CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Syllabus & Section-wise Details
Full Notification
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 exam pattern has been officially released by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). This year, the undergraduate exam comprises 120 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 2 hours, with a total of 120 marks. The exam is conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode, and incorrect answers incur a negative marking of 0.25 marks. The paper is divided into five sections: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Understanding the latest CLAT 2026 exam pattern is essential for effective preparation and time management.
Organization Overview
The Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLUs) is the conducting body for CLAT, the premier law entrance exam in India. It comprises 22 National Law Universities across the country. CLAT scores are accepted for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by member NLUs and other participating institutions.
📍 Statewise Sarkari Jobs
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CLAT 2026 exam pattern emphasizes comprehension and reasoning skills over rote learning. All questions are passage-based, with each passage approximately 450 words long. There are no sectional time limits, allowing candidates to allocate time as per their strengths.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 120 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | +1 (Correct), -0.25 (Wrong), 0 (Unattempted) |
| Sections | 5 Sections |
| Medium | English |
| Exam Date | December 7, 2025 (Conducted) |
Section-wise Distribution
| Section | No. of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs including GK | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
Key Features
- All questions are passage-based (approx. 450 words per passage).
- No sectional time limits.
- Focus on reading speed, critical thinking, and application skills.
CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Response Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
| Wrong Answer | -0.25 Marks |
| Unattempted | 0 Marks |
Strategy Tip: Attempt questions only when you are 60-70% confident due to negative marking.
Subject-wise Syllabus 2026
| Section | Detailed Topics / Skills Tested |
|---|---|
| English Language |
|
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge |
|
| Legal Reasoning |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
|
| Quantitative Techniques |
|
Note: All questions in CLAT 2026 are passage-based. The focus is on comprehension, application, and reasoning skills rather than rote memorization.
Selection Process
The selection process for admission to NLUs through CLAT 2026 is based solely on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam. There is no separate interview or group discussion. Candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks (usually 40% for general category, 35% for reserved categories) to be considered for counseling and seat allocation. The exam score is the sole criterion for merit ranking.
Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026
- Prioritize Current Affairs and Legal Reasoning (50% combined weightage).
- Read newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express).
- Practice 10-15 full-length mocks under timed conditions.
- Focus on accuracy to minimize negative marking.
- Build speed for long passages.
🔥 Related Opportunities
BCECE Admission Mop Result 2026 Released: Download Seat Allotment
Sep 08, 2026Odisha DElEd Admission Result 2026: Check CT Merit List & Cutoff
Sep 08, 2026LNMU Semester 6 Admit Card 2026 Released: Download UG Hall Ticket
Sep 08, 2026Rajasthan SET Admit Card 2026 Released: Download Hall Ticket at uok.ac.in
Sep 08, 2026NEET PG 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet Released @ nbe.edu.in
Sep 07, 2026Chhattisgarh NEET UG Round 2 Registration 2026: Apply Online, Dates & Process
Sep 07, 2026Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 People Also Search For
- • Gujarat TAT-S Mains Admit Card 2026 Released on sebexam.org – Download Now
- • APSC CCE Mains Exam Schedule 2026 Released: Check Dates & Admit Card Info
- • UPCISB Various Post Exam Date Notice 2026: 2085 Vacancies, Exam from 17-21 Sept
- • Delhi High Court Personal Assistant Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern & PDF
- • UGC NET June Re Exam Admit Card 2026 Released – Download Now
Prem Krishnan
Founder, Editor & Government Jobs Content Strategist
Prem Krishnan is the Founder and Editor of Sarkari Job Finders. He researches, verifies, and publishes government job notifications, admit cards, results, answer keys, scholarships, admissions, and educational updates from official government sources across India. His goal is to provide accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand information for job seekers, students, and aspirants.
Professional Experience
5+ Years in Government Recruitment & Education Content
Areas of Expertise
- Government Job Notifications
- Sarkari Results
- Admit Cards
- Recruitment Updates
- Scholarships & Admissions
- Education News
Why Trust Sarkari Job Finders?
- ✓ Information verified from official recruitment notifications.
- ✓ Job details are reviewed by our editorial team before publication.
- ✓ Recruitment updates are reflected whenever official notifications change.
- ✓ We monitor government recruitment announcements daily to keep information current.
- ✓ Official notification and application links are always provided whenever available.