CLAT, or the Common Law Admission Test, is a prominent entrance examination for admission to 5 year integrated law courses for undergraduate and 1 year postgraduate law programs. It is conducted by the Consortium of NLUs. CLAT score is valid for various private law schools to consider the same for admission purposes. CLAT assesses candidates' proficiency in areas like English, general knowledge, mathematics, logical reasoning, and legal aptitude.
NLSIU - Bangalore, NALSAR- Hyderabad, WBNUJS - Kolkata, NLU - Jodhpur. NLU Delhi- takes admission through AILET.
As per the latest notification CLAT examination will have a maximum of 120 marks and a duration of 2 hours. It consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, each carrying one mark. However, candidates should be cautious, as there is a negative marking scheme in place, with a deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. The paper is divided into various subject areas, with approximate numbers of questions as follows: English Language (22-26 questions approx), Current Affairs including General Knowledge (28-32 questions approx), Legal Reasoning (28-32 questions approx), Logical Reasoning (22-26 questions approx), and Quantitative Techniques (10-14 questions approx). There is no sectional cut off.
To prepare for the CLAT exam effectively, start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Organize your study materials, including textbooks and previous papers. Create a well-structured study schedule that covers all subjects, allocating adequate time to each. Focus on honing your English language skills, staying updated on current affairs, and practicing legal and logical reasoning. Don't forget to work on your quantitative skills. Regularly take mock tests to assess your progress and manage time effectively during the exam. Staying consistent, disciplined, and motivated is key to succeeding in the CLAT exam.
After studying law, various career opportunities open up. You can become a lawyer, specializing in areas such as criminal, corporate, or family law. Legal consulting, working as an in-house counsel for corporations, or pursuing a career in government as a public prosecutor or judge are options. Additionally, law graduates can enter academia, becoming professors or legal researchers or joining national forces as JAG or serving the country as Judicial officer (civil judge). Other paths include legal journalism, human resources, or compliance roles in various industries. Law offers a versatile foundation for a wide range of professions.
In addition to CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), there are several other law entrance exams in India for admission to various law programs. Some notable ones include:
- AILET (All India Law Entrance Test): Conducted by the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi), AILET is for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate law programs.
- LSAT India (Law School Admission Test India): LSAT India is accepted by various law colleges and universities in India for admission to their law programs. It assesses a candidate's logical reasoning and reading skills. One of the prestigious law schools to get through LSAT is Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat.
- SLAT (Symbiosis Law Aptitude Test): Symbiosis International (Deemed University) conducts SET Law for admission to its law programs offered by different Symbiosis Institutes. Symbiosis have law courses offered at their Pune, Noida, Hyderabad and Nagpur.
- MHCET Law (5 year LLB): Maharashtra Common Entrance Test Law (MHCET) is conducted for admission to law courses in Maharashtra. The scores are considered by 50+ law colleges within the state of Maharashtra including GLC, Mumbai and ILS Pune.
- CUET Law: From 2022 onwards, the Common Universities Entrance Test (CUET) has also added entrance for law schools through CUET law entrance exam. Candidates appearing for CUET Law reserve a chance to get admission into Banaras Hindu University, University of Allahabad, Aligarh Muslim University for five-year Integrated law course.
- NMIMS LAT: NMIMS Law Admission Test, is an entrance examination conducted by Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) for admission to its undergraduate law programs. NMIMS is a prestigious private university in India, and its law school offers integrated undergraduate programs like the 5-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.). Following NMIMS campuses offer law courses: Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Indore, Dhule and Chandigarh.
- Similar to MHCET Law, other states too offer law entrance exams for admission in law schools within states, like TS LAWCET (Telangana State Law Common Entrance Test), KLEE (Kerala Law Entrance Examination) and AP LAWCET (Andhra Pradesh Law Common Entrance Test)
