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Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
Updated on Jan 27, 2025 11:00 IST

The CLAT Exam 2026 is likely to be conducted on December 7, 2025. Candidates who are looking forward to appearing in the CLAT Exam are advised to note that solving the previous year's question papers will help them assess the exam structure and difficulty level. Access the CLAT-solved question papers from the last 17 years in PDF format with CLAT answer keys for free download below and practice to enhance performance in the examination.

Last 16 years CLAT Question Papers

Last 17 years CLAT Question Papers

CLAT Solved Question Papers Last 17 years with Answers: The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will tentatively conduct the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) Exam on December 7, 2025. Candidates who wish to appear for the CLAT Exam 2026 are required to fill out the application form on or before the deadline. The CLAT 2026 Exam will be conducted for admission to 25 NLUs in the country, except for NLU Delhi, which conducts its exam. The CLAT Exam will be held in pen-and-paper mode.

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The Consortium of NLUs releases the question paper and answer key of the CLAT exam within a few hours of conducting the examination. The CLAT question paper for undergraduate courses will carry 120 multiple-choice questions of 120 marks. From CLAT 2024, the exam pattern has been revised. As per the new CLAT pattern, the CLAT 2026 exam consists of 120 questions instead of 150. The CLAT question paper for LLM courses contains both objective and subjective questions. However, the subjective questions in the CLAT LLM question paper have been removed by the Consortium.

Q:   What type of questions are asked in CLAT exam?

A:

The CLAT Exam 2026 will carry 120 questions. UG CLAT syllabus 2026 consist of five sections - English language, General knowledge and current affairs, legal aptitude, logical reasoning and quantitative abilities. The CLAT LLM syllabus consist of topics from common law subjects of LLB programmes.

Q:   What kind of questions are included in CLAT question paper?

A:

The CLAT question paper for UG courses had objective-type questions from subjects such as Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning Quantitative Techniques, English and Current Affairs including General Knowledge. The CLAT paper for the LLM. course had both objective questions from law subjects such as Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, etc. Generally, the questions are designed as passage followed by series of questions of one mark each. Candidates had to attempt the questions by reading and interpreting the passages only. 

Q:   From where can I download the CLAT previous year question papers?

A:
The question paper of CLAT exam is released alongwith the answer key after the exam is over. Candidates can obtain it from the official website, however, the exam authority removes it when the admission notification for next session is announced. Therefore, Shiksha keeps a bank of CLAT question papers from the past years that candidate can download from the links provided here. Candidates should also note that they will be able to obtain past 5 years question papers for CLAT exam when they fill and submit the application form of upcoming session. They will have to purchase the question paper with additional fee - INR 500.

The Consortium of National Law Universities announced the revised CLAT exam pattern on July 1, 2023. However, no changes were brought to CLAT LLM Exam 2025. 

Also Read: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning

CLAT Question Paper Pattern 2026

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Check major CLAT pattern highlights for both UG and PG courses below: 

CLAT Exam Features

Details

Mode of Exam

Offline/pen-paper based test

Type of Questions

Multiple-Choice Questions

Total Marks

UG: 120

PG: 120 

Exam Duration

120 minutes

Medium of paper

English 

Marking Scheme

  • Each objective-type question carries one mark 
  • 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong attempt

Q:   When will the question paper of CLAT 2025 be available?

A:

The Consortium of NLUs released the question paper and answer key of CLAT exam. The Consortium released the question paper and anwer key, candidates could tally their answers with the same. This will help them to know how much they are scoring in the respective exam.  Moreover, the exam authority also published official sample paper for CLAT multiple times for applicants. Candidates could also practise previous years question paper for CLAT exam to get an understanding for their upcoming examination.

Q:   Is 'Legal Aptitude' section removed from the CLAT question paper?

