CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Changed): Mode, Number of Questions, Topic-Wise Weightage, Marking Scheme

Common Law Admission Test 2026 ( CLAT )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 1 Aug '25 - 31 Oct '25

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Anupama Mehra
Updated on Aug 14, 2025 11:21 IST

By Anupama Mehra, Assistant Manager – Content

CLAT 2026 exam pattern - The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has released the CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 along with the CLAT Notification 2026. For CLAT 2024 Exam, the Consortium revised the CLAT exam pattern 2024. Hence, the CLAT Exam pattern was not changed for CLAT 2026.As per the exam pattern of CLAT, the CLAT Question Paper will have 120 section and five sections; i.e. English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques. 

The exam pattern of CLAT 2026 carries all the important information such as the mode of exam, total number of questions, marking scheme, etc. Candidates are advised to go through the exam pattern of CLAT 2026 thoroughly before appearing for CLAT Exam 2026. It must be noted that the exam pattern of CLAT is also an important part of CLAT preparation. Read below all about CLAT exam pattern 2026, including sectional weightage, exam structure, sectional time limit, marking scheme and sections.

 
 

 

Table of content
  • CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Key Features
  • CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights
  • CLAT 2026 Sectional Weightage
  • CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme
  • CLAT Syllabus 2026
  • CLAT Books 2026
  • CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern - Frequently Asked Questions
View More
CLAT Logo

CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Key Features

Candidates appearing for CLAT 2026 must note that the consortium has released the CLAT Exam Pattern. Candidates can check CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 below to start preparation:

  • Passage-based questions: Except for the CLAT Quantitative Technique section 2026, the remainder of the 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. Each passage will be followed by a series of questions. 
  • Quantitative Techniques section: The section will include short sets of facts, propositions, graphs, pictorial representation, etc. The candidate has to derive answers from such passages, representations, etc.
  • CLAT 2026 total number of questions and marking scheme:The CLAT UG exam will contain 120 multiple-choice questions; each question will carry 1 mark.
  • Negative marking: There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for an incorrect answer.
  • Total marks: CLAT 2026 exam is conducted for 120 marks.
  • Exam difficulty level: The difficulty of the CLAT exam 2026 will be of Class 12. Questions asked in Quantitative Techniques are of Class 10 difficulty level.
  • Skills to be evaluated: The CLAT UG question paper will test the comprehension and reasoning skills of candidates. So, rote learning won't cut the ice.  

Also Read: Mock Test for CLAT 2026, Sample Papers: Things to keep in mind

CLAT Logo

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights

Concerning CLAT 2026 exam pattern, here are the main features of the exam pattern with details about the type of questions, test medium, and other details:

Particulars CLAT Exam Pattern Highlights

Exam mode

Pen-and-paper exam

Exam duration

Two hours

Test language

English 

Type of questions

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Exam subjects

Five (English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques)

Total questions

120 MCQs

Maximum marks

120 marks

Marking scheme

+1 for correct answer

-0.25 for incorrect answer

Latest: CLAT 2026 Courses: Check complete list, subject-wise eligibility criteria and other details

CLAT Logo

CLAT 2026 Sectional Weightage

The CLAT question paper for UG course admissions will carry 120 passage-based multiple-choice questions for a total of 120 marks. Going by the CLAT 2026 sectional weightage, candidates can check the section-wise questions weightage for each section as under:

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%

 

CLAT Logo

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern has not been changed. The consortium has released the marking scheme for CLAT 2026 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
CLAT Logo

CLAT Syllabus 2026

The syllabus for UG includes mentions important topics that candidates must refer to prepare well for the exam. The details of CLAT syllabus for each section are:

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 2026 syllabus

 

View Syllabus
CLAT Logo

CLAT Books 2026

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 2026 PDF - Previous Years' Sample Paper Download Link

 

View list of Books
CLAT Logo

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern - Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the key questions asked around the exam pattern of CLAT exam are as under:

qna

CLAT Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered a week ago

To know if you are eligible for CLAT Exam or not you can visit the official website and check the notification. The notification which was earlier released by the consortium carries all important details like elgibility criteria, fees, exam dates etc. Once you have checked if you are eligible to app

...Read more

78548010
Anupama Mehra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

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. 

M

Mohit Dhawan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

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 importan

...Read more

A

Akanksha

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Yes, the application form for CLAT was released long back in August. Those who have not filled the form yet must understand that there is no right day to fill the form. You should fill is as soon as possible. Because if you miss it you have to wait one more year unnecessarily to appear in the exam.

M

Manisha Gard

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

This is so sad. But unfortunately, even with all the right documents, if you have not paid the application fee, your application form will be rejected. Since the application process is currently underwa, y you can still go and submit the fees. Once the window will close you won't be able to pay the

...Read more

A

Akanksha Kumari

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

The last date to submit the application form is October 31, 2025. It must be noted that the consortium will open the application correction window after that. Sometimes the consortium do extend the last date for registration but it is better to fill the form way before and why to wait. 

M

Mukul Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Students can fill the application form by visiting the official website. You should know that there is no other way to fill the registration form. The application form is not released offline neither you can download the form and send it to the consortium. You should fill the form by October 31, 20

...Read more

B

Bhumika Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

You can fill out CLAT form by following the simple steps given below:

  • Go to the official website
  • Click on the apply online link. 
  • Click on the login box.
  • Go to the application form tab at the top.
  • Enter your personal, qualification and preferences for NLU.
  • Upload all your documents Pay the fees

N

Nitesh Srivastava

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can fill out the CLAT Application Form in phases. There is an option to save in every step. However, it will be better if you fill the form in one go. For this, you should keep all the documents ready in hand. See if you fill the form in one go you don't have to worry about it. 

C

Chanchal Patra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Candidates can check the list of documents required to fill the registration form for CLAT below:

  • Passport-Size Photograph 
  • Scanned Signature 
  • Class 10 Marksheet/Certificate 
  • Class 12 Marksheet
  • Category Certificate
  • PwD Certificate
  • Domicile Certificate
  • Valid Photo ID Proof
  • Email ID and Mobile Number

P

Priya Peter

Contributor-Level 6

178 Institutes accepting CLAT

DSU - Dayananda Sagar University

Hosur Road, Bangalore Private

DSU - Daya
    • CLAT, Dayananda Sagar Law Admission Test
    • 4.56 Lakh
    • 3 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    • 13.45 Lakh
    • 5 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    • 6.00 Lakh
    • 5 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    • 3.66 Lakh
    • 5 years
    • |
    • Full Time

    Explore more Law exams with upcoming dates

    SLAT 2026 Mock Test 10 Oct '25
    CGCUET 2025 Registration 14 Nov '24 - 15 Oct '25
    SAT Registration Deadline for November Test Oct '25
    AIBE 20 Registration Date 2025 29 Sep '25 - 28 Oct '25
    AMU Entrance Exam 2026 Online Registrations for BA LLB (with late fee) Jan '26 - Jan '26

    News & Updates

    Latest NewsPopular News