CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Changed): Mode, Number of Questions, Topic-Wise Weightage, Marking Scheme
Common Law Admission Test 2026 ( CLAT )
Exam On - 7 Dec '25
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 GK, 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.
- 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
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 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights
| 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 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 %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28-32 |
28-32 |
18.66 - 21.33 | |
| 35-39 |
35-39 |
23.33 - 26 | |
| 28-32 |
28-32 |
18.66 - 21.33 | |
| 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 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 Syllabus 2026
The details of CLAT syllabus for each section are:
| CLAT Sections | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language |
|
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
|
| Legal Reasoning |
|
| Quantitative Techniques |
|
Also Read: Important topics to study from CLAT 2026 syllabus
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 |
|
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
|
| Legal Reasoning |
|
| Quantitative Techniques |
|
Also Read: CLAT Sample Papers 2026 PDF - Previous Years' Sample Paper Download Link
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern - Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the key questions asked around the exam pattern of CLAT exam are as under:
CLAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 10 hours ago
Yes, a student with a low CLAT 2026 score can still secure admission to Chandigrah University's BA LLB or B.Com. LLB Programs. CU does not requie CLAT fro admission, as it has its own entrance exam called CUCET, which is mandatory for all law aspirants. Your admission depends entirely on CUCET perfr
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 15 hours ago
Yes, you heard it right, Chandigarh University has its own admission process and you can skip CLAT, because as the university has their own entrance test which is CUCET and this test is mandatory for your admission. If you score well in CUCET then you can get a scholorship that reduces your fees a l
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 18 hours ago
Hi.
The advantages of choosing Chandigarh University for law studies after clearing CLAT 2026 are-
placement
opportunities
competitive exams
experience
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 19 hours ago
Chandigarh University's University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) has a practical and career-focused curriculum that helps CLAT 2026-qualified students prepare for corporate law, litigation, or the judiciary. The programme covers all important subjects, including corporate law, criminal law, con
A
Guide-Level 11
Answered 20 hours ago
No, CLAT exam is not mandatory for taking admission in BA LLB at Chandigarh University. For taking admission in university, you need to pass the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET). This test is mandatory for your admission. If you score well in CUCET then you can get a scholarship th
s
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
The process to access official sample papers of CLAT 2026 is as under-
- Go the official website
- Login and click on attempt sample paper
- You will now see sample instructions on your screen
- Read the instructions and click on 'Start Mock Test'
- Attempt the question paper
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Candidates can follow the process mentioned below to check the CLAT seat allotment result:
- Visit the official website of CLAT
- Enter mobile number & password.
- Click on Login.
- Check the seat allotment result.
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
The Consortium of NLUs will begin CLAT Counselling Process 2026 once the CLAT Results are announced. The counselling process of CLAT will be conducted in online mode on the official website of Consortium of NLUs; i.e. consortiumofnlus.ac. The Counselling Process will be held in five rounds.
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
- Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Enter your registered mobile number and password.
- Click on the Login button.
- Click on the Download Admit Card.
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, the cnsortium of NLUs has released the CLAT admit card online. The candidates registered for the exam are issued the hall ticket online. The CLAT 2026 Exam is scheduled to be held on December 07, 2025.
D
Contributor-Level 10
CLAT Notifications
175 Institutes accepting CLAT
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur
Kattankulathur, Chennai • Private
- CLAT, SRMJEEL
- ₹ 12.50 Lakh
- 5 years
- |
- Full Time
National Law School of India University, Bangalore
Vijayanagar, Bangalore • Public
4.5NLU Kolkata (NUJS) - The West Bengal National Univer...
Salt Lake City, Kolkata • Public
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Can a student with a low CLAT 2026 score still secure admission in Chandigarh Universitys law programs like BA LLB or BCom LLB?