The CLAT exam is one of the most important law entrance exams in India for students aspiring to build a career in the legal field. If you are wondering what is CLAT, what is CLAT exam, or what the CLAT exam means, it is a national-level entrance test that provides admission to top National Law Universities (NLUs) and other reputed law colleges.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including the CLAT full form, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, application process, important dates, and career opportunities. It will help you clearly understand the CLAT exam and prepare effectively.
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What Is the Full Form of CLAT?
The full form of CLAT is Common Law Admission Test. Many students search for the CLAT exam full form or what is the full form of CLAT, and it simply refers to a national-level entrance exam for law admissions.
Candidates must appear for this exam to get admission into the 5-year LLB and LLM programs offered by NLUs.
| CLAT Particulars | Details |
| CLAT Full Form | Common Law Admission Test |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Participating NLUs | 27 |
| Level of Exam | National level |
| Frequency of Conduct | Once every year |
| Courses Offered | 5-year LLB and 1-year LLM |
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What Is CLAT Exam?
The CLAT exam is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission to law programs in India. The concept of CLAT was introduced to replace multiple entrance exams conducted by individual universities. In 2008, several NLUs came together to conduct a single unified test, known as the CLAT. This exam simplifies the admission process, although some institutions, such as the National Law University, still conduct separate exams.
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Who Conducts the CLAT Exam?
The Consortium of National Law Universities is responsible for conducting the CLAT exam every year. It is a body of top National Law Universities in India that manages the entire process, including releasing the CLAT form, setting the exam pattern, conducting the test, and declaring results.
Purpose of CLAT Exam
The main purpose of the CLAT exam is to provide a standardised and merit-based admission process for law programs in India.
- Helps students get admission into top law colleges
- Ensures a fair and uniform selection process
- Evaluates aptitude in legal reasoning, English, GK, and logical reasoning
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027
To help you quickly understand the CLAT eligibility 2027 for both UG and PG programs, here is a concise overview table covering all key criteria:
| Particulars | CLAT UG Eligibility Criteria | CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria |
| Course | 5-year integrated LLB | LLM (Postgraduate Law) |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board | LL.B. degree (3-year or 5-year) |
| Minimum Marks (General/OBC/PwD) | 45% | 50% |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST) | 40% | 45% |
| Appearing Candidates Eligible | Yes (Class 12 appearing) | Yes (Final-year LL.B.) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit | No upper age limit |
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CLAT Exam Pattern 2027
Understanding the CLAT exam pattern is essential for effective preparation, as it outlines the question format, marking scheme, and section-wise weightage for both UG and PG exams.
CLAT UG Exam Pattern 2027
The CLAT UG paper contains 120 questions, each worth one mark. 0.25 marks are deducted from the final score for every incorrect response. The exam lasts 2 hours.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Maximum Marks | 120 |
| Total Questions | 120 Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for each incorrect answer |
CLAT UG Section-wise Weightage
The CLAT UG exam consists of 5 sections with a defined number of questions and weightage, highlighting the importance of each subject in the overall paper.
| Subject Area | Number of Questions | Weightage |
| English Language | 22–26 | ~20% |
| Current Affairs & General Knowledge | 28–32 | ~25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 | ~25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 | ~20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–14 | ~10% |
CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2027
The CLAT PG 2027 exam pattern provides key details, including the exam mode, duration, total number of questions, marking scheme, and negative marking.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Maximum Marks | 120 |
| Total Questions | 120 Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for each incorrect answer |
CLAT Syllabus 2027
The CLAT 2027 syllabus outlines the key subjects and topics candidates must prepare for, covering essential areas for both undergraduate and postgraduate law entrance exams.
