CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 has been officially released by the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLUs). The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 for UG will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions carrying 120 marks to be solved in 2 hours. The exam will be conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode with a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. Understanding the latest CLAT 2026 exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation and time management.
The exam paper is divided into five sections: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. This revised pattern focuses more on comprehension and reasoning skills rather than rote learning.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Students are advised to verify all details from the official website before proceeding.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 120 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | +1 (Correct), -0.25 (Wrong), 0 (Unattempted) |
| Sections | 5 Sections |
| Medium | English |
| Exam Date | December 7, 2025 |
Detailed CLAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | No. of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs including GK | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
Key Features:
- All questions are passage-based (approx. 450 words per passage).
- No sectional time limits.
- Focus on reading speed, critical thinking, and application skills.
CLAT Marking Scheme 2026
| Response Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
| Wrong Answer | -0.25 Marks |
| Unattempted | 0 Marks |
Strategy Tip: Attempt questions only when you are 60-70% confident due to negative marking.
CLAT UG Syllabus 2026 (Section-wise)
| Section | Detailed Topics / Skills Tested |
|---|---|
| English Language |
|
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge |
|
| Legal Reasoning |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
|
| Quantitative Techniques |
|
Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026
- Prioritize Current Affairs and Legal Reasoning (50% combined weightage).
- Read newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express).
- Practice 10-15 full-length mocks under timed conditions.
- Focus on accuracy to minimize negative marking.
- Build speed for long passages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How can I apply for this exam?
Ans. You can apply by visiting the official website and following the instructions provided.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
Ans. The last date to apply is to be notified as per the official notification.
Q3. How many sections are there in the CLAT 2026 exam?
Ans. There are five sections in the CLAT 2026 exam.
Q4. What is the marking scheme for CLAT 2026?
Ans. The marking scheme awards +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for wrong answers, and 0 for unattempted questions.
Q5. What is the duration of the CLAT 2026 exam?
Ans. The duration of the CLAT 2026 exam is 2 hours.
Q6. Is there negative marking in the CLAT 2026 exam?
Ans. Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Q7. What is the total number of questions in the CLAT 2026 exam?
Ans. The total number of questions in the CLAT 2026 exam is 120.
