Legal Reasoning for CLAT 2026: Legal Aptitude, Question Papers, Tips & Tricks

Key Highlights of the Legal Reasoning for CLAT 2026 Exam

The following are the main elements of the CLAT Legal Reasoning part that applicants should not overlook:

• The CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning part comprises between 28 and 32 questions, with one mark for each correct answer.

• For each incorrect response, a deduction of 0.25 marks will be applied.

• Questions on legal comprehension will be included in the CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning portion. This means that texts pertaining to any static or current legal problem will be followed by five to six questions.

• There will be both plain-spoken and legal reasoning-based questions. The simple questions will assess the student's ability to present the most compelling argument or conclusion about the legal matter covered in the passage. In order for the candidates to respond to such questions, they needed to have high, objective comprehension abilities.

• The second type of questions will focus on legal reasoning; that is, students will be presented with a hypothetical scenario and asked to make a decision based on the legal information they have read in the text.

Is Knowledge of Law Required for CLAT Legal Reasoning?

Candidates do not require prior knowledge of law for legal reasoning in CLAT. However, familiarity with legal concepts will help the candidates solve the legal reasoning questions quickly time and improve their CLAT 2026 score, and beat the competition.

How to Study for CLAT Legal Reasoning Section

To prepare for the CLAT Legal Reasoning 2026, candidates must read up on legal current affairs and build a solid understanding of legal concepts. Read newspapers carefully, especially the editorial and opinion sections. The consequences of modifications and amendments in any specific acts must be analysed.

Before 2020, CLAT Legal Reasoning questions were fact and principle-based but now the examination is more comprehension and critical reasoning based. However, the essence of legal reasoning questions for 2020 is still there in terms of the questions that are extracted from the passage that are more situation-based. So it is most important for students to study, comprehend and understand rather than just memorise facts. By solving CLAT Previous Years Question papers, students will be able to understand the type of questions going to be asked in the exam and can study accordingly.

1. Important topics for CLAT 2026

The CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning section comprises of vast syllabus containing Criminal Law, Contract Law, Torts, Constitution of India, Judiciary and many more. Out of all the CLAT Legal reasoning topics, the most important ones are listed below.

1. Constitution on India

2. Criminal Law

3. Family Law

4. Torts Law

5. International law

6. Important amendments related to the CLAT exam

7. The advent of new bills and acts and their consequences

2 Legal discussion questions at CLAT

The legal discussions often revolve around current legal issues and landmark cases. Stay up-to-date with the latest legal news by reading newspapers and legal magazines and following relevant online sources. This helps establish context and understand the practical application of the principles of legal thinking. The CLAT evaluates a candidate's comprehension of recent legal developments and concerns. One can better understand the most recent legislation, court rulings, amendments, and legal reforms in a variety of legal fields, including tort, criminal, and constitutional law, by keeping up with legal current events. For a better understanding of CLAT legal reasoning question types, students can download the Legal Reasoning questions and answers pdf, where they will find the CLAT Previous years' question papers with proper answer key and detailed solutions.

3. Legal current affairs

Being aware of legal current affairs familiarises the candidates to the continuous arguments and squabbles in the legal community. The ability to present arguments from various perspectives and to create a well-rounded perspective on a variety of legal topics is enhanced by this understanding. One can examine legal issues from a wider societal and political perspective, which could be helpful when responding to essay-based CLAT Legal Reasoning questions. Solving legal reasoning questions day to day makes one's comprehension of the law easier.

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Types of Questions Asked in the CLAT Legal Reasoning Section

The CLAT Legal Reasoning question types are as follows:

• The capacity for legal thinking, research aptitude, and problem-solving is assessed by the legal reasoning section in CLAT

• The ability to apply legal concepts to a factual situation is tested in the Legal Reasoning part.

• The candidate's legal knowledge, research prowess, and problem-solving skills are evaluated in this part. The Indian Penal Code, Tort Law, and Contract Law are significant subjects.

