Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
Introduction
Ever wondered what to do after senior secondary? It's a thought that sticks with us always. Perplexed and puzzled about what to do, we go in search of options. We're no longer greeted with engineering and medicine anymore, the opportunities are diversifying. If you're someone who has been an ardent binge-watcher and a tremendous fan of Harvey Spectre after seeing suits, there's one exam to bring out that aspiring lawyer in you. The Common Law Admission Test is a centralized national-level entrance test for twenty-five National Law Universities. Although there are a total of twenty-seven NLUs, NLU-Delhi and NLU Meghalaya have their own entrance exams, such as the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) and NLU-Meg Admission Test (MEG-UAT). These two tests are expected to be merged into CLAT in the anticipatory years. The CLAT exam was introduced in 2008 as a centralized entrance examination to the NLUs of India.
CLAT Exam Pattern
It comprises 5 sections- English, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Till 2022, the paper had 150 questions, but in 2023, we experienced a shift when the whole pattern changed, and the questions were reduced to 120 with a duration of 120 mins(that's one minute per question). The marking scheme works in such a way that for a correct answer, you acquire a mark, and for each wrong answer, you'll attain a -0.25.
Eligibility
- Academic Qualification: For your 10+2 equivalent examination, you must've completed it from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 45%(40% for SC/ST candidates). Candidates who are presently in their 12th grade are also eligible to write but must show their eligibility while filling out the form online.
- Age Limit: You might be wondering, can I write it, even after acquiring a bachelor's degree? This is an exam which has no upper age limit, anybody at any age can write.
- Nationality: You have to be an Indian National or NRI/NRI-sponsored candidate.
- Others: Candidates with a history of criminal convictions, academic misconduct, or any disciplinary action are ineligible for admission to any law school via CAT. It is a must that candidates have to look into the eligibility criteria of the law school they're interested in before applying for CLAT.
1. National Law School of India University, Bangalore
2. National Academy of Legal Study & Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad
3. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
4. National Law Institute University, Bhopal
5. National Law University, Jodhpur
6. Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
7. Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
8. Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow
9. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala
10. Chanakya National Law University Patna
11. National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
12. National Law University Odisha, Cuttack
13. National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi
14. National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam
15. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam
16. The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli
17. Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
18. Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
19. Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad
20. Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
21. Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur
22. Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana
Preparation Strategies
1. Syllabus Comprehension: The preliminary step in CLAT prepping is to have an overall understanding of what the syllabus and exam patterns are. This will help you plan your preparation accordingly. If you're a student who is currently in the twelfth grade, managing your portions and CLAT portions together will be tedious. You have to come up with a managing strategy that will help you equally manage these two sections together.
2. Create a Study Plan: Devising a study plan that best fits your schedule and try sticking to it. For each subject, allocate sufficient time and even it out, ensuring that there is a proper balance.
3. Practice with Mock Tests: An excellent way to simulate the actual environment and improve time management skills. The exam is usually conducted from 2-4 pm, and it's the best way to acclimate yourself to this environment.
4. Stay Updated: This is an examination that constantly changes patterns and brings in new changes. you have to ensure that you stay updated with current affairs and legal developments, and it would help you answer questions related to legal reasoning and general knowledge. But apart from this, ensure that you are aware of the paper changes they bring about.
In conclusion, CLAT is a highly competitive exam that requires dedicated preparation and hard work. By considering the eligibility criteria, admission procedures, and preparation tips, you can expedite your chances for success in the CLAT examination. Ultimately, remember to stay focused and consistent in your preparation and remain calm and confident during the exam.