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.
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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.
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