUs are subject to change as per the policies of the respective universities and government regulations.
• In cases of multiple applications, only the last submitted form will be considered, and fees for previous applications will not be refunded.

In conclusion, the Common Law Admission Test is not merely an examination; it is a milestone in the journey of aspiring lawyers, shaping the future of legal education and the profession in India. Its role in democratizing access to top-tier law education, promoting meritocracy, and nurturing legal talent is invaluable. As candidates gear up to tackle CLAT, they are not only preparing for an exam but also laying the groundwork for their future roles as advocates, solicitors, judges, and policymakers, contributing to the justice system and society at large.