CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Important Features
Total Number of Questions
As mentioned above, the CLAT exam pattern changed in 2023 for CLAT 2024. The total number of questions since then has changed from 150 to 120, with the same time duration.
CLAT 2026 will follow the same CLAT Exam Pattern, as there is no mention of the paper pattern in the CLAT Notification released on July 20, 2025.
Difficulty Level
The CLAT difficulty level is a topic that involves many surprises. This element of surprise is the reason why aspirants find it difficult to predict the exam and are advised to take multiple CLAT mock tests to adapt to the exam situation.
Reading Skills
CLAT is an exam that requires candidates to read and comprehend their reading material for most of the exam. Apart from Quantitative Techniques, the remaining four sections out of the five sections of the exam are based on reading.
Objective Answers
There are no subjective answers in CLAT, despite the exam being reading-intensive with so many passage-based sections; the questions in CLAT are MCQs(Multiple Choice Questions).
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Highlights
Below is a table providing all the important CLAT Exam Pattern highlights.
CLAT Exam Pattern Highlights
|
Category |
Details |
|
Duration of the test |
120 minutes (2 hours) |
|
Mode |
Offline mode |
|
Type of Questions |
Multiple Type Questions (MCQs) |
|
Number of Questions |
120 |
|
Test Sections |
|
|
Marking scheme |
Total marks: 120 marks Objective questions will each carry 1 mark. 0.25 marks to be deducted for an incorrect answer. |
|
Language |
English |
CLAT 2026 UG Exam Pattern - Section-Wise Weightage
Often, students focus on mastering only a few sections and neglect others. However, all sections have a certain weightage, and not scoring well can hinder the selection/cut-off procedure. Below is a table highlighting the number of questions and weightage of each section.
|
CLAT Section-Wise Weightage |
||
|
Section |
Number of questions |
Weightage (in percent) |
|
English Language |
22-26 |
20% |
|
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge |
28-32 |
25% |
|
Legal Reasoning |
28-32 |
25% |
|
Logical Reasoning |
22-26 |
20% |
|
Quantitative Techniques |
10-14 |
10 % |
|
Total |
120 |
100% |
CLAT Marking Scheme 2026
The marking scheme helps in allowing students to make wise decisions while attempting the CLAT 2026 exam. Candidates can score a maximum of 120 marks as per the new exam pattern.
|
CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme |
|
|
CLAT Marking Parameters |
CLAT Marking Scheme |
|
Correct Answer |
+1 |
|
Incorrect Answer |
- 0.25 |
|
Unattempted Question |
0 |
CLAT Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics
|
CLAT Exam Section |
Important Topics |
|
English Language |
|
|
Current Affairs, including GK |
|
|
Logical Reasoning |
|
|
Legal Reasoning |
Law of Torts, Contract Law, Contract Act, Bigamy and Constitution Void and voidable Marriage, Law of writs, Penal law, Public international law, Juvenile Justice Act, Personal Data Protection Bill |
|
Quantitative Techniques |
|
CLAT Previous Year Papers
The best way to judge any exam’s exam pattern is by studying the past year's papers of that exam. CLAT Previous Year Papers can become your pathway to comprehensively review the CLAT exam pattern.
From understanding the types of questions in the CLAT exam, to also going through the kinds of questions that appear in the exam over the years. It will also be beneficial for you to mark the important topics in the CLAT syllabus.
CL-LST has compiled a free section of CLAT Previous Year Question Papers for students to help them in their research and studies.
Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026
CLAT aspirants can follow the below-mentioned tips for comprehensive preparation-
- Get in-depth knowledge of the CLAT Syllabus and previous years’ patterns.
- Devote at least 6-8 hours daily, without fail.
- Simulate exam-like conditions while practicing CLAT Mock Tests.
- It is important to analyse your performance after every mock.
- Identify your weak areas and devote extra time to those topics.
- Read editorials and non-fiction for the English language section and current affairs.
- For a strategic and targeted preparation, students can go for a CLAT online coaching program.
CLAT PG Exam Pattern
Students aiming to pursue law after their graduation must acquaint themselves with the CLAT PG exam pattern. Although some features are similar to those of CLAT UG, read the table below to know the brief exam pattern for CLAT PG.
|
CLAT PG Paper Pattern |
|
|
Mode of exam |
Offline (Pen & Paper-based) |
|
Duration |
2 hours |
|
Medium |
English |
|
Type of Questions |
Objective (MCQs) |
|
Total Questions |
120 |
|
Total Marks |
120 |
|
Time per question |
1 minute/60 seconds per question |
|
Marking Scheme |
+1 for correct answer, -0.25 for wrong |
CLAT PG Exam Pattern- Section-Wise Weightage
The CLAT PG exam consists of 2 sections. The division of sections in the CLAT PG exam aims to test the understanding and depth of foundational concepts. It also helps evaluate a candidate's critical reasoning skills. CLAT PG’s section-wise weightage is as follows-
|
CLAT PG Section-Wise Weightage |
||
|
Section I |
Constitutional Law |
50% |
|
Section II |
Other Law Subjects like: Contract, Criminal Law, Torts, IPR, International Law, and Jurisprudence |
50% |
CLAT PG Preparation Tips
Give equal importance to both sections during your preparation days. Avoid focusing on one while neglecting the other, as they share equal weightage. A proper study plan can be curated for both sections, based on one’s strengths and weaknesses.
Although there is no sectional time limit, students should be mindful during their preparation days.
Final Say
After understanding the CLAT Exam pattern, students should curate a study plan according to their schedule and stick to it. A consistent approach will help students ace their CLAT 2026 preparation. It is also important to take care of your health during your CLAT preparation days, as this is a crucial time for all the aspirants.