Legal Reasoning Questions For CLAT 2026 with Answers - Free PDF Download
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  • Legal Reasoning Questions For CLAT 2026 with Answers - Free PDF Download

Legal Reasoning Questions For CLAT 2026 with Answers - Free PDF Download

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CLAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 31 Oct' 25

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 16 Jul 2025, 09:47 AM IST

Are you getting ready to ace the challenging CLAT 2026 exam's Legal Reasoning section? Your search is over here! Examine our vast collection of CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Questions, which have been carefully chosen and include comprehensive answers to help you be ready like never before.

This Story also Contains

  1. Topics Covered Under the CLAT Legal Reasoning Section
  2. CLAT Legal Reasoning 2026 Questions with Answers
  3. You can also Check
  4. Preparation Tips For CLAT Legal Reasoning Section 2026
Legal Reasoning Questions For CLAT 2026 with Answers - Free PDF Download
CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions with Answers

The legal reasoning section is one of the most important sections for CLAT 2026. The Legal Reasoning Section of the CLAT exam comprises 23 to 32 questions in total. These questions will be passage-based questions related to basic law principles, legal matters and public policy. To ace the legal reasoning section, the students should be well equipped with a plan on how to deal with the section and score good marks.

Also, check - Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT PDF 2026 with Detailed Solutions

Topics Covered Under the CLAT Legal Reasoning Section

Below are the topics that are covered under the CLAT Legal Reasoning Section:

  • Passage-based Questions

  • Basic principles of Law

  • Legal maxims and doctrines

  • Recent Amendments in Law and Constitutional Amendments

  • Questions related to application-based scenarios

  • Law subjects include Constitutional Law, Torts Law, Contract Law, and Criminal Law

Also Check: Preparation tips for CLAT Legal Reasoning

CLAT Legal Reasoning 2026 Questions with Answers

Passage 1

The Contract Act 1872 deals with contract law in India, its rights, duties, and exceptions arising out of it. Section 2(h) of the Act gives us the definition of a contract, which is simply an agreement enforceable by law. To understand the difference between void agreements and voidable contracts, it is important to talk about sections 2(h), 2(a), 2(i), 14, 16 (3) and 15,24-28 of the Indian Contract Act. Void agreements are fundamentally invalid, making them unenforceable by default. These agreements cannot be fulfilled as they consist of illegal elements, and they cannot be enforced even after being it to both parties. However, in the case of a voidable contract, the agreement is initially enforceable, but it is later denied at the option of either of the parties due to various reasons.

Unless rejected by a party, this contract will remain valid and enforceable. The party who is at a disadvantage due to any circumstance applicable to the contract can render the agreement void. A void agreement is void ab initio, making it impossible to rectify any defects in it, while voidable contracts can be rectified. In case of a void agreement, neither of the parties is subject to any compensation for any loss,s but voidable contracts have some remedies.

A valid agreement forms a contract that may again be either valid or voidable. The primary difference between a void agreement anthe d voidable contract is that a void agreement cannot be converted into a contract.

(Extracted with edits from A Comparative Study of Voidable Contracts and Void Agreements)

1. Which of the following best describes a void agreement?
(A) An agreement that is valid until declared invalid by a court
(B) An agreement that has no legal effect from the beginning
(C) a legally enforceable agreement
(D) An agreement that can be enforced if one party chooses to do so

Answer: (B) An agreement that has no legal effect from the beginning

Explanation:
A void agreement is void ab initio (from the beginning) and has no legal effect. It is unenforceable by law because it contains illegal elements or defects that cannot be rectified. It is invalid from the outset, unlike voidable contracts, which are initially valid but may be rescinded.

2. A contract between two parties to rob a bank and share the proceeds equally can be termed as:
(A) Void Contract
(B) Valid Contract
(C) Voidable Contract
(D) Legally Enforceable Contract

Answer: (A) Void Contract

Explanation:
Agreements involving illegal acts (like robbing a bank) are void because they are unlawful and against public policy. Such contracts are not enforceable by law under the Indian Contract Act.

3. An agreement made by an adult but involving a minor child where the signatory is a minor child himself, this agreement would be:
(A) A valid and enforceable agreement
(B) A voidable agreement
(C) A void agreement
(D) An agreement that cannot be enforced by the minor

Answer: (C) A void agreement

Explanation:
Contracts entered into by minors are void in law because minors cannot contract. Hence, any agreement where the signatory is a minor is void and not enforceable.

4. Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in a void agreement?
(A) An agreement signed by someone under duress
(B) A contract with mutually agreed-upon terms to sell a house
(C) An agreement to pay 10 lakhs on getting a government job
(D) A contract with a minor who understands the terms

Answer: (C) An agreement to pay 10 lakhs on getting a government job

Explanation:
This type of agreement is considered void because it involves an uncertain event dependent on the government’s action and might be illegal or against public policy. Agreements that are contingent on illegal acts or uncertain and unlawful events are void.

