CLAT EXAM: Common-Law Admission Test, commonly called CLAT, is a national stage entrance examination organized once every year. It is conducted via the Consortium of Nlus for applicants searching for admission in UG and PG law courses presented via 22 National Law Universities.
It includes the NLUs and diverse private and self-financed regulation universities in India that consider the CLAT scores and rankings. All the National Law Universities accept the scores and rankings of the CLAT examination, excluding the NLU of Delhi.
The NLU of Delhi organizes a separate entrance examination, the AILET, for the law aspirants. The CLAT, in other words, is also known as the most challenging entrance examination for law aspirants due to various factors such as high competition, the fewer number of seats, vast syllabus, etc.
CLAT Exam Pattern
The CLAT examination is held for 2 hours (120 minutes), having 120 questions for the CLAT UG and CLAT PG, both. Moreover, the questions (excluding the Quantitative Analysis section in the CLAT UG) are based on comprehension passages consisting of around 350 to 500 words each, followed by the MCQs.
CLAT UG (Under-Graduate)
The CLAT UG exam consists of five sections with a hundred and fifty questions and each one of them containing 1 mark.
The five sections are:
- The English language section.
- Current Affairs (including the General Knowledge) section.
- Logical Reasoning section.
- Legal Reasoning section.
- Quantitative Techniques (or Analysis) section.
CLAT PG (Post-graduate)
The CLAT PG examination consists of 2 significant sections having 120 questions, each containing 1 mark. Moreover, one of the sections consists of the Constitutional Law, which includes 60 questions.
The other section comprises various legal concepts or topics like the Indian Contract Act, Law of Torts, International Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Jurisprudence, and many others.
CLAT Exam Dates
CLAT exam dates have not been officially announced. However, CLAT exams are usually held in December based on the usual trend. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check the official CLAT website or other reputable sources for updates and changes to exam dates.
CLAT Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Several measures must be carefully followed to guarantee a successful application for CLAT. An extensive tutorial on how to use CLAT is provided below:
Step 1: Go to the official website.
Visit the official CLAT website to start the application process. By entering “www.clat.ac.in” into your web browser, you may visit it.
Step 2: Locate the registration link
Once you are on the homepage of the CLAT website, search for the registration link for CLAT. The link could be clearly visible or under a particular heading like “Admissions” or “Apply Now.” To continue, click the signup link.
Step 3: Create an account
You will be taken to a new page where you must register after clicking the link. Your complete name, email address, mobile number, and password are among the information you must provide. The email address you supply must be current because it will be used for further correspondence.
Step 4: Access your account online
Log in after creating an account using the registered email address and password. You’ll have access to the application form and other pertinent parts with this.
Step 5: Fill out the application form
You will be sent to the application form after logging in. Complete all required fields thoroughly and correctly. Along with your educational background, current address, and contact information, it will ask for your name, date of birth, gender, category, and other personal information. Be careful while submitting the info since any mistakes or inconsistencies might hurt your application.
Step 6: Upload scanned documents
You must provide scanned copies of a few needed papers and your application form. A passport-sized photo, signature, and supporting documents indicated in the application instructions are normally included. Make the scanned copies crisp, readable, and adhere to the CLAT-specified format and size requirements.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
Go to the payment area after completing the application form and uploading the required files. You may pay the CLAT 2024 application cost online, including with a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. The official website will make the cost structure explicit. Pick the right payment option to finish the payment procedure and adhere to the directions.
Step 8: Examine the application and submit
Review and confirm the accuracy of all the supplied information before submitting the application form. To make sure there are no errors, carefully review each area. Once you know all the notification is accurate, use the submit button to finish the application. Remember that the application form cannot be modified once submitted, so double-checking is essential.
Step 9: Print the application form
Printing off the full application form after submitting it for your records is advised. The printed version can be used for future correspondence or paperwork needs and verification of your application.
Now! You can successfully submit an application for CLAT by carefully following the steps listed below. It is important to stay updated with the official CLAT website and regularly check for any updates or notifications regarding the examination. Adequate preparation and timely completion of the application process will enhance your chances of securing admission to your desired law program. Good luck!
CLAT Syllabus
The CLAT UG consists of five sections :
- English Language section,
- Logical Reasoning section,
- Current Affairs, including the General Knowledge section,
- Legal Reasoning section, and
- Quantitative Analysis section.
The syllabus for the sections is given below:
(i) English Language section:
The most important topic or concept under the English Language section is the comprehension passages. Moreover, The passages are based on fictional and non-fictional stories, followed by 4 to 5 MCQs. Other concepts include grammar portions like word meanings, sentence correction, etc.
(ii) Current Affairs including General Knowledge section:
The Current Affairs section (including the General Knowledge) is one of the most critical sections. Moreover, It is considered to be more difficult than other sections. The most important topic is Current Affairs from at least the past year or more. Other topics include history, geography, science, technology, etc.
(iii) Legal reasoning section:
The Legal Reasoning section is another section that is considered to be very important. The most important concepts are the Indian Contract Act, Law of Torts, Family Law, Constitution of India, etc.
(iv) Logical Reasoning section:
The Logical Reasoning section contains some of the most specific topics. Furthermore, Some of these topics include a clock, direction test, distance test, blood relations, analogies, series, seating arrangements, logical sequence, calendars, etc.