A:

As per the CLAT exam pattern released by the NLU Consortium, Legal Reasoning remained a part of the question paper along with Quantitative Techniques, English Current Affairs including General Knowledge and Logical Reasoning. If the exam authority decides to remove any of the sections of CLAT UG question paper in 2026, then it will inform the candidates in admission notification itself, so that candidates can prepare for the exam accordingly.However, no such announcement has been made so far. The Legal Reasoning section has been removed from AILET question paper only.

Q:   What is the CLAT Exam Question Paper Format?

A:

The CLAT exam question paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), divided into five sections:

English Language (20%): Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge (25%): National and international news, events, and static GK.
Legal Reasoning (25%): Understanding legal principles and applying them to scenarios.
Logical Reasoning (20%): Analytical and critical thinking through puzzles and reasoning-based questions.
Quantitative Techniques (10%): Basic mathematics, data interpretation, and problem-solving.

The total duration is 2 hours, with no negative marking for unanswered questions but a penalty for incorrect answers.

Q:   Total how many questions are asked in CLAT PG exam?

A:

CLAT PG 2025 Exam carried 150 questions. The CLAT PG Exam 2025 was held in a pen-and-paper-based test, meaning that candidates had to take the exam on a physical answer sheet with an OMR sheet.The exam consisted of 150 multiple-choice questions. The multiple-choice questions test your knowledge of legal reasoning.The duration of the exam was two hours. For each correct answer, one mark will be awarded

Q:   What type of questions are asked in current affairs including General Knowledge?

A:

The number of questions asked from this section is 28-32. The questions are passage based. Candidates can check the complete details below:

  • Length - Each passage will be around 450 words.
  • Source - The passages will be derived from news, journalistic sources, and other non-fiction writing.
  • Prior knowledge of law subjects - While questions may include examination of legal information or knowledge, you don't need any prior knowledge to answer these questions. The answers to each question will be hidden in the passage.   
  • Estimated time needed to read a passage - 5-7 minutes.  
  • Questions - Each passage will be followed by a series of questions  

Also Read: How is CLAT different from AILET? Key differences in Pattern, Syllabus, Difficulty Level

CLAT Marking Scheme 2026

The consortium has released the marking scheme for CLAT 2026 Exam. Aspirants can refer to the marking scheme for UG courses below:

  • For every correct answer, candidates are awarded one mark

  • For every wrong attempt, 0.25 marks are deducted from their total score 

  • No marks are awarded or deducted for questions not left un-attempted

CLAT Marking Parameters Marks Awarded
Correct answer +1 marks
Incorrect answer -0.25 marks
Un-attempted question 0 marks

Also ReadCLAT Important Topics 2026: Check GK, Mathematics, English, Legal & Logical Reasoning

CLAT Solved Question Papers Last 17 Years with Answers

We have shared below the CLAT solved question papers of last 17 years with answers PDFs below. Check here the CLAT previous year question Paper below with answer keys.

CLAT 2008 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT previous year's question paper with the answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF 

CLAT 2008 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2008 Answer Key

Download here

Also Read: What is a good score in CLAT 2026? How to get a high rank?

CLAT 2009 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2009 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2009 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2009 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2010 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2010 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2010 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2010 Answer Key

Download here

Also Read: Is CLAT Exam Tough?

CLAT 2011 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2011 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2011 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2011 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2012 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2012 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2012 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2012 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2013 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2013 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2013 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2013 Answer Key

Download here

Also Read: 110+ Important Vocabulary Words for CLAT Exam 2026

CLAT 2014 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2014 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2014 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2014 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2015 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2015 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2015 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2015 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2016 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2016 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2016 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2016 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2017 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2017 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2017 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2017 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2018 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2018 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2018 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2018 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2019 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2019 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2019 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2019 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2020 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2020 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2020 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2020 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2021 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2021 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2021 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2021 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2022 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2022 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2022 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2022 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2023 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2023 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2023 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2023 Answer Key

Download here

CLAT 2024 Question Papers with Answers: PDF Download

Candidates can download the CLAT question paper 2024 and answer key in PDF download format for free below:

