CLAT Exam Pattern 2027: No. of Questions, Negative Marking, Topic-Wise Weightage, Total Marks

Common Law Admission Test 2027 ( CLAT )

Anupama Mehra
Updated on May 19, 2026 12:50 IST

By Anupama Mehra, Assistant Manager – Content

Overview

CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern: The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLU) will release the CLAT 2027 exam pattern for UG and PG courses on consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The Consortium will publish the CLAT Exam Pattern 2027 along with the CLAT Notification. Candidates looking forward to appearing in CLAT 2027 must know the CLAT Paper Pattern 2027 properly. The questions will be asked from five subjects: English Language, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques. 

CLAT Exam will be held on December 6, 2026. Read below all about the CLAT exam pattern 2027, including sectional weightage, exam structure, sectional time limit, marking scheme and sections.

Table of contents
  • CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern: Highlights
  • CLAT 2027 Sectional Weightage
  • CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme
  • CLAT 2027 Sections & Important topics
  • CLAT 2027 Frequently Asked Questions
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CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern: Highlights

It must be noted that the CLAT exam is designed not to check candidates' prior knowledge of law but to check their aptitude and skills for legal education. Check the CLAT Exam Pattern here

Feature Details
Mode of Exam Offline
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions
Total Number of Questions

CLAT UG 2027: 120

CLAT PG 2027: 120

Marks per Question 1 mark
Language English
Negative Marking -0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Duration of Exam 2 hours
Total Marks 120 for both UG and PG
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is it necessary to pass in individual sections of CLAT?
A: 

There will be no sectional qualifying criterion for CLAT 2027. The overall marks will be considered while preparing the merit list for CLAT. But to ensure a good score, candidates must ensure a high number of attempts with full accuracy. 

Q:   Is it better to start preparing for CLAT Exam along with boards?
A: 

It totally depends on you that when you should start preparing for CLAT. If you want really good marks in board exams, focus on that at first and then prepare for CLAT. If you can manage boards and CLAT preparation side by side then go for it, but do not affect your board scores.

Q:   What is the CLAT exam duration?
A: 

The CLAT exam duration is two hours for both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate. It will have 120 multiple choice questions. For each correct answer one makrs will be given and -0.25 will be deducted for incorrect ones.

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CLAT 2027 Sectional Weightage

The CLAT section-wise marks differs as per the weightage of subjects in the exam. As per the CLAT Exam Pattern, the current affairs and legal reasoning section has the highest weight. Candidates are given two hours to complete the CLAT 2027 exam. 

As per the CLAT 2027 pattern, the section-wise CLAT weightage is given below:

Sections

MCQs per section

Maximum Marks

Approximate Weightage (in %)

English Language

28-32 

28-32 

18.66 - 21.33

Current Affairs including General Knowledge

35-39 

35-39 

23.33 - 26

Logical Reasoning

28-32 

28-32

18.66 - 21.33

Legal Reasoning

35-39 

35-39

23.33 - 26

Quantitative Techniques (Elementary Mathematics up to Class 10)

13-17 

13-17 

8.66 - 11.33

Total 

120

120

100%

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the mode of CLAT Exam?
A: 

The mode of the CLAT exam is offline or paper-based mode. Candidates are handed over hardcopy of CLAT question paper and OMR sheets to answer the questions. Candidates will have to be careful while filling OMR sheet as any scratch or cuts in the OMR sheet will lead to disqualification. 

Q:   What is CLAT Marking Scheme?
A: 

Candidates can check the CLAT 2027 Marking Scheme below

CLAT Marking ParametersMarks Awarded
Correct answer+1 marks
Incorrect answer-0.25 marks
Un-attempted question0 marks
Q:   What is the duration of CLAT Exam?
A: 

The CLAT exam duration is two hours for both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate. It will have 120 multiple choice questions. For each correct answer one mark will be given and -0.25 will be deducted for incorrect ones.

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CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme

The CLAT 2027 exam pattern remains unchanged. The consortium has released the marking scheme for CLAT 2027 Exam. Aspirants can refer to the marking scheme for UG/PG courses below

CLAT Marking Parameters Marks Awarded
Correct answer +1 marks
Incorrect answer -0.25 marks
Un-attempted question 0 marks

Also Read: How To Score 100+ In CLAT?

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Who releases the CLAT Syllabus?
A: 

The CLAT Syllabus is published by the Consortium. The syllabus has been announced. Candidates who are preparing for the exam must note that there are no changes made in the syllabus so far.  Candidates can check the syllabus by visiting the official website. You can only download the PDF from website.

Q:   Can I complete CLAT Syllabus in a month?
A: 

While it is not impossible, it is a really challenging task. To score well, you must start preparing for CLAT at least six months before. It is very important to score well if you are looking forward to getting into good NLU. For top 10 NLU, you at least need to score between 100 to 105 as per past trends.

Q:   Is there negative marking in CLAT Exam?
A: 

Yes there is negative marking in CLAT Exam. 0.25 marks will be deducted if the answer is wrong. For each correct answer one marks will be awarded. 

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CLAT 2027 Sections & Important topics

It is important to know the section-wise CLAT syllabus and important topics related to it to prepare well for the exam. Check the table below to know more.