CLAT UG Syllabus 2027
The CLAT UG exam syllabus covers 5 sections: English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
| Subject | Key Topics / Skills Tested |
| English Language | Reading comprehension, main idea identification, inference-based questions, summarisation, vocabulary in context, comparison of arguments |
| Current Affairs & General Knowledge | National & international current events, arts & culture, international affairs, historical events of significance |
| Legal Reasoning | Understanding legal principles, application of rules to facts, analysis of legal scenarios, public policy & moral questions |
| Logical Reasoning | Argument identification, critical reasoning, inference making, analogies, relationships, and evaluating arguments |
| Quantitative Techniques | Data interpretation, numerical analysis, basic mathematics (ratios, algebra, mensuration, statistics) |
CLAT PG Syllabus 2027
The postgraduate course syllabus focuses on the subject expertise of aspiring candidates. The CLAT LLM exam syllabus will test the candidate’s proficiency in different laws specified in the table below:
| Section | Key Areas Covered |
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental rights, duties, judiciary, and constitutional provisions |
| Jurisprudence | Legal theories, concepts, and principles |
| Administrative Law | Government powers, administrative actions, tribunals |
| Law of Contract | Agreements, breach, remedies |
| Torts | Civil wrongs, liabilities, negligence |
| Family Law | Marriage, divorce, inheritance |
| Criminal Law | IPC, criminal liability, offences |
| Property Law | Ownership, transfer of property |
| Company Law | Corporate structure, governance |
| Public International Law | International treaties, organisations |
| Tax Law | Direct & indirect taxation basics |
| Environmental Law | Environmental protection laws |
| Labour & Industrial Law | Employment laws, worker rights |
CLAT Application Process 2027
Here is a step-by-step guide to filling out the CLAT application form easily:
- Visit the Official CLAT Portal: Go to the Consortium of National Law Universities’ official website and click on “CLAT 2027”. Then select the “Register” option.
- Register & Create Login Credentials: Enter your name, email ID, and mobile number to create an account. Verify the OTP, then log in with your credentials.
- Fill Personal & Category Details: Provide your name, date of birth, and category (General/SC/ST/OBC). Upload a passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Enter Communication Details: Fill in your correspondence and permanent address, including state, district, PIN code, and contact details.
- Fill Qualifying Examination Details: Enter details of your qualifying exam (Class 12 or LLB), including board/university name, passing year, and marks. If applicable, select “Appearing in 2027”.
- Choose Test Centre Preferences: Select up to three preferred exam cities. The final allotment will be determined by availability.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload necessary certificates such as category, domicile, PwD, or NRI documents (if applicable).
- Pay Application Fee: Complete the payment online via debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. An additional ₹500 is required for the CLAT previous year’s question papers.
- Submit & Save Confirmation: Review all details carefully, submit the form, and download the confirmation page and fee receipt for future use.
CLAT Exam Important Dates 2027
The CLAT 2027 exam date is expected to be 6 December 2026 (Sunday). The registration window is likely to open in August 2026, and the Consortium of NLUs will release the official notification in July 2026.
| Event | Tentative Date |
| CLAT 2027 Notification Release | 20 July 2026 |
| CLAT 2027 Application Start Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply for CLAT 2027 | 31 October 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 3rd Week of November 2026 |
| CLAT 2027 Exam Date | 6 December 2026 (Sunday) |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | 8–9 December 2026 |
| Objection Window | 9–11 December 2026 |
| Final Answer Key Release | 3rd Week of December 2026 |
| CLAT 2027 Result Date | 3rd Week of December 2026 |
| Counselling Registration Starts | Last Week of December 2026 |
Courses Offered Through CLAT
The CLAT exam offers admission to a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate law courses at top National Law Universities (NLUs):
| Course Level | Course Name | Duration | Description |
| Undergraduate (UG) | BA LLB | 5 Years | Combines Arts subjects with law studies |
| BBA LLB | 5 Years | Integrates business administration with law | |
| BCom LLB | 5 Years | Focuses on commerce along with legal education | |
| BSc LLB | 5 Years | Blends science subjects with law | |
| BSW LLB | 5 Years | Combines social work with legal studies | |
| Postgraduate (PG) | LLM (Master of Laws) | 1 Year | Advanced specialisation in various fields of law |
Participating Colleges and NLUs Accepting CLAT Scores
Several prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) and participating colleges across India accept CLAT scores for admission to their undergraduate and postgraduate law programs.
