Common Law Admission Test Exam Pattern 2026
Common Law Admission Test Exam Pattern
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Facts
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 exam pattern for undergraduate (UG) courses consists of 120 multiple-choice questions to be attempted in 2 hours. The exam is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- No penalty is applied for unattempted questions.
The CLAT syllabus covers five sections: English Language, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The questions are of a 12th standard level, while the quantitative techniques section has questions of a 10th standard level.
CLAT 2026 Sectional Weightage
The CLAT exam pattern 2026 allocates specific weightage to each section. The section-wise question distribution and weightage are as follows:
| Section | Number of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22–26 questions | 20% |
| Current Affairs & General Knowledge | 28–32 questions | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 questions | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 questions | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–14 questions | 10% |
The consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) in India releases the CLAT exam pattern every year. The CLAT exam pattern 2026 will follow the same pattern, and any further updates will be communicated in due course of time.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for CLAT 2026 is straightforward. Each correct answer is worth +1 mark, and each incorrect answer results in a –0.25 mark deduction.
- Correct answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect answer: –0.25 mark
- Unattempted question: No penalty
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern: PG Exam
The CLAT exam pattern for postgraduate (PG) courses follows a different structure from the UG exam. The PG exam is also conducted in pen-and-paper mode.
The table below discusses the key features of the CLAT 2026 exam pattern for both CLAT UG and CLAT PG exams.
CLAT Syllabus 2026
The CLAT 2026 syllabus includes passages and questions that test reading and inferential reasoning skills. Candidates with strong reading habits are likely to perform better.
The exam will include questions based on numerical data presented in graphs, pictures, propositions, and diagrams. These questions are designed to demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries about the CLAT 2026 exam pattern. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the most accurate and updated information.
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is conducted in offline mode. Both CLAT UG and CLAT PG papers are held as pen-and-paper tests.
The exam is conducted in English. It contains multiple-choice questions (MCQs) only.
CLAT UG and CLAT PG Exam Details
| Particulars | CLAT UG | CLAT PG |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | English | English |
| Mode | Offline - Pen and Paper | Offline – Pen and Paper |
| Duration | 2 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Type of Questions | MCQ | MCQ |
| Total Number of Questions | 120 | 120 |
| Total Marks | 120 | 120 |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 1 | 1 |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 | -0.25 |
Subjects and Sections in CLAT
CLAT UG has five sections. CLAT PG has two sections.
- CLAT UG sections: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques
- CLAT PG sections: Constitutional Law, Other Law Subjects
CLAT 2026 Sectional Weightage
CLAT UG 2026 has 20 passage-based MCQ questions for 120 marks. The weightage of each section is based on the number of questions.
| CLAT Exam Subject | MCQs per section | Maximum Marks | Approximate Weightage (in %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 28-32 | 28-32 | 18.66 - 21.33 |
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge | 35-39 | 35-39 | 23.33 - 26 |
| Logical Reasoning | 28-32 | 28-32 | 18.66 - 21.33 |
| Legal Reasoning | 35-39 | 35-39 | 23.33 - 26 |
| Quantitative Techniques (Elementary Mathematics up to Class 10) | 13-17 | 13-17 | 8.66 - 11.33 |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 100% |
CLAT Past Year Question Papers
The CLAT question paper contains MCQ-based questions based on comprehension. Candidates preparing for CLAT PG 2026 and CLAT UG 2026 can check the exam syllabus, marking scheme, type of questions, and mode of examination.
Past year question papers help candidates understand the CLAT exam syllabus better.
CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key and Solution PDF
| CLAT Paper | Download PDF | Detailed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key Set A | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key Set B | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key Set C | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key Set D | Download | Check Solution |
CLAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key and Solution PDF
| CLAT Paper | Download PDF | Detailed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key Set A | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key Set B | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key Set C | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key Set D | Download | Check Solution |
CLAT Question Papers from 2020 to 2023
| Year | CLAT Question Paper with Answer Key PDF | CLAT Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Check Here | Check Here |
| 2022 | Check Here | Check Here |
| 2021 | Check Here | Check Here |
| 2020 | Check Here | Check Here |
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Areas
Some key areas need preparation while going through the CLAT examination pattern. Candidates should focus on these areas to understand the exam structure.
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage for UG Exam
The CLAT 2026 UG exam has five sections. Each section carries a specific number of questions and marks.
| Section | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| English Language | Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar |
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge | Static GK, Current Events, Awards, Sports |
| Legal Reasoning | Legal Principles, Case Analysis |
| Logical Reasoning | Critical Thinking, Analytical Reasoning |
| Quantitative Techniques | Arithmetic, Data Interpretation |
CLAT Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme
In the CLAT 2026 marking scheme, one mark is awarded for every correct answer. A deduction of 0.25 marks is made for an incorrect answer due to negative marking. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
| CLAT Marking Parameters | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +1 marks |
| Incorrect answer | -0.25 marks |
| Unattempted question | 0 marks |
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: PG Exam
CLAT LLM 2026 (CLAT PG 2026) has a separate exam pattern for the postgraduate program. The details cover the question pattern, marking scheme, and mode of the CLAT PG exam.
CLAT Examination Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage for PG Exam
CLAT PG questions cover undergraduate-level legal topics, including Contract Law, Property Law, and Family Law. This part of the syllabus assesses the candidate's ability to make legal arguments and their legal knowledge.
| Subjects | No. of Questions | No. of Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 60 | 60 |
| Other Law | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
CLAT Marking Scheme 2026: PG Exam
The CLAT Question Paper for PG has a total of 120 questions. The marking scheme for the PG exam is as follows.
| Parameters | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | 1 |
| Incorrect answer | - 0.25 |
| Unanswered | 0 |
CLAT Syllabus 2026: PG Exam
The CLAT LLM Syllabus 2026 for the PG exam includes the following important topics.
| Sections | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Revise the topics mentioned in the CLAT UG Program Syllabus |
| Other Areas of Law | Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public, International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour & Industrial Law |
CLAT Syllabus 2026
The following table provides a detailed view of the CLAT Syllabus 2026 for the UG exam with the important topics and CLAT subjects.