• Principles from the Criminal Procedure Code, Family Law, other international laws and conventions, etc., could also be tested against you. Thus, you must rehearse key subjects for the CLAT.

CLAT Legal Reasoning MCQs

Below are a few examples of Legal Reasoning questions for CLAT. If a student wants to refer to more practice questions, they can refer to the CLAT Study Material, where all the topics of CLAT Legal Reasoning sections are covered. They can see the section-wise legal reasoning questions with answers, along with the concept covered for better understanding.

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CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions with Answers

Let's understand the concept better by solving a few examples of CLAT legal reasoning questions

Passage 1:

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 judgement, 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 to maintain peace. The cost of peace is obviously very high. Any State which lacks expert surveillance would be considered a weak one and susceptible to attack from unknown sources. It may also be required in the larger interest of the public.”

1) W was found manipulating government records pertaining to the funding designated for the introduction of nuclear weapons. It was believed that W was exchanging information with the enemy nation. His mobile phone and other electronic devices were taken as soon as he was suspected, and the entire legal process was followed for questioning. In order to gather concrete evidence against him, his electronic gadgets were carefully examined. He claimed that his right to privacy was violated in this case. Identify whether his allegations are true.

(a) If the court deems that the proper procedure was not followed, his claims will be upheld.

(b) Since the requirements of his right to privacy have been met, it can be argued that his right was violated.

(c) Since he had violated the nation’s laws, it could be argued that his right to privacy had not been violated.

(d) The violation of privacy that W claims did not occur because the entire process was carried out by the law.

Correct Answer : D

Explanation: Under the passage, any action that aids State machinery must be supported by legal authority. The claim of privacy breach claimed by W cannot be upheld because every step of the process was done following the usual terms and conditions. We rule out options A and B as a result. Since the justification offered by option C does not line up with the information in the passage, it is not the correct answer.

2) V arrived at his house from work extremely late at night. Even though his job hours were from 9 to 6, this became his normal habit. He had been returning home by 11 or midnight for the last two months. His wife saw this and thought he could be keeping something from her. The following morning, she went with V to his office to find out. There was no proof against him that she could locate. She then decided to accompany him back home, where she was shocked to see that V was busy organising their 25th wedding anniversary. She felt guilty about questioning V.V was hurt to learn this and promptly filed a complaint alleging that his wife had violated his right to privacy. Check the veracity of his assertion.

(a) His claim cannot be upheld since his wife cannot be accused of violating his right to privacy.

(b) His claim cannot be upheld because his wife had a legitimate reason to accompany him to and from work.

(C) She illegally followed him without his permission, thus his claim will be upheld.

(d) To remark on the veracity of V’s claims, more information is needed from the passage.

Correct Answer : D

Explanation: In accordance with the passage, In order to do such, there must be written legislation authorising an investigating agency to perform an act of surveillance. A law of this nature must adhere to the requirements of the Constitution, specifically Part III of the Constitution. In addition to protecting the person’s privacy, this would stop any arbitrary action. The whole passage is about state surveillance. As a result, we rule all options A, B and C.

3) P had CCTV cameras set up in each of the home’s rooms. There were 5 staff members in total. Since a few months ago, X and Z have been scheming to rob him at gunpoint, and they finally succeeded. The police requested that they check the CCTV footage from each room to find the burglars. P agreed with this. Determine if his right to privacy has been violated in this particular case.

a. Since P granted his permission for the investigation, his right to privacy has not been breached.

b. He was forced to give the police permission to access his CCTV footage, which is a violation of his right to privacy

c. P’s right to privacy was not breached because the investigation was conducted for his benefit.

d. Since the tape was necessary for the capture of the criminals, P’s right to privacy was not breached.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: An individual's right to privacy can be breached if their privacy is invaded in an unauthorised and illegal manner. It is clear from using common sense that P’s right to privacy has not been harmed since he gave the police permission to access the CCTV. We rule out option B as a result. Options C and D are ruled out since they both offer reasoning that is illogical, absurd, and lacking in any legal justification.

