CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

CLAT Sidebar

CLAT 2025 – Common Law Admission Test: Complete Guide for BA LL.B & LL.M Aspirants

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is the most prominent national-level entrance exam for law aspirants in India. Conducted annually by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), CLAT is the gateway to 22 NLUs and several other top law schools in India for admission into:

BA LL.B (Hons.) – 5-Year Integrated Law Program
LL.M – 1-Year Postgraduate Law Program

CLAT scores are also accepted by private universities, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and legal firms for recruitment and admissions.

Why Take the CLAT Exam?

CLAT offers admission to top-tier NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NUJS Kolkata, and more. These institutes offer excellent academic infrastructure, experienced faculty, and attractive placements with law firms and corporates.

CLAT 2025 Exam Overview

Exam Name	CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
Conducting Body	Consortium of National Law Universities
Exam Level	National
Courses Offered	BA LL.B (Hons.), LL.M
Mode of Exam	Offline (Pen and Paper)
Official Website	consortiumofnlus.ac.in

CLAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

For UG (BA LL.B)

Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board
Minimum Marks: General – 45%, SC/ST – 40%
Age Limit: No upper age limit

For PG (LL.M)

Qualification: LL.B or equivalent law degree from a recognized university
Minimum Marks: General – 50%, SC/ST – 45%

CLAT UG Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview

The CLAT UG exam comprises five sections, each designed to assess different aptitudes relevant to legal studies.

1. English Language

Weightage: Approximately 20% (22-26 questions).

Focus: To test the candidate’s proficiency in English, based on comprehension passages.

Syllabus Overview:

Reading Comprehension: Ability to read and understand complex passages, identify main ideas, draw inferences, and understand the author’s arguments and viewpoints. Passages are typically around 450 words and drawn from contemporary or historically significant fiction and non-fiction writing.
Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words and phrases used in the context of the passage.
Grammar: While not tested directly through isolated questions, a good understanding of grammar is essential for comprehending passages accurately. Topics include tenses, subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, etc.
Inference and Conclusion: Ability to draw logical inferences and conclusions from the provided text.
Summarization: Ability to grasp the essence of the passage.

2. Current Affairs, including General Knowledge

Weightage: Approximately 25% (28-32 questions).

Focus: To assess the candidate’s awareness of current events and general knowledge, with an emphasis on matters of national and international significance.

Syllabus Overview:

Passages of up to 450 words will be provided, derived from news, journalistic sources, and other non-fiction writing.
Questions will test the understanding of the issues and events discussed in the passages.

Key Areas:

National and International Affairs: Significant contemporary events from India and around the world.
Arts and Culture: Aspects of Indian and world art and culture.
Historical Events: Events of continuing significance.
Economics: Basic economic concepts and developments.
Government and Politics: Understanding of political systems and significant government initiatives.
Science and Technology: Awareness of major developments.
Legal Domain (as part of current affairs): Significant legal news or judgments that have been in the public discourse (though in-depth legal knowledge is tested in Legal Reasoning).

3. Legal Reasoning

Weightage: Approximately 25% (28-32 questions).

Focus: To evaluate the candidate’s ability to identify and infer legal rules and principles from given passages, apply them to factual situations, and understand how changes in rules might affect their application. This section does not require prior in-depth knowledge of law but tests legal aptitude.

Syllabus Overview:

Passages of around 450 words will be provided, relating to factual situations or scenarios involving legal matters, public policy, or moral philosophical inquiries.
Candidates will need to:
- Identify and infer the rules and principles set out in the passage.
- Apply these rules and principles to the fact situations presented.
- Understand how changes to the rules or principles may alter their application to various fact situations.
Content may be drawn from:
- News articles and books related to law.
- Discussions on legal and moral issues.
- General awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues can be helpful.
Topics often touched upon include torts, contracts, constitutional law principles, criminal law basics, and general legal awareness.

4. Logical Reasoning

Weightage: Approximately 20% (22-26 questions).

Focus: To assess the candidate’s ability to critically analyze arguments, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions.

Syllabus Overview:

Short passages of around 300 words will be provided.
Candidates will be required to:
- Recognize an argument, its premises, and conclusions.
- Read and identify the arguments set out in the passage.
- Critically analyze patterns of reasoning and assess how conclusions may depend on particular premises or evidence.
- Infer what follows from the passage and apply these inferences to new situations.
- Draw relationships and analogies, identify contradictions and equivalence, and assess the effectiveness of arguments.

