What is CLAT?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a prestigious national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). It serves as the gateway to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 26 (25 +1) National Law Universities (NLUs) and 29 affiliated universities in India.
CLAT is widely recognized as the benchmark for legal education in India. In addition to the 26 NLUs, almost all top law colleges and universities in the country use CLAT scores as a primary criterion for admission into their UG and PG law programs. This makes CLAT one of the most significant exams for aspiring law students aiming to secure admission into the nation’s best legal institutions.
The participating NLUs and affiliated colleges are known for their academic rigor, world-class infrastructure, and career-oriented curriculum, ensuring that students are well-equipped to excel in the legal field.
CLAT Eligibility for UG Law Courses
Nationality
- Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are eligible.
- Foreign nationals can also apply, provided they hold a valid passport.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- Minimum Marks Requirement:
- General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories: At least 45% in 10+2.
- SC/ST categories: At least 40% in 10+2.
Appearing Candidates
- Students appearing for their Class 12 exams are also eligible, provided they meet the minimum marks criteria upon declaration of results.
General Guidelines
- Result Submission: Candidates appearing for their final exams (10+2 for UG) must submit their results at the time of admission. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- Application Process: Ensure all eligibility requirements are met before completing the CLAT application form to avoid disqualification during the admission process.
CLAT UG PATTERN
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | UG-CLAT |
| Time duration | 2 hours |
| Mode | Offline (pen paper-based mode) |
| Type of questions | Objective-type (MCQs) |
| Number of questions - 120 Qns. | |
|---|---|
| English Language | 22 - 24 |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 26 - 28 |
| Legal Reasoning | 30 - 32 |
| Logical Reasoning | 22 - 24 |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10 - 12 |
| Total marks | 120 marks |
| Marking scheme | • Correct answer - 1 mark • Incorrect answer - 0.25 marks deduction • Un-attempted questions - No negative marking |
| Language | English |
| Date of Examination | Dec 2025 (1st Week) |
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List of NLUs
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
- National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
- Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur
- Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
- GNLU, Silvassa Campus, Silvassa
- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow
- Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab
- Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi
- National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Odisha
- National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi
- National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam
- Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam
- Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli
- Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai
- Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur
- Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad
- Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla
- Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Haryana
- National Law University Tripura (NLUT), Agartala
- Raja Pan Singh National Law University of Prayagraj (RPNLUP), Prayagraj
- India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER), Goa
List of Top Law Colleges in Tamil Nadu having CLAT as a criterion for admission:
- Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli
- VIT School of Law, Chennai
- School of Law – SASTRA
- SRM School of Law, Chennai
- Saveetha School of Law
- School of Law – VelTech
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