CLAT 2027: Complete Guide for CLAT UG & CLAT PG Aspirants
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is the national-level entrance examination for admission to 5-year Integrated LL.B. (UG) and LL.M. (PG) programmes offered by participating National Law Universities (NLUs) and certain other institutions. The examination is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities.
Updated with official notifications + counselling changes | Written for Indian law aspirants | Clear, step-by-step guidance
What is the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)?
CLAT is a centralized entrance examination for admission to 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. It assesses candidates on subjects such as legal aptitude, logical reasoning, and current affairs for UG, and core law subjects for PG.
CLAT at a Glance (2027)
Whether you are applying for CLAT UG after Class 12 or CLAT PG after completing your LL.B., the table below provides a quick overview of the most important examination details. Use it to compare both examination levels before exploring the detailed guides.
| Feature | CLAT UG (Undergraduate) | CLAT PG (Postgraduate) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Admission to 5-year Integrated LL.B.programmes | Admission to LL.M. programmes |
| Who Can Apply? | Candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent), subject to the latest Consortium eligibility requirements | Candidates who have completed or are appearing in the final year of an LL.B. degree, subject to the latest Consortium eligibility requirements |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities | Consortium of National Law Universities |
| Examination Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Primary Focus | Reading comprehension, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, English, current affairs and quantitative techniques | Constitutional Law and other core legal subjects prescribed in the official syllabus |
| Admission Through | Participating National Law Universities (NLUs) and other accepting institutions | Participating National Law Universities (NLUs) and other accepting institutions |
| Official Website | Consortium of NLUs | Consortium of NLUs |
Important: Admission policies, eligibility requirements, examination pattern and counselling procedures are governed by the Consortium of National Law Universities through the applicable admission notification for the relevant examination cycle. Candidates should always verify the latest official notification before submitting an application.
Choose Your CLAT Path
Select the examination that matches your academic stage. Each pathway below provides quick access to the most important CLAT resources, helping you reach the information you need without unnecessary searching.
🎓 UG Level Exam
CLAT UG (after 12th)
Students who have completed or are appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) and wish to seek admission to 5-year integrated LL.B. programmes offered by participating National Law Universities (NLUs) and other accepting institutions.
CLAT PG (after LL.B.)
Law graduates and final-year LL.B. students seeking admission to LL.M. programmes offered by participating National Law Universities through the CLAT PG examination.
Not sure which examination applies to you? CLAT UG is intended for admission to integrated undergraduate law programmes after Class 12, whereas CLAT PG is for admission to LL.M. programmes after completing or being in the final year of an LL.B., subject to the applicable eligibility criteria and the current Consortium notification.
Your CLAT Journey: From Aspirant to Law School
Whether you are preparing for CLAT UG after Class 12 or CLAT PG after LL.B., the admission process follows a series of important milestones. The roadmap below helps you understand what to do next at every stage, with direct access to detailed guides whenever you need more information.
CLAT Counselling & Admission Guide
After the CLAT Result is declared, eligible candidates participate in the CLAT counselling process conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). This stage includes registration (if applicable under the current admission process), publication of merit lists, seat allotment, confirmation of admission, and completion of the formalities prescribed by the allotted university.
Use the guides below to understand each stage and make informed admission decisions.
CLAT Counselling Process
Understand how the counselling process works—from merit lists and invitation rounds to seat confirmation and admission timelines.
Participating NLUs
Explore the participating National Law Universities, available programmes, and official admission information before choosing your preferences.
Seat Allotment & Admission
Learn how seat allotment works, understand admission confirmation, and know the next steps after receiving an allotment.
Admission Documents Checklist
Prepare the important documents commonly required during counselling and admission to help avoid delays during verification.
Not sure which examination applies to you? CLAT UG is intended for admission to integrated undergraduate law programmes after Class 12, whereas CLAT PG is for admission to LL.M. programmes after completing or being in the final year of an LL.B., subject to the applicable eligibility criteria and the current Consortium notification.
CLAT UG latest Posts
CLAT PG latest Posts
Explore Other Legal Career & Qualification Pathways
Your legal journey may extend beyond the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). Whether you are planning to study law, qualify to practise in India or abroad, or pursue teaching and legal research, explore the most relevant pathways below.
Law Entrance Examinations
Qualify to Practise Law
Teaching & Legal Research
Whether your goal is to become an advocate in India, qualify overseas, pursue an LL.M., or build a career in legal academia, explore our complete collection of trusted law career guides designed for students, graduates, advocates and researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CLAT the only exam for admission to NLUs in India?
CLAT is the primary entrance exam used by most National Law Universities (NLUs) in India for undergraduate and postgraduate law admissions. However, some universities like NLU Delhi conduct separate entrance exams. Candidates should always check the official admission notification of the respective university before applying.
2. Can I get admission in a good law college without CLAT??
Yes, some universities and private law schools conduct their own entrance exams or offer admission through separate selection processes. However, CLAT remains one of the most widely accepted law entrance exams for admission into top NLUs and several affiliated institutions.
3. Is CLAT very difficult to crack for average students?
CLAT is competitive but achievable with consistent preparation, strong reading skills, and regular mock practice. The exam focuses on comprehension, reasoning, and legal aptitude rather than rote memorisation, making strategy and time management important factors.
4. What career opportunities are available after clearing CLAT?
After clearing CLAT and completing a law degree, candidates can pursue careers in litigation, corporate law, judiciary preparation, government legal services, legal consulting, academia, or pursue higher studies such as LLM in India or abroad.
5. Can CLAT help in studying law abroad later?
CLAT itself is not required for studying law abroad, but graduating from a reputed law university through CLAT can strengthen academic profiles for international LLM admissions, subject to university eligibility and language requirements.
Download Free Previous Years Papers
Download officially released CLAT previous year papers (UG & PG).
🎓 UG Level Exam
CLAT UG – Papers
Download Free Previous Years Questions Papers (PYQP) for CLAT UG.
🎓 PG Level Exam
CLAT PG – Papers
Download Free Previous Years Questions Papers (PYQP) for CLAT PG.
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