Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
CLAT is the premier centralized entrance test for admissions into 24 participating National Law Universities (NLUs) in India (excluding NLU Delhi). The examination format is passage-based and tests critical reading comprehension, legal reasoning, constitutional awareness, and analytical logic.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 120 Marks| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | Passage-based (~24-28 Qs) | ~24-28 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
| Current Affairs & General Knowledge | Passage-based (~28-32 Qs) | ~28-32 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
| Legal Reasoning | Passage-based (~32-35 Qs) | ~32-35 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
| Logical Reasoning | Passage-based (~22-26 Qs) | ~22-26 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
| Quantitative Techniques | Data Interpretation sets (~10-14 Qs) | ~10-14 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
+1 mark for correct response, -0.25 marks for incorrect response. Total 120 questions for 120 marks.
Negative Marking Rule: -0.25 marks penalty per wrong answer
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
NLSIU Bengaluru typically closes at AIR 1-110 (score ~95-100+ out of 120). Top 5 NLUs require rank within top 500 (~85-92 marks).
Participating Institutes / Career Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NLU Delhi accept CLAT scores?
No, National Law University Delhi conducts its own independent entrance test called AILET.
Is prior legal knowledge required for CLAT?
No, CLAT legal reasoning questions provide all legal principles and rules within the passage itself.
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