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Everything about CLAT: From Exam Pattern to Preparation Tips

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) recently released the official sample papers for the CLAT examination for candidates who had registered and paid the fee for CLAT 2023. Are you someone who’s aspiring to become a lawyer? Looking for information about the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)? Read on to know more about CLAT… 

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CLAT 2023: Introduction

A nationwide entrance exam called the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is required for enrollment in the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programmes provided by India's 22 National Law Universities. The Consortium of National Law Universities (Consortium of NLUs), which consists of representative universities, oversees the organisation of CLAT. A number of universities affiliated with the Consortium of NLUs administer the CLAT exam for admissions.

The CLAT exam had been administered by the NLUs in a rotating manner till 2018. But starting in 2019, the Consortium of NLUs, an organisation created by the NLUs, has been responsible for running the CLAT. This organisation is based at NLSIU, in Bangalore. 

Students should note that the CLAT 2023 must be taken in order to be considered for admission to the 5-year integrated LL.B. and LL.M. programmes that begin in the academic year 2023–2024.

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CLAT 2023: Eligibility Requirements

Interested candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set up by the official authorities to be eligible to sit for the CLAT 2023 Examination. They are given below.

For Undergraduate: 

• No upper age limit to appear for the examination
• 45% or equivalent marks in 10+2 will be considered eligible for candidates belonging to the General, OBC, NRI & PWD category
• 40% or equivalent marks in 10+2 will be considered eligible for SC/ST candidates

For Postgraduate: 

• No upper age limit to appear for the examination
• An LLB degree or equivalent qualification with 50% marks or equivalent for candidates belonging to General, OBC, PWD, NRI, and PIO categories
• An LLB degree or equivalent qualification with 45% marks or equivalent is considered eligible for SC/ST Candidates
• Candidates in their final year of undergraduate examination can also appear for the CLAT examination

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CLAT 2023: Exam Pattern

Knowing the examination pattern is one of the most important things for candidates appearing for any entrance examination. 

UG Exam Pattern

• The CLAT Examination for UG will be conducted offline with a total of 150 MCQs. 
• Candidates will get 2 hours to finish the examination. 
• On every incorrect answer, there will be a negative marking of 0.25. 
• The examination will be conducted only in one language i.e, English. 
• The subjects included are as follows: English, GK, Numerical Ability, Legal Aptitude & Logical Reasoning.

PG Exam Pattern

• The CLAT Examination for UG will be conducted offline with a total of 120 MCQs. 
• Candidates will get 2 hours to finish the examination. 
• On every incorrect answer, there will be a negative marking of 0.25. 
• The examination will be conducted only in one language i.e, English
• The subjects included in the examination are as follows: Constitutional Law, Other Law Subjects (Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, etc)

CLAT 2023: Preparation Tips

Before appearing for any examination, it is important to have a solid preparation strategy to pass with flying colours. Here are some of the major preparation tips for aspirants appearing for the CLAT 2023 Examination: 

• Understand the exam pattern: It is one of the most important preparation tips for students. This not only helps you to practice but also helps you prepare to give it your best.
• Have a daily schedule: Aspirants must make a daily routine to study and prepare for the examination thoroughly. 
• Refer to good books: Studying well-written books on particular subjects will help aspirants in preparing thoroughly for the examination. 
• Know previous years’ cutoff marks: Cutoff marks give aspirants an idea of how to prepare efficiently for the examination so as to score the cutoff marks. 
• Take mock tests: Mock Tests are extremely useful when it comes to preparing for any entrance examination. Take 1 mock test a day to improve your preparation level for CLAT 2023. 

Now that you have been introduced to the CLAT 2023 Exam Pattern and more, are you ready to start preparing for the examination and pass with flying colours?