CLAT

Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)

Introduction:

Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a National-level entrance exam for admission of candidates in the undergraduate (UG) as well as in postgraduate (PG) law courses offered by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) and also other law colleges who accepts the exam score.

Till the year 2018, CLAT was held on a rotational basis by the NLUs. In 2019, the exam was conducted by the permanent body i.e. Consortium of NLUs. The body set up its permanent headquarters at NLSIU, Bangalore.

Eligibility Criteria:

The Eligibility Criteria for CLAT is as follows:

1. Candidates appearing should have passed 10+2 or Class 12th or an equivalent examination from a national or state board.

2. A minimum of 45% should be obtained if belonging to General, OBC and Specially-abled categories and 40% if belonging to the SC/ST categories.

3. The Bar Council of India has removed the upper age or lower age criteria for admission and thus there is no age limit to apply for CLAT.

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the website of the CLAT Consortium: https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/.

Step 2: In the left-hand corner, a login form is given and the candidates can sign up and create a new account with details like name, phone number, and password.

Step 3: This step is concerned with the activation of the newly created account. Here, candidates have to enter an OTP received on their mobile number.

Step 4: After entering the OTP, the candidate needs to login in his/her account and fill in the application form.

The application form consists of:

  • Uploading of photograph and signature
  • Basic details like name, address, educational qualifications, etc.
  • Test center preference
  • College preferences
  • Reservation preference

Step 5: After the application form is completed, the next step is the payment of fees. The application form fee is Rs 4000 for General, OBC and specially-abled categories and Rs 3500 for SC/ST categories (Rs 500 extra for previous year CLAT question papers). *Subject to change

This is how the application form is completed and the candidates’ registration is confirmed.

Syllabus and Exam Pattern:

The CLAT Exam will consist of 150 Questions divided into 5 sections:

  • English with Comprehension
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Legal Aptitude
  • General Knowledge including Current Affairs
  • Mathematics

It is an offline paper and is based on MCQs with a 2-hour time limit.

How to prepare for CLAT:

To start with the preparation of the CLAT exam, a candidate can either take the help of coaching classes or may study of his own. Here are some useful tips and tricks which a candidate can follow which will help him in preparing for CLAT effectively and efficiently.

1. Chart a Timetable: A candidate should plan his daily routine activities along with his preparation, for this, a Timetable should be prepared.

2. Before studying for the exam, study the exam itself: The candidates should look out for the exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, etc. before they go ahead with the preparation.

3. Practice Mock tests: The key to achieving a good score in CLAT is practicing as many mock tests as possible. The mock tests help the candidates to get accustomed to the paper pattern and as well as test his preparation.

4. Don’t leave any section: The common mistake committed by candidates is that they leave a section and try to score in other ones. This strategy may work for those who are perfect in the others but it is recommended that the candidate should study all the sections of the exam and for better understanding prepare study notes.

5. Keep a positive approach: Last but not least is think positive and stay positive. Don’t stress out or else you will ruin your chances of getting admissions into the prestigious universities.

Books to refer for CLAT preparation:

Books and study notes play an important role in your preparation for any exam and choosing the right ones is key to success.

1. English:

  • Objective General English By RS Aggarwal (Grammar)
  • Vocabulary: Take an English newspaper preferably The Hindu or The Indian Express and read the editorial section and try to find new words.
  • Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal

2. General Knowledge with Current Affairs:

  • Lucent’s General Knowledge for Static GK
  • Newspaper: The Hindu or The Indian Express
  • “Daily The Hindu analysis” by Wifistudy( Youtube Channel)
  • 200 Best MCQs of every month by Study IQ (Youtube Channel)

3. Mathematics:

  • Qualitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
  • Class 10th NCERT book
  • Fast Track Arithmetic by Arihant

4. Legal Aptitude:

  • Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning: For the CLAT and LLB Entrance Examinations.
  • Previous Year CLAT papers

5. Logical Reasoning & Critical Reasoning:

  • Previous Year CLAT Papers
  • Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
  • A new approach to Reasoning by Arihant

Other than these the Previous Year Papers are very important and will help you throughout your preparation. The candidates may also buy any CLAT coaching institutes’ study material or test series which will help in effective preparation.

All the Best for your preparations, everyone!!!!!