CLAT 2025 Marks vs Rank: Key Differences, Merit List Deciding Factors, Cutoff, Admissions
Common Law Admission Test 2025 ( CLAT )
Counselling - To be notified
CLAT 2025 Exam date was December 1, 2024. In this article, candidates can understand the key differences between CLAT ranks and marks, and what is more important to secure a seat at NLUs in India.
Difference between CLAT Marks and Ranks
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is conducted for admissions offered at the accepting National Law Universities in India. CLAT 2025 Exam was scheduled to be held on December 1, 2024. The Consortium has announced the CLAT results in the form of marks as well as ranks. CLAT 2025 Results was announced on December 7, 2024. While CLAT ranks and marks are both helpful in preparing the merit list of a NLU, often candidates ask what exactly is the deciding factor in the final admission/ selection process? In this article, candidates can understand the key differences between CLAT rank and marks, and their role in preparation of a CLAT merit list 2025.
CLAT 2025 Marks
The Consortium of NLUs awarded marks to a candidate on the basis of their performance in all the five sections of CLAT question paper (undergraduate) as under:
| CLAT Sections |
CLAT total questions per section |
CLAT total marks per section |
CLAT Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28-32 questions |
28-32 marks |
1 mark awarded for each correct answer 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer 0 marks awarded or deducted for no attempts |
|
| 35-39 questions |
35-39 marks |
||
| 28-32 questions |
28-32 marks |
||
| 35-39 questions |
35-39 marks |
||
| 13-17 questions |
13-17 marks |
||
| Total |
120 questions |
120 marks |
Sum of all questions attempted minus incorrect attempts |
For postgraduate courses as under:
| CLAT LLM Sections |
Total MCQs |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Sec A – Constitutional Law |
120 questions |
120 marks |
| Sec B - Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR and Jurisprudence. |
||
| Sec C – Law topics and Contemporary issues |
Therefore, the scorecard of the CLAT exam includes scores obtained by candidates in each section, as well as overall scores obtained in the exam.
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To shortlist candidates for the final seat allotment process, the exam authority arranged their names in order of merit. The merit ranks of candidates qualifying CLAT 2025 exam are determined based on the following factors:
Q: What details are required to check the CLAT cutoff?
Q: What is the cutoff marks in CLAT?
Candidates must note that in order to secure seat in top 3 NLUs they should have a cut-off between 100 and 105, as expected in the CLAT Cutoff 2025. To get admission in one of the top 5 NLUs, the CLAT cut off 2025 is expected to be around 95 and 100.
Q: I scored 80 marks in the CLAT exam. Have I met the cutoff?
No, it is not possible for you to get the NLU, although at this score you must have already received admission letters from private universities. Better take a year's drop.
CLAT cut-off usually ranges between 95-100 for the general category while for SC/ST and OBC category CLAT cut-off usually ranges between 80-85. Based on the previous year's analysis, CLAT Cut-off 2025 for the top 3 NLUs is expected to be between 100-105, and for the top 5 NLUs, it is expected to be between 90-95.
- Section-wise marks in CLAT
- Overall scores obtained in CLAT
- Age of the candidate
In case there are ties in marks of two or more candidates, then the merit rank will be determined as under:
For undergraduate courses -
- Candidates securing higher marks in the legal aptitude section of CLAT UG question paper will be ranked higher
- In case of further tie, candidates older in age will be ranked higher
- Finally, if the tie still exists, then a computerised draw of lots.
For postgraduate courses -
- Candidate older in age is ranked higher
- In case of further ties, a computerized draw of lots will determine the ranks of candidates
CLAT 2025 Reservation Categories
CLAT ranks are arranged for each category as under:
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- General
- Scheduled Caste
- Scheduled Tribes
- Kashmiri Migrants
- Other Backward Classes
- Persons with Disabilities/ Specially Abled Persons
- J&K candidates
- Economically Weaker Section
Difference between CLAT 2025 Rank and Marks
The major difference between CLAT 2025 ranks and marks is:
- Marks are consolidated scores obtained in the CLAT exam
- Ranks are positioned in each category on the basis of marks and tie-breaking criteria
Therefore, it becomes essential for a candidate to score well in CLAT exam, in order to get a higher rank in the merit list.
CLAT 2025 Marks vs Ranks - Deciding factor for Merit List
Both CLAT rank and marks are the deciding factors for the merit list, as the exam authority allots ranks on the basis of marks obtained by candidates. Further, the qualified candidates are segregated on the basis of category (including horizontal reservations) for all NLUs.
Also read: List of Colleges accepting CLAT 2025 Scores for admission: UG/PG Seat Intake
CLAT Cutoff Marks vs Ranks
The cutoff marks for CLAT 2025 means the minimum marks a candidate needs to secure in all the sections as well as the overall question paper. Whereas, CLAT cutoff rank 2025 indicates category-wise rank (last) eligible to secure admission in a particular NLU.
