Management, Law & CA · Updated October 2026
AILET ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
The All India Law Entrance Test is conducted by National Law University Delhi for admission to its BA LLB (Hons), LLM and PhD programmes. NLU Delhi is not part of the CLAT consortium, so AILET is the only route to its undergraduate programme.
- Type
- Entrance
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Law
Start for free with AILET syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
AILET exam overview and highlights
About AILET
The All India Law Entrance Test is conducted by National Law University Delhi for admission to its BA LLB (Hons), LLM and PhD programmes. NLU Delhi is not part of the CLAT consortium, so AILET is the only route to its undergraduate programme. The test is held once a year as an offline objective examination.
The examination process for AILET comprises 3 stages: Written test (BA LLB), followed by Written test (LLM), followed by Counselling. The official syllabus tests candidates across 4 core areas — English Language, Current Affairs and General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Law subjects (LLM) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates are ranked by score, and seats at NLU Delhi are offered by rank through its own counselling rounds, within the category and domicile quotas in the notification.
Key subjects
- English Language
- Current Affairs and General Knowledge
- Logical Reasoning
- Law subjects (LLM)
What clearing AILET leads to
- Admission to BA LLB (Hons) at National Law University Delhi
- Admission to LLM at National Law University Delhi
- Admission to PhD at National Law University Delhi
- Admission & Seat Allotment: Admission to BA LLB (Hons), LLM or PhD programmes at NLU Delhi
- Centralised merit counselling and seat allocation through National Law University Delhi participating institutes
- Validity & Eligibility Window: AILET score is valid for that year's admission cycle only
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- National Law University Delhi
- Frequency
- Once a year (usually held in December)
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet)
- Languages
- English
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- nationallawuniversitydelhi.in
AILET — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of AILET conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AILET |
| Conducting Body | National Law University Delhi |
| Exam Category | Management, Law & CA |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Entrance (Academic Admission & Seat Allotment) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year (usually held in December) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Once a year: registration opens around August or September, exam in December, counselling in the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (2 Papers Total): Written test (BA LLB) → Written test (LLM) → Counselling |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates are ranked by score, and seats at NLU Delhi are offered by rank through its own counselling rounds, within the category and domicile quotas in the notification. |
| Educational Qualification | BA LLB: Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC, ST and persons with disabilities); candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply. LLM: LLB or equivalent with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Admission Scope & Seats | Admission to BA LLB (Hons), LLM or PhD programmes at NLU Delhi |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | AILET score is valid for that year's admission cycle only |
| Competition Scale | Around 20,000 to 30,000 candidates for roughly a hundred undergraduate seats |
| Official Website | nationallawuniversitydelhi.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
AILET exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for AILET. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Law website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| AILET Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Once a year: registration opens around August or September, exam in December, counselling in the following months | Once a year (usually held in December) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via National Law University Delhi |
| AILET — Written test (BA LLB) | Once a year: registration opens around August or September, exam in December, counselling in the following months | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| AILET — Written test (LLM) | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Seat Intake & Competition
- Around 20,000 to 30,000 candidates for roughly a hundred undergraduate seats. Seat matrix and institute-wise intake across General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD categories are released by National Law University Delhi and participating counselling authorities prior to choice filling.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Category-wise examination/registration fee is payable online via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit Card on the National Law University Delhi portal. Concessional fee slabs (typically 50% or lower) apply to SC, ST, PwBD, OBC-NCL/EWS, and female candidates as specified in the current AILET Information Bulletin.
How to apply online for AILET
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit nationallawuniversitydelhi.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the AILET application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final AILET Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
AILET eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for AILET must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Law.
Educational qualification
BA LLB: Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC, ST and persons with disabilities); candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply. LLM: LLB or equivalent with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Age limit & relaxations
No upper age limit.
Number of attempts
Candidates may appear in every scheduled examination cycle subject to meeting the academic year/passing window and age criteria in the official brochure.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizens; separate seats and procedures for foreign nationals and OCI candidates.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
AILET — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) & EWS | No upper age limit. | Must satisfy qualifying examination passing year and minimum aggregate marks criteria. |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to 5 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Requires a valid SC/ST certificate issued by a competent authority in the prescribed central/state format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | Up to 3 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Candidate must belong to the central/state OBC-NCL list with a certificate issued within the notified financial window. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD / PwD) | Up to 5 to 10 years relaxation + scribe & compensatory time (20 minutes per hour) facility | Applicable to candidates with 40% or more benchmark disability under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
AILET selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates are ranked by score, and seats at NLU Delhi are offered by rank through its own counselling rounds, within the category and domicile quotas in the notification.
