For several reasons, Public International Law is a significant subject for the CLAT PG (Common Law Admission Test) for postgraduate. Public International Law often constitutes a considerable portion of the CLAT PG syllabus. It has numerous questions on treaties, international organisations, state sovereignty and international dispute resolution are common. A strong grasp of Public International Law is essential for a comprehensive understanding of global legal systems and practices. It helps in understanding how states interact, resolve disputes and collaborate on issues such as human rights, environmental protection and international trade.
This Story also Contains
Public International Law - Meaning
How to Study for Public International Law for CLAT PG 2026
Recommended Books for Public International Law
Conclusion
CLAT PG Public International Law 2026
Many aspects of international law are incorporated into national legal systems. The knowledge of Public International Law opens up career opportunities in international organizations, non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations. It is also essential for those aiming for roles in diplomacy, international advocacy or academia.
Further, there are many landmark decisions by international courts, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the International Criminal Court (ICC), that are often studied in detail. These decisions are integral to understanding the application and development of international law.
Public International Law - Meaning
Public International Law provides a global perspective on legal issues, which is increasingly important in a world where legal issues often transcend national borders. This global outlook is valuable for any professional. The CLAT PG syllabus explicitly includes Public International Law covering topics such as the sources of international law, subjects of international law and understanding the connections between them for addressing modern legal challenges.
How to Study for Public International Law for CLAT PG 2026
Before delving into the deep CLAT PG Preparation 2026, let's break into topic-wise preparation. In this article, we will be focussing on how to prepare for Public International Law for CLAT PG 2026. The strategies are as follows.
1. Understand the syllabus: The candidates must familiarize themselves with the CLAT PG syllabus related to Public International Law and become aware of the exam pattern, that is the types of questions, and marking scheme.
2. Key Concepts and Principles: You must focus on key concepts and principles such as doctrines and other important topics that are relevant from the CLAT PG exam’s perspective. This will help you channel your preparation more narrowly.
3. Practice Papers and Mocks: It is also advisable that you solve the CLAT previous year’s question papers to get a certain clarity about the types of questions asked and evaluate your preparation. Take regular CLAT PG mock tests to assess your improvement in that particular topic improvise your strengths and analyse your weaknesses.
4. Note-Making and Revision: An individual should also incorporate note-making techniques so that it becomes easier for them to revisit the topics without any inconvenience. Further, keep revising these notes to have a better retention of the topics. Also, allocate specific time for each topic. List of Important Topics for Public International Law for CLAT PG 2026
Important CLAT PG Public International Law Topics
Below is a list of the most important Public International Law topics for CLAT PG, curated to help you streamline your preparation and focus on high-yield areas.
1. Sources of International Law
In this particular topic, you must focus on treaties, customary international law, general principles of law, judicial decisions and scholarly writings related to it.
2. Subjects of International Law
In this part, you shall study the states, international organisations, individuals and non-state actors in detail.
3. State sovereignty and the law of treaties
Primarily prepare about the principles of non-intervention and recognition of states and governments. Further, in the law of treaties study the treaty formation, interpretation and termination.
4. International Organisations
The international organizations in totality hold great importance for the subject as well as for global knowledge. Therefore, you must study every thing about these organizations and their functioning in detail. Study particularly about, the United Nations, International Court of Justice, International Criminal Courts and World Trade Organization.
5. International Humanitarian Law
An individual must read about his topic in consonance with the International Organization itself. The Geneva Conventions, Laws of War and Protection of Civilians and Prisoners or War.
6. Dispute Resolution and recent developments in International Law
Lastly, it is also equally vital to acknowledge how disparities in different countries and nations are resolved and how are settlements made between them. So, focus on peaceful settlements of disputes, arbitration, adjudication and the role of international courts in tackling such challenging situations. Furthermore, briefly studies the current treaties and agreements that are formed along with the contemporary issues and cases.
Thereafter, you must summarize your preparation of these topics through regular revisions from the notes that you might have made while covering them. However, you shall also keep a journal of important case laws and judgements handy for reference. Then, take full-length multiple mock tests to stimulate your time-management and analyse diverse exam conditions.
Note: The above-mentioned topics are devised for your convenience so that you may thoroughly pay attention to these in depth and focus more on these. Moreover, you must also go through the other topics at least once for a better grip in entirety for the Public International Law.
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Gather essential CLAT PG textbooks, reading materials and bare acts for your reference while preparing for the topic. Some of the best books are listed below.
Hence, it can be concluded that preparing for Public International Law for the CLAT PG exam requires a strategic and comprehensive approach where you focus on the fundamental concepts, key principles and landmark judicial pronouncements by using standard resource books and reliable sources. Further, regularly practice past exam questions and take mock tests to get certainty of your knowledge and improve time management for the main exam. Also, keep yourself updated with recent developments in the field of public international law, current international legal issues as these can often be relevant from the exam’s perspective. Therefore, by combining diligent study, practical application and consistent revision, you can master Public International Law and enhance your performance in the CLAT PG exam.
The Public International Law can be mastered by studying standard textbooks, landmark cases, and recent developments. Further, practice past CLAT PG questions to get an idea about the intensity of the exam and type of questions.
Q: Is Public International Law an easy subject?
A:
The Public International Law can be manageable with dedicated study, but its complexity depends on understanding intricate legal principles, case laws and treaties.
Q: How many questions are asked in the main exam about the Public International Law?
A:
The number of questions on the Public International Law in the CLAT PG exam can vary, but typically there are around 8-10 questions specifically focused on this subject.
Q: What is the principle of “pacta sunt servanda”?
A:
The principle of “pacta sunt servanda” means that treaties are binding upon the parties and must be performed in good faith.
Q: What is the primary role of the United Nations Security Council?
A:
The primary role of the UN Security Council is to maintain international peace and security.
Q: What are the main principles of International Humanitarian Law?
A:
The main principles include distinction, proportionality, necessity and humanity. These principles govern the conduct of hostilities and protection of persons who are not participating in hostilities.
There are various online platforms, offering previous year's question papers of CLAT PG exam. One of which is careers360, the link of which I am attaching here,
For CLAT PG 2026, if you aim for top NLUs like NALSAR, NLSIU and WBNUJS, a score of around
75+ marks
(rank within
100
) is generally good for the general category
Cut-offs change every year, so try to score as high as possible for a better chance.
It is good to see institutions like NMIMS have selected you for master of law based on your CLAT PG scores. If we compare the three then to be very clear:
NMIMS Mumbai has strong reputation for it's Kirti Mehra School of Law and has got good academic value.
Nirma University is also another good after NMIMS, and has strong reputation for law studies in Gujarat.
The DNLU is comparatively newer than the other two and it will take some time to be equivalent to them.
For the best academic value and recognition choose NMIMS, or the Nirma University is also good. The DNLU is newer and can be considered as well but if we choose any one, then it is NMIMS.
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