4) According to Justice MM Sundresh of the Supreme Court, what is the key aspect that needs to be ensured while enabling law enforcement agencies to carry out surveillance?

a.The surveillance activities should be subject to the Constitutional mandate and the fundamental right to privacy.

b.There should be a clear demarcation drawn during criminal investigations to protect individual privacy.

c. The surveillance activities should be governed by a codified law that upholds the doctrine of proportionality.

d.The surveillance activities should be carried out in the larger interest of the public and the security of the State.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Justice Sundresh emphasises the need for a codified law that empowers investigating agencies to undertake surveillance while preserving the privacy of individuals and preventing arbitrary actions. Option B is incorrect because although a clear demarcation is mentioned, it is not the key aspect emphasised by Justice Sundaresh in relation to enabling surveillance. Option C is incorrect because although the doctrine of proportionality is mentioned, it is not the primary focus in the context of enabling surveillance. Option D is incorrect because although the larger interest of the public is mentioned, it does not capture the specific aspect highlighted by Justice Sundaresh regarding the Constitutional mandate and the fundamental right to privacy.

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Passage 2:

(Constitution-based example question)

Last year, several PILs were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the "bulldozer action" taken by the authorities in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh to demolish the houses of persons accused in cases like riots. The petitioners contended that the authorities were resorting to extra-judicial and disproportionate actions to punish the accused, even before their guilt is established after a legal trial. The authorities maintained that They are taking action against unauthorised constructions. Last year, the Supreme Court had asked the Uttar Pradesh government not to carry out demolition activities except in accordance with the procedure

established by law. In response, the State of Uttar Pradesh submitted an affidavit that the demolitions carried out in Kanpur and Prayagraj were done by Local Development Authorities strictly in accordance with the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973. The State had categorically denied that the demolitions were linked to riots and maintained that the process was initiated for violation of the building rules.

Q1. Does the action by Uttar Pradesh government comes under extra judicial functioning

A) Yes, the action constitutes extra-judicial functioning as it involves demolitions without proper legal process or court orders.

B) No, the action is a legitimate response by the government to address illegal constructions and maintain law and order.

C) It is difficult to determine based on the information provided.

D) None of the above.

Correct answer: C

Explanation: It is difficult to determine based on the information provided. Without additional and more specific information about the circumstances and the legal basis for the demolitions, it is challenging to definitively classify the action as either extra-judicial or a legitimate response by the government. Further investigation and context are needed to make a conclusive assessment.

Q2. In a village named Gokuldam, a woman was killed by the villagers as she was suspected of being involved in witchcraft. Is this scenario a case of extra-judicial killings

A) Yes, because the killing was carried out by the villagers without involving the authorities or following due legal process.

B) Yes, because the village council ordered the killing without any trial or investigation.

C) No, because the villagers acted in self-defence to protect themselves from potential harm caused by witchcraft.

D) No, because witchcraft is illegal, and the villagers were justified in taking action to prevent any harm to the community.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: In this scenario, the killing of the woman by the villagers based on suspicion of witchcraft is an example of extra-judicial killing. Extra-judicial killings occur when individuals or groups take the law into their own hands and carry out actions that bypass the legal system and due process. In this case, the villagers acted as judge, jury, and executioner, without involving the proper authorities or granting the woman any opportunity for a fair trial or defence. Option A is the correct answer as it correctly identifies this situation as a case of extra-judicial killings.

Q3. In the previous question would your answer change if the killing was done by a police officer

A) Yes, it is still considered an extra-judicial killing, as the police officer acted without following the due legal process.

B) Yes, it is no longer an extra-judicial killing, as the police officer acted in the line of duty to maintain law and order.

C) No, it is no longer an extra-judicial killing, as the police officer has the authority to use force when dealing with suspected criminals.

D) No, it is still considered an extra-judicial killing, as the police officer did not have the legal right to execute the woman without a trial.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Even if the killing was done by a police officer, it would still be classified as an extra-judicial killing. Extra-judicial killings involve actions taken by individuals, including law enforcement officers, without proper legal authorization or due process. In this scenario, the police officer bypassed the legal system, acting as judge and executioner, without granting the woman a fair trial or due process of law. Option A is the correct answer as it accurately identifies the situation as an extra-judicial killing, regardless of whether it was carried out by a police officer.

