CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Revised): Total Questions, Negative Marking, Topic-Wise Weightage, Total Marks

Common Law Admission Test 2026 ( CLAT )

DeskCalelnderCounselling - 25 Feb '26

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Anupama Mehra
Updated on Feb 18, 2026 12:55 IST

By Anupama Mehra, Assistant Manager – Content

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 appear 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. 

The CLAT Exam Pattern 2027 will carry all important details like number of questions, CLAT exam marks distribution, mode of exams, etc. As per the trends, the CLAT Paper Pattern 2027 will have 120 mulitple-choice questions. Candidates must note that the CLAT Exam 2027 will be held for 120 marks for UG courses and 150 marks for PG coursrs. The CLAT LLM Exam will have the same number of questions. It must be noted that CLAT has negative marking too. 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong attempt. Read below all about CLAT exam pattern 2027, including sectional weightage, exam structure, sectional time limit, marking scheme and sections.

Table of contents
  • CLAT Exam Pattern 2027 - Key Features
  • CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern: Highlights
  • CLAT 2027 Sectional Weightage
  • CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme
  • CLAT Syllabus 2027
  • CLAT Books 2027
  • CLAT 2027 Frequently Asked Questions
View More
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CLAT Exam Pattern 2027 - Key Features

Candidates can check CLAT Exam Pattern 2027 below to start CLAT preparation:

  • Comprehension and reading skills will be evaluated. 
  • CLAT 2027 Exam is not to check aspirants prior legal knowledge 
  • Aptitude and Skills are tested.
  • Except for the CLAT Quantitative Technique section, the remaining four sections will include passage-based questions. The English, Current Affairs, and Logical Reasoning sections will include 450-word passages. The Logical Reasoning section will have short passages of about 350 words. A series of questions will follow each passage. 
  • The duration of the CLAT 2027 exam will be two hours.
  • The exam will carry 120 multiple-choice questions. It is conducted for 120 marks.
  • There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for an incorrect answer. For each correct answer 1 mark will be awarded.
  • The difficulty of the CLAT exam 2027 will be of Class 12. Questions asked in Quantitative Techniques are of Class 10 difficulty level.  

Also Read: Mock Test for CLAT, Sample Papers: Things to keep in mind

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Will marks be deducted for unanswered questions in CLAT?
A: 

According to the CLAT exam pattern, there will be no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Such questions will not be taken into consideration while calculating the total marks of a candidate. Hence, if candidates are not sure about the answer of a question, it is better to leave it unattempted rather than doing a guess work, to avoid negative marking.

Q:   What is CLAT Exam Pattern?
A: 

The CLAT exam for both the undergraduate and postgraduate courses will be conducted for 2-hour; i.e. 2 pm to 4 pm. Candidates must note that the exam will be conducted in offline mode. There will be 120 MCQs. Total number of sections in the question paper will be five. 

Q:   What is the difficulty level of CLAT Exam?
A: 

The difficulty level of CLAT 2027 is considered to be moderate. The exam is conducted to assess candidates' ability to think critically and solve problems. There will be five sections.

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CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern: Highlights

Candidates must note that the CLAT Exam Pattern is different for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Check the CLAT Exam Pattern here

CLAT 2027 UG Exam Pattern

Feature Details
Mode of Exam Offline
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions
Total Number of Questions 120
Subjects Covered - English Language
- Current Affairs & General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
Marks per Question 1 mark
Negative Marking -0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Duration of Exam 2 hours

CLAT 2027 PG Exam Pattern

Candidates appearing for CLAT LLM Exam can check the CLAT PG Exam Pattern below

Feature Details
Mode of Exam Offline
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions
Total Number of Questions 120
Marks per Question 1 mark
Negative Marking -0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Duration of Exam 2 hours
Subjects Covered

Constitutional Law

Jurisprudence

Other major law subjects

 

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 (Elementry 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 courses below:

  • For every correct answer, candidates are awarded one mark

  • For every wrong attempt, 0.25 marks are deducted from their total score 

  • No marks are awarded or deducted for questions not left un-attempted

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:   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:   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:   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 Syllabus 2027

Candidates looking forward to appear in the CLAT Exam can check the details of CLAT syllabus for each section below

