Embarking on a legal career requires more than academic prowess; it demands successful navigation through entrance exams like the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). Every year, nearly 75,000 aspiring candidates appear for the CLAT exam. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a detailed understanding of the exam, covering everything from crucial CLAT 2024 exam dates to eligibility criteria and exam patterns.
Table of Contents
CLAT 2024 Highlights
Exam Name | CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) |
Conducting Body | The Consortium of NLUs |
Exam Frequency | Annually |
Participating Institutes | 24 National Law Universities (NLU) and 61 affiliated colleges |
Exam Mode | Offline |
Application Mode | Online |
Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
Total Marks | 120 |
Exam Language | English |
Total Number of Questions | 120 (MCQ Based) |
Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
What is CLAT Exam
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a gateway for aspiring law students seeking admission to premier law schools across India. Designed to assess candidates' aptitude for legal studies, CLAT serves as a unifying examination for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process. The official website is a beacon of information, offering insights into the exam structure, syllabus, eligibility criteria, and more. The exam is conducted in English language mode only.
CLAT 2024 Exam Dates
The key to a successful CLAT journey lies in meticulous planning. Understanding the timeline of events is crucial for candidates to prepare effectively. Here is a detailed table outlining the CLAT 2024 exam dates:
Event(s) |
Date |
CLAT 2024 Application Start Date |
July 1, 2023 |
Last Date to Apply |
November 10, 2023 |
CLAT 2024 Form Correction Window Last Date |
November 12, 2023 |
CLAT 2024 Exam Date |
December 3, 2023 |
CLAT 2024 Result Date |
December, 2023 |
CLAT 2024 Counseling Date |
January 2024 |
Source: Official Website
CLAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the application process, it's essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for CLAT 2024. The eligibility criteria vary for UG and postgraduate PG courses. Let's break down the key points:
CLAT UG Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification and Qualifying Marks: According to CLAT exam eligibility for UG law programs, applicants must secure a minimum of 45% aggregate in their Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution. Notably, there's a relaxation for SC/ST candidates, who need a minimum of 40%.
- Students Pursuing Class-12: Aspiring candidates appearing for their Class-12 exam in April/May 2024 are also eligible for CLAT 2024. However, they must produce the certificate of the qualifying examination during admission, a prerequisite to avoid cancellation.
- Age Limit: Unlike some exams, there's no specified age limit for UG CLAT 2024. This enables more applicants for the exam.
CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification and Minimum Marks: For the PG program, candidates must attain a minimum of 50% in LLB (5-year or 3-year) or an equivalent degree from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India. SC/ST candidates have a slight relaxation, requiring a minimum of 45%.
- Students Pending Graduation: Final-year LLB students are also eligible for CLAT LLM 2024, provided they submit the qualification certificate during admission, affirming the completion of their degree.
- Age Limit: In terms of age, there's no specified age limit for PG CLAT 2024. This flexibility allows candidates of varying age groups to pursue the LLM program in national law universities.
CLAT 2024 Application Process
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, you can proceed with the application process. The CLAT 2024 application process involves several steps, and understanding each one is crucial for a smooth experience.
- Candidates must first register on the CLAT 2024 website using their personal mobile number and e-mail ID and subsequently confirm them via an OTP.
- The next step is to fill out the application form carefully, as any mistake regarding the spelling of their name or their parent’s name can lead to disqualification of their candidature.
- Submit the form along with the application fee.
- Also, you would need to verify all other necessary documents.
- Then, the candidate must choose their program (UG/PG).
- If the candidate is seeking reservation, they must produce the relevant certificates as requested by the Government of India/State Government and as required by the respective NLU at the time of admission.
CLAT 2024 Required Documents
- Front-facing passport-size photograph with a plain background
- Candidate’s signature
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Relevant certificate issued by competent authority (applicable if applying under PWD or BPL category)
CLAT 2024 Registration Fees
Here's a breakdown of the registration fees for CLAT 2024 across different categories:
Category |
Fees |
General/ OBC/ PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI candidates |
₹4,000 |
SC/ ST/ BPL candidates |
₹3,500 |
While filling in the CLAT application form 2024, candidates can purchase the previous year's CLAT question papers for an extra fee of ₹500. Also, it's important to note that the registration fees are non-refundable, so candidates must double-check their eligibility before proceeding.
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CLAT 2024 Syllabus
Understanding the CLAT syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. The syllabus is designed to assess a candidate's proficiency in different subjects within 2 hours. The UG CLAT 2024 syllabus includes the following:
1. English Language and Comprehension
2. General Knowledge and Current Affairs
3. Legal Reasoning
4. Logical Reasoning
5. Quantitative Techniques
Whereas in the PG CLAT syllabus will include the subjects mentioned above as well as Criminal Law, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law and Labour & Industrial Law.
CLAT 2024 Exam Pattern
To excel in any exam, understanding the pattern is key. The CLAT 2024 exam is worth 120 marks, with 120 questions carrying 1 mark each. Candidates are given a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. Here's a detailed look at the CLAT 2024 exam pattern:
Section |
Number of Questions |
English Language |
22–26, or roughly 20% of the paper |
General Knowledge & Current Affairs |
28–32, or roughly 25% of the paper |
Legal Reasoning |
38–32, or roughly 25% of the paper |
Logical Reasoning |
22–26, or roughly 20% of the paper |
Quantitative Techniques |
10–14, or roughly 10% of the paper |
CLAT 2024 Result
The anticipation after taking the exam can be nerve-wracking, but knowing when and how to check the results can ease the process. The CLAT 2024 results are expected to be declared in the second week of December 2023. Candidates can check their results on the official CLAT website by entering their credentials.
Be Prepared to Crack CLAT 2024
Navigating the CLAT 2024 journey demands meticulous planning, dedication, and adherence to guidelines. Aspiring law students must stay updated on the CLAT exam date 2024, fulfill eligibility criteria, and submit the required documents accurately with the help of this guide. Success in CLAT is not just a destination but a journey paved with strategic preparation and determination.
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FAQs
How can CLAT 2024 application form correction be done?
CLAT provides a window for application form correction. Candidates can log in to the official website during the correction period and make necessary changes. Reviewing and verifying all information before the correction window closes is crucial.
Is there any age limit for appearing in the CLAT exam?
No, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing in the CLAT exam for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. As long as the educational qualifications are met, candidates of any age can apply.
Can foreign nationals apply for CLAT 2024?
Yes, CLAT is open to Indian as well as foreign nationals. However, foreign nationals need not appear for the test and are generally required to satisfy specific eligibility criteria, including the equivalence of their qualifications to the specified educational standards. They must apply as NRI/NRI-sponsored candidates while filling out the application form. Foreign national candidates must apply separately to the NLUs during counseling. Also, a specific application form is released under the NRI/NRI-S and FN categories for this purpose.
What happens if I miss the CLAT 2024 application deadline?
Missing the application deadline can be a setback, as the registration process is time-sensitive. Late submissions are typically not accepted, and candidates must complete the application well before the stipulated deadline to avoid complications.
Is there any provision for scribes or extra time for candidates with disabilities in CLAT 2024?
Yes, CLAT provides accommodations such as scribes and extra time for disabled candidates. Applicants under this category must follow the specified guidelines and make the necessary arrangements during the application process.
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