Q4. Mr Jethalal had shop in front of one of the houses that was demolished in the drive by Uttar Pradesh government. As a good human he felt the need to file a PIL as the poor people were not aware of their rights. So he was one of the person to file the PIL. Is his PIL maintainable in the court of law

A) Yes, Mr. Jethalal's PIL is maintainable, as he has a direct personal interest in the matter due to his shop being affected.

B) Yes, Mr. Jethalal's PIL is maintainable, as he is genuinely concerned about the violation of the poor people's rights.

C) No, Mr. Jethalal's PIL is not maintainable, as he does not have a direct personal interest in the demolition drive.

D) No, Mr. Jethalal's PIL is not maintainable, as PILs can only be filed by non-governmental organisations and public interest groups.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Yes, Mr Jethalal's PIL is maintainable, as he is genuinely concerned about the violation of the poor people's rights. Explanation:

Public Interest Litigations (PILs) are a legal mechanism that allows any individual or organisation to file a petition on behalf of the public interest or for the protection of fundamental rights. Mr Jethalal's PIL is maintainable because he is genuinely concerned about the violation of the poor people's rights, and he seeks to address the issue in the larger public interest. The fact that he had a shop in front of one of the demolished houses may also contribute to his standing to file the PIL, as he has witnessed the impact of the government's actions firsthand. Option B is the correct answer as it accurately identifies the PIL is maintainable due to Mr Jethalal's genuine concern for the rights of the affected people.

5. Which of the following is/ are correct in light of the passage?

i] A justification against an act can be given by stating a law

ii] guilt has to be proved before taking an action against the accused

iii] if the guilt like the riots are proven the government has the right to demolish the house of people

iv] the district court has no rights to order the state government on their actions

A) Only i) and ii) are correct in light of the passage.

B) Only ii) and iii) are correct in light of the passage.

C) Only iii) and iv) are correct in light of the passage.

D) Only i), ii), and iii) are correct in light of the passage.

Correct Answer: A Only i) and ii) are correct in light of the passage.

Explanation: Based on the information provided in the passage, the correct statements are as follows:

i) A justification against an act can be given by stating a law: The passage mentions that the Uttar Pradesh government stated that they were acting in accordance with the law to justify the demolition drive.

ii) Guilt has to be proved before taking action against the accused: The passage does not explicitly mention this point, but it can be inferred that guilt must be established through proper legal procedures before taking action against any accused person or group.

iii) If the guilt, like the riots, is proven, the government has the right to demolish the house of people: The passage mentions that the petitioners accused the government of demolishing houses because the people were involved in riots. However, it does not confirm whether this guilt has been legally proven. As per the passage, the government claimed that the houses were constructed illegally, but it did not specifically mention any proven guilt related to riots as the basis for the demolition.

iv) The district court has no right to order the state government on their actions: The passage does not provide any information about the district court's involvement or authority in this matter. Hence, this statement is not supported by the passage. Therefore, only statements i) and ii) are correct in light of the passage. Option A is correct.

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Passage 3

The Calcutta High Court has clarified that the mere transfer of money from a husband to his wife for the purchase of property would not qualify as a benami transaction"In the Indian society, if a husband supplies the consideration money for acquiring property in the name of his wife, such fact does not necessarily imply benami transaction. The source of money is, no doubt, an important factor but not a decisive one. The intention of the supplier of the consideration money is the vital fact to be proved by the party who asserts benami." In India, two kinds of benami transactions are generally recognised. Where a person buys a property with his own money but in the name of another person without any intention to benefit such other person, the transaction is called benami. In that case, the transferee holds the property for the benefit of the person who has contributed the purchase money, and he is the real owner. The second case, which is loosely termed as a benami transaction is a case where a person who is the owner of the property executes a conveyance in favour of another without the intention of transferring the title to the property thereunder. In this case, the transferor continues to be the real owner."

