CLAT 2025 Marks vs Rank: Key Differences, Merit List Deciding Factors, Cutoff, Admissions

Common Law Admission Test 2025 ( CLAT )

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Anupama
Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
Updated on Dec 16, 2024 10:12 IST

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

CLAT Marks vs Ranks

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

English Language

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 

Current Affairs including General Knowledge

35-39 questions

35-39 marks

Logical Reasoning

28-32 questions

28-32 marks

Legal Reasoning

35-39 questions

35-39 marks

Quantitative Techniques

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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CLAT Rank Predictor 2025

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?

A:

Candidates can check the CLAT Cutoff 2025 by following simple steps given below:

  1. Click on the merit list link by visiting the official website
  2. A log-in window will open
  3. Fill in the following details:
    1. CLAT 2025 application number / Admit card number
    2. Date of birth 
  4. On successful login, the merit list would be displayed on the screen
  5. 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:   What is the cutoff marks in CLAT?

A:

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?

A:

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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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?

A:

Candidates can check the CLAT Cutoff 2025 by following simple steps given below:

  1. Click on the merit list link by visiting the official website
  2. A log-in window will open
  3. Fill in the following details:
    1. CLAT 2025 application number / Admit card number
    2. Date of birth 
  4. On successful login, the merit list would be displayed on the screen
  5. 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?

A:

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:   What is the CLAT Cutoff for NLSIU Bangalore?

A:

The Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) releases institute-wise and course-wise CLAT Provisional Allotment lists on the official website at consortiumofnlus.ac.in for NLU admissions 2025 to BA LLB (Hons). Candidates seeking admission to NLSIU Bangalore can refer to the table given below to check out the NLSIU Bangalore cutoff  to get better clarity on NLU Bangalore cutoff trends: 

 NLSIU CLAT 2024 Cutoff (General-All India)
Course20232024
BA LLB (Hons)149100

Q:   Are there any sectional cutoffs in the CLAT exam?

A:

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

A:
The eligibility requisites for the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) necessitate that a candidate must have cleared 10+2 or an equivalent examination with a minimum aggregate score of 45% (40% for candidates belonging to reserved categories). Your score of 51% in the best five subjects, which includes English, Physics Chemistry Computer Science, and Environmental Science, makes you eligible to apply for CLAT. Nevertheless, it is advisable to scrutinize the eligibility criteria of the law schools that you intend to apply to, as they may impose further conditions.

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

CLAT 2024 First Merit List for NLSIU Bangalore

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

CLAT 2024 First Merit List for TNNLS - BCom LLB

Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai

99 30958 CLAT 2024 First Merit List for MNLU Mumbai

Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur


 

491 42857

CLAT 2024 First Merit List for MNLU Nagpur (BA LLB)

611 46792 CLAT 2024 First Merit List for MNLU Nagpur (BBA-LLB)

Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad

945 41238

CLAT 2024 First Merit List for MNLU Aurangabad - BA LLB

681 47604

CLAT 2024 First Merit List for MNLU Aurangabad - BBA LLB

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

Read More: 

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