Introduction to SLAT 2026:
The Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT) 2026 is the premier entrance exam for admission to undergraduate law programs at Symbiosis International University’s (SIU) renowned Law Schools, including Symbiosis Law School (SLS) Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, and Nagpur. Offered for BA LLB (Hons) and BBA LLB (Hons) courses, SLAT evaluates candidates’ aptitude for legal studies through a balanced mix of reasoning, comprehension, and awareness skills.
As of November 2025, the official notification confirms SLAT 2026 will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) held on December 20 and 28, 2025, allowing candidates to appear twice for the higher score. With no negative marking and a concise 60-minute format, the exam emphasizes efficiency and conceptual clarity. This in-depth analysis breaks down the exam pattern, syllabus sections, key topics, and strategic insights to help you prepare effectively and aim for a top percentile.
SLAT 2026 Exam Pattern: A Quick Overview
The SLAT 2026 structure is designed to test core competencies in a streamlined manner, ensuring fairness and relevance to legal education. Here’s the core framework:
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Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online.
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Total Questions: 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
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Total Marks: 60 (1 mark per question).
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Duration: 60 minutes (no sectional time limits; manage time wisely).
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Negative Marking: None—attempt all questions confidently.
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Question Types: Primarily MCQs with four options; some may include passage-based or scenario-based queries.
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Exam Dates: December 20, 2025 (Saturday) and December 28, 2025 (Sunday)—candidates can choose one or both, with the best score considered.
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Scoring and Shortlisting: Raw scores scaled for percentile calculation; top performers shortlisted for Personal Interaction (PI) round (final merit: 50% SLAT + 50% PI).
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Medium: English only.
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Special Notes:
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All five sections are mandatory—no option to skip.
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Admit cards available from December 11 (for first test) and December 18 (for second) via slat-test.org.
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Prohibited items include electronic gadgets; strict anti-malpractice rules apply.
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This pattern remains consistent with recent years, focusing on holistic aptitude rather than rote memorization, making it accessible yet competitive for 10,000+ applicants annually.
Detailed Section-Wise Analysis of SLAT 2026 Syllabus
The SLAT syllabus isn’t rigidly prescribed but draws from standard topics tested in law entrances. Each of the five sections carries equal weightage (12 questions, 12 marks), promoting balanced preparation. Below is a granular breakdown with key topics, subtopics, expected question styles, and analysis for strategic focus.
1. Logical Reasoning (12 Questions, 12 Marks)
This section tests your ability to identify patterns, draw inferences, and solve puzzles—skills vital for legal argumentation.
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Key Topics:
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Syllogisms and logical deductions based on statements and assumptions.
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Analogies, classifications, and blood relations.
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Coding-decoding, direction sense, and seating arrangements.
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Series completion (number, letter, or figure-based).
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Subtopics to Prioritize:
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Critical thinking: Arguments, conclusions, and strengthening/weakening premises.
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Puzzles: Linear/circular arrangements and complex relationships.
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Question Style Analysis: 70% puzzle-based (quick solves), 30% statement-conclusion (inferential); expect 1-2 minute per question.
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Difficulty Insight: Moderate; strong performers score 10+ by practicing 50+ sets daily.
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Pro Tip: Overlaps with CLAT/AILET—use those mocks for crossover prep.
2. Legal Reasoning (12 Questions, 12 Marks)
The heart of SLAT, this assesses your grasp of legal principles without needing prior law knowledge—focus on application to facts.
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Key Topics:
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Legal maxims, propositions, and their real-world application.
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Contracts, torts, criminal law basics (e.g., liability, defenses).
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Constitutional law snippets (fundamental rights, duties).
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Family law and property rights scenarios.
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Subtopics to Prioritize:
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Hypothetical situations: Identify issues, apply rules, conclude outcomes.
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Landmark principles (e.g., strict liability, mens rea) via case-like facts.
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Question Style Analysis: Passage-based (short paras) with principle-fact matching; 60% direct application, 40% inference.
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Difficulty Insight: High-yield if you read editorials; aim for 9-11 correct by linking facts to rules.