Q1) Mr. X gives money to Ms. Y to purchase a property. The property is registered under the name of Ms. Y. Later, it is discovered that Ms. Y is just a nominal owner, and the real owner is Mr. X, who has been financing the property. This transaction comes to the notice of the authorities. Under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988, amended in 2016, which of the Is the following likely to occur?

A. The property will be confiscated by the government, and no compensation will be given to either party.

B. The property will remain with Ms Y, and Mr X will have to pay a fine.

C. The property will be transferred to Mr X's name, and both parties will be fined.

D. There are no legal consequences for benami transactions in India.

Correct option: A

Explanation: The property will be confiscated by the government, and no compensation will be given to either party. This answer is correct because under the amended Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, if a property is found to be held as benami, it can be confiscated by the government without any compensation to the benamidar or the real owner. Both parties could also face additional penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

Q2) Mrs A purchases a property, but the funds for the purchase come from an unknown source. The authorities suspect this to be a benami transaction. Which of the following would be required to prove this transaction as benami according to the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988, as amended in

2016?

A. Proof that Mrs A is not the real owner of the property.

B. Proof that the funds came from another person who is the real owner.

C. Both A and B.

D. Neither A nor B, benami transactions are impossible to prove.

Correct option: C

Explanation: Both A and B. To prove a transaction as benami, it needs to be demonstrated that the registered owner (Mrs. A in this case) is not the real owner and that the funds for the purchase came from another person who is the actual owner. Only having one of these proofs would not be sufficient to establish the transaction as benami under the act

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Q3) Mr. B acquires a property using his own funds, but the property is registered in the name of his minor daughter, Ms. C. Under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, how is this transaction likely to be treated?

A. As a benami transaction, because the property is in Ms C's name but the funds came from Mr. B.

B. As a legal transaction, a parent is allowed to buy property in the name of a minor child.

C. As a benami transaction, because minor children cannot legally own property in India.

D. None of the above.

Correct option: B

Explanation:

As a legal transaction, a parent is allowed to buy property in the name of a minor child. According to the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, certain cases are exempted from being considered benami transactions. One such exception is when an individual buys a property in the name of his/ her spouse or any child (including a minor child). Therefore, this transaction is likely to be treated as legal.

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Q4)Mr. X and Mr Y jointly own a property. Mr X has provided 70% of the funds for the property and Mr Y has provided 30%. However, in the property documents, the ownership is split evenly. How is this likely to be viewed under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988, as amended in 2016?

A. As a benami transaction, because the ownership is not proportionate to the funds provided.

B. As a legal transaction, because both parties have contributed to the purchase.

C. As a benami transaction, because one party has contributed more than the other.

D. The Act does not provide guidelines for such scenarios.

Correct option: B

Explanation: As a legal transaction, because both parties have contributed to the purchase. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act is primarily intended to deal with situations where a property is purchased by one person but is registered under the name of another person who has not contributed towards the purchase. In this case, both Mr X and Mr Y have contributed to the purchase, even though their contributions are not equal. Therefore, it is unlikely that this would be considered a benami transaction under the Act.

Q 5] Mr Z purchases a property under his brother Mr Y's name, using his own funds. The property is registered under Mr Y's name. Mr Y is financially dependent on Mr Z, but there is no concrete evidence to prove this financial dependency. Under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, how is this transaction likely to be treated?

A. As a legal transaction, because family members can buy property for each other.

B. As a benami transaction, because the property is in Mr Y's name, but the funds came from Mr Z.

C. As a legal transaction, because there is no proof of financial dependency.

D. None of the above.

Correct option: B

Explanation: As a benami transaction, because the property is in Mr Y's name, but the funds came from Mr Z. Even though Mr Y and Mr Z are brothers, the transaction can still be considered benami if the person in whose name the property is purchased is not the one paying for it. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act does not provide an exception for transactions between siblings. The lack of evidence of financial dependency is not likely to change this interpretation.

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