The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a centralized national entrance exam in India for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) and other participating institutions. Established in 2008, it is conducted annually by the Consortium of NLUs and serves as a gateway to prestigious law careers.

Key Highlights:

1. Purpose:

   • UG-CLAT: For 5-year integrated LLB programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.).

   • PG-CLAT: For 1-year LLM programs.

2. Exam Structure:

   • UG: Tests English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques (120 questions, 2 hours).

   • PG: Focuses on Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and other law subjects (120 questions, 2 hours).

3. Eligibility:

   • UG: Class 12 pass (45% for general/OBC; 40% for SC/ST). No age limit.

   • PG: LLB degree (50% for general/OBC; 45% for SC/ST).

4. Top NLUs:

   • NLSIU Bangalore (India’s #1 law school).

   • NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Delhi, WBNUJS Kolkata.

5. Competition:

   • Over 60,000 candidates compete for ~3,000 UG seats annually.

Why CLAT Matters?

• Career Opportunities: Corporate law, litigation, judiciary, policy-making, academia, and civil services.

• NLU Advantage: High placements (₹15–25 LPA average packages at top NLUs), global alumni networks, and moot court exposure.

Preparation Tips:

• Focus on legal aptitude and current affairs.

• Practice mock tests and analyze previous years’ papers.

• Read newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) daily.

Recent Changes:

• Shifted to online mode with no negative marking for PG-CLAT (2023).

• Increased emphasis on comprehension-based questions over rote learning.

CLAT is a cornerstone for aspiring lawyers seeking excellence in India’s legal landscape. For details: www.consortiumofnlus.ac.in.