Is CLAT Exam tough? One of the most common question in the aspirant mind who is appearing for CLAT Exam. CLAT Exam 2026 will likely be conducted on December 7, 2025. CLAT is the gateway to the prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) and is a significant milestone for aspiring lawyers.This article aims to provide a detailed analysis of the CLAT exam, including its structure, difficulty level, and tips to tackle it effectively.
Is CLAT Exam Tough?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is not only one of the most prestigious but also highly competitive entrance exams in the country. CLAT is a gateway for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) and other private institutes offering admission through CLAT scores. With the increasing number of aspirants each year, the question that often arises is: "Is the CLAT exam tough?" This article aims to provide a detailed analysis of the CLAT exam, including its structure, difficulty level, and tips to tackle it effectively.
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Understanding the CLAT Exam
Embarking on the journey towards a legal profession involves a crucial step: taking the CLAT exam. This examination is the gateway to the prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs in the country) and is a significant milestone for aspiring lawyers. As the countdown to CLAT 2025 begins, it's essential to approach it with anticipation and curiosity, often accompanied by a common question among aspirants: Is CLAT tough? The difficulty level of CLAT can vary from person to person, depending on their strengths and weaknesses. CLAT is considered as competitive and one of the most challenging. This gives us a clear answer to our question: Is the CLAT tough? Let's decode the CLAT, examine its paper pattern, and understand the key essentials for excelling in the exam.
Q: Which is the most difficult section of the CLAT 2025?
Q: What is a good rank for CLAT?
Students who wish to be admitted to this university should strive for a score of roughly 70% (80-84 marks) or above under the revised pattern. Because the CLAT cut-off marks are lower for reserved categories, a rank of about 4000 would be suitable for admission. According to CLAT 2024 analysis, candidates from the general category should aim for a score of 90 or more in order to be admitted to one of the top three NLUs. In CLAT 2024, 60–70 points are considered a decent score for SC/ST categories. The Consortium of NLUs will release the closing rank of candidates for each round at the time of CLAT counselling.
Q: Is CLAT a tough exam?
CLAT UG Exam Pattern
As per the CLAT UG exam pattern, the question paper will comprise five sections:
- English Language
- Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
Each section contains comprehension passages followed by objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The total duration of the exam is two hours, and the paper is designed to test a candidate’s comprehension abilities, logical reasoning, and awareness of legal and current affairs.
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CLAT PG Exam Pattern
The CLAT PG exam includes both comprehension-based questions and objective-type questions, focusing on the candidate’s knowledge of law and ability to apply it. The CLAT PG exam is structured differently:
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Administrative Law
- Law of Contract
- Torts
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
- Property Law
- Company Law
- Public International Law
- Tax Law
- Environmental Law
- Labour & Industrial Law
Why CLAT Exam is tough?
Several factors contributes to the perceived toughness of CLAT Exam. Read below to know some of the reasons why CLAT Exam is tough:
Competition
One of the primary factors contributing to the perceived toughness of the CLAT exam is the sheer competition. Each year, over 60,000 candidates appear for the exam, vying for a limited number of seats in the top NLUs. This high level of competition raises the stakes and adds to the pressure on aspirants.
Q: Is 4000 a good rank in CLAT?
A CLAT rank of 4000 is not considered as a good rank to get admission to one of the top NLUs. However, candidates who belong the reserved category still have chance to secure admission to NLUs with a CLAT Rank of AIR 4000.With the exam pattern for CLAT changing, candidates must aim to score above 100 to secure admission to one of the best NLUs in the country. Before starting the CLAT Preparation 2025 candidates need to understand how the marks are divided in each section.
Q: What is a good CLAT score?
Aspirants who appeared for the CLAT 2025 Exam should have a clear idea about a good CLAT score. CLAT is a very competitive exam and candidates need to score high to clear the cutoff. All those candidates who appeared for the CLAT 2025 are advised to check out the previous year's CLAT cutoff scores and get a fair idea of the trends that are being followed by the NLUs in the country. A score above 100 is definitely considered as a good score for CLAT 2025. Candidates must note that the expected CLAT cutoff score for NLUSIU Bangalore is 100 plus, whereas, for NLU Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur and NLU Bhopal, the expected score is between 94 to 98. Candidates who wish to take admission into NALSAR Hyderabad they need to score between 98 to 100.
Q: Which is the No. 1 university in CLAT?
Since 2018, the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru has maintained its position as the top-ranked law college in India according to the NIRF rankings.
Q: Is CLAT LLM exam tough or easy?
