Difference Between CLAT and AILET: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Accepting Colleges, Seats
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  • Difference Between CLAT and AILET: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Accepting Colleges, Seats

Difference Between CLAT and AILET: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Accepting Colleges, Seats

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Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 21 May 2025, 06:14 PM IST

The two most important exams to consider to gain admission into a National Law University are AILET and CLAT. An evaluation of CLAT vs AILET can be done using various parameters. The main difference between CLAT and AILET exam is that the Common Law Admission Test is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities to admit students into NLUs that participate in the CLAT admission process. On the other hand, the All India Law Entrance Test is conducted by NLU Delhi to admit students into its law programmes. The other university that is not part of the Consortium of NLUs is NLU Meghalaya. It conducts its entrance exams separately.

This Story also Contains

  1. AILET vs CLAT Overview
  2. What is the difference between CLAT and AILET?
  3. AILET Vs CLAT Exam Pattern
  4. AILET Vs CLAT Syllabus
  5. CLAT Vs AILET : Which is better?
  6. Is AILET tougher than CLAT?
  7. AILET vs CLAT NLUs Participating in the Admission Process
  8. CLAT Vs AILET: Similarities
Difference Between CLAT and AILET: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Accepting Colleges, Seats
Image source: Image by benzoix on Freepik

The difference between CLAT and AILET also exists in their mark distribution, time duration, and syllabus. Candidates can gain admission into five-year LLB and LLM courses through these two law entrance exams. Read the full article to learn everything about the AILET vs CLAT comparison.

AILET vs CLAT Overview

ParticularsCLATAILET

Conducting Body

Consortium of National Law Universities

NLU Delhi

Exam Level

National Level

National level

Frequency of Exams

Once a year

Once a year

Participating Institutes

24 NLUs and 65 participating institutes

NLU Delhi

Law Programmes Offered

5 Year LLB, LLM

BA LLB, LLM

Infographics - AILET vs CLAT

Infographics - AILET vs CLAT

What is the difference between CLAT and AILET?

The main difference between CLAT and AILET is in the colleges into which one can be admitted after appearing for these two law entrance exams. In CLAT 2026, there are 24 participating NLUs and 65 participating institutes which are part of the examination. Through CLAT, candidates will be admitted into various five-year integrated law courses and LLM. On the other hand, through AILET 2026 candidates will get admission into BA LLB and LLM courses of NLU Delhi. NLU Meghalaya is the only other remaining NLU that conducts its own entrance exam to admit students.

AILET Vs CLAT Exam Pattern

Another difference between AILET and CLAT lies in the examination pattern of both exams. The Consortium of National Law Universities and NLU Delhi had revised the exam pattern of their law entrance examinations to make the exam more student-friendly. In the CLAT exam pattern, the consortium reduced the number of questions to 120 in the UG paper. On the other hand, the AILET exam pattern now gives candidates more time than earlier to solve the same number of questions. The time duration has also now been increased to 120 minutes.

There is no change in the exam pattern of the CLAT PG exam. However, the AILET LLM will only have objective questions from different areas of law as the descriptive section has been removed. The time duration of AILET LLM has been increased to 120 minutes.

CLAT Vs AILET - Exam Pattern Overview

ParticularsCLAT 2026AILET 2026CLAT PGAILET LLM

Mode of Exam

Offline

Offline

Offline

Offline

Duration

2 hours

2 hours

2 hours

2 hours

Type of Questions

Objective

Objective

Objective

Objective

Number of Questions

120

150

120

100

Total Marks

120

150

120

100

Negative Marking

0.25 mark per question

0.25 mark per question

0.25 mark per question

0.25 mark per question

CLAT and AILET Section-Wise Exam Pattern

The two tables below provide the section-wise exam pattern for CLAT 2026 and AILET 2026.