  • (A) Duress leads to a voidable contract, not void.

  • (B) It is a valid contract.

  • (D) Contracts with minors are void, but here the minor “understands terms,” which does not grant capacity to contract; generally, it is void.

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5. An agreement made without consideration is generally:
(A) Valid agreement
(B) Enforceable agreement
(C) Void agreement
(D) Voidable agreement

Answer: (C) Void agreement

Explanation:
Under the Indian Contract Act Section 25, agreements made without consideration are generally void, except in certain specified cases. Consideration is an essential element of a valid contract.

Passage 2

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines "murder" under Section 300, which states that culpable homicide is murder if the act is done

  1. To cause death;

  2. To cause such bodily injury as is likely to cause death;

  3. With the knowledge that the act is so imminently dangerous that it must, in all probability, cause death or such bodily injury as is likely to cause death;

  4. To cause death or such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, and the act is done without any excuse.

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Section 302 prescribes the punishment for murder, which may extend to life imprisonment or death.

Q6. If a person intentionally causes the death of another person, which of the following best describes the offence committed?

A) Culpable homicide not amounting to murder

B) Murder under Section 300 of the IPC

C) Attempt to murder

D) Grievous hurt

Correct Answer: B) Murder under Section 300 of the IPC

Explanation: According to Section 300 of the IPC, if a person intentionally causes the death of another, it constitutes murder.

Q7. If a person causes bodily injury to another with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death, which section of the IPC is applicable?

A) Section 299

B) Section 300

C) Section 302

D) Section 304

Correct Answer: B) Section 300

Explanation: Section 300 of the IPC defines murder, including causing bodily injury with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death.

Q8. Which of the following is a defence to a charge of murder under Section 300 of the IPC?

A) Grave and sudden provocation

B) Self-defence

C) Mistake of fact

D) All of the above

Correct Answer: D) All of the above

Explanation: Grave and sudden provocation, self-defence, and mistake of fact can all serve as defences that may reduce the offence from murder to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 300 of the IPC.

Q9. If a person commits an act to cause death but without any excuse, and the act results in death, what is the punishment prescribed under Section 302 of the IPC?

A) Imprisonment for life

B) Death penalty or imprisonment for life

C) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years

D) Fine only

Correct Answer: B) Death penalty or imprisonment for life

Explanation: Section 302 of the IPC prescribes the punishment for murder, which may extend to the death penalty or imprisonment for life.

Q10. Which of the following is NOT a condition under Section 300 of the IPC that makes an act amount to murder?

A) Intention to cause death

B) Knowledge that the act is likely to cause death

C) Grave and sudden provocation

D) Intention to cause bodily injury likely to cause death

Correct Answer: C) Grave and sudden provocation

Explanation: Grave and sudden provocation is a mitigating factor that may reduce the offence from murder to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as per Section 300 of the IPC.

Passage 3

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India addressed the scope of Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which empowers a court to summon additional accused persons during a trial if their involvement appears evident. The Court emphasised that this provision should be exercised judiciously and sparingly, ensuring that the accused's right to a fair trial is not compromised. The judgment underscored the necessity for a prima facie case before invoking Section 319, cautioning against its misuse to prevent unnecessary harassment of individuals not initially named in the charge sheet.

Q11. What is the primary purpose of Section 319 of the CrPC?

A) To allow courts to summon additional witnesses during a trial.
B) To permit courts to summon additional accused persons during a trial.
C) To enable courts to change the charges against an accused.
D) To provide a mechanism for appealing a trial court's decision.

Correct Answer: B) To permit courts to summon additional accused persons during a trial.

Explanation: Section 319 CrPC grants courts the authority to summon additional accused persons if, during the trial, evidence emerges indicating their involvement in the offence.

Q12. According to the Supreme Court's judgment, how should Section 319 CrPC be exercised?

A) Arbitrarily, to ensure all potential accused are tried together.
B) Judiciously and sparingly, with a prima facie case.
C) Only in cases where the accused are present in court.
D) Automatically, without the need for additional evidence.

Correct Answer: B) Judiciously and sparingly, with a prima facie case.

Explanation: The Court emphasised that Section 319 should be invoked cautiously, ensuring that there is sufficient preliminary evidence before summoning additional accused.

Q13. What safeguard did the Supreme Court highlight regarding the use of Section 319 CrPC?

A) It should be used to expedite trials.
B) It should be used to prevent unnecessary harassment of individuals.
C) It should be used to include all possible accused in a single trial.
D) It should be used to bypass the regular investigation process.

Correct Answer: B) It should be used to prevent unnecessary harassment of individuals.