Common Topics:

Syllogisms
Logical sequences
Analogies
Identifying arguments and conclusions
Assumptions and inferences
Strengthening and weakening arguments
Cause and effect relationships

5. Quantitative Techniques

Weightage: Approximately 10% (10-14 questions).

Focus: To test the candidate’s ability to derive, infer, and manipulate numerical information set out in passages, graphs, or other representations. The questions will be of an elementary (Class 10) level, focusing on application rather than complex formulae.

Syllabus Overview:

Short sets of facts or propositions, graphs, or other textual, pictorial, or diagrammatic representations of numerical information will be provided.
Candidates will need to:
- Derive information from the provided data.
- Apply mathematical operations to this information.

Key Areas:

Basic Arithmetic: Ratios and proportions, averages, percentages, profit and loss.
Data Interpretation: Analyzing information from tables, charts (bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs), and caselets.
Mensuration: Basic concepts of area and volume.
Time and Work, Time, Speed, and Distance: Elementary problems.
Basic Algebra.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants:

Comprehension is Crucial: A significant portion of the exam is passage-based, making strong reading comprehension skills paramount across most sections.
Analytical and Reasoning Skills: The exam emphasizes critical thinking, analytical abilities, and logical reasoning rather than rote memorization (except for some aspects of Current Affairs/GK).
Time Management: With 120 questions in 120 minutes, efficient time management is key to attempting all sections effectively.
No Prior Legal Knowledge Assumed (Officially): For the Legal Reasoning section, the focus is on applying principles from the given passage, not on pre-existing legal knowledge. However, familiarity with legal terms and concepts can be an advantage.
Negative Marking: Accuracy is important due to the penalty for incorrect answers.

For BA LL.B

Section	Number of Questions	Marks
English Language	22–26	22–26
Current Affairs, including GK	28–32	28–32
Legal Reasoning	28–32	28–32
Logical Reasoning	22–26	22–26
Quantitative Techniques	10–14	10–14

Total Questions: 120
Exam Duration: 2 Hours
Negative Marking: -0.25 for every incorrect answer

For LL.M

Total Questions: 120 MCQs
Subjects Covered: Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, Company Law, etc.
Duration: 2 Hours

CLAT 2025 Preparation Tips

To crack CLAT 2025 with a top rank, follow these strategies:

Focus on reading comprehension and legal reasoning practice
Stay updated with national and international current affairs
Solve mock tests and previous year CLAT papers
Work on time management and accuracy
Strengthen vocabulary, grammar, and analytical reasoning

CLAT 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)

Application Starts: July 2024
Application Deadline: November 2024
CLAT Exam Date: December 2024
CLAT Result Declaration: January 2025