CLAT is one of the highly competitive law exam and is considered to be one of the toughest exams to clear. However, aspirants should not worry, as with the right preparation and attitude you can definitely ace in the CLAT exam. The toppers of CLAT have suggested that aspirants should trust BA LLB books and a habit to read newspaper daily to crack the CLAT PG exam. The difficulty level of CLAT paper is usually moderate. For complete insights on CLAT paper difficulty level, check analysis for current and previous years above.
Q: When should I start preparing for CLAT 2025?
The ideal time to start preparing for the CLAT exam varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as your familiarity with the subject, the level of understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, and the amount of time and effort you can devote to the preparation. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended that you start preparing for the exam at least 6-8 months before the exam date. This will give you sufficient time to cover the entire syllabus, revise the important topics, solve mock tests and previous year papers, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you are already familiar with the subject and have a good understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, you can start preparing for the exam 3-4 months before the exam date. However, if you are new to the subject or need to improve your understanding of the topics, you may need to start preparing earlier. It is important to note that the CLAT exam is a highly competitive exam, and the level of competition is increasing every year. Therefore, it is important to start preparing early and stay consistent with your preparation. With a focused approach and consistent effort, you can increase your chances of qualifying for the CLAT exam.
Syllabus Breadth
The breadth of the syllabus is another reason why many candidates find the CLAT exam challenging. For the CLAT UG, students need to be well-versed in a variety of subjects, including English, current affairs, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and mathematics. For the CLAT PG, a deep understanding of multiple areas of law is required.
Time Management
It is crucial to manage the time properly during the exam. With 150 questions to be answered in 120 minutes for the UG exam, candidates have less than a minute to answer each question. This means candidates not only need to think quickly but also accurately and efficiently.
Difficulty of Questions
The level of difficulty of the questions can vary, with some sections posing more challenges than others. Legal reasoning, for instance, requires a good understanding of legal principles and their application, which can be tough for candidates without a legal background.
Detailed Section-Wise CLAT UG Syllabus
Let's break down the CLAT UG exam with a detailed section-wise analysis. The CLAT for Undergraduate (UG) programs is structured to assess a candidate’s comprehension and reasoning skills across various subjects. Here’s a detailed look at each section:
English Language
In the CLAT English Language section, passages of about 450 words are given, followed by questions that test the candidate's understanding of the text, the ability to infer information, and the ability to analyse the arguments presented. This section is designed to test the candidate's proficiency in English, including their comprehension skills, vocabulary, and grammar.
Components:
Reading Comprehension: Passages followed by questions that test understanding, inference, and analysis.
Grammar: Questions on correct usage, sentence correction, and other grammatical aspects.
Vocabulary: Questions on synonyms, antonyms, and word usage.
Challenges:
Complex Passages: Long and dense passages can be time-consuming and challenging to comprehend fully.
Advanced Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is needed to answer questions accurately and quickly.
Grammar Nuances: Understanding subtle grammatical rules can be tricky.
Preparation Tips:
Regular Reading: Develop a habit of reading newspapers, journals, novels, and academic texts to improve comprehension skills and vocabulary.
Vocabulary Building: Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, and regular reading to enhance vocabulary.
Grammar Practice: Focus on grammar exercises and understanding rules thoroughly.
Mock Tests and Past Papers: Practice with previous years' papers and sample questions to get a feel of the exam format.
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
This section evaluates the candidate's awareness of current events and general knowledge. It covers recent events, important dates, and general knowledge topics.
Challenges:
Vast Syllabus: The range of topics is broad and can include anything from politics to science to international events.
Memory: Retaining and recalling information can be difficult.
Preparation Tips:
Daily Updates: Reading newspapers and following credible news sources.
Notes: Keeping notes of important events and revising them regularly.
Mock Tests: Taking quizzes and mock tests to assess knowledge and improve retention.
Legal Reasoning
The Legal Reasoning section of CLAT evaluates the candidate’s understanding of legal principles and their ability to apply them to given situations.
Challenges:
Complexity: Legal principles can be complex and require deep understanding.
Application: Applying principles to new situations requires critical thinking.
Preparation Tips:
Study Material: Use good quality legal reasoning books and resources.
Practice: Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
Understanding: Focus on understanding the principles rather than rote learning.
Logical Reasoning
The CLAT Logical Reasoning section tests the candidate’s ability to understand and apply legal principles and precepts. It also checks the candidate’s ability to identify patterns, logical links, and rectify illogical arguments.
Challenges:
Variety: Questions can range from puzzles to syllogisms to analytical reasoning.
Time: These questions can be time-consuming.
Preparation Tips:
Regular Practice: Regularly practicing different types of logical reasoning questions.
Techniques: Applying and learning various techniques to solve puzzles and logical problems.
Mock Tests: Taking timed mock tests to improve and check your speed and accuracy.
Quantitative Techniques
This section tests basic mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
Challenges:
Mathematical Concepts: A good understanding of basic mathematical concepts is required.
