Management, Law & CA · Updated October 2026
CLAT UG ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, CLAT (UG) is the centralized national entrance examination for admission to 5-year integrated undergraduate law degrees (B.A. LL.B., B.B.A. LL.B., B.Sc. LL.B.) across 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) and 60+ affiliated law schools. The 2-hour offline OMR test features 120 comprehension-based questions across five passages-driven sections.
- Type
- Entrance
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Law
Start for free with CLAT UG syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
CLAT UG exam overview and highlights
About CLAT UG
The Common Law Admission Test (Undergraduate) is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission to five-year integrated LLB programmes at the participating National Law Universities. It is a two-hour pen-and-paper test that emphasises reading comprehension across English, current affairs, legal reasoning, logical reasoning and quantitative techniques. Many private law colleges also accept CLAT scores.
The examination process for CLAT UG comprises 2 stages: Written test, followed by Counselling. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates are ranked by score, with ties broken as per the Consortium's rules. Seats at the NLUs are allotted by rank through centralised counselling rounds.
Key subjects
- English Language
- Current Affairs including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
What clearing CLAT UG leads to
- Admission to BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB and other five-year integrated law programmes at National Law Universities
- Admission to private law colleges that accept CLAT scores
- Admission & Seat Allotment: Admission to NLUs by rank through counselling; some private law schools also accept the score
- Centralised merit counselling and seat allocation through Consortium of National Law Universities participating institutes
- Validity & Eligibility Window: CLAT 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)
- 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 UG — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of CLAT UG conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CLAT UG |
| 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) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Once a year: registration opens around July or August, exam in December, 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. Seats at the NLUs are allotted by rank through centralised counselling rounds. |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC and ST candidates). Candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Admission Scope & Seats | Admission to NLUs by rank through counselling; some private law schools also accept the score |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | CLAT score is valid for that year's admission cycle only |
| Competition Scale | Around 60,000 to 80,000 candidates for a few thousand NLU seats |
| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
CLAT UG exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for CLAT UG. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Law website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT UG Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Once a year: registration opens around July or August, 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 Consortium of National Law Universities |
| CLAT UG — Written test | Once a year: registration opens around July or August, exam in December, counselling in the following months | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| CLAT UG — 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 60,000 to 80,000 candidates for a few thousand NLU 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 UG Information Bulletin.
How to apply online for CLAT UG
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 UG 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 UG Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
CLAT UG eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for CLAT UG must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Law.
Educational qualification
Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC and ST candidates). Candidates appearing in Class 12 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 UG — 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 UG 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. Seats at the NLUs are allotted by rank through centralised counselling rounds.
Stage 1: Written test
Offline (OMR sheet) • 1 Paper (CLAT UG) • 120 Questions • 120 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • A single objective paper of 120 questions based on passages.
A single objective paper of 120 questions based on passages. Candidates are ranked on their score and admitted through centralised counselling run by the Consortium.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration CLAT UGEnglish, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques 120 120 2 hours Stage 2: Counselling
Offline (OMR sheet) • The Consortium conducts centralised counselling in rounds, allotting seats across NLUs on the basis of rank and preferences.
The Consortium conducts centralised counselling in rounds, allotting seats across NLUs on the basis of rank and preferences.
CLAT UG 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 of 450-word passages & Main idea and inference
- Reading comprehension of 450-word passages
- Main idea and inference
- Vocabulary in context
- Tone and argument
Current Affairs including General Knowledge
- National and international events
- Arts and culture
- International affairs
- Historical events of continuing significance
Legal Reasoning: Applying legal principles to fact & Constitutional and public policy issues
- Applying legal principles to fact situations
- Constitutional and public policy issues
- Contracts, torts and criminal law basics
- Recent legal developments
Logical Reasoning: Identifying premises and conclusions & Strengthening and weakening arguments
- Identifying premises and conclusions
- Strengthening and weakening arguments
- Analogies and inferences
- Critical reasoning passages
Quantitative Techniques: Data interpretation from graphs and tables & Ratio, proportion and percentages
- Data interpretation from graphs and tables
- Ratio, proportion and percentages
- Basic algebra and mensuration
- Statistical estimation
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (CLAT UG)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past CLAT UG 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
CLAT UG admission scope, counselling, seat allotment & career pathways
Admission to NLUs by rank through counselling; some private law schools also accept the score. High percentiles / All-India Ranks unlock top-tier specialisations, scholarships, and high-placement campuses.
Programmes & Institutes Covered
Admission to NLUs by rank through counselling; some private law schools also accept the score.
Exam & Counselling Authority
Consortium of National Law Universities
Scorecard Validity
CLAT 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 UG 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 UG cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Consortium of National Law Universities releases the official CLAT UG 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 UG — 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 UG 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 UG 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 UG 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 UG admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
CLAT UG Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Consortium of National Law Universities releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official CLAT UG 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 UG 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 UG 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 UG Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Consortium of National Law Universities declares the CLAT UG 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 UG 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 UG mock tests
Practice in the official CLAT UG 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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CLAT UG Full Mock Test 1
Written test · 120 questions · 2 hours
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CLAT UG Full Mock Test 5
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CLAT UG previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all CLAT UG previous year papers by year
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Recent CLAT UG question papers
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Complete 10-year CLAT UG paper archive
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Predicted questions for CLAT UG
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for CLAT UG
- Every section is passage-based, so build reading speed and comprehension across editorials, legal news and essays.
- Legal Reasoning does not need prior legal knowledge; practice applying the principle given in the passage strictly to the facts.
- Current Affairs is drawn largely from the months before the exam, so follow a daily news routine and monthly compilations.
- Quantitative Techniques is Class 10 level data interpretation; do not neglect it because it is short.
- Take full-length timed mock tests, as 120 passage-based questions in 2 hours demand strict time allocation.
- Read the official CLAT UG syllabus and information bulletin before you start, and keep it next to your study plan.
CLAT UG FAQs
What is the CLAT UG exam pattern?
A two-hour offline test of 120 objective questions across English, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques, with 0.25 negative marking.
Is there any age limit for CLAT?
No. There is no upper age limit for CLAT UG.
Can Class 12 students apply for CLAT?
Yes. Candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply, but must produce the passing certificate at the time of admission.
Does CLAT accept students from any stream?
Yes. Students from science, commerce and arts streams are all eligible with the required marks.
Is NLU Delhi part of CLAT?
No. National Law University Delhi conducts its own entrance test, AILET.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for CLAT UG?
CLAT UG 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. Seats at the NLUs are allotted by rank through centralised counselling rounds.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for CLAT UG?
Educational Qualification: Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC and ST candidates). Candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply. Age Limit: No upper age limit.
Is there negative marking in the CLAT UG 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 CLAT UG scores?
Admission to NLUs by rank through counselling; some private law schools also accept the score. Validity: CLAT score is valid for that year's admission cycle only.
When is the CLAT UG notification released and how can I apply online?
CLAT UG is held once a year (usually held in December) (Once a year: registration opens around July or August, exam in December, counselling in the following months). Online on consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
How can I prepare for CLAT UG on SmartRank?
Select CLAT UG as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact CLAT UG pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.