Direct Links

Conclusion

CLAT 2025 is a golden opportunity for law aspirants to secure admission in India’s top law universities. With the right preparation strategy, strong reading and reasoning skills, and regular practice, aspirants can achieve excellent results and unlock successful careers in law, judiciary, and corporate sectors.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Contemplative, Uncertain, Introspective. Akhmed is in a state of deep thought, his certainty about wanting to die is wavering, and a new, unfamiliar impulse is stirring.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Character Development	Introduces Akhmed and immediately shows him at a turning point, questioning his previous state of mind.
	Foreshadowing	His “sudden urge to speak up, to make his voice heard” foreshadows his later actions and transformation from a background figure.
	Setting as a Catalyst	The hospital environment, even before he enters, seems to prompt this initial shift in his thoughts.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Empathetic, Somber. Akhmed’s connection to the suffering around him is palpable, and the description of shared pain creates a somber mood.
Vocabulary	Kinship	A feeling of being connected or similar to other people. Stress: Highlights his immediate and profound identification with the suffering individuals.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Shared Humanity	Emphasizes the common experience of suffering as a connector between people.
	Internal Monologue	Reveals Akhmed’s own past or current feelings of suffering and isolation through his identification with others.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Hopeful (emerging), Admiring. While still acknowledging suffering, the focus shifts to the strength of the human spirit, evoking a sense of admiration and nascent hope.
Vocabulary	Resilience	The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Stress: This is a central quality Akhmed observes and which profoundly impacts him.
Stress Words/Phrases	And yet	Signals a significant contrast to the suffering he just identified with, introducing a positive observation.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Theme of Resilience	Directly introduces one of the core themes that influences Akhmed.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Poignant, Touching, Observational. The descriptions are brief but emotionally charged, highlighting small acts of humanity in dire circumstances.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Vignettes	Presents small, illustrative scenes that contribute to the larger theme of resilience.
	Juxtaposition	The innocence of the girl and her request for a story juxtaposed with her severe injury (“bullet wound in her chest”) is particularly striking.
	Coping Mechanisms	Shows different ways individuals deal with suffering – storytelling, song, prayer.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Epiphanic, Hopeful. Akhmed is experiencing a profound realization, a dawning of hope and purpose.
Vocabulary	Glimmer	A faint or wavering light; a faint sign of something. Stress: Represents a small but significant presence of hope or positivity in an otherwise dark situation.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Epiphany	Akhmed has a moment of sudden and profound understanding about the value of life.
	Contrast/Paradox	Beauty amidst chaos, hope amidst despair – these paradoxes are what he begins to perceive and find meaning in.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone	Factual, Cautious, Formal	The language used is official and descriptive of the WHO’s position, with a note of caution regarding ongoing management.
Vocabulary	Constitute	To be or be equivalent to (something); to form or make up. Stress: Indicates that COVID-19 currently is this level of emergency.
Vocabulary	Transition point	A phase or stage where a significant change or development occurs. Stress: Suggests the pandemic is evolving, not over, requiring ongoing adaptation.
Legal/Policy Words/Concepts	Public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)	A formal declaration by the WHO of an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response. Stress: This is the highest alert level from WHO, signifying severe global impact.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone	Somber, Factual, Grave	The chunk recounts the significant death toll and widespread destruction, evoking a serious and reflective mood.
Vocabulary	Ravaging	Causing severe and extensive damage to. Stress: Emphasizes the destructive impact of the pandemic on communities and economies worldwide.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone	Hopeful, Optimistic (cautiously)	The mention of changed situations and the Director-General’s quote convey a positive outlook, though still grounded in ongoing efforts.
Vocabulary	Considerably	By a notably large amount or to a notably large extent; significantly. Stress: Highlights the significant impact of vaccines and treatments.
Vocabulary	Transition	The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. Stress: Refers to moving towards a less critical phase of the pandemic.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone	Factual, Reassuring (regarding China)	The chunk reports official statements from China that suggest a controlled and improving situation.
Vocabulary	Epidemic situation	The state or condition concerning the spread of a disease within a particular population or region. Stress: Specific terminology used to describe disease prevalence.
Legal/Policy Words/Concepts	(Implicit) National Health Commission	The national-level government agency responsible for health policy and oversight in China. (While not a “legal word,” it’s a key policy-making body).

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone	Critical, Concerned, Urgent	The language used (“dangerously unprepared”) conveys a strong sense of alarm and criticism about the lack of preparedness.
Vocabulary	Dangerously unprepared	Not ready or able to deal with something, to an extent that poses a significant risk or threat. Stress: Emphasizes the severe lack of readiness.
Vocabulary	Outbreaks	A sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as war or disease. Stress: Refers to the start of new epidemics/pandemics.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone	Prescriptive, Advisory, Formal	The chunk outlines specific recommendations and directives for action by countries.
Vocabulary	Readiness	The state of being fully prepared for something. Stress: Focuses on the goal of IFRC’s recommendations – ensuring communities are prepared.
Legal/Policy Words/Concepts	Legislation	Laws, considered collectively, enacted by a legislative body. Stress: Refers to national laws that need to align with preparedness goals.
Legal/Policy Words/Concepts	Pandemic preparedness plans	Strategies and arrangements put in place at national and international levels to prevent, respond to, and mitigate the impact of pandemics. Stress: These are the existing frameworks that legislation should support.
Legal/Policy Words/Concepts	Treaty	A formally concluded and ratified agreement between states. Stress: Suggests the need for a new binding international agreement on pandemic preparedness.
Legal/Policy Words/Concepts	International Health Regulations (IHR)	An international legal instrument that is binding on 196 countries across the globe, including all WHO Member States. Their aim is to help the international community prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders and threaten people worldwide. Stress: Refers to existing global health rules that need revision.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone	Urgent, Admonishing, Persuasive	The quote uses strong language and a rhetorical question to convey urgency and to criticize potential inaction.
Vocabulary	Quicken	Make or become faster or quicker. Stress: Implies the need to accelerate efforts towards preparedness.
Vocabulary	Preparedness	The state of being ready for something, especially for a sudden or unexpected event. Stress: The central theme of the IFRC’s message.
Stress Words	What will?	A rhetorical question used to emphasize that if a major event like COVID-19 doesn’t spur action, it’s hard to imagine what would. Stress: Highlights the gravity of inaction.
Stress Words	There will be no excuse	A strong statement indicating that any future lack of preparedness would be unjustifiable. Stress: Emphasizes accountability and the lessons that should have been learned.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone	Prescriptive, Persuasive, Conditional	It recommends financial actions, tries to persuade that it’s a good investment, and makes success conditional on political will.
Vocabulary	Gross domestic product (GDP)	The total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period. Stress: A standard measure for economic output, used here as a basis for recommended health spending.
Vocabulary	Political will	The commitment of political actors (governments, politicians) to take actions to achieve specific goals. Stress: Presented as the most critical factor for implementing the recommendations.
Stress Words	The important thing is	A phrase used to emphasize the most crucial point that follows. Stress: Signals that political will is the paramount requirement.
Stress Words	If it is there, it’s possible.	A conditional statement emphasizing that the feasibility of the recommendations hinges on the presence of political commitment. Stress: Reinforces the necessity of political will.
Legal/Policy Words/Concepts	Domestic health finance	Funding allocated by a country from its own resources towards its healthcare system and public health initiatives. Stress: A key area for increased investment.
Legal/Policy Words/Concepts	Global health finance	Funding directed towards health initiatives on an international scale, often involving contributions from multiple countries or international organizations. Stress: Another area needing increased investment according to IFRC.

