The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a centralized entrance test for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programmes offered by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. Aspirants who are planning to take the CLAT exam in 2024 must be well-versed in the exam pattern to increase their chances of getting admission to one of the prestigious NLUs. In this article, we will take a quick look at the basic highlights of the CLAT Exam Pattern for 2024.
Mode of the Exam
The CLAT exam for 2024 will be a pen-and-paper-based offline test. The exam duration is 2 hours.
CLAT Exam Pattern for UG
The CLAT exam pattern for the UG programme comprises 5 sections: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The total marks for the UG programme are 150.
CLAT PG subjects
The CLAT exam pattern for the PG programme comprises 2 sections: Constitutional Law and other law subjects including Administrative Law, Jurisprudence, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour, Industrial Law, Law of Contract, Family Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Property Law, Company Law, and Public International Law. The total marks for the PG programme are 120.
Medium
The CLAT exam is conducted in English and the questions are in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
The marking scheme for the CLAT exam is +1 for every correct answer and -0.25 for every incorrect answer. This means that there is negative marking in the CLAT exam.
Tips for Preparing for the CLAT Exam
- Understand the Exam Pattern: The first step in preparing for the CLAT exam is to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern. Knowing the sections, duration, marks, and marking scheme will help you to plan your preparation accordingly.
- Focus on the Syllabus: The CLAT exam covers a wide range of subjects, and it is essential to have a clear understanding of the syllabus. Make sure you are aware of the topics that will be covered in the exam and focus on them during your preparation.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Taking mock tests is an excellent way to get a feel for the actual exam. It will help you to understand your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.
- Join a CLAT Coaching: Joining a CLAT coaching center can be beneficial as they provide expert guidance and study materials. They also conduct mock tests, which can help you to improve your score.
- Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and general knowledge. This will help you to score well in the Current Affairs and General Knowledge sections of the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions about CLAT Exam Pattern
Is there negative marking in the CLAT exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in the CLAT exam. For every incorrect answer, -0.25 marks will be deducted.
How many sections are there in the CLAT exam?
For the UG programme, there are 5 sections in the CLAT exam – English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. For the PG programme, there are 2 sections – Constitutional Law and other law subjects.
What is the medium of the CLAT exam?
The CLAT exam is conducted in English.
How many marks are there in the CLAT exam?
For the UG programme, the total marks are 150. For the PG programme, the total marks are 120.
Key Changes in CLAT Exam Pattern for 2024
As per the official notification, there will be no changes in the CLAT Exam pattern for 2024. However, it is always advisable to check the official website for any updates or changes in the exam pattern.
How to make the most of CLAT Exam Pattern
- Time Management: The CLAT exam is of 2 hours duration, and time management is crucial to perform well in the exam. Make a schedule and stick to it. Practice time management by taking mock tests and analyzing your performance.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and focus on them during your preparation. This will help you to improve your score in those sections.
- Understand the type of questions: The CLAT exam comprises of multiple-choice questions. Understand the type of questions that are asked in the exam and practice them accordingly.
Understanding the Importance of Exam Pattern in CLAT
The CLAT Exam Pattern is an essential aspect of your preparation. Knowing the exam pattern will help you to understand the structure of the exam, the sections that will be covered, and the marking scheme. This will help you to plan your preparation accordingly and maximize your score on the exam.
Maximizing Your Score with a Clear Understanding of the CLAT Exam Pattern
With a clear understanding of the CLAT Exam Pattern, you can optimize your preparation, focus on your weak areas, and improve your score. Join a CLAT coaching center, take mock tests, and practice with the previous year’s question papers to boost your preparation. Stay updated with current affairs, and general knowledge, and most importantly, manage your time efficiently during the exam. With the right approach and dedicated preparation, you can secure your seat in one of the prestigious NLUs in India.
Take a quick look at the basic highlights of the CLAT Exam Pattern in the table below.
| Components | CLAT Exam Pattern 2024 Overview |
| Mode of the Exam | Pen-and-Paper Exam (Offline) |
| CLAT Exam duration | 2 Hours |
| CLAT Exam Pattern for UG | 5 Sections
English Language Current Affairs, including General Knowledge Legal Reasoning Logical Reasoning Quantitative Techniques |
| CLAT PG subjects | 2 Sections:
Constitutional Law Other law subjects, including, Administrative Law, Jurisprudence, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour, Industrial Law, Law of Contract, Family Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Property Law, Company Law, and Public International Law |
| Medium | English |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| CLAT Total Marks | 150 marks for UG
120 marks for PG |
| CLAT Marking scheme | +1 for every correct answer
-0.25 for every incorrect answer |
| CLAT Negative marking | Yes |
Conclusion
The CLAT exam is a highly competitive exam that requires a solid understanding of the exam pattern and format. By familiarizing yourself with the types of questions, the marking scheme, and the overall structure of the exam, you can increase your chances of success. Additionally, it is very important to stay updated with current events and practice as much as possible to be well-prepared for the exam.