Q: What all information will CLAT 2024 cutoff have?
Candidates can check the CLAT Cutoff 2025 by following simple steps given below:
- Click on the merit list link by visiting the official website
- A log-in window will open
- Fill in the following details:
- CLAT 2025 application number / Admit card number
- Date of birth
- On successful login, the merit list would be displayed on the screen
- Download and take a printout of the CLAT 2025 Cutoff List
CLAT Consortium will publish the CLAT merit list for UG and PG courses separately. The CLAT merit list will be prepared based on the total marks scored by candidates in the exam. This means that a student scoring higher marks will be given a higher rank in the merit list.
The merit list will include information like All India Ranks (AIRs), roll numbers, and total marks. All candidates whose names have appeared in the merit list are eligible to participate in CLAT 2025 counseling for seat allotment procedure at the National Law Universities (NLUs).
Q: Are CLAT cut offs announced along with the CLAT result?
CLAT cut offs are not announced along with the CLAT result. The cut offs also not released publicaly. They are known after a few days of result announcement when the NLUs and other colleges start their shortlisting process. The NLUs will open shortlist window basis the CLAT cut offs two to three days after the result announcement. Only those candidates who will meet the CLAT 2025 Cutoff will be allowed to sit in the counselling process.
Q: Are there any sectional cutoffs in the CLAT exam?
No, there is no specific sectional cutoff in CLAT Exam. However, the marks obtained by the candidate in each section are important in determining their overall performance. These marks are important as it is utilized to prepare the merit list, that determines the eligibility of candidates for admission to various law programmes. The CLAT merit list is prepared on the basis of the overall marks that is obtained by the candidates and the sectional scores play a significant role in the calculation.
Q: Am I eligible for clat exam I have 51% in 10+2 in best five subjects English ,physics ,chemistry, computer Science, environment al Science
Q: Is CLAT cutoff same for all NLUs?
The cutoff depends on a host of different factors like 1) the seat intake for the programme 2) the total applications received for admission 3) the CLAT merit rank of applicants, 4) category and 5) the NIRF Ranking or the popularity of the NLU. Now, given these factors may vary for each NLU, the cutoff would also vary accordingly. Candidates must note that they will be allotted NLU on the basis of marks, rank and the preference they have filled while submitting the CLAT Application Form 2025.
CLAT 2025 Marks
Here are the expected cutoff marks for the CLAT exam for reference:
| CLAT Sections |
Difficulty Level |
Expected cut off |
|---|---|---|
| English Language |
Easy |
20+ |
| Current Affairs including General Knowledge |
Moderate |
30+ |
| Logical Reasoning |
Moderate |
15+ |
| Legal Reasoning |
Easy to Moderate |
20+ |
| Quantitative Techniques |
Moderate |
10+ |
| Total |
Moderate |
95-115 |
CLAT Cutoff Ranks 2025
Candidates can check the CLAT 2025 cut off ranks for participating NLUs below:
| CLAT 2025 Participating NLUs |
Opening Rank (Expected) |
Closing Ranks (Expected) |
Download CLAT 2025 1st Merit List |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore |
1 | 14351 | To be released |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad |
4 | 8840 | To be released |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata |
140 | 30487 | To be released |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal
|
159 | 17868 | To be released |
| 187 | 27439 | To be released | |
| National Law University, Jodhpur |
112 | 21627 | To be released |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar |
8 | 12466 | To be released |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow |
357 | 20458 | To be released |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala |
223 | 25990 | To be released |
| Chanakya National Law University Patna
|
324 | 29496 | To be released |
| 1051 | 32471 | To be released | |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi |
233 | 28321 | To be released |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack |
594 | 52976 | To be released |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi |
642 | 48861 | To be released |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam |
1347 | 35241 | To be released |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU),Visakhapatnam |
656 | 34507 | To be released |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli |
806 | 38379 | To be released |
| 824 | 30798 | To be released |
|
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai |
101 | 30963 | To be released |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
|
491 | 42857 | To be released |
| 611 | 46797 | To be released | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad |
945 | 41239 | To be released |
| 682 | 47608 | To be released | |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla |
885 | 34169 | To be released |
| 284 | 33143 | To be released | |
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur |
1060 | 34721 | To be released |
| Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana |
503 | 23930 | To be released |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur |
413 | 44306 | To be released |
| National Law University, Tripura |
1716 | 51586 | To be released |
| GNLU Silvassa Campus |
595 | 35917 | To be released |
CLAT 2024 Cutoff Ranks
Check the CLAT Cutoff rank for CLAT colleges for year 2024 for reference:
| CLAT 2024 Participating NLUs |
Opening Rank |
Closing Ranks |
Download CLAT 2024 1st Merit List |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore |
1 | 14349 | |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad |
4 | 8843 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NALSAR |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata |
140 | 30484 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for WBNUJS |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal
|
159 | 17865 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NLIU Bhopal (BA LLB) |
| 187 | 27435 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NLIU Bhopal (BSc LLB) | |
| National Law University, Jodhpur |
112 | 21623 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NLU Jodhpur |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar |
8 | 12468 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for GNLU |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow |
357 | 20456 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for DRMNLU |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala |
220 | 25988 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for RGNUL |
| Chanakya National Law University Patna
|