Explanation: The Court cautioned against the misuse of Section 319, stressing the importance of protecting individuals from undue harassment by ensuring a prima facie case before summoning additional accused.

Q14. What does the term "prima facie case" refer to in the context of Section 319 CrPC?

A) A case where the evidence conclusively proves the accused's guilt.
B) A case where the evidence initially suggests the involvement of additional accused.
C) A case where no evidence is required to summon additional accused.
D) A case where the accused voluntarily admits to the offence.

Correct Answer: B) A case where the evidence initially suggests the involvement of an additional accused.

Explanation: A "prima facie case" refers to the initial evidence that, unless rebutted, is sufficient to support the allegations against the additional accused.

Q15. What was the Supreme Court's stance on the misuse of Section 319 CrPC?

A) It should be used liberally to ensure all involved parties are tried.
B) It should be used sparingly to avoid unnecessary complications.
C) It should be used to expedite the judicial process.
D) It should be used to bypass lower courts' decisions.

Correct Answer: B) It should be used sparingly to avoid unnecessary complications.

Explanation: The Court warned against the liberal use of Section 319, highlighting the potential for misuse and the importance of safeguarding individuals' rights by ensuring a prima facie case before summoning additional accused.

Passage 4

Justice MM Sundresh of the Supreme Court observed that there is a need to codify the law enabling law enforcement agencies to carry out surveillance while ensuring that fundamental rights, including the right to privacy, are safeguarded. “Any action facilitating State machinery must be backed by the authority of law. For that, there must be a codified law that empowers an investigating agency to undertake an act of surveillance. Needless to state, such a law must be subject to the Constitutional mandate, with specific reference to Part III of the Constitution. This would prevent any arbitrary action while preserving the privacy of the individual,” he said. He emphasised that the need of the hour is to take note of the voice and concerns expressed in the Puttaswamy judgment, which held that privacy is a fundamental right. There is a need to uphold privacy through the doctrine of proportionality, the judge explained. A clear demarcation is needed by drawing a Lakshman Rekha during a criminal investigation (when surveillance is used),” he said. Speaking on the need for surveillance, Justice Sundresh said, “Surveillance and privacy must live and function together. As long as there is privacy, surveillance will certainly continue. The modern world has indeed become a difficult place to live and maintain peace. The cost of peace is very high.

Q16: What is the primary concern expressed by Justice MM Sundresh regarding surveillance?

A) Surveillance should be unrestricted to ensure national security.
B) Surveillance must be codified by law to prevent arbitrary actions.
C) Surveillance is unnecessary in the modern world.
D) Surveillance should be conducted without judicial oversight.

Correct Answer: B) Surveillance must be codified by law to prevent arbitrary actions.

Explanation: Justice Sundresh emphasises the need for a codified law that empowers investigating agencies to undertake surveillance, ensuring that such actions are backed by legal authority and subject to constitutional mandates.

Q17: Which judgment does Justice Sundresh refer to in the passage?

A) Kesavananda Bharati case
B) Puttaswamy judgment
C) Maneka Gandhi case
D) Keshavananda Bharati case

Correct Answer: B) Puttaswamy judgment

Explanation: Justice Sundresh refers to the Puttaswamy judgment, which recognised the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution of India.

Q18: What legal principle does Justice Sundresh advocate for in relation to surveillance?

A) Doctrine of Necessity
B) Doctrine of proportionality
C) Doctrine of absolute immunity
D) Doctrine of public interest

Correct Answer: B) Doctrine of proportionality

Explanation: Justice Sundresh advocates for the doctrine of proportionality, ensuring that surveillance measures are balanced against the individual's right to privacy.

Q19: What metaphor does Justice Sundresh use to describe the need for boundaries in surveillance?

A) Great Wall
B) Lakshman Rekha
C) Iron Curtain
D) Red Line

Correct Answer: B) Lakshman Rekha

Explanation: Justice Sundresh uses the metaphor of "Lakshman Rekha" to signify the clear demarcation needed during criminal investigations when surveillance is used, ensuring it does not infringe upon fundamental rights.

Q20: According to the passage, what is the relationship between privacy and surveillance?

A) Privacy and surveillance are mutually exclusive.
B) Surveillance can coexist with privacy if regulated by law.
C) Privacy is irrelevant in the context of surveillance.
D) Surveillance should be prioritised over privacy.

Correct Answer: B) Surveillance can coexist with privacy if regulated by law.

Explanation: The passage suggests that surveillance and privacy can coexist, provided that surveillance is conducted within the framework of the law and respects constitutional mandates.