Paper Name

Question Paper/ Answer Key PDF

CLAT 2024 Question Paper

Download here

CLAT 2024 Answer Key

Download here

 CLAT 2025 Subject-wise preparation tips

Here are subject-wise preparation tips for the CLAT to help you focus on each section effectively:

  • English Language

Candidates can read further to understand tips to prepare for CLAT English Language Section 2026:

Key Areas: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Synonyms/Antonyms.
Preparation Tips:
Reading Comprehension: Practice passages regularly. Focus on speed and accuracy. Try to improve your reading speed by reading newspapers, magazines, and novels.
Vocabulary: Learn new words daily. Use flashcards or apps like Magoosh Vocabulary. Focus on word meanings, synonyms, and antonyms.
Grammar and Sentence Correction: Practice identifying common grammatical errors like tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.
 Resources: "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis for vocabulary, and "Wren and Martin" for grammar.
   

  • Current Affairs (including General Knowledge)

Candidates can read further to understand tips to prepare for CLAT Current Affairs & GK section:

Key Areas: National & International Events, Legal Developments, Awards, Sports, Important Days, Government Schemes, Treaties, Current Affairs of the Past Year.
Preparation Tips:
Read newspapers daily 
Focus on current events from the past year, particularly legal news, government policies, and international relations.
Use monthly current affairs magazines or apps like GK Today, GradeUp, or AffairsCloud to keep track of important updates.
 Make notes as you read for quick revision.
 Resources: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook, online legal websites

  • Legal Reasoning

Candidates can read further to understand tips to prepare for CLAT Legal Reasoning Section:   

Key Areas: Legal Principles (Contracts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Torts), Application of Legal Principles, Case Law Analysis, Legal Maxims

Preparation Tips:
Understand the principles: Get familiar with legal principles related to contracts, criminal law, torts, and constitutional law. No deep legal knowledge is required, but understanding basic principles will help.
Solve passage-based questions: Practice reading and analyzing legal reasoning questions, as this section is reading-heavy. Try to stick to the information provided in the passage without using any external knowledge.
Read about landmark judgments and legal developments in the last year, as they may form the basis of some questions.
Resources: "Universal’s Guide to CLAT & LLB Entrance Examination," and legal news platforms 

  • Logical Reasoning

Candidates can read further to understand tips to prepare for CLAT Logical Reasoning Section:

Key Areas: Deductive Reasoning, Logical Sequences, Puzzles, Analogies, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Critical Reasoning, and Statement-Assumptions.
Preparation Tips:
Practice questions on logical sequencing, analogies, blood relations, and critical reasoning regularly.
Focus on deductive logic and inference-based questions. These will require careful reading and analysis of the provided information.
Build your skills through puzzle books or apps that challenge logical reasoning and critical thinking.
Resources: R.S. Aggarwal’s “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning”, "Analytical Reasoning" by M.K. Pandey.

  • Quantitative Techniques (Mathematics)

Candidates can read further to understand tips to prepare for CLAT Quantitative Techniques

Key Areas: Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time & Distance), Data Interpretation, Simplification, Simple Interest & Compound Interest.

Preparation Tips:
Focus on basic arithmetic concepts from Class 9 and 10. Build a strong foundation in topics like percentages, ratios, time & work, and profit & loss.
Practice Data Interpretation (DI) sets regularly. This section will require you to read charts, tables, and graphs.
Solve a good number of  speed math and simplification questions to improve your calculation speed.
Use short tricks to solve problems faster during the exam.
Resources: "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams" by R.S. Aggarwal, “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma.

CLAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Here are some effective preparation tips for CLAT 2026:

  • Understand the CLAT Exam Pattern

CLAT UG 2026 will consists of 5 sections: English Language, Current Affairs (including General Knowledge), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The paper will have 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with a total of 120 marks, and there’s a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Knowing the pattern helps you allocate your study time effectively across the subjects.