| Sr. No | Name of NLU | Location |
| 1 | National Law School of India University (NLSIU) | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| 2 | NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| 3 | National Law Institute University (NLIU) | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| 4 | WB National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| 5 | National Law University, Jodhpur (NLUJ) | Jodhpur, Rajasthan |
| 6 | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) | Gandhinagar, Gujarat |
| 7 | Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) | Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| 8 | Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
| 9 | National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) | Kochi, Kerala |
| 10 | Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) | Patiala, Punjab |
| 11 | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) | Patna, Bihar |
| 12 | Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| 13 | National Law University Odisha (NLUO) | Cuttack, Odisha |
| 14 | National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA) | Guwahati, Assam |
| 15 | National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL) | Ranchi, Jharkhand |
| 16 | Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu |
| 17 | Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU) | Sonipat, Haryana |
| 18 | Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai (MNLU Mumbai) | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| 19 | Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur (MNLU Nagpur) | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| 20 | Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh |
| 21 | Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (MNLU Aurangabad) | Aurangabad, Maharashtra |
| 22 | Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU) | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh |
| 23 | National Law University Tripura (NLUT) | Agartala, Tripura |
| 24 | GNLU Silvassa Campus | Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| 25 | Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU) | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh |
| 26 | India International University of Legal Education & Research (IIULER) | Goa |
| 27 | The National Law University of Meghalaya | Shillong, Meghalaya |
Career Opportunities After CLAT
Qualifying for the CLAT 2027 opens up diverse and rewarding career paths in the legal field.
| Career Option | Description |
| Litigation Lawyer | Practice in courts by representing clients in civil or criminal cases after enrolling with the Bar Council |
| Corporate Lawyer | Work with companies handling legal compliance, contracts, mergers, and corporate governance |
| Judicial Services | Become a judge by clearing the state judiciary exams after completing your law degree |
| Legal Advisor | Provide legal guidance to organisations, firms, or individuals |
| Public Sector Jobs (PSUs) | Join PSUs as legal officers through CLAT PG scores |
| Civil Services | Prepare for UPSC or state PCS exams for administrative roles |
| Academia & Research | Pursue LLM/PhD and become a lecturer or legal researcher |
| Legal Journalism | Work in media covering legal news, court cases, and policy developments |
Other Opportunities
- Law firms (litigation & corporate)
- NGOs and international organizations
- Legal process outsourcing (LPOs)
- Policy-making and think tanks
FAQs on CLAT Full Form
The CLAT exam is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission to UG and PG law programs at National Law Universities and other top law colleges in India.
The full form of CLAT is Common Law Admission Test, which is a centralised exam for law admissions in India.
The exam is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, which manages the entire process, including registration, exam pattern, and result declaration.
CLAT is conducted for admission to 5-year integrated LLB and 1-year LLM programs offered by NLUs and other participating law colleges.
Currently, 27 National Law Universities accept CLAT scores for admission.
For UG courses, candidates must have completed 10+2 with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). For PG courses, candidates must hold an LLB degree with the required minimum marks.
The CLAT exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, carries 120 marks, and lasts 2 hours. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
The CLAT UG syllabus includes English, Current Affairs & GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The PG syllabus includes major law subjects such as Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence.
The CLAT 2027 exam is expected to be held on 6 December 2026 (Sunday).
You can fill out the CLAT form online by visiting the official website, registering with your details, uploading documents, paying the fee, and submitting the application.
CLAT offers admission to 5-year integrated law programs, such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLM, as well as postgraduate programs.
After qualifying CLAT, candidates can pursue careers in litigation, corporate law, judiciary, legal advisory, civil services, academia, and more.