Overview of the CLAT exam structure
Introduction to the CLAT Exam Structure
The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is one of the most sought-after entrance exams for law aspirants in India. Conducted annually by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), it serves as a gateway to prestigious undergraduate and postgraduate law programs across the country. Understanding the structure of the CLAT exam is critical for candidates aiming to secure admission into top law schools. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the current CLAT exam structure and a comparison between the old and new formats to help students prepare strategically.
Current CLAT Exam Structure (2025 onwards)
The current CLAT exam structure is designed to test the comprehension, reasoning, and aptitude skills required for legal studies. The exam is 2 hours long and includes a total of 120 multiple-choice questions spread across five sections.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Questions | 120 |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Question Type | Passage-based Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for incorrect answers |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
Section-Wise Weightage (CLAT 2025)
The CLAT exam is divided into five distinct sections, each carrying a specific weightage based on the number of questions. The table below highlights the approximate number of questions and weightage for each section:
| Section | Number of Questions | Percentage Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
Passage-Based Questions:
- English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning: All four of these sections include passage-based questions, typically 450 words in length (around 300 words for Logical Reasoning).
- Quantitative Techniques: This section does not include long passages but presents sets of facts, graphs, or numerical representations requiring candidates to perform mathematical operations.
Skills Tested: The CLAT exam primarily focuses on evaluating a candidate's comprehension, analytical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. It does not test prior legal knowledge but emphasizes skills that are essential for legal education.
Comparison of the Old vs. New CLAT Exam Structure
The CLAT exam underwent a significant structural change in 2024. Here is a detailed comparison between the old and new exam structures:
| Point of Difference | Old CLAT Exam Structure | New CLAT Exam Structure (from 2024 onwards) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 150 | 120 |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Question Type | Passage-based, except Quantitative Techniques | Still passage-based, Quantitative Techniques remain the same |
| Sections | English Language, Current Affairs (General Knowledge), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques | Same sections remain: English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for incorrect answers | No change in marking scheme |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
Key Changes in the CLAT Exam Structure
- Reduction in Questions: The number of questions was reduced from 150 to 120, which reduces the burden on students while maintaining the exam’s comprehensiveness.
- Same Duration, More Time per Question: The exam duration remains at 2 hours, allowing more time per question (1 minute per question as opposed to 48 seconds in the old structure).
- Unchanged Question Types: Passage-based questions remain a central focus, except for Quantitative Techniques, which involves analyzing short sets of numerical data.
Reasons for the Changes:
The modifications introduced by the Consortium of NLUs aimed to:
- Reduce Student Burden: Fewer questions make the exam more manageable for students.
- Improve Exam Quality: Focus on comprehension and reasoning skills rather than rote memorization or prior legal knowledge.
- Align with International Standards: The changes bring the CLAT exam closer to global legal education assessment standards, ensuring a better evaluation of essential skills.
Impact of the Changes:
- More Time per Question: With 120 questions spread across 2 hours, students now have more time to answer each question thoughtfully, reducing time pressure.
- Emphasis on Analytical Skills: The focus on passage-based questions requires strong reading comprehension and analytical reasoning.
- Strategic Preparation: Despite fewer questions, the syllabus remains extensive, so students must strategize their preparation carefully by focusing on key areas.
Important Notes :
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The number of questions has been reduced from 150 to 120, but the duration remains the same at 2 hours, allowing more time per question and reducing time pressure.
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Four out of five sections—English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning—include passage-based questions, emphasizing comprehension and reasoning skills over prior legal knowledge.
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The CLAT exam follows a strict marking scheme where 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer, making accuracy critical to scoring well.
Conclusion:
The CLAT exam has evolved into a more streamlined and balanced assessment that focuses on testing core skills like comprehension, reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. By reducing the number of questions and maintaining the same duration, the exam offers students the chance to perform better by allocating more time per question. Students preparing for CLAT should adapt their strategies to align with the new structure while honing their reading, reasoning, and problem-solving skills for success in legal education.