CLAT Exam Pattern 2025: Marks, Questions, Changes

• March 28, 2024
• March 28, 2024

If you are a law aspirant, you are probably already familiar with what is CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), the annual entrance exam for UG and PG law programs at leading law schools across India. Thousands of aspirants appear for the exam yearly, hoping to secure a seat in their dream NLUs. 

You need to understand the CLAT 2025 exam pattern to prepare well and perform your best on exam day. Although the Consortium is yet to officially announce the CLAT exam pattern 2025, we have covered here the latest examination pattern till today. 

This blog will closely examine the CLAT paper pattern and what you can expect from the examination. We will cover all the sections in the examination, the number of questions, the marking scheme, and the other important details that will help you effectively prepare for the exam. 

Read on to get all the essential information about the CLAT exam pattern.

What is CLAT Exam Pattern?

The Consortium of NLUs (National Law Universities) releases the exam pattern of CLAT each year, including the number and the type of questions asked in this law entrance test. Another key aspect of the CLAT exam pattern is that it mentions the weightage for every exam section. 

Applicants must carefully review the CLAT exam paper pattern before preparing for the test. This helps them understand what type of question paper they can expect and the type and number of questions asked in the CLAT 2025. 

There are several other things that an aspirant should be aware of, such as the language options available, the marking scheme, and the sections covered. An applicant can only understand such details through the CLAT exam pattern.

In short, the exam pattern of CLAT 2025 is the most important guide to help you study the topics according to their weightage. The pattern consists of 5 sections or subjects, including

• English Language
• Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
• Legal Reasoning
• Logical Reasoning
• Quantitative Techniques

However, the pattern of the CLAT exam for the post-graduate consists of 2 sections: Constitutional Law and other law subjects. 

As per the recent updates of the new CLAT exam pattern, the total number of questions in the UG and PG exams is 120.

CLAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights

Applicants must understand the CLAT exam’s new pattern before appearing at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to understand the question paper. 

Based on the previous year, the major highlights of the CLAT 2025 exam pattern are given below:

CLAT Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme

CLAT 2025 exam pattern is expected to remain the same as the CLAT 2024 exam pattern was changed. The Consortium will release the marking scheme for the CLAT 2025 exam soon. 

Meanwhile, aspirants can refer to the marking scheme for UG and PG courses from the previous year below:

Note:

• Understanding the CLAT marking scheme helps candidates strategize their approach toward the exam. Applicants must be careful while attempting the questions, as every wrong answer has a negative marking in CLAT.
• Candidates must prioritize their time during the exam and attempt questions they are confident about. It’s important to leave questions unattempted that they are unsure of.

CLAT UG Exam Pattern 2025

The CLAT exam evaluates candidates’ comprehension, reasoning skills, and abilities. 

Candidates should note that each section carries a different weightage. Therefore, they need to devise their study plan accordingly.

Section-wise Marks Distribution and Weightage

The CLAT 2025 syllabus is divided into 5 sections. Look at the table below to know how many questions you may anticipate seeing on the CLAT exam pattern:

CLAT UG Exam: Important Topics

The CLAT syllabus 2025 for UG contains all the important topics candidates must refer to prepare for the exam. The details of the topics as per the new CLAT exam pattern 2025 are tabulated below:

CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2025

The CLAT post-graduate exam pattern 2025 may differ slightly from the undergraduate examination pattern as it includes the PG level topics, and applicants must be well-versed before starting their exam preparation. 

Below is an overview of the CLAT exam pattern:

CLAT PG Exam Patter: Sectional Weightage

The table below gives an idea of the topic-wise weightage according to the official CLAT exam pattern for LLM:

CLAT PG Exam Pattern: Important Topics

The CLAT PG syllabus comprises of questions from the below topics:

Analysis of CLAT Exam Pattern 2025 

An analysis of the latest CLAT exam question paper suggests that the question paper’s difficulty level was easy to moderate.

Below are the section-wise details of the CLAT exam pattern:

• English language: This section consists of 450-word passages. The questions will be derived from contemporary or historically important fiction and non-fiction writing. The difficulty level would be as per class 12. As per CLAT 2024 exam analysis by experts and student feedback, the difficulty level of the English language was easy but tricky.
• Current Affairs: This section consists of passages-based questions of about 400-450 words on current affairs. It includes national and international news, static general knowledge, and other relevant topics. As per feedback from students and experts, the current affairs section in the CLAT exam had questions based on more recent events. The difficulty level, too, was easy.
• Quantitative Techniques: The section consists of questions on elementary mathematics, including numerical ability, graphs, data interpretation, and elementary statistics. The difficulty level was moderate in the CLAT exam 2024, and most students found the mathematics section challenging.
• Legal Reasoning: This section comprises short passages-based questions of about 450 words. The passages may be based on facts, situations, or scenarios involving public policy questions, legal matters, or moral philosophical inquiries. As per the CLAT 2024 exam analysis, this section was easy and had smaller passages.
• Logical Reasoning: This section consists of short passages of 300 words. The questions on logical reasoning include syllogisms, analogies, logical sequences, and other relevant topics. In CLAT 2024, the difficulty level of this section ranged from easy to moderate.