322 | 29492 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for CNLU Patna - BA LLB |
| 1051 | 32469 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for CNLU Patna - BBA LLB | |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi |
231 | 28315 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NUALS Kochi |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack |
591 | 52970 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NLUO |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi |
637 | 48856 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NUSRL |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam |
1344 | 35236 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NLUJAA |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU),Visakhapatnam |
656 | 34502 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for DSNLU |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli |
806 | 38376 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for TNNLS - BA LLB |
| 821 | 30795 | ||
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai |
99 | 30958 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for MNLU Mumbai |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
|
491 | 42857 | |
| 611 | 46792 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for MNLU Nagpur (BBA-LLB) | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad |
945 | 41238 | |
| 681 | 47604 | ||
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla |
885 | 34169 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for HPNLU Shimla - BA LLB |
| 284 | 33143 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for HPNLU Shimla - BBA LLB | |
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur |
1060 | 34721 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for DNLU Jabalpur |
| Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana |
503 | 23930 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for DRBNLU Haryana |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur |
413 | 44306 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for HNLU Raipur |
| National Law University, Tripura |
1716 | 51586 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NLU Tripura |
| GNLU Silvassa Campus |
593 | 35911 | CLAT 2024 First Merit List for GNLU Silvassa |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
Yes, you can still appear for CLAT 2026 even if you fail to clear CLAT 2025. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) has no limit on the number of attempts for eligible candidates. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria for the exam in 2026 (such as age and educational qualifications), you can reappe
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Beginner-Level 4
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The difficulty of cracking the Mathematics section in the CLAT exam depends on your preparation and comfort with basic mathematical concepts. The section primarily tests elementary-level mathematics, focusing on topics like percentages, averages, profit and loss, ratios, time and work, time and dist
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Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 days ago
NCERT books can be a good starting point for CLAT preparation, particularly for subjects like English and Mathematics, as they cover basic concepts and fundamentals. NCERT books for Classes 8 to 10 are helpful for brushing up on elementary mathematics and grammar. For General Knowledge, NCERT books
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Beginner-Level 4
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CLAT books are incredibly useful for preparing for the Common Law Admission Test. They provide a structured approach to understanding the syllabus, covering key topics like Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. These books often include detailed explanation
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Beginner-Level 4
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Understanding the CLAT Exam Pattern is crucial for effective preparation and achieving a good score. Here's why:
Familiarity with the Structure: Knowing the number of questions, sections, and the time allotted helps you approach the exam confidently and reduces stress during the test.
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Beginner-Level 4
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Here are some of the best books to prepare for the Logical Reasoning section of the CLAT exam:
1. A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Covers a wide range of reasoning topics.
Includes practice exercises with detailed solutions.
2. Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
Focuses on concept
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Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 days ago
The Legal Reasoning section in the CLAT exam assesses your ability to apply legal principles and reasoning to given situations. Key topics to focus on include:
1. Law of Torts:
Negligence, Defamation, Nuisance
Strict and Absolute Liability
Vicarious Liability
2. Contract Law:
Offer and Acceptance
Considera
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Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 days ago
The CLAT Exam includes a section on Quantitative Techniques, which focuses on basic mathematical concepts up to Class 10 level. This section tests your analytical and problem-solving skills through questions involving numerical data.
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Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 days ago
As per official sources, the CLAT PG 2025 results have been announced by the NLU Consortium on 7 Dec, 2025. Students willing to take admission to the JLU Bhopal LLM course via CLAT must have secured a minimum of 50 marks. Those who do not meet the cutoff can appear for the JLUET exam.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
For the CLAT Exam, you need to study the following subjects:
For Undergraduate (UG) Program:
English Language: Focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence correction.
Current Affairs including General Knowledge: Stay updated on current events, national and international news, and
Contributor-Level 10
CLAT Notifications
Candidates can check the CLAT Cutoff 2025 by following simple steps given below:
CLAT Consortium will publish the CLAT merit list for UG and PG courses separately. The CLAT merit list will be prepared based on the total marks scored by candidates in the exam. This means that a student scoring higher marks will be given a higher rank in the merit list.
The merit list will include information like All India Ranks (AIRs), roll numbers, and total marks. All candidates whose names have appeared in the merit list are eligible to participate in CLAT 2025 counseling for seat allotment procedure at the National Law Universities (NLUs).
.