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

Also Read: Important topics to study from CLAT syllabus

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 Books 2027

Check few important section-wise CLAT books  that candidates can refer to prepare for the exam:

CLAT Sections Important CLAT Books
English Language
  • English Grammar by Wren & Martin
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Current Affairs including General Knowledge
  • General Knowledge 2022-2023-2024 by Arihant Publications
  • Manorama Year Book
Logical Reasoning
  • A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
  • Arihant’s A New Approach to Verbal and Analytical Reasoning
Legal Reasoning
  • Pearson's Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning
  • Pearson’s Guide to the CLAT
Quantitative Techniques
  •  NCERT Class 10 Book
  • Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal

Also Read: CLAT Sample Papers PDF - Previous Years' Sample Paper Download Link

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to prepare GK for CLAT?
A: 
Hi Paras, The strategy for the GA portion is: Current Affairs: The Hindu Newspaper + Daily current affairs through any good online website (bankers adda, Mrunal, Insight, etc.). Also, focus on business, sports, international, national, etc. news Static GK: A basic knowledge of History, Geography and Sciences will suffice.Try to focus more on Indian history. The world history questions are rarely asked. In geography, the emphasis should be laid on world and Indian geography. For science, please focus more on the day to day general science questions. Also, give due weightage to Inventors, discoveries and past Nobel prize winners etc.
Q:   How to prepare for CLAT Quantitative Techniques Section?
A: 

To prepare for this section which cover 10 percent marks of the total CLAT paper it is important to have a right approach. Candidates must note that you can score really well if you study the Class 19 level mathematics properly. Be regular and plan strategically rather than trying to learn advance maths,

Q:   What are the best books to prepare for CLAT?
A: 

Following books can be useful for CLAT preparation: 1. A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning Book by R. S. Aggarwal 2. Quantitative Aptitude Book by R. S. Aggarwal 3. Legal Aptitude for the CLAT and other Law Entrance Examinations: A Workbook Book by A. P. Bhardwaj 4. English Is Easy Book by Chetananand Singh 5. General Knowledge and Current Affairs Manorama Year Book 6. General Knowledge 2020 and 2019 by Arihant Publications 7. Current Affairs Yearly by Arihant Publications.

View list of Books
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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:   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. 

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. 

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CLAT Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered Yesterday

The level of exams obviously differs as the participating universities are different. CLAT is a national level exam where the participating universities are all National Law universities, but same is not the case with RULET. 

C

Chanchal Patra

Contributor-Level 8

Answered Yesterday

The Consortium of NLUs is expected to start the CLAT Application Process 2027 by July. Candidates will be able to fill the CLAT Application Form 2027 by visiting consortiumofnlus.ac.in.

M

Mohit Dhawan

Contributor-Level 8

Answered Yesterday

The Quantitative Techniques & Logical Reasoning sections are considered the most difficult to prepare for in the CLAT exam. 

C

Chanchal Patra

Contributor-Level 8

Answered Yesterday

Candidates can access the CLAT 2027 syllabus on consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The Consortium has not released the CLAT Notification yet. Once it is published, the syllabus will also be announced. 

78547978
Anupama Mehra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

No, candidates cannot join the NLSIU directly; they have to appear for the CLAT entrance examination to be eligible for the course. 

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

No, students have to appear for a (CLAT) Common Law Admission Test entrance examination to be eligible for admission at NLSIU. There is no direct admission. 

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

To prepare for CLAT Exam you need right books and good study plan. You must solve past-year question papers and mock tests. 

N

Nitesh Srivastava

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 days ago

Some of the important topics of CLAT Legal Reasoning include 

  • Legal Maxims
  • Important Supreme Court Judgments
  • Legal GK
  • Indian Constitution
  • Important Acts and Amendments of the Legislature
  • Current Affairs

M

Mohit Dhawan

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, you can join many law colleges without CLAT by applying through private universities, which often take students based on merit or interviews. You can also go for state-level law exams like MH CET Law, TS LAWCET, and others, or appear for university-specific entrance tests. In many places, direc

...Read more

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

CLAT is a national-level law exam held for admission into 24+ National Law Universities (NLUs). It mainly tests you through passage-based and analytical questions, which take more time to solve and need deeper focus. On the other hand, MH CET Law is a state-level exam for Maharashtra law colleges, k

...Read more

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

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