The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in participating National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. The exam assesses candidates' proficiency in various areas through multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Exam Pattern:
- Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper based)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Type of Questions: Objective-type MCQs based on comprehension passages
Sections and Weightage:
The CLAT exam comprises five sections, each focusing on different skill sets:
English Language:
- Number of Questions: 22–26
- Marks: 22–26
- Weightage: Approximately 20%
- Focus: Assessing proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge:
- Number of Questions: 28–32
- Marks: 28–32
- Weightage: Approximately 25%
- Focus: Evaluating awareness of current events and general knowledge.
Legal Reasoning:
- Number of Questions: 28–32
- Marks: 28–32
- Weightage: Approximately 25%
- Focus: Testing understanding of legal principles and reasoning.
Logical Reasoning:
- Number of Questions: 22–26
- Marks: 22–26
- Weightage: Approximately 20%
- Focus: Assessing logical and analytical reasoning abilities.
Quantitative Techniques:
- Number of Questions: 10–14
- Marks: 10–14
- Weightage: Approximately 10%
- Focus: Evaluating mathematical and numerical ability.
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks
- Unanswered Question: 0 marks
Each correct answer awards 1 mark, while each incorrect answer incurs a penalty of 0.25 marks. Unanswered questions do not affect the total score.
Important Notes:
- No Negative Marking for Unanswered Questions: Candidates are not penalized for leaving questions unanswered.
- Time Management: With 120 questions to be completed in 2 hours, effective time management is crucial.
- Preparation Strategy: Familiarity with the exam pattern and marking scheme is essential for devising an effective preparation strategy.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, candidates should refer to the official CLAT website or the latest official notifications.