The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the gateway to India's 24 National Law Universities. Here is a comprehensive guide for 2026 aspirants.
About CLAT
CLAT is a 2-hour, 120-question test covering English Language, Current Affairs & GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The exam is conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
Top NLUs and Expected Scores
NLSIU Bangalore (NLU-1) requires scores in the 99th percentile. NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Delhi, WBNUJS Kolkata, and NLU Jodhpur are the next tier, requiring 95th percentile and above. Scores of 85–95 percentile open doors to the remaining NLUs.
Preparation Strategy
Start with Current Affairs — read a quality newspaper daily and maintain a GK notebook. Legal Reasoning does not require prior legal knowledge; it tests your ability to apply given principles to facts. English and Logical Reasoning are skills that improve with consistent practice.
Private Law Colleges
If NLUs are not accessible, consider Symbiosis Law School Pune, Jindal Global Law School, and Amity Law School. These have strong faculties and placement records, though fees are higher.
Career Paths After Law
Law graduates can pursue litigation, corporate law, legal consulting, judicial services, or academia. The LLM route opens doors to international law firms and academic careers.
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