CLAT Negative Marking 2025

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) includes a system of negative marking for incorrect answers:

• Deduction for Incorrect Answers: The deduction is 0.25 marks (or one-fourth of a mark) for each incorrect answer. This means that for every four wrong answers, one mark is reduced from the total score.

• No Deduction for Unanswered Questions: It’s important to note that there is no negative marking for questions that are left unanswered. Therefore, if a candidate is unsure about an answer, it might be strategically better to leave the question unanswered rather than guess and risk losing marks.

• Impact on Exam Strategy: The negative marking in CLAT affects how candidates approach the exam. It encourages them to be more cautious and strategic about which questions they choose to answer. Good preparation and practice help in minimizing the chances of negative marking affecting the overall score.

• Importance of Accuracy: Due to the negative marking system, accuracy becomes as important as speed in the CLAT. Aspirants must focus on answering questions correctly rather than attempting a larger number of questions with less certainty.

Importance of CLAT Exam Pattern 

The Common Law Admission Test exam pattern is important for several reasons:

• Consistency & Standardization: The CLAT exam pattern ensures that the admission process for undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in various National Law Universities nationwide is standardized. This means that all candidates are assessed using the same format, which promotes fairness and transparency in the selection process.
• Prediction of CLAT Exam: A well-defined CLAT exam pattern 2025 helps candidates prepare effectively. Knowing the exam’s structure, the types of questions, and the time constraints allows candidates to create a study plan and practice accordingly. 
• Comparison and Ranking: The exam pattern allows ranking candidates based on their performance. Law schools can admit students according to rank, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are admitted.
• Transparency: A clear and well-structured exam pattern enhances transparency in the admission process. Candidates can easily understand how they will be evaluated and have confidence in the system’s fairness.

Strategies for Tackling Each Section in CLAT

1. English Language

• Focus on reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
• Regularly read newspapers, novels, and magazines to enhance comprehension and vocabulary skills.
• Allocate more time to reading comprehension as it might take longer to read and understand passages.

2. Current Affairs Including General Knowledge

• Keep up-to-date with current events by reading newspapers.
• Make notes on important national and international events, awards, sports, etc.
• Since these questions are usually fact-based, they take less time to answer. Use extra time for more complex sections.

3. Legal Reasoning

• Understand basic legal terms and concepts.
• Practice applying legal principles to hypothetical scenarios.
• Legal reasoning can be time-consuming; balance speed with accuracy.

4. Logical Reasoning

• Practice different types of logical reasoning questions like puzzles, syllogisms, analogies.
• Improve logical thinking skills through regular practice.
• Allocate a fixed amount of time per question and move on if you exceed it.

5. Quantitative Techniques

• Clear up basic mathematical concepts.
• Practice data interpretation, graphs, and basic arithmetic problems.
• Practice calculations to improve speed.
• Tackle easier questions first to ensure scoring.

Insights from Toppers and Educators for CLAT Preparation

• Understand, Don’t Just Memorize: Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization, especially for sections like legal reasoning and logical reasoning.

• Regular Practice of Mock Tests: One of the most emphasized tips from toppers is the regular practice of CLAT mock tests. This helps in familiarizing with the exam pattern, improving speed, and identifying weak areas.

• Analysis of Mock Tests: Simply taking mock tests for CLAT isn’t enough. Analyze your performance in these tests to understand where you went wrong and how you can improve.

• Stay Updated on Current Affairs: For the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section, staying updated is crucial. Reading newspapers and following credible news sources daily is recommended.

• Focus on Speed and Accuracy: Since CLAT is a time-bound test, work on answering questions quickly without compromising accuracy. This is particularly crucial in sections like logical reasoning.

• Develop a Strong Foundation in English: A good command of English helps across various sections of the exam, including comprehension and legal reasoning.

• Customize Your Strategy: Understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. Customize your study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses.

• Revision is Key: Regular revision is essential. It’s better to be well-versed in topics you’ve covered than to try and cover everything superficially.

Advice for Staying Motivated and Efficient During CLAT Study

• Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Meeting these smaller goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated.

• Maintain a Balanced Routine: While studying is important, so is taking care of your health. Ensure you have a balanced routine that includes exercise, leisure, and proper rest.

• Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude. Preparation can be stressful, but maintaining a positive outlook is crucial for long-term success.

• Connect with Fellow Aspirants: Engage with a community of fellow CLAT aspirants. This can provide moral support and facilitate knowledge sharing.

• Take Breaks: Don’t forget to take short breaks during your study sessions to avoid burnout.

• Seek Guidance When Needed: Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, mentors, or peers if you’re struggling with certain topics.

• Keep the End Goal in Mind: Whenever you feel demotivated, remind yourself of your goal and the reasons why you embarked on this journey.

Remember, consistency and perseverance are key in CLAT preparation. It’s a journey that tests not just your knowledge but also your endurance and dedication.

FAQs Related to Exam Pattern of CLAT

How Many Questions are There in Each Section of the CLAT Exam?

The number of questions in each section can vary. Generally, the English Language and Logical Reasoning sections have around 28-32 questions each, Legal Reasoning about 35-39 questions, Current Affairs including General Knowledge 35-39 questions, and Quantitative Techniques 13-17 questions. However, these numbers are subject to change, so it’s best to refer to the latest exam notification for accurate details.

What is the Marking Scheme for CLAT?

In CLAT, each correct answer is awarded 1 mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. There are no marks deducted for unattempted questions.

Has There Been Any Recent Change in the CLAT Exam Pattern?

Yes, there have been changes in recent years. The most notable change was a shift in focus towards comprehension-based questions. 

Are There Any Descriptive Questions in CLAT?

As of the latest pattern, CLAT consists of objective type questions. 

What is the Time Duration of the CLAT Exam?

The CLAT exam is conducted over 2 hours (120 minutes).

Is There a Sectional Time Limit in CLAT?

No, there is no sectional time limit in the CLAT exam. Candidates can attempt any section at any time within the overall time limit of 2 hours.

How Often is CLAT Conducted?

CLAT is conducted once a year.

What is the Best Way to Prepare for the CLAT Exam Pattern?

The best way to prepare is to understand the exam pattern thoroughly, practice past year CLAT papers, take CLAT mock tests, and focus on each section. Time management and strategy are key to tackling the exam effectively.

Can I Choose the Order of Sections While Attempting the Exam?

Yes, candidates can choose the order in which they want to attempt the sections. There is no pre-defined order set by the exam.

What Types of Questions Can I Expect in the Legal Reasoning Section of CLAT?

The Legal Reasoning section generally includes principle-based questions and legal passages. You’ll be asked to apply principles to factual situations or analyze legal issues presented in the passages. It tests your legal aptitude, logical skills, and understanding of legal propositions.

Is There Negative Marking in the CLAT Exam?

Yes, there is negative marking in CLAT. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. It’s important to answer carefully to minimize the loss of marks through negative marking.

Are Calculators Allowed in the Quantitative Techniques Section of CLAT?

No, calculators or any other electronic devices are not allowed in the examination hall. The Quantitative Techniques section is designed to test your basic mathematical skills, and calculations need to be done manually.

How Should I Prepare for the Current Affairs Section?

To prepare for the Current Affairs section, regularly read newspapers, follow credible news websites, and stay updated with the latest events globally and nationally. Focus on understanding rather than just memorizing facts.

Can I Skip Questions and Answer Them Later During the Exam?

Yes, in CLAT, you can skip questions and return to them later within the allotted 2-hour time frame. It’s a good strategy to first answer the questions you are sure about and then go back to the more challenging ones.

What is the Difficulty Level of the CLAT Exam?

The difficulty level of CLAT can vary each year. Generally, it ranges from moderate to challenging. The key is thorough preparation and practice to comfortably navigate through the exam irrespective of its difficulty level.

Is There Any Age Limit for Appearing in CLAT?

There is no upper age limit for CLAT.

How Many Attempts Can I Make for CLAT?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CLAT. As long as you meet the CLAT eligibility criteria, you can appear for the exam multiple times.

What are the Maximum Marks in the CLAT Exam?

The maximum marks for the CLAT exam are 120. 

Is There a Passing Mark in CLAT?

CLAT does not have a specified “passing mark” in the traditional sense. Admission to law schools is based on the rank or merit list generated from the scores of all candidates. The higher the score, the better your chances of securing admission to a top law school.

What are the Qualifying Marks for CLAT?

There are no predefined qualifying marks for CLAT. Candidates are ranked based on their scores, and admissions are offered based on this ranking and the availability of seats in various participating institutions.

Conclusion

Law aspirants must understand the new CLAT exam pattern and syllabus to prepare effectively. They should prioritize their time and focus on the weak sections. With the right preparation strategy and understanding of the CLAT exam pattern, law candidates can perform well and secure a seat in their desired law school.