
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
Answered 10 hours ago
Helloo
Students joining BA LLB or BCom LLB programs at Chandigarh University can enjoy comfortable and secure hostel facilities. The campus provides well-furnished rooms, ranging from shared accommodations to single AC rooms, along with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, gyms, recreation zones, and indoor
J
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 13 hours ago
No, Chandigarh University does not accept CLAT scores as a direct admission mode for its law programs. Even if you have a CLAT rank, you will still need to appear for CUCET, which is mandatory for all integrated law degrees like BA LLB, BBA LLB, and B.Com LLB. The rationale behind this is maintainin
T
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 14 hours ago
No, taking the CLAT examination is not mandatory for admission into BA LLB at Chandigarh University. To be eligible for admission in the university, students need to qualify the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET), an important test for their admission to the university. With just a l
N
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 22 hours ago
No, you do not need a CLAT 2026 rank to secure a law seat at Chandigarh University. The university conducts its own entrance examination called CUCET, which is mandatory for most integrated law programs like BA LLB, BBA LLB, and B.Com LLB. The CUCET is designed to evaluate your aptitude, logical rea
S
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
At Chandigarh University, scholarships for BA LLB or B.Com LLB are primarily based on the CUCET (Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test) scores, The university has a well-defined scholarship structure under Phase-I, where top scorers can get fee waivers ranging from 15% to 100% depending on thei
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered Yesterday
Yes, Chandigarh University is an excellent option for students who may have missed top NLUs in CLAT but still want strong exposure in integrated law programs. The University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) at CU offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances theory with practical learning, ensuri
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Chandigarh University does not give preference to CLAT-qualified students for admission into its law programs. Instead, the university relies primarily on its own CUCET entrance exam to evaluate candidates for BA LLB, BBA LLB, and B.Com LLB programs. This ensures that admission is based on merit as
r
Beginner-Level 5
Answered Yesterday
A good CLAT 2026 score is certainly an achievement, but for admission to BA LL.B at Chandigarh University, it is not a requirement. Chandigarh University conducts its own entrance exam called CUCET, and this test is mandatory for all law aspirants. However, having a strong CLAT score can still benef
P
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
Yes, dude, there is no need to worry if you skipped CLAT 2026 exam, definitely you are eligible for taking admission at Chandigarh University for law, you just need to pass Chandigarh University's entrance exam i.e. CUCET - This test is mandatory for your admission. If you score well in CUCET then y
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 days ago
No, attempting CLAT 2026 is not compulsory for admission to BA LLB or B.Com LLB programs at Chandigarh University. This university follows its own admission process, and the university clearly states that students must appear for CUCET (Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test), which is the only
C
Beginner-Level 5
CLAT Notifications
176 Institutes accepting CLAT
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Exam On - 7 Dec '25
What are the hostel, fee, and scholarship benefits for CLAT 2026 -cleared students joining Chandigarh University for law programs?