CLAT Sections Important Topics
English Language
  • Grammar (correction of incorrect grammatical sentences, fill in the blanks, etc.)
  • Vocabulary
Current Affairs including General Knowledge
  • Static GK (Arts & Culture and History)
  • Knowledge of all events happening nationally and internationally
Logical Reasoning
  • Relationships
  • Analogies
  • Logical Sequences
  • Arguments
Legal Reasoning
  • General awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues
Quantitative Techniques
  • Ratios and Proportions
  • Basic Algebra
  • Mensuration
  • Statistics

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I practice CLAT 2027 sample papers?
A: 

Yes, candidates who have regsitered for the CLAT exam can access the sample papers through their login credentials. They can practice the questions for all the sections. This exercise will help to evaluate the areas that are strong and weak and needs more attention. 

Q:   How to practice CLAT 2027 Official Sample Papers?
A: 

 The practice the sample papers of CLAT 2027 released by the consortium follow these steps

  1. Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in
  2. Login and click on attempt sample paper
  3. You will now see instructions on your screen
  4. Read the instructions and click on Start Mock Test
  5. Attempt the question paper
Q:   What is CLAT Syllabus?
A: 

The CLAT 2027 UG syllabus includes five subjects: English Language, Current Affairs & GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The exam will be for 120 MCQs. Candidates will get 2 hours to complete the exam.

View Syllabus
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CLAT 2027 Frequently Asked Questions

Candidates can check important FAQs related to CLAT below

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I fill CLAT Application Form through mobile phone?
A: 

See, it doesn't matter that you fill the form through laptop or phone. What matters is you fill the form. Yes, you should have good network connection and internet speed. It should not happen that you have filled the form and when you reach the last step you loose the connection. So what is important is network connection not the phone or laptop to fill the application form. 

Q:   If I forget my CLAT Login ID or password. How should I fill the application form?
A: 

You don't have to worry. In case you have forgotten your ID and password, which is pretty much normal. You can go and click on the forgot password tab in the registration window. You will receive the mail and then you have to reset your password. Once day you will be able to login. 

Q:   What is the last date to fill CLAT Application Form 2027?
A: 

The Consortium has not announced the last date to submit the CLAT Application Form yet. However, once the application process starts it mostly remain opens for three months. This gives candidates sufficient time to complete it and submit. 

Q:   What is CLAT 2027 date?
A: 

The CLAT exam will be conducted in December 2026. The exam timing will be 2 pm to 4 pm. The consortium has not announced the CLAT Exam Dates yet. 

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

For the OBC category students under the Home State quota, the CLAT 2026 last round closing ranks varied between 650 and 1657 for admission to law courses at the UG and PG levels. Check out the table below to view the course and specialisations-wise last round cutoff details for the OBC HS category. 

...Read more

R

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

NLU Hyderabad CLAT cutoff 2026 was released across different categories under the AI and HS quotas. For the General Home State quota, the CLAT 2026 last round closing rank for BA LLB (Hons) was 565. Similarly, for the LLM course across multiple specialisations, the cutoff rank stood at 1001. These a

...Read more

R

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

For the General Home State quota, the NLU Bangalore CLAT cutoff 2026 was 336 for the LL.M. LL.B. (Hons.) course at the UG level. At the postgraduate level, the institute offers LL.M. in Criminal Law, for which the CLAT 2026 cutoff rank was 378 for admission. 

R

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, most law departments at private and government law colleges in Chennai do not ask for CLAT exam scores for BA LLB after Class 12. Even the top-ranked Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences  BA LLB course requires Saveetha Admission Test scores if you haven't sat for the CLAT exam.

...Read more

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

JEE / KCET/ COMEDK (any one exam) is mandatory for applying to Vidyashilp University's B.Tech Hons. Programs (Data Science and AI/ML). For admissions to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) program, submitting CLAT scores is preferred as it enhances their scholarship opportunities. However, it is not man

...Read more

84134530
Tanu Rao

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, aspirants with CLAT scores can get admission in BA LLB (Hons) and BBA LLB (Hons) courses. Such candidates have to apply with CLAT. A merit list is prepared based on CLAT scores. Selected applicants have to participate in counselling. Aspirants who get seat have to confirm their admission by pay

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 weeks ago

JEE / KCET/ COMEDK (any one exam) is mandatory for applying to Vidyashilp University's BTech (Hons) Programmes. For admissions to the law programmes, submitting CLAT scores is preferred as it enhances their scholarship opportunities. However, it is not mandatory.

M

Manashjyoti Srivastava

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, candidates need to have CLAT score for admission in BA LLB (Hons) programme at SASTRA University. Aspirants must also complete Class 12 from a recognised board in the first attempt with at least 60% aggregate with English as a subject for admission.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, in case a candidate has secured a rank in CLAT, then he/she can get admission if they clear the cutoff as mentioned by the VITSOL authorities.

K

Kanishk Dhawan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

For CLAT 2026 Category 1 students (General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI), the fee structure has three main components:


 CLAT 2026 Fee Structure for Category 1

1. Exam Registration Fee

  • ₹4,000 (without question papers)
  • ₹4,500 (with question papers)
  • Payment via online modes (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI).

2. C

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

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