(v) Quantitative Analysis section:
The Quantitative Analysis section consists of questions based on basic mathematics. The essential concepts include ratio and proportions, graphs, measurement, algebra, etc. In addition, The difficulty level of the section is moderate.
The CLAT PG consists of two major sections. One section consists of the Constitutional Law. The other section consists of other law concepts like family law, international law, labor law, administrative law, Indian Contract Act, Law of Torts, Company Law, Intellectual Property Rights, etc.
CLAT Subject-wise Important Details
English Language
Overall Weightage 20% of the overall paper
Type of question Comprehension, Passage.
Source Books, Non-fiction Books, News.
Ability Check Firstly, Language & Comprehension Skills
Secondly, Conclusion & Inferences
Thirdly, the Passage summary
Lastly, Identification of Arguments & points of view
Finally, the Meaning of words & phrases
Standard Quality 12th Class Quality
Current Affairs & GK
Overall Weightage 25% of the Overall Paper
Type of question General knowledge & Current affairs.
Source News, Media, Research, Non-fiction Writings.
Ability check Firstly, Important contemporary events in India and the world
Secondly, Arts and Culture;
Thirdly, International Affairs; and
Finally, Historical events of enduring significance.
Standard Quality 12th class
Logical Reasoning
Overall Weightage 25% of the overall paper
Type of question Comprehension, Passage, and objective follow-up questions.
Source Legal matters involving Facts, Situations, and Scenarios. Moreover, questions related to public policy & moral inquiries.
Ability Firstly, General awareness of legal & moral issues,
Secondly, Identification of rules & regulations,
Thirdly, Case studies,
Moreover, Changing rules application.
Standard Quality 12th Class
Legal Reasoning
Overall Weightage 20% of the overall Paper
Type of question Objective question, Passage
Source Puzzles, Diagrams.
Ability Firstly, Identification of arguments.
Secondly, Draw a conclusion
Thirdly, Analyze analogies,
Standard Quality 12th Class
Quantitative Aptitude
S.no Particulars Important Pointers
Overall Weightage 10% of the overall paper
Types of question Graphs, Pictorial, Diagrams, numerical information, and a series of other facts.
Source Books, News, Listings, Newsletters, Journals.
Ability Firstly, Understanding basic math.
Secondly, the ability to identify errors,
Thirdly, the ability to solve the equation
Also read:- 10 Best CLAT Coaching in Delhi
Also Read: UPSC Syllabus
Eligibility Criteria for attempting the CLAT Entrance Examination
The Eligibility criteria for the candidates who want to participate in the CLAT Entrance Examination are given via the Consortium of NLUs. The candidates are required to follow the instructions to attempt the entrance examination. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Firstly, The applicants should have completed their Class 12 (10+2) or an identical exam from a recognized board or institution.
- Secondly, students who will give the board exam in the same year as the CLAT are also eligible to attempt the CLAT entrance examination. Such applicants are required to provide evidence of their academic qualifications at the time of the CLAT counseling and admission process, failing which, their admission will be canceled.
- Thirdly, the candidates must secure at least forty-five percent in the qualifying exam (10+2) or an equivalent grade.
- Lastly, SC and ST class candidates should have at least forty percent marks or equivalent grades on their qualifying exam.
- Finally, there are no restrictions on the candidates based on age. Any candidate of any age group can appear for the CLAT examination.
Books that are recommended for the preparation for the CLAT examination:
The recommended books for each of the subjects are given below:
Current Affairs including General Knowledge:
- Manorama Yearbook – Mammen Mathew
- General Knowledge: Latest Current Affairs & Who’s Who – RPH Editorial Board
- Current Affairs Yearly – Arihant
- Pratiyogita Darpan – Upkar Prakashan
- Pearson General Knowledge Manual – Pearson
English Language:
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
- Objective General English – SP Bakshi
- CLAT Guide – Tata McGraw-Hill
- The Pearson Guide to the CLAT
Quantitative Analysis:
Magical Book On Quicker Maths – Tyra
Quantitative Aptitude- R S Aggarwal
Fаst Trасk Оbjeсtive Аrithmetiс – Rajesh Verma
Legal Reasoning:
1.Legal Awareness Legal Reasoning – AP Bhardwaj
2.Legal Aptitude (for the CLAT exam and other Law Entrances) – AP Bhardwaj
Universal’s CLAT Guide – Universal
Universal’s Constitution of India (Bare Act including Short Notes) – Universal
Legal Aptitude – RK Gupta
Logical Reasoning:
Universal’s Logical Reasoning for LSAT, CLAT, and other Law Entrances- Jain Prateek
Analytical Reasoning – MK Pandey
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning – RS Agarwal
Analytical and Logical Reasoning – RS Agarwal
Conclusion
For candidates seeking admission to a prominent legal school in India, CLAT is an important test. Candidates can ensure a simple and hassle-free application procedure by adhering to the registration and application process described in this article. It is advised to keep up with the official CLAT website and other trustworthy sources for any updates about the exam date and additional relevant information. To increase their chances of success in the CLAT examination, prospective candidates are urged to begin their preparations as soon as possible.
