Management, Law & CA · Updated October 2026
CLAT PG ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Administered by the Consortium of National Law Universities, CLAT (PG) is the national entrance test for Master of Laws (LL.M.) admissions across 24 NLUs and serves as the shortlisting score for Legal Officer / Law Executive recruitment in PSUs such as ONGC, NTPC, PGCIL, IOCL, and THDC, as well as JAG entry. It consists of 120 objective questions based on extracts from landmark judicial decisions and statutes.
- Type
- Entrance
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Law
Start for free with CLAT PG syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
CLAT PG exam overview and highlights
About CLAT PG
The Common Law Admission Test (Postgraduate) is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission to one-year LLM programmes at participating National Law Universities. The test is objective and passage-based, drawing on constitutional law, jurisprudence and other core law subjects. Some public sector undertakings also use CLAT PG scores for recruiting law officers.
The examination process for CLAT PG comprises 2 stages: Written test, followed by Counselling. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Other core law subjects, Public International Law and Environmental Law, Tax Law and Intellectual Property — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates are ranked by score, with ties broken as per the Consortium's rules. LLM seats at the NLUs are allotted by rank through centralised counselling; some PSUs also use the score for legal recruitment.
Key subjects
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Other core law subjects
- Public International Law and Environmental Law
- Tax Law and Intellectual Property
What clearing CLAT PG leads to
- Admission to one-year LLM programmes at National Law Universities
- Shortlisting for law officer posts in public sector undertakings that use CLAT PG scores
- Admission & Seat Allotment: Admission to LLM programmes at NLUs by rank through counselling; some PSUs shortlist law officers using the score
- Centralised merit counselling and seat allocation through Consortium of National Law Universities participating institutes
- Validity & Eligibility Window: CLAT PG score is valid for that year's admission cycle only
- Access to premier teaching faculty, research laboratories, industry internships, and campus placement cells
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Consortium of National Law Universities
- Frequency
- Once a year (usually held in December alongside CLAT UG)
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet)
- Languages
- English
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- consortiumofnlus.ac.in
CLAT PG — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of CLAT PG conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CLAT PG |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities |
| 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 alongside CLAT UG) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Once a year: registration opens around July or August, exam in December alongside CLAT UG, counselling in the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (1 Paper Total): Written test → Counselling |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates are ranked by score, with ties broken as per the Consortium's rules. LLM seats at the NLUs are allotted by rank through centralised counselling; some PSUs also use the score for legal recruitment. |
| Educational Qualification | LLB or equivalent degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC and ST candidates). Final-year LLB students can apply. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Admission Scope & Seats | Admission to LLM programmes at NLUs by rank through counselling; some PSUs shortlist law officers using the score |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | CLAT PG score is valid for that year's admission cycle only |
| Competition Scale | Around 15,000 to 20,000 candidates for a limited number of LLM seats |
| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
CLAT PG exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for CLAT PG. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Law website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT PG Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Once a year: registration opens around July or August, exam in December alongside CLAT UG, counselling in the following months | Once a year (usually held in December alongside CLAT UG) |
| 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 Consortium of National Law Universities |
| CLAT PG — Written test | Once a year: registration opens around July or August, exam in December alongside CLAT UG, counselling in the following months | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| CLAT PG — Counselling | 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 15,000 to 20,000 candidates for a limited number of LLM seats. Seat matrix and institute-wise intake across General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD categories are released by Consortium of National Law Universities 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 Consortium of National Law Universities portal. Concessional fee slabs (typically 50% or lower) apply to SC, ST, PwBD, OBC-NCL/EWS, and female candidates as specified in the current CLAT PG Information Bulletin.
How to apply online for CLAT PG
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the CLAT PG 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 CLAT PG Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
CLAT PG eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for CLAT PG must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Law.
Educational qualification
LLB or equivalent degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC and ST candidates). Final-year LLB students can apply.
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; NRI and foreign national seats are governed by individual NLU rules.
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.
CLAT PG — 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. |
CLAT PG 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, with ties broken as per the Consortium's rules. LLM seats at the NLUs are allotted by rank through centralised counselling; some PSUs also use the score for legal recruitment.
Stage 1: Written test
Offline (OMR sheet) • 1 Paper (CLAT PG) • 120 Questions • 120 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • A single objective paper of 120 questions based on extracts from judgments, statutes and legal writing.
A single objective paper of 120 questions based on extracts from judgments, statutes and legal writing. Candidates are ranked and admitted through centralised counselling.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration CLAT PG 120 120 2 hours Stage 2: Counselling
Offline (OMR sheet) • The Consortium allots LLM seats across NLUs in counselling rounds based on rank and preferences.
The Consortium allots LLM seats across NLUs in counselling rounds based on rank and preferences.
CLAT PG 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.