CLAT 2026 Subject-Wise Syllabus
The CLAT 2026 exam covers five main subjects. The table below lists the subjects and the important topics for each.
| CLAT Subjects | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Grammar (correcting incorrect grammatical sentences, filling in the blanks, etc.) and Vocabulary |
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge | Static GK (Arts & Culture and History) and knowledge of all events happening nationally and internationally |
| Logical Reasoning | Relationships, Analogies, Logical Sequences, and Arguments |
| Legal Reasoning | General awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues |
| Quantitative Techniques | Ratios and Proportions, Basic Algebra, Mensuration, and Statistics |
CLAT Books 2026
CLAT is one of India's most difficult and competitive law exams. A huge number of students attempt CLAT each year, therefore the competition is also high. Candidates can refer to these recommended books while preparing for the CLAT 2026 Exam.
| Subject | Name of Book | Publisher/ Author |
|---|---|---|
| English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| English | High School English Grammar and Composition Key | Wren & Martin |
| Current Affairs | Manorama Yearbook 2021 | Manorama |
| Current Affairs | Current Affairs Yearly 2021 | Arihant |
| Legal Reasoning | Legal Awareness Legal Reasoning | Bhardwaj |
| Legal Reasoning | Legal Aptitude for the CLAT and other Law Entrance Examinations | Bhardwaj |
| Logical Reasoning | Universal’s Logical Reasoning for CLAT, LSAT and other Law Entrance Exams | Jain Prateek |
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | RS Agarwal |
| Quantitative Techniques | Universal's Elementary Mathematics (Numerical Ability) | Jain Prateek |
| Quantitative Techniques | Quantitative Aptitude | RS Aggarwal |
| Constitutional Law | Indian Constitutional Law | M P Jain |
| Constitutional Law | The Constitution of India | P M Bakshi |
CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme
CLAT awards 1 mark for each correct answer and deducts 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. Unanswered questions receive no marks.
| Parameters | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | 1 |
| Incorrect answer | - 0.25 |
| Unanswered | 0 |
CLAT 2026 Exam Date and Mode
The CLAT 2026 exam will be held on December 7th for 2 hours from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Consortium of NLUs declared the exam date at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
CLAT is conducted in offline mode. Both CLAT UG 2026 and CLAT PG 2026 consist of objective-type questions.
CLAT 2026 Question Distribution
There will be 120 questions in the CLAT 2026 exam. The table below shows the number of MCQs and weightage for each section.
| Sections | MCQs per section | Approximate Weightage (in %) |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 28-32 | 18.66 - 21.33 |
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge | 35-39 | 23.33 - 26 |
| Logical Reasoning | 28-32 | 18.66 - 21.33 |
| Legal Reasoning | 35-39 | 23.33 - 26 |
| Quantitative Techniques (Elementry Mathematics up to Class 10) | 13-17 | 8.66 - 11.33 |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern Changes
The consortium of NLUs in India releases the CLAT Syllabus and CLAT Exam pattern every year. The CLAT exam pattern was changed in 2024, which suggests that the consortium is likely to maintain the same pattern for the CLAT Exam 2026.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The Consortium of NLUs releases the CLAT syllabus and exam pattern every year. The pattern was changed in 2024, and the consortium is likely to keep the same pattern for CLAT 2026.
CLAT 2026 will have 120 questions instead of 150. The exam is held in offline mode for 2 hours.
Marking Scheme
| Parameter | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | 1 |
| Incorrect answer | -0.25 |
| Unanswered | 0 |
Section-wise Distribution
| Section | MCQs per Section | Approximate Weightage (in %) |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 28-32 | 18.66 - 21.33 |
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge | 35-39 | 23.33 - 26 |
| Logical Reasoning | 28-32 | 18.66 - 21.33 |
| Legal Reasoning | 35-39 | 23.33 - 26 |
| Quantitative Techniques (Elementary Mathematics up to Class 10) | 13-17 | 8.66 - 11.33 |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
CLAT 2026 Exam Date
The Consortium of NLUs declared the CLAT 2026 exam date at consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The exam will be held on December 7th.
The exam duration is 2 hours, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Exam Mode and Question Type
CLAT is conducted in offline mode. Both CLAT UG 2026 and CLAT PG 2026 consist of objective-type questions.
The CLAT exam is MCQ based. Each section consists of passages, and candidates must answer objective-type questions based on these passages.
Subjects in CLAT
CLAT exam pattern has 5 subjects. These are English Language, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques, and Current Affairs.
The Current Affairs section also has questions based on General Knowledge.
Good Score and Expected Cut-offs for CLAT 2026
CLAT is a tough exam, and candidates need to score high to qualify for the cut-offs. A score above 100 is considered a good score in CLAT to qualify for the NLUs in India.
The expected CLAT cut-off score of NLSIU Bangalore is 100 plus. NLU Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur, and NLU Bhopal have expected cut-offs between 94 to 98.
Category-wise Score Targets
For General Category:
- Top NLUs (e.g., NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad): Aim for 100+ marks.
- Other Top NLUs: A score of 90+ is generally desirable.
For Reserved Categories:
- EWS: Aim for 85-95+ marks.
- OBC: Target 80-90+ marks.
- SC/ST: Look for scores between 75 and 85.