Speed: Solving mathematical problems quickly is essential.
Preparation Tips:
Basic Concepts: Ensure a strong grasp of basic mathematical concepts. Practice Regular practice with a variety of mathematical problems.
Mock Tests: Taking timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Also Read:CLAT UG Vs CLAT PG
Detailed Section-Wise Analysis of CLAT PG Syllabus 2026
Candidates looking forward to appearing in CLAT PG 2026 can check the detailed section-wise CLAT PG syllabus below:
Constitutional Law
This section covers the fundamental aspects of the Indian Constitution, including its features, amendments, and significant judgments.
Challenges:
Depth of Knowledge: Requires in-depth knowledge of constitutional provisions and landmark cases.
Application: Ability to apply constitutional principles to various scenarios.
Preparation Tips:
Study Material: Use comprehensive books on constitutional law.
Case Laws: Study landmark cases and their implications.
Practice: Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests.
Other Areas of Law
This section includes various branches of law such as
- Jurisprudence
- Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and Labour & Industrial Law.
Challenges:
Variety: Wide range of subjects can be overwhelming.
Detail: Requires detailed understanding of legal principles and their application.
Also Read:
Preparation Tips:
Study Material: Use comprehensive books and resources for each area of law.
Case Laws: Study important cases and their implications for each subject.
Practice: Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests for each subject area.
Tips to crack CLAT Exam
Candidates can follow the simple tips and tricks given below to crack CLAT Exam in first attempt:
- Start Early
Starting early gives you ample time to cover the syllabus, practice, and revise. It also helps in reducing stress and anxiety as the exam date approaches.
- Structured Study Plan
A well-structured study plan is essential for effective preparation. Allocate specific time slots for each section and stick to the schedule diligently.
- Regular Practice
Regular practice is key to success in CLAT. Practice with sample papers, previous years’ papers, and mock tests to get a feel of the exam and improve speed and accuracy.
- Time Management
Effective time management is crucial during preparation and the actual exam. Practice solving questions within the allotted time to improve your time management skills.
- Focus on Weak Areas
Identify your weak areas and work on improving them. Regular practice and seeking help from mentors or peers can be beneficial.
- Stay Updated
Stay updated with current affairs and legal developments. Reading newspapers, following credible news sources, and referring to legal journals can help.
- Revision
Regular revision is essential to retain what you have studied. Make short notes for quick revision and go through them regularly.
- Stay Healthy
It is one of the most important aspect for any candidates preparing for CLAT Exam or any other law entrance exam. Maintaining good physical and mental health is very important. Candidates must eat healthy, exercise regularly, and take breaks to relax and rejuvenate.
CLAT Coaching vs Self-study
Preparing for CLAT is a significant step for aspiring law students. With its competitive nature, the decision to opt for coaching classes or to rely on self-study is crucial. Each approach has its pros and cons, and what works best can vary from person to person. This guide will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of both coaching and self-study for CLAT preparation, helping you make an informed decision.
CLAT Coaching: Pros
- Structured Learning: Coaching institutes provide a structured learning environment, with a clear syllabus and study plan. This helps students stay on track and cover all necessary topics systematically.
- Experienced Faculty: Access to experienced teachers and subject matter experts can be invaluable. These instructors can provide insights, shortcuts, and tips that are not readily available in textbooks.
- Regular Assessments: Coaching institutes often conduct regular mock tests and assessments, which can help students gauge their preparation level and identify areas of improvement.
- Peer Interaction: Interacting with fellow aspirants can be motivating and enriching. It allows for the exchange of ideas, study materials, and strategies.
- Doubt Clearing Sessions: Immediate resolution of doubts and personalized feedback can enhance understanding and retention of complex topics.
CLAT Coaching: Cons
- Cost: Coaching classes can be expensive, which may not be affordable for all students.
- Time-Consuming: Attending coaching classes requires a significant time commitment, which might interfere with school or college schedules.
- One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Coaching institutes may not always cater to individual learning paces and styles, which can be a disadvantage for some students.
- Dependency: Relying heavily on coaching can sometimes lead to a lack of self-discipline and independent study skills.
Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT 2025 without Coaching - Important Books, Strategy & Tips
CLAT Self-Study: Pros and Cons
Both coaching and self-study have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to preparing for the CLAT exam. The key is to understand your personal needs, strengths, and weaknesses, and choose the method that aligns best with them. Remember, the ultimate goal is to comprehensively cover the syllabus, practice diligently, and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.
Whether you choose coaching, self-study, or a combination of both, consistent effort and a positive mindset will be your greatest allies in achieving success in CLAT 2026. Candidates can check pros and cons of preparing for CLAT Exam by self-study below:
CLAT Self-study: Pros
Flexibility: Self-study offers complete flexibility in terms of study schedule, pace, and style. Students can tailor their preparation according to their strengths and weaknesses.