CLAT 2026 Section Wise Pattern

SectionsNo. of questionsTime

English

22-26

120 Minutes

Current Affairs including GK

28-32

Legal Reasoning

28-32

Logical Reasoning

22-26

Quantitative Techniques

10-14

AILET 2026 Section Wise Pattern

SectionNumber of questionsTime

English

50

120 Minutes

Current Affairs

30

Logical Reasoning

70

Total

150

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AILET Vs CLAT Syllabus

In the CLAT vs AILET comparison, an important element to focus on is the syllabus of both the law entrance exams. One major difference between CLAT 2026 syllabus and AILET 2026 syllabus is the presence of maths in CLAT. The CLAT UG syllabus has more sections and includes a quantitative techniques section which is not present in AILET. The syllabus of the PG exams for both the law entrance exams is more or less the same with the difference being only in the number of questions and time duration.

CLAT UG Syllabus 2026

SectionsTopics

English

Grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary, fill in the blanks

Current Affairs, including GK

National and international events in the field of sports, economy, politics, arts and culture.

Legal Reasoning

Current legal affairs, important judgements, constitution, law of torts, family law

Logical Reasoning

Drawing inferences and conclusions from given arguments, puzzles and seating arrangements, series and sequences

Quantitative Techniques

Basic arithmetic, mensuration, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, time and work.

AILET UG Syllabus 2026

SectionsTopics

English

Comprehension, grammar, sentence correction and vocabulary

Current Affairs

Recent national and international events of significance from various fields such as politics, business, sports, awards, arts and culture.

Logical Reasoning

Logical and analytical reasoning skills

CLAT 2026 Syllabus PG

Constitutional Law

Law of Torts

Administrative law

Criminal Law

Family law

Labour and industrial law

Property law

Public international law

Jurisprudence

Company law

Intellectual Property Law

International Law

Tax law

Law of Contracts


AILET LLM 2026 Syllabus

Subjects

Different areas of law: (Constitutional law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and Labour & Industrial Law)


CLAT Vs AILET Eligibility Difference

The eligibility criteria for CLAT and AILET exam are similar in many aspects, be it academic requirement or age limit. The difference between CLAT and AILET eligibility lies in the minimum marks requirement in the qualifying exam.

To be eligible in CLAT, general category students need to have secured at least 50% marks in the qualifying exam, and 45% marks for reserved categories. Whereas, for AILET exam, general category students need 45% marks and reserved category students require 40% marks in the qualifying exam.

AILET vs CLAT Subjects

When it comes to the subjects students can choose for CLAT and AILET exam, the exam subjects remain almost the same including subjects like Legal reasoning, current affairs, logical reasoning and more.

However, the main difference between CLAT and AILET subjects are that AILET does not include mathematics.

CLAT Vs AILET : Which is better?

Both CLAT and AILET are hugely popular among law aspirants. The colleges that candidates can get into through these exams are frequently ranked among the top law colleges in NIRF law college rankings. NLU Delhi, NLSIU Bengaluru, and NALSAR Hyderabad usually bag the top 3 places in the NIRF rankings for law. However, the answer to the question of CLAT or AILET- which is better, will also depend on individual perceptions of the candidate about the college. It is always advised to prepare and appear for both exams to improve one’s chances of getting into a good law college.

Is AILET tougher than CLAT?

CLAT is usually considered very tough due to its length and complexity. It is reading intensive and one of the lengthiest law entrance exams. CLAT has 5 sections while AILET has three sections. CLAT also requires the candidates to prepare for Mathematics, a section not present in AILET, which candidates may find difficult. However, it must be said that In the debate over which is tougher among AILET and CLAT, both exams are equally complex and difficult. The difficulty level of both the exams also move in sync.

The Consortium of National Law Universities revised the syllabus of CLAT by reducing the number of questions from 150 to 120 for CLAT UG exam. It was with the intention of making the exam more student-friendly.

This was followed by NLU Delhi revising its own exam pattern for both the AILET UG and AILET LLM. It has increased the time duration by a further 30 minutes for UG. While for AILET LLM, it has done away with the descriptive section of LLM and kept only MCQs about different areas of law.

AILET vs CLAT NLUs Participating in the Admission Process

From CLAT 2025 towards, RPNLU Prayagraj and IIULER Goa will conduct their admissions through the CLAT counselling process. Earlier, both universities conducted their admissions separately. For AILET, NLU Delhi is the only participating university.

CLAT Vs AILET: Similarities

The CLAT and AILET exam are similar in many ways. The points given below illustrate the convergences between the two exams -

  • Both exams have objective questions that are based on a particular passage/statement preceding them.

