CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a national level entrance exam conducted annually for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law courses in various National Law Universities (NLUs) and other law colleges across India. CLAT is organized by the Consortium of National Law Universities consisting of 22 participating NLUs.
CLAT is considered one of the most competitive law entrance exams in India, and it requires a high level of preparation to crack the exam. The exam is conducted in an online mode, and the duration of the exam is two hours.
Eligibility Criteria: To appear for the CLAT exam, a candidate must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- For Undergraduate Programmes: Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved category candidates).
- For Postgraduate Programmes: Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in law with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved category candidates).
Exam Pattern: The CLAT exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions with a total score of 150 marks. The exam is divided into five sections, namely:
- English Language
- Current Affairs including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
Each section consists of 30 questions, and each question carries one mark. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Preparation Tips: To prepare for the CLAT exam, candidates should follow a well-structured study plan and start their preparation early. They should focus on building their conceptual understanding and solving a lot of practice questions and mock tests. Candidates should also stay updated with the latest legal developments and current affairs.
Candidates should also improve their reading speed and comprehension skills as these are important for the English Language and Legal Reasoning sections. Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques sections require strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Candidates can also join coaching institutes or online coaching programs to get expert guidance and access to study materials and mock tests.
Admission Process: After the CLAT exam results are announced, candidates are required to participate in the online counselling process conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities. The counselling process involves registration, choice filling, and seat allotment based on the candidate’s rank and preference.
Conclusion: CLAT is a highly competitive exam that requires focused preparation and hard work to crack. The exam provides an excellent opportunity for students to pursue a career in law and secure admission to some of the top law colleges in India. Candidates should plan their preparation early, stay focused, and remain updated with the latest legal developments and current affairs to increase their chances of success in the CLAT exam.