Cost-Effective: It is a more economical option compared to coaching classes, as it eliminates tuition fees and other related expenses.
Independent Learning: Self-study encourages the development of self-discipline, time management, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in any competitive exam.
Customised Resources: Students can choose their own study materials, including books, online courses, and other resources that best suit their learning preferences.
CLAT Self-study: Cons
Lack of Structure: Without a fixed schedule and syllabus, it can be challenging to stay organized and ensure comprehensive coverage of all topics.
Limited Guidance: The absence of experienced teachers can make it difficult to clear doubts and gain insights into tricky concepts.
Motivation Issues: Maintaining motivation and consistency over an extended period can be challenging without external pressure and peer support.
Less Exposure to Competition: Self-study might limit exposure to a competitive environment, which can be crucial for understanding the exam's difficulty level and benchmarking performance.
Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT 2025: Best Books, Preparation Tips, Strategy & Revised Syllabus
Choosing between Coaching vs Self-study for CLAT preparation
The decision between coaching and self-study should be based on individual preferences, learning styles, and circumstances. Here are some tips to help you decide:
Assess Your Learning Style: If you prefer structured learning and need external motivation, coaching might be beneficial. Conversely, if you are self-disciplined and prefer studying at your own pace, self-study could be the way to go.
Consider Financial Constraints: Evaluate your budget and decide accordingly. Remember that self-study, supplemented with affordable online resources, can also be very effective.
Evaluate Your Schedule: If you have a busy schedule, self-study might offer the flexibility you need. However, if you can dedicate specific hours daily, coaching classes can provide structured learning.
Combine Both Approaches: Many students find success by combining coaching and self-study. You can attend coaching for difficult subjects while studying easier ones independently.
The CLAT exam is undoubtedly challenging, given its competition, breadth of syllabus, and the level of preparation required. However, with a strategic approach, consistent effort, and effective time management, it is possible to crack the exam. Understanding the exam pattern, focusing on key areas, regular practice, and staying updated with current affairs are essential components of a successful preparation strategy. Remember, the key to success in CLAT lies in your dedication, perseverance, and smart work. Good luck!
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 6 hours ago
With a CLAT score of 8314 AIR and an OBC rank of 1188, one can consider going for any of the Delhi government law colleges located at Delhi, which accept CLAT scores, including Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, and Law Centre II-those are all part of the University of Delhi.
All these factors may su
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 hours ago
a private law college which accepts CLAT scores in a rank range of 21,000; options include
- Alliance University (Bangalore),
- Sharda University (Greater Noida),
- UPES (Dehradun), and
- GD Goenka University (Gurgaon).
Most of these colleges have cutoffs that are not as rigid as the top National Law Universit
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 hours ago
This will be a daunting task getting admission into one of the Kolkata national law schools with an all India rank of 40811 in CLAT 2025 and SC rank of 2800.
But then to balance it with UPES in Dehradun or Sharda or even with Symbiosis Law School Pune-all accepting CLAT scores but are slightly relax
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
CLAT and other law entrance exams typically consist of multiple-choice questions that test a candidate's knowledge, reasoning, and analytical skills. Here's a breakdown of the types of questions usually asked:
English Language
1. *Comprehension Passages*: Candidates are given a passage to read, follo
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
Admission in NLUs is not possible. Seek admission in other private colleges. Few of them are given below.
- LPU Phagwara
- Chandigarh University
Scholar-Level 18
Answered a week ago
You can't get top 6 nlus law colleges bit you get similar the highest level college
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
Provided you fulfill the minimum requirements as established by the different National Law Universities (NLUs) in the respective states, you might be potentially eligible for some of these NLUs: Most NLUs select candidates through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for admission. Below mentioned a
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
The eligibility criteria for CLAT 2025 are as follows :
For General, OBC, EWS :
The candidate should have minimum 45% score in 12th standard from any recognised board.
For SC, ST :
The candidate should have minimum 40% score in 12th standard from any recognised boards.
Candidates who will appear in
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
A good score in CLAT 2025 for an OBC candidate will be 80-90+ marks. On the other hand, SC and ST candidates can secure a seat in top NLUs with a CLAT 2025 score of 75-85 marks without domicile reservation.
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
No domicile certificate is required to be produced while filling up the application form for CLAT. It is mandatory only while counseling if you are opting for the domicile based reservations by producing certificates. It is normal for most NLUs to reserve 10%-50% of the number of seats for the state
K
Contributor-Level 9
I gave CLAT this year .got air 8314 and OBC 1188 .I want to know Delhi gov college that accept CLAT score card .