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Pro Tip: No need for case laws—emphasize logical application; practice 20 scenarios weekly.
3. Analytical Reasoning (12 Questions, 12 Marks)
Building on logical skills, this dives deeper into data-driven analysis and quantitative logic.
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Key Topics:
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Data sufficiency and interpretation (graphs, tables).
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Assumptions, inferences, and cause-effect relationships.
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Venn diagrams, calendars, and clock problems.
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Profit-loss, ratios, and basic arithmetic in logical contexts.
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Subtopics to Prioritize:
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Inferential reasoning: Drawing conclusions from incomplete data.
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Pattern recognition in sequences or arrangements.
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Question Style Analysis: 50% quantitative (simple math), 50% verbal (arguments); often integrated with passages.
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Difficulty Insight: Moderate to tough; target 8-10 by focusing on speed via timed drills.
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Pro Tip: Differentiates from Logical—emphasize ‘why’ over ‘what’; use puzzles with variables.
4. Reading Comprehension (12 Questions, 12 Marks)
Evaluates your ability to process and interpret text swiftly—crucial for legal reading.
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Key Topics:
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Passages on diverse themes: Law, ethics, society, environment, or current issues.
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Inference, main idea, tone, and author’s viewpoint.
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Vocabulary in context and summarization.
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Subtopics to Prioritize:
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2-3 passages (300-500 words each) with 4 questions per.
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Critical reading: Identifying assumptions or contradictions.
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Question Style Analysis: Direct (facts) to analytical (implications); bilingual options absent—pure English.
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Difficulty Insight: Easy if fluent; score 10+ by skimming for structure first.
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Pro Tip: Practice 1-2 passages daily from The Hindu or legal journals.
5. General Knowledge (12 Questions, 12 Marks)
A dynamic section testing static and current awareness—stay updated till exam day.
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Key Topics:
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Current affairs: National/international events (last 12 months), polity, economy.
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Static GK: History, geography, science, sports, awards.
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Legal GK: Recent judgments, amendments, international law.
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Subtopics to Prioritize:
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Polity & Governance: Constitution, bills (e.g., UCC debates).
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Science & Tech: Basics like AI ethics in law.
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International: UN, WTO, global summits.
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Question Style Analysis: 60% current (2025 events), 40% static; direct recall or fact-linkage.
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Difficulty Insight: Volatile—aim for 9+ via monthly quizzes.
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Pro Tip: Focus on law-linked GK (e.g., SC verdicts); apps like InShorts for quick hits.
Strategic Preparation Tips for SLAT 2026
To conquer this 60-minute sprint, adopt a 3-6 month plan tailored to the equal-weightage pattern:
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Time Allocation: Dedicate 20% time per section in mocks; build stamina for back-to-back attempts.
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Resources:
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Books: Universal’s Guide to SLAT, Arihant GK, RS Aggarwal for Reasoning.
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Online: Official mocks on slat-test.org, CLAT prep platforms like Toprankers.
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Practice Routine: Solve 2 full mocks weekly; analyze errors to boost weak sections (e.g., Legal via hypotheticals).
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Common Pitfalls: Overthinking RC passages or ignoring GK updates—balance with daily 30-min news reading.
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PI Prep Tie-In: High SLAT scores (50+ raw) ease PI; practice group discussions on legal ethics.
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Health Hack: Simulate exam day—early mornings, no caffeine crashes.
With consistent effort, a 45-50 score secures shortlisting for top SLS campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on SLAT 2026 Syllabus and Pattern
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Is SLAT 2026 syllabus changed from 2025? No major shifts—sections and topics align closely.
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How to handle time pressure? Prioritize strong sections first; leave 5 mins for review.
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Are calculators allowed? No—basic mental math suffices for Analytical.
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Validity of SLAT score? Only for 2026-27 admissions.
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Reservation policy? Yes, as per SIU norms (SC/ST/OBC/PwD)—upload docs during registration.
For the latest updates, visit slat-test.org. Gear up for SLAT 2026—your path to a stellar legal career starts here! Share your prep queries in comments below.