Constitutional Law — Part I (Fundamental rights and directive principles)
- Fundamental rights and directive principles
- Union and state relations
- Judiciary and judicial review
Constitutional Law — Part II (Constitutional amendments and basic structure)
- Constitutional amendments and basic structure
- Landmark judgments
Jurisprudence: Schools of jurisprudence & Concepts of law, rights and justice
- Schools of jurisprudence
- Concepts of law, rights and justice
- Legal theory and legal reasoning
- Sources of law
Other core law subjects — Part I (Administrative law)
- Administrative law
- Law of contract and torts
- Family law and property law
Other core law subjects — Part II (Criminal law and criminal procedure)
- Criminal law and criminal procedure
- Company law and labour law
Public International Law and Environmental Law
- Sources and subjects of international law
- Treaties and state responsibility
- Environmental protection principles
- Key international conventions
Tax Law and Intellectual Property: Basic income tax concepts & GST framework
- Basic income tax concepts
- GST framework
- Patents, copyrights and trademarks
- Recent IP developments
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (CLAT PG)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past CLAT PG 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
CLAT PG admission scope, counselling, seat allotment & career pathways
Admission to LLM programmes at NLUs by rank through counselling; some PSUs shortlist law officers using the score. High percentiles / All-India Ranks unlock top-tier specialisations, scholarships, and high-placement campuses.
Programmes & Institutes Covered
Admission to LLM programmes at NLUs by rank through counselling; some PSUs shortlist law officers using the score.
Exam & Counselling Authority
Consortium of National Law Universities
Scorecard Validity
CLAT PG 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 CLAT PG 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
CLAT PG cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Consortium of National Law Universities releases the official CLAT PG 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.
CLAT PG — 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 CLAT PG 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 CLAT PG Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the CLAT PG 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
CLAT PG admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
CLAT PG Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Consortium of National Law Universities releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official CLAT PG Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on consortiumofnlus.ac.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 CLAT PG 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
CLAT PG Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Consortium of National Law Universities uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on consortiumofnlus.ac.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
CLAT PG Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Consortium of National Law Universities declares the CLAT PG result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official CLAT PG 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
CLAT PG mock tests
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CLAT PG Full Mock Test 1
Written test · 120 questions · 2 hours
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Written test · 120 questions · 2 hours
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CLAT PG Full Mock Test 3
Written test · 120 questions · 2 hours
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CLAT PG Full Mock Test 4
Written test · 120 questions · 2 hours
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CLAT PG Full Mock Test 5
Written test · 120 questions · 2 hours
CLAT PG previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all CLAT PG previous year papers by year
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Recent CLAT PG question papers
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Complete 10-year CLAT PG paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for CLAT PG
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for CLAT PG
- Read landmark Supreme Court judgments in full, as passages are often drawn from them and questions test the reasoning in the judgment.
- Constitutional law and jurisprudence carry the largest share, so revise them from standard textbooks before moving to other subjects.
- Practice reading long legal extracts quickly, because 120 passage-based questions in 2 hours leave little time per passage.
- Follow recent constitutional and legal developments through law reporting sites and the Supreme Court's own summaries.
- Avoid guessing because of the 0.25 negative marking; CLAT PG cut-offs at top NLUs are close.
- Read the official CLAT PG syllabus and information bulletin before you start, and keep it next to your study plan.
CLAT PG FAQs
What is the eligibility for CLAT PG?
An LLB degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC and ST). Final-year LLB students can also apply.
Is CLAT PG objective or descriptive?
CLAT PG is fully objective, with 120 multiple-choice questions based on legal passages, answered in two hours.
Do PSUs recruit through CLAT PG?
Some public sector undertakings have used CLAT PG scores to shortlist candidates for law officer posts. The participating PSUs are announced separately each year.
Is there negative marking in CLAT PG?
Yes. One-fourth of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Which subjects are important for CLAT PG?
Constitutional law and jurisprudence form the core, along with administrative law, contracts, torts, criminal law, family law, property law, international law, environmental law, tax law and intellectual property.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for CLAT PG?
CLAT PG is conducted by Consortium of National Law Universities across 2 stages: Written test → Counselling. Candidates are ranked by score, with ties broken as per the Consortium's rules. LLM seats at the NLUs are allotted by rank through centralised counselling; some PSUs also use the score for legal recruitment.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for CLAT PG?
Educational Qualification: LLB or equivalent degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC and ST candidates). Final-year LLB students can apply. Age Limit: No upper age limit.
Which institutes and programmes accept CLAT PG scores?
Admission to LLM programmes at NLUs by rank through counselling; some PSUs shortlist law officers using the score. Validity: CLAT PG score is valid for that year's admission cycle only.
When is the CLAT PG notification released and how can I apply online?
CLAT PG is held once a year (usually held in December alongside CLAT UG) (Once a year: registration opens around July or August, exam in December alongside CLAT UG, counselling in the following months). Online on consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
Where can I practice free CLAT PG mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select CLAT PG as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Other core law subjects, Public International Law and Environmental Law, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact CLAT PG pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for CLAT PG on SmartRank?
Select CLAT PG as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Other core law subjects, Public International Law and Environmental Law, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact CLAT PG pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.