Stage 1: Written test (BA LLB)
Offline (OMR sheet) • 1 Paper (AILET BA LLB) • 150 Questions • 150 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • A single objective paper of 150 questions across English, current affairs and general knowledge, and logical reasoning.
A single objective paper of 150 questions across English, current affairs and general knowledge, and logical reasoning. Admission is on rank through NLU Delhi's own counselling.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration AILET BA LLBEnglish Language 50, Current Affairs and General Knowledge 30, Logical Reasoning 70 150 150 2 hours Stage 2: Written test (LLM)
Offline (OMR sheet) • 1 Paper (AILET LLM) • Duration: 2 hours • An objective paper covering core law subjects, with the exact section split given in the admission notification.
An objective paper covering core law subjects, with the exact section split given in the admission notification. PhD admission has its own written test and interview.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration AILET LLMConfirm the number of questions in the current notification Varies Varies 2 hours Stage 3: Counselling
Offline (OMR sheet) • NLU Delhi conducts its own counselling and seat allotment on the basis of AILET rank and category.
NLU Delhi conducts its own counselling and seat allotment on the basis of AILET rank and category.
AILET subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
English Language: Reading comprehension & Vocabulary and word usage
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary and word usage
- Grammar and sentence correction
- Para jumbles and inference
Current Affairs and General Knowledge
- National and international events
- Legal and constitutional developments
- Awards, sports and important days
- Static general knowledge
Logical Reasoning: Critical reasoning & Analytical reasoning
- Critical reasoning: assumptions, inferences, conclusions
- Analytical reasoning: puzzles and arrangements
- Series, analogies and coding
- Syllogisms and statement-based questions
Law subjects (LLM): Constitutional law & Jurisprudence
- Constitutional law
- Jurisprudence
- Contracts, torts and criminal law
- International law and recent legal developments
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (AILET)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past AILET cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Analytical Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency & Applied Concepts
- Multi-step numerical and conceptual application problems
- Graphical, tabular and experimental data interpretation
- Cross-chapter synthesis and formula derivation problems
- Speed calculation, approximation and unit-dimension verification
- Caselets, comprehension passages and critical reasoning scenarios
Language Comprehension, Administrative / Academic Expression & Communication
- Reading comprehension of dense analytical, policy and scientific passages
- Contextual vocabulary, idioms, phrases, synonyms and antonyms
- Grammatical accuracy, sentence correction, para-jumbles and cloze tests
- Structured essay/précis writing or verbal reasoning inference
- Official terminology, formal communication and logical coherence
Quantitative Reasoning, Data Interpretation & Mental Ability
- Percentages, ratios, averages, profit & loss and interest calculations
- Tables, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts and mixed caselet DI
- Number series, coding-decoding, syllogisms and analytical puzzles
- Seating arrangements, blood relations, direction sense and logical deductions
- Critical reasoning: assumptions, conclusions, arguments and course of action
AILET admission scope, counselling, seat allotment & career pathways
Admission to BA LLB (Hons), LLM or PhD programmes at NLU Delhi. High percentiles / All-India Ranks unlock top-tier specialisations, scholarships, and high-placement campuses.
Programmes & Institutes Covered
Admission to BA LLB (Hons), LLM or PhD programmes at NLU Delhi.
Exam & Counselling Authority
National Law University Delhi
Scorecard Validity
AILET score is valid for that year's admission cycle only
Seat Reservation Norms
Statutory vertical & horizontal reservations (GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD, Female Supernumerary / State Quota where applicable).
