The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2025 is one of the most significant entrance exams for law aspirants in India. Conducted annually by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), CLAT serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in top NLUs and other participating law universities.
With the release of the CLAT Exam Pattern 2025, aspirants now have access to the official syllabus, exam structure, marking scheme, and other essential details. A clear understanding of the exam pattern is vital to crafting an effective preparation strategy and securing a seat in one of the prestigious law schools.
This article provides an in-depth overview of the CLAT 2025 exam pattern, detailed syllabus breakdown, important dates, and preparation tips to help candidates excel. Additionally, it addresses seven common questions that aspirants have regarding the exam.
What is CLAT?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a centralized national-level entrance exam for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs across National Law Universities in India. Established in 2008, CLAT has become the standard admission route to 22 NLUs and several other private and government law schools.
Purpose
- To streamline the admission process for UG and PG law courses.
- To maintain uniform standards in legal education admissions.
- To select meritorious students for law programs based on a standardized test.
Important Dates for CLAT Exam 2025
| Event | Tentative Dates (2025) |
|---|---|
| CLAT 2025 Application Start | January 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2025 |
| CLAT 2025 Exam Date | May 2025 |
| Result Declaration | June 2025 |
| Counselling/Seat Allotment | July 2025 |
Note: Exact dates are subject to confirmation by the Consortium of NLUs.
CLAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is fundamental for exam preparation. CLAT 2025 exam pattern includes important details like mode of exam, duration, number of questions, marking scheme, and sectional distribution.
Mode of Examination
- CLAT 2025 will be conducted online (computer-based test) at various exam centers across India.
- The exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes).
Exam Levels
- Undergraduate (UG) Level: For admissions to the 5-year integrated law programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB).
- Postgraduate (PG) Level: For admissions to the 1-year LLM program.
Number of Questions & Marks
| Level | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG | 150 | 150 | 120 mins |
| PG | 120 | 120 | 120 mins |
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +1 mark.
- Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks (negative marking).
- Unanswered Questions: 0 marks.
Detailed Syllabus for CLAT 2025
The syllabus varies between the UG and PG level exams. Below is the detailed syllabus for each level.
UG Level Syllabus
The UG CLAT syllabus is divided into five sections:
| Section | No. of Questions | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 28–32 | Comprehension passages, grammar, vocabulary |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 35–39 | National and international events, awards, books, sports, etc. |
| Legal Reasoning | 35–39 | Legal propositions, laws, principles, and facts |
| Logical Reasoning | 28–32 | Critical reasoning, analogies, puzzles |
| Quantitative Techniques | 13–17 | Basic arithmetic, data interpretation |
English Language
- Reading comprehension passages (factual, descriptive, narrative, discursive, literary, and other types).
- Grammar and vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, analogies, sentence completion).
- Verbal reasoning and inference-based questions.
Current Affairs and General Knowledge
- Important national and international current events.
- Static general knowledge (history, geography, culture).
- Awards, sports, books, and authors.
- Economics, politics, and social developments.
Legal Reasoning
- Understanding and application of legal principles.
- Legal propositions based on facts.
- Analyzing legal scenarios and problem-solving.
- Understanding laws, statutes, and constitutional principles.
Logical Reasoning
- Analytical reasoning (arrangements, puzzles, syllogisms).
- Critical reasoning, identifying patterns.
- Deductive and inductive reasoning.
Quantitative Techniques
- Basic mathematics: Arithmetic, percentages, ratios, averages.
- Data interpretation (tables, charts, graphs).
- Simple calculations and problem-solving.
PG Level Syllabus
The LLM entrance exam focuses primarily on:
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law
- Other important law subjects relevant to postgraduate legal studies.
Questions test the candidate’s comprehension, analytical ability, and application of law.
How to Prepare for CLAT 2025
Preparation for CLAT requires a strategic approach combining knowledge, speed, and accuracy.
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
- Start by thoroughly reviewing the detailed syllabus.
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section.
Build Reading Habits
- Regularly read newspapers, editorials, and magazines to improve current affairs and English comprehension.
- Practice reading comprehension passages daily.
Practice Legal Reasoning
- Study basic laws and legal concepts.
- Solve previous years’ legal reasoning questions.
- Refer to NCERT books and legal reasoning guides.
Enhance Logical Reasoning & Quantitative Skills
- Practice puzzles, arrangements, and reasoning questions.
- Work on speed and accuracy in arithmetic problems.
- Use online mock tests and question banks.
Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers
- Take full-length timed mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Analyze mistakes and improve on weak areas.
- Practice past years’ papers for exam pattern familiarity.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Reach the exam center well before time.
- Carry a valid admit card and ID proof.
- Follow instructions carefully during the online test.
- Manage time efficiently to attempt all questions.
- Avoid guesswork to minimize negative marking.
Post-Exam Process
- Results will be declared online.
- Shortlisted candidates for UG courses will be called for counselling and seat allocation.
- Keep all documents ready for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mode of the CLAT 2025 exam?
CLAT 2025 will be conducted online as a computer-based test.
How many questions will be there in the UG CLAT exam?
The UG exam will have 150 questions covering five subjects.
Is there negative marking in CLAT?
Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Can I use a calculator during the exam?
No, calculators or any electronic devices are not allowed.
What is the duration of the CLAT exam?
The exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes).
What subjects are covered in the PG CLAT exam?
The PG exam covers Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Contract Law, Criminal Law, and related topics.
When will the CLAT 2025 exam be conducted?
The tentative exam month is May 2025, subject to confirmation by the Consortium.
Conclusion
The CLAT Exam Pattern 2025 and syllabus release mark the beginning of the preparation journey for thousands of law aspirants. A clear understanding of the exam structure and syllabus will help candidates focus their efforts on relevant topics and maximize their scores.The exam demands consistent practice, knowledge of current affairs, strong reasoning skills, and legal aptitude. With disciplined study and strategic planning, cracking CLAT 2025 and securing admission in reputed law universities is an achievable goal.Aspiring candidates should stay updated with official notifications from the Consortium of NLUs and prepare diligently.