Highlighted Phrase	Meaning
stirred up the papers	Mixed the slips in the box, symbolic of fate being shuffled
air was thick with tension	Strong, noticeable silence filled with anxiety
pleasantries	Casual, polite conversation
collective intake of breath	A shared, sharp breath taken by many in suspense
murmur went through the crowd	Quiet reaction of surprise or concern
it isn’t fair	Protest against injustice
pelt her with stones	Throw stones repeatedly at someone, here symbolizing mob violence
cruel tradition	A practice passed down that is morally wrong but socially accepted
Phrase	Meaning
“air was thick with tension”	A metaphor suggesting extreme unease or anxiety in the atmosphere.
“collective intake of breath”	A moment of shared shock or anticipation.
“drawing a slip of paper”	Refers to the process of selection in the lottery.
“It isn’t fair”	A cry of protest against injustice or lack of genuine choice.
“closed in around”	Physically surrounding someone, here with violent intent.
“mob mentality”	When individuals in a group lose personal responsibility and follow the crowd blindly.
“necessary tradition”	An idea used to justify actions simply because they’ve always been done.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Transformed, Purposeful, Resolute. He is no longer the uncertain man from the beginning; he is now driven by a clear purpose.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Irreversible Change	The repetition of “never” (“never be the same,” “never be content”) highlights the definitive nature of his transformation.
	Impact of Experience	“He had seen too much, felt too much” emphasizes how profound experiences can alter one’s perspective and life trajectory.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Active, Compassionate, Practical. The focus is on his actions and the direct, hands-on support he offers.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Action-Oriented	Demonstrates how purpose translates into action.
	Grassroots Effort	He begins his work at the local, community level.
	Importance of Listening	“listened to their stories” highlights the value of acknowledging individual experiences and providing emotional support alongside physical aid.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Bold, Proactive, Advocative. Akhmed takes on a more public and challenging role.
Stress Words/Phrases	But he didn’t stop there.	Signals an escalation and expansion of his activities.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Activism	Depicts Akhmed’s transition into a social activist working for systemic change.
	Growth of Character	Shows his development from a man “content to live in the background” to an organizer and public speaker.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Realistic, Resolute, Confident (in purpose). Acknowledges difficulties but emphasizes his inner strength and determination stemming from his sense of purpose.
Stress Words/Phrases	But he also knew	Contrasts the acknowledgment of challenges with his overriding sense of purpose and capability.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Enduring Purpose	The sense of purpose is presented as a sustainable source of strength.
	Realistic Optimism	Balances awareness of future difficulties with a strong belief in his ability to face them due to his purpose.
	Character Resolution	Akhmed’s internal journey reaches a stable point of clarity and strength, even as his external work continues.