Is CLAT Exam Tough?: Detailed analysis on success rate, difficulty of question papers
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Is CLAT Exam Tough?: Detailed analysis on success rate, difficulty of question papers

Ongoing Event

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

Sukriti SahooUpdated on 28 Aug 2025, 11:01 AM IST

The Common Law Admission Test or CLAT is often considered tough and why not? After all, it is one of the top law entrance exams in India. The Consortium of NLUs conducts the Common Law Admission Test for admissions into the top NLUs in the country. In all, there are 24 NLUs and one private university in CLAT, which are part of the consortium and conduct their admissions through the CLAT counselling process. The total number of CLAT seats is around 4000+ in 5-year LLB and 1590+ in LLM. CLAT scores are also accepted by 60+ affiliated colleges nationwide for admission into LLB and LLM courses.

This Story also Contains

  1. Why is CLAT considered tough?
  2. Quick Tips to Ace CLAT
  3. CLAT Syllabus and Subject-Wise Questions and Marks
Is CLAT Exam Tough?: Detailed analysis on success rate, difficulty of question papers
Is CLAT exam tough (Image by diana.grytsku on Freepik)

Why is CLAT considered tough?

CLAT is considered tough for two main reasons;

  • First, is the number of candidates appearing for the exam as compared to the available CLAT seats.

  • The second reason is the intensive CLAT syllabus which requires good preparation.

Let’s look at the two factors one by one.

Number of candidates for CLAT

As per the statistics available for CLAT 2025 exam, 62,832 candidates registered for CLAT UG, out of which 60,544 appeared, recording an attendance of 96.35%.

The ratio for the number of seats to the number of candidates who appeared in CLAT UG comes at approximately 6.66% as per the selection rate of CLAT. This means, at the most, around 6% of the appearing candidates will succeed in getting a seat in an NLU as per the CLAT success rate. The CLAT exam passing rate is not a fixed percentage, but rather an effective success rate of approximately 6% for admission into the top NLUs due to limited seats and high competition.

Another aspect to understand about the success rate is that not all NLUs are equally preferred by candidates. Instead of opting for a lower-ranked NLU candidates may decide on joining a well-known affiliate college that also accepts CLAT scores. This makes CLAT even tougher in terms of competition for a seat in one of the top NLUs based on the selection rate of CLAT.

In CLAT 2025 PG, 16,082 candidates registered for the exam of which 14,817 candidates appeared for the exam, recording an attendance of 92.91%. The ratio of the number of available seats to the number of candidates comes to 10.73% based on the success rate in CLAT. This means at the most around 10% of the candidates could obtain admission to an NLU based on the success rate in CLAT.

Success rates in CLAT

Exam

Number of registered candidates

Number of appeared candidates

Attendance

Seats

Maximum Success Rate

CLAT UG

62832

60,544

96.35%

4054

6.66%

CLAT PG

16082

14,817

92.91%

1591

10.73%

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ICFAI-LAW School BA-LLB / BBA-LLB Admissions 2025

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CLAT Cut-offs

Understand previous year cut-off trends as well as expected cut-offs for current year. Get the Ebook

Intensive CLAT syllabus

The second reason why CLAT is considered tough is the intensive CLAT syllabus. CLAT is one of the lengthiest and most reading-intensive exams. The exam tests a broad range of skills that require effective preparation.

  • The English language tests the candidate’s proficiency in reading and comprehension.

  • The GK section is a test of the candidate’s general awareness.

  • The legal awareness section evaluates a candidate’s understanding of legal principles.

  • The logical reasoning section tests the candidate’s ability to solve complex problems and think logically.

  • Finally, the quantitative techniques or maths section assesses the candidate’s basic arithmetic skills.

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.
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The CLAT question paper structure consists of 4-6 passages of around 450 words each in each of the five sections. The passages are often derived from journalistic and non-fictional sources. The difficulty level of the passages is of class 12 level. There are a total of 120 questions based on the passages and candidates get two hours to complete the exam. Thus, CLAT requires good time management skills to attempt maximum questions within the given time.

The CLAT PG question paper tests the candidate’s knowledge about different areas of law. It also consists of passages followed by a total of 120 multiple-choice questions based on the passage.

Last year, the Consortium made changes in the CLAT exam pattern and reduced the number of questions in CLAT UG from 150 to 120 to make the exam more student-friendly. The CLAT exam analysis also showed that the exam was easier last year. However, an easy exam also means a higher CLAT cut-off for everyone which will even out any difference due to the easy nature of the CLAT question paper.

CLAT 2025 Exam Analysis

Section

Difficulty level

English

Easy

General knowledge

Easy

Quantitative aptitude

Easy to moderate

Legal Reasoning

Easy

Logical reasoning

Easy to moderate

Overall

Easy-moderate

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Quick Tips to Ace CLAT

While CLAT is certainly considered tough, it doesn’t have to be so. Ultimately, everything depends on how well-prepared the candidate is for the exam. Here are a few quick tips for CLAT.

  • Well thought out Study Plan: Aspirants should start with a study timetable allocating appropriate time for each section according to its importance and the candidate’s proficiency level.

  • Referring to the right study material: Candidates must focus on building a good conceptual understanding by referring to the right study material and resources. Good CLAT books for section-wise preparation are easily available and aspirants must refer to them.

  • Solving mock tests: Candidates must practice with CLAT sample papers and the previous year's question papers to improve speed and perform better during the exam.

VGU, Jaipur | Law Admissions 2026

NAAC A+ Grade | Admissions open for 5 year Integrated LLB & LLB programs | Approved by Bar Council of India

All about LSAT India

Complete information around exam dates, application process, participating institutes, etc. Get the Ebook

Time Management: In a lengthy paper, time management is key for a good CLAT score. Time management is important both during one’s preparation and while attempting the exam. Devoting adequate time to each section, as per the situation’s requirement, will give optimum results.

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CLAT Syllabus and Subject-Wise Questions and Marks

In the CLAT 2026 syllabus, there are a total of five sections. Each section in the CLAT syllabus contains comprehension passages followed by a series of multiple-choice questions. Candidates are required to answer the CLAT questions after reading the passages. The subject-wise distribution of questions and marks is tabulated below:

Detailed Section-Wise CLAT UG Syllabus

Subject NameNumber of QuestionsMarks

English Language

22-26

22-26

Current Affairs including General Knowledge

28-32

28-32

Legal Reasoning

28-32

28-32

Logical Reasoning

22-26

22-26

Quantitative Techniques

10-14

22-26

Total

120

120

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many colleges other than NLUs accept CLAT scores?
A:

IIULER Goa, a private university is part of the Consortium of NLUs and accepts CLAT scores. Over 60+ colleges also accept CLAT scores.

Q: How many NLUs participate in CLAT?
A:

There are 24 NLUs participating in CLAT.

Q: What are the courses offered through CLAT?
A:

Candidates are admitted into 5-year LLB and LLM programmes through CLAT.

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Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?

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.

BEST REGARDS

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

BEST REGARDS

Right now there is no official e-guide for CLAT 2026 released by the Consortium of NLUs. They usually provide sample questions and model papers closer to the exam, but not a complete guide at this stage.

You can still prepare using free study material available online. Many websites provide free downloadable PDFs, mock tests, and previous year papers that will help you understand the pattern and practice important topics.

If you want a structured book, there are two good options. The Oswaal CLAT & AILET guide has past year solved papers, topic-wise questions, and mock tests. The Arihant CLAT Conqueror book has more than 3000 practice questions with solutions. Both are helpful depending on whether you prefer solved papers or more practice questions.