CLAT Full Form

Full form of CLAT is Common Law Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance exam held in India for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes offered by various participating National Law Universities and other colleges throughout the country. The CLAT score is regarded as one of the most important criteria for admission to Indian law schools. The exam is given online and covers subjects such as English language, current events, logical reasoning, legal aptitude, and quantitative techniques.

Characteristics of CLAT

1. Exam Pattern: CLAT is a computer-based test that consists of multiple-choice questions. English, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning are the five sections of the exam.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have passed their Class 12th board examination or equivalent with a minimum of 45% marks to be eligible for CLAT. However, eligibility requirements may differ from one college to the next.
3. Difficulty Level: CLAT is a highly competitive exam with a moderate to high level of difficulty. The exam questions are designed to assess candidates’ analytical and logical reasoning abilities.
4. CLAT application: The CLAT application process usually begins in January, and the exam is held in May. Candidates can apply online and pay the application fee through a variety of online payment methods.
5. Exam Centres: CLAT examinations are held in cities throughout India. Candidates can select their preferred exam location when completing the application form.
6. CLAT results and counselling: CLAT results are usually announced in June. Candidates are called for counselling based on their results, where they can choose their preferred law college or university based on their rank and seat availability.
7. Score Validity: The CLAT score is valid for one year, and candidates can use it to apply for admission to various law colleges and universities in India.

History of CLAT Exam

• CLAT, or Common Law Admission Test, is an all-India entrance exam for undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes offered by India’s 22 National Law Universities (NLUs). It was first held in 2008 and has been held annually since then.
• The Vice-Chancellors of the NLUs first proposed a common law entrance exam in 2006, with the goal of standardising the admission process for the NLUs and ensuring a fair and transparent system for all candidates. The first CLAT exam was given in 2008 by NLSIU Bangalore, and it has been given on a rotational basis by the NLUs since then.
• The CLAT exam has undergone numerous changes and modifications over the years. The exam pattern was changed in 2015 to include comprehension-based questions as well as a focus on legal reasoning. For the first time in 2019, the exam was given online, and the number of questions was reduced from 200 to 150.

Eligibility Criteria of CLAT

• Age restrictions: No age limit for taking CLAT exam.
• Candidates must be either Indian citizens, NRIs, or foreign nationals.

Qualification:

• Undergraduate (LLB): Candidates must have at least  45% in 12th class  ( 40% for SC/ST candidates)   
• Postgraduate (LLM): Must have LLB degree with at least 50% marks ( 45% for SC/ST candidates) 

Exam Pattern For CLAT

1. English Language: This portion gauges the candidate’s understanding and command of the language. There are 28–32 questions in it.
2. General understanding and Current Affairs: This section assesses the candidate’s general awareness and understanding of current events. There are 35–39 questions on it.
3. Legal Reasoning: The candidate’s capacity to comprehend and apply legal principles to specific reality situations is examined in this section. There are 35–39 questions on it.
4. The candidate’s capacity to evaluate and analyse logical arguments is tested in this part on logical reasoning. There are 28–32 questions in it.
5. Quantitative Techniques: This portion assesses the candidate’s proficiency in numerical skills and basic knowledge of mathematics. There are 13–17 questions on it.

Advantages of CLAT

• Access to Top Law Universities: CLAT is India’s most popular and widely recognised law entrance exam, providing students with admission to top law schools. Students who pass the CLAT exam can gain admission to some of the best law schools in the country, including the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, the National Law University (NLU) in Delhi, and the National Law Institute University (NLIU) in Bhopal.
• Standardized Exam: CLAT is a standardised exam that ensures the fairness and transparency of the admissions process. The purpose of the exam is to assess a candidate’s aptitude and knowledge of various legal concepts and theories.
• Multiple Career Pathways: Students who pass the CLAT exam have a variety of career paths available to them. They have the option of becoming a lawyer, legal advisor, corporate counsel, judge, or working in government.
• Practical Experience: Most law schools provide ample opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, moot courts, and other activities. This enables students to comprehend how the legal system functions in the real world.
• Prestige: CLAT is a very prestigious exam, and passing it enhances a student’s academic and professional credentials. It increases their chances of landing a good job and establishing a successful career in the legal field.