The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is an all-India entrance examination conducted annually on rotation by 19 National Law Universities (NLUs) for admission to their undergraduate and post-graduate degree programs (LL.B & LL.M). It is considered as one of the most prestigious and competitive law entrance examinations in India. The test is conducted in online mode, usually in the month of May.
To be eligible to take the CLAT exam, candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent education with not less than 45% marks in aggregate (40% in the case of SC and ST candidates). There is no age limit for the CLAT exam.
The CLAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on subjects such as English (including comprehension), general knowledge and current affairs, elementary mathematics (numerical ability), legal aptitude, and logical reasoning. The duration of the exam is 2 hours. The question paper is designed to test the aptitude of the candidate for studying law and not just memory or knowledge.
The selection process for the CLAT exam is based on the candidate’s performance in the entrance examination. Candidates who pass the CLAT exam will then be eligible for admission to one of the 19 NLUs participating in the test.
After the successful completion of an LL.B, students can either work in law firms or as legal advisors in companies, or they can also go for higher studies like LL.M or Ph.D in law. The CLAT also provides an opportunity for students to pursue an integrated BA LL.B (Hons) or B.Sc LL.B (Hons) course.
Overall, CLAT is a competitive and reputed law entrance examination that opens the gate to study in one of the prestigious NLUs of India and also provides a good opportunity to start a career in the legal field.
Syllabus of CLAT Exam
- English including comprehension: The questions will test the candidate’s knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension of passages.
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs: The questions will test the candidate’s knowledge of general knowledge and current affairs, including events of national and international importance.
- Elementary Mathematics (Numerical Ability): The questions will test the candidate’s knowledge of basic mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Legal Aptitude: The questions will test the candidate’s knowledge of legal concepts and the ability to apply them to given facts and situations.
- Logical Reasoning: The questions will test the candidate’s ability to analyze a given situation, identify patterns and relationships, and draw logical conclusions.
It is important to note that the CLAT exam is designed to test the aptitude of the candidate for studying law and not just their memory or knowledge. Therefore, it is important for candidates to practice logical reasoning and legal aptitude questions in addition to studying traditional subjects like English, GK, math and reasoning. It is also important to stay updated with current affairs and legal matters to do well in the legal aptitude section.
It’s also worth mentioning that the syllabus is similar for both UG and PG levels of CLAT, with some modifications like the inclusion of some research-based or advanced legal concepts in the PG level.