Preparation Tips For CLAT Legal Reasoning Section 2026

Understand the Legal Reasoning Section

About 28–32 multiple-choice questions, each of which is about 450 words long, are based on 4–5 readings. Questions that assess your ability to apply given ideas to particular situations follow passages that discuss legal problems, public policy, or moral quandaries. One score is awarded for each right response; 0.25 marks are subtracted for each wrong response.

Work on Developing Core Skills

Improve your speed and accuracy in comprehending challenging texts. Develop your ability to analyse arguments and pinpoint underlying ideas . Without depending on past information, learn how to apply legal principles to new fact situations. To prevent misunderstandings, pay close attention to the precise wording used in the sections and questions.

Try to Read Regularly

Set aside time each day to read editorials, legal journals, and newspapers to improve your comprehension and keep up with current events.

Practice Legal Reasoning Application

Take part in activities that call for applying legal ideas to different factual situations. Your analytical abilities will improve as a result of this practice, which will also teach you how to approach various kinds of questions.

Practice Regularly and Appear For the Mock Test

Try to get a feel for the exam format and time limits by regularly taking practice exams and past years' question papers. You can identify opportunities for development by evaluating your performance on these tests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is CLAT's legal reasoning?
A:

The CLAT exam's key legal reasoning part gauges your ability to analyse critically and logically. It evaluates your capacity to comprehend legal ideas, assess defences, scrutinise statutes, and apply these principles to specific situations.

Q: Is prior legal knowledge required to answer questions using legal reasoning?
A:

No, prior legal knowledge is not required to answer questions about legal reasoning on the CLAT. But you can greatly benefit from having a rudimentary awareness of legal concepts and principles help you analyse the questions and successfully respond to them.

Q: How can I strengthen my capacity for legal reasoning?
A:

Read newspapers and articles about law-related topics, practice answering a variety of legal reasoning questions, hone your analytical reasoning and critical thinking abilities, become familiar with significant legal precedents, and more can all help you perform better on legal reasoning tests. To improve your preparation, you can also enrol in CLAT coaching programs or use online tools and practice exams.

Q: How should I handle inquiries using legal reasoning?
A:

To begin, carefully read the passage and comprehend the scenario. Identify the main details, rules of law, and arguments made. After carefully examining each question and its possible answers, rule out the erroneous ones and choose the response that best fits the facts provided.

Q: What abilities are needed to answer questions about legal reasoning on the CLAT?
A:

Strong reading comprehension, logical reasoning, critical thinking, and familiarity with key legal topics and principles are all necessary for success in legal reasoning.

Q: How are the CLAT's legal reasoning questions structured?
A:

A passage or scenario is followed by a series of statements or questions in the CLAT's legal reasoning questions. To correctly answer the questions, you must attentively read and consider the paragraph.

Q: How many CLAT questions test legal reasoning?
A:

There are typically 40 to 50 legal reasoning questions on the CLAT. These inquiries could be based on a variety of subjects, including torts, criminal law, contracts, and constitutional law.

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Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?

Hello,

While NLUs are costly, you can still pursue government-funded law education through state-funded universities and their affiliated colleges that accept CLAT scores, such as institutes like Banaras Hindu University and Aligarh Muslim University.

I hope it will clear your query!!

It is always better to take the CLAT exam right after Class 12 if your goal is to build a career in law, because CLAT UG is specifically designed for admission into integrated five-year law programs like BA LLB, BCom LLB, or BBA LLB. Appearing after Class 12 saves you time, as you complete both graduation and law together in a single course. On the other hand, if you first complete graduation and then plan for law, you will not be eligible for CLAT UG but instead for CLAT PG, which is meant for admission into LLM programs. This path takes longer, because you first spend three or four years on graduation and then add another three years in an LLB program if you choose not to go for an integrated course. So, if you are already sure about pursuing law as your career, writing CLAT right after Class 12 is the smarter and time-saving option, while writing it after graduation makes sense only if you are considering higher studies in law or a shift in career later.

For CLAT, the most important topics are from  Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs & GK, the Indian Constitution, English Language, Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning. For a brief detail you can go through the following link: https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-important-topics

Thank You.

Hi dear candidate,

Both the colleges Maharaja Agrasen (MAIMS) or Gitarattan (GIBS) are affiliated to IP University and allows admission either by CLAT or IPU CET Law. Without either of these exams, your admission is NOT accepted there. You can try looking for management quota seats in these colleges if you have got good marks in 12th class.

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Hi dear candidate,

You can easily register yourself for CLAT exam by visiting the Consortium of NLUs official website and follow these steps:

  • Register yourself with your EMail ID, phone number and password.
  • Log in using OTP
  • Complete application form by entering details, selecting program (UG/PG) and uploading required documents mentioned there.
  • Then at last, review the application and pay the registration fees.
  • Download your confirmation slip.

Know the complete process at:

CLAT Registration 2026 (Started): Documents Required, Application Fee, Link, Steps to Apply

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