  • Both exams are a test of a candidate’s ability to read and comprehend quickly, as both exams are reading intensive.

  • Even though CLAT has a mathematics section, it has a lesser weightage with more importance being given to the reasoning, English and GK sections which are also present in AILET.

CLAT Sample Paper 2026 with Answer Key- Careers360
Download the CLAT Sample Paper 2026 PDF featuring the latest exam pattern with descriptive-type questions for effective preparation.
Download EBook

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there any age limit for appearing in CLAT?
A:

No, there is no age limit for appearing in CLAT.

Q: How many NLUs are participating in CLAT 2026?
A:

24 NLUs are participating in CLAT 2026.

Q: Which is better CLAT or AILET?
A:

Both the exams are popular among law aspirants. It depends on the personal preference and convenience of the candidate.

Q: Does AILET and CLAT have same syllabus?
A:

No, the syllabus of both the exams are different. CLAT has five sections and also has a maths section

Q: Who conducts the AILET?
A:

The AILET is conducted by NLU Delhi.

Q: AILET is conducted for admission into which courses?
A:

AILET is conducted to admit candidates into the BA LLB and LLM courses.

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Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?

Choosing the right CLAT coaching is a personal decision that should align with your learning style, budget, and location. There isn't a single "best" one.

A humanistic approach suggests you consider these factors:

  1. Faculty & Focus: Look for institutions with experienced faculty who offer personalized doubt clearing, not just recorded lectures.

  2. Material Quality: The study material must be updated to the latest CLAT pattern, emphasizing Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs.

  3. Peer Environment: A strong peer group and competitive environment boost motivation.

The linked article from Careers360 provides context and lists major national players in the CLAT prep space, which you can use to start your comparison: https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-online-coaching . Choose the one that feels like the best investment in your future

Yes, there are several law colleges in India that offer admission without requiring CLAT or other national-level entrance exams — and one such option is MERI Institute, Delhi .

At MERI Institute , students can pursue law courses based on their 12th-grade merit , without the stress of competitive entrance tests. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to build a career in law but prefer a more straightforward admission process.

The institute focuses on practical legal education , with experienced faculty members, regular court visits, moot court training, and interactive seminars that help students understand real-world legal practices. The campus environment is supportive and student-friendly, offering both academic guidance and personal growth opportunities.

So, if you’re looking for law colleges without CLAT , MERI Institute in Delhi can be a great fit—providing quality education, a balanced learning approach, and a pathway to a successful law career without the pressure of tough entrance exams.

For CLAT 2025, the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section has around 28 to 32 questions. These questions come from recent news, events, and general topics like the Constitution, international issues, awards, and government schemes.

You should mainly focus on current events from the last 12 to 18 months. The exam gives short passages from newspapers or magazines, and you have to answer questions based on those passages.

The most important topics are national and international current affairs, major government policies, legal news, awards and honours, science and technology updates, sports events, important personalities, and environmental issues.

Some of the most expected topics for CLAT 2025 are global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East updates, major elections in India and other countries, new laws, bills, and reforms in India, international meetings like G20 and COP climate conferences, important awards in 2024 and 2025, recent achievements in science and space technology, and new government schemes and court judgments.

To prepare, you should read current affairs daily, revise important news from April 2024 till now, and practice passage-based questions from mock tests. Static GK (like history, geography, or constitution) should also be studied but only the parts that are connected to current events.

Career360 website for CLAT GK: https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-gk-questions


Hello dear candidate,

Yes, you are right UGC rules do not allow two regular full time courses simultaneously.

But for CLAT or NLU admission they only check if your 12th certificate is valid and is from a recognized board, not if you did another course along with it.

The BCI also do not reject candidate for this reason.

Thank you.

Hello,

If you are from Delhi and appearing for CLAT, then you come under the General (All India) category, as CLAT reservation is based on the domicile of NLUs, and Delhi does not have a National Law University under CLAT (NLU Delhi conducts AILET separately).So, you can apply for CLAT through All India Quota, and if you don’t get a seat in NLUs. You can apply through CLAT, AILET, or private law colleges like Amity, Symbiosis, or IPU for admission.

Keep both CLAT and AILET options open to maximize your chances.


Hope you understand.