  • Get Familiar with the Syllabus

Focus on the key areas: legal reasoning, reading comprehension, logical reasoning, general knowledge, and basic math. Prioritise topics based on your strengths and weaknesses.

  • Create a Study Plan

Week-by-week or month-by-month plans help in setting realistic targets. Focus on building concepts in the initial months and then dedicate more time to practice and revisions in the later months. Ensure that you cover all sections in your plan to avoid missing out on any crucial area.

  • Focus on Reading and Comprehension

The CLAT exam has a reading-heavy format, especially in sections like English and Legal Reasoning. Read newspapers, legal journals, and editorial articles regularly to improve your comprehension speed and vocabulary.

  • Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Daily reading of newspapers is essential for the Current Affairs section. Focus on events in the past year, including topics on international affairs, national events, important awards, legal amendments, and landmark judgments.

  • Work on Legal Reasoning

No prior legal knowledge is required, but familiarise yourself with legal terminology and the principles of contracts, criminal law, constitutional law, and tort law. Practice solving legal reasoning questions that involve principle-based reasoning and reading comprehension.

  • Take Mock Tests Regularly

Mock tests are essential to get a feel of the actual exam. Take full-length timed mocks to enhance your speed and accuracy. Analyse your performance after each mock test to understand your weak areas and work on them.

  • Time Management for CLAT

Since CLAT is time-bound, practice solving questions with time limits. Divide your time between sections during mocks and aim to finish the paper within the allotted time.

  • Stay Healthy and Relaxed

Maintain a balanced schedule that includes breaks, exercise, and sufficient sleep to keep your mind fresh. Avoid burnout by sticking to your study routine and taking short breaks when necessary.

By following these tips and staying consistent in your preparation, you can maximise your chances of scoring well and clearing CLAT 2026 in first attempt.

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About the Author
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Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content

"The pen is mightier than the sword". Anupama totally believes in this and respects what she conveys through it. She is a vivid writer, who loves to write about education, lifestyle, and governance. She is a hardcor... Read Full Bio

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101 marks is a very good in AILET score. Generally 70-100 marks are considered good score to be considered. With this marks you'll rank good enough.

While, 5095 rank is bit higher, it is seen and consider rank around 3.5k is a good rank to be considered. Try to came more closer near 3k, for better.

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Ajitesh AJ

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 21 hours ago

Based on your OBC category rank of 1,721 in the CLAT 2025 examination and your domicile status in Uttar Pradesh, your chances of securing admission to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) in Lucknow appear favorable.

 

Historically, RMLNLU has admitted OBC candidates with UP domicil

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Shesha sai

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Answered 23 hours ago

Considering your AIR in CLAT is 19202 and EWS rank is 1775, admission at tier 2 NLUs will be competitive. Cutoff CLAT EWS will be issued for the year 2025 by Consortium NLUs at its website. NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad are predicted to obtain a rank above 500. The cut-off for GNLU Gandhinaga

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Lalita Kumari

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The approval process for entering the 5-year law program at Institute of Law Nirma University through the B.A. LL.B. Hons. degree relies on obtaining a passing score in the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) as well as meeting the qualifying cutoff score for the particular admission year. Secure admis

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Shiv Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Your probability of securing admission in National Law Universities (NLUs) stands poor due to an All India Rank (AIR) of 26746 and a category rank of 1439 in the SC category. Although your chances are limited you possess eligibility to enter admission competitions at select NLUs with reduced cutoff

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Kapil Lalwani

Contributor-Level 10

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Success in the Common Law Admission Test offers students several different professional options within the law field. The success in CLAT examination enables you to achieve entry at top National Law Universities to study their five-year integrated law program. Students who finish their studies at NL

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Kapil Lalwani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

With an All India ST Rank of 721, you have a good chance of getting admission to NALSAR based on your category, as the cutoff for the ST category is usually much lower than the general category, making it likely that your rank falls within the admission range for NALSAR for the ST category. 

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Nazrul Khan

Contributor-Level 6

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Priya Peter

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