Key Benefits & Institutional Opportunities
- Centralised multi-round online choice filling and merit-based seat upgrades
- Eligibility for AICTE / UGC / Ministry / Institute merit-cum-means scholarships and tuition waivers
- Access to funded research laboratories, industry-sponsored capstone projects, and international exchange semesters
- Direct campus placement eligibility across marquee technology, consulting, core engineering, finance, clinical, or legal recruiters
- PSU recruitment shortlisting or direct fellowship stipends where scores are accepted by public sector enterprises
Academic & Career Progression Roadmap
- Qualify AILET with a strong All-India Rank (AIR) / Percentile
- Participate in Centralised / Institute Counselling, GD-PI / Clinical / Studio rounds & Document Verification
- Core Academic Curriculum, Specialisation Electives & Summer Research / Corporate Internships
- Final Campus Placements, PSU Recruitment, Clinical Residency, or Higher Doctoral / Global Studies
- Long-Term Domain Leadership in Industry, R&D, Academia, or Public Policy
AILET cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
National Law University Delhi releases the official AILET qualifying cut-off and opening/closing ranks (or percentiles) after each exam cycle. While clearing the qualifying cut-off makes you eligible for counselling, admission to top participating institutes depends on your All-India Rank (AIR) and category seat matrix.
AILET — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because AILET is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining AILET Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the AILET cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
AILET admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
AILET Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
National Law University Delhi releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official AILET Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the AILET e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
AILET Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, National Law University Delhi uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
AILET Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
National Law University Delhi declares the AILET result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official AILET Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
AILET mock tests
Practice in the official AILET pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
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AILET Full Mock Test 1
Written test (BA LLB) · 150 questions · 2 hours
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AILET Full Mock Test 2
Written test (BA LLB) · 150 questions · 2 hours
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AILET Full Mock Test 3
Written test (BA LLB) · 150 questions · 2 hours
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AILET Full Mock Test 4
Written test (BA LLB) · 150 questions · 2 hours
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AILET Full Mock Test 5
Written test (BA LLB) · 150 questions · 2 hours
AILET previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all AILET previous year papers by year
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Recent AILET question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
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Complete 10-year AILET paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for AILET
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for AILET
- Logical Reasoning carries 70 of the 150 marks in AILET BA LLB, so give it the largest share of preparation time.
- Unlike CLAT, AILET does not have a separate legal reasoning or quantitative section, so plan your preparation for its own pattern.
- Solve analytical reasoning puzzles under time, since 150 questions in 2 hours is a faster pace than CLAT.
- Keep a current affairs routine with attention to legal and constitutional news.
- Avoid guessing because of the 0.25 negative marking; the number of seats is small and cut-offs are high.
- Read the official AILET syllabus and information bulletin before you start, and keep it next to your study plan.
AILET FAQs
Is AILET different from CLAT?
Yes. AILET is conducted by NLU Delhi alone, while CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of other NLUs. The patterns also differ.
What is the AILET BA LLB exam pattern?
A two-hour offline test of 150 questions: 50 on English, 30 on Current Affairs and GK, and 70 on Logical Reasoning, with 0.25 negative marking.
Is there an age limit for AILET?
No. There is no upper age limit for AILET.
Can I apply for both CLAT and AILET?
Yes. Many candidates take both, as they are separate exams for different universities.
Does AILET have a legal aptitude section?
The BA LLB paper has English, Current Affairs and GK, and Logical Reasoning; legal knowledge is not tested as a separate section at the undergraduate level.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for AILET?
AILET is conducted by National Law University Delhi across 3 stages: Written test (BA LLB) → Written test (LLM) → Counselling. Candidates are ranked by score, and seats at NLU Delhi are offered by rank through its own counselling rounds, within the category and domicile quotas in the notification.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for AILET?
Educational Qualification: BA LLB: Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC, ST and persons with disabilities); candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply. LLM: LLB or equivalent with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Age Limit: No upper age limit.
Is there negative marking in the AILET exam?
Yes — One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer. Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
Which institutes and programmes accept AILET scores?
Admission to BA LLB (Hons), LLM or PhD programmes at NLU Delhi. Validity: AILET score is valid for that year's admission cycle only.
When is the AILET notification released and how can I apply online?
AILET is held once a year (usually held in December) (Once a year: registration opens around August or September, exam in December, counselling in the following months). Online on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.
How can I prepare for AILET on SmartRank?
Select AILET as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Current Affairs and General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Law subjects (LLM), solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact AILET pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.