CLAT 2022: Exam Date, Application Form (Open), Eligibility, Syllabus & Pattern, Result

CLAT 2022: The Consortium of National Law Universities has released the CLAT 2022 application form on January 1, 2022, at consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The last date to submit CLAT registration form is March 31, 2022. CLAT application fee is Rs 4,000 (Rs 3,500 for SC and ST candidates). Candidates have to pay CLAT registration fee to complete the application process.
Also Read | How to Prepare for CLAT 2022 Without Coaching

Earlier on November 14, through a press release, the CLAT 2022 and CLAT 2023 exam dates were announced. CLAT 2022 will be conducted on May 08, 2022, and CLAT 2023 will be held on December 18, 2022.
Important for CLAT aspirants | What is a good score in CLAT

What is CLAT? 

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level law entrance exam for admission to 22 national law universities and more than 70 affiliated colleges. The exam is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) in offline, pen and paper format. Candidates who pass the examination will be eligible for admission to 5-year integrated LLB and LLM programmes offered by the participating national law universities.

CLAT Syllabus and Question Paper Format

Candidates who wish to appear in CLAT 2022 should be aware of the syllabus and pattern for the examination. The CLAT 2022 syllabus consists of five sections as mentioned below.

1. General knowledge and current affairs
2. English comprehension
3. Legal aptitude and knowledge
4. Logical reasoning
5. Quantitative aptitude

Under each section, the CLAT paper will have comprehension based questions, each paragraph followed by 4-5 multiple choice type questions. Total 150 questions will be asked in CLAT 2022, for which, candidates will be given 2 hours to answer all questions. Last year, 29 comprehension passages were given in the CLAT QUESTION PAPER, making it a lengthy and time-consuming test paper (READ: CLAT previous year exam analysis) for the candidates.

CLAT Highlights: Registered candidates, intake, NLUs

The Consortium of NLUs has prescribed the eligibility criteria for both CLAT UG and CLAT PG. The eligibility criteria of CLAT 2022 include academic and age requirements which have been elucidated below.

CLAT UG Eligibility criteria 2022

• Educational qualification : The candidate should have passed 10+2 or any equivalent exam from a recognized university or board. However, the candidates appearing in the qualifying exam may also appear in the Common Law Admission Test. However, such candidates will be offered admissions only if they fulfill the other parameters of the eligibility criteria.
• Qualifying exam : General category candidates need a minimum of 45% marks in the qualifying exam,  while SC and ST candidates need only 40% marks.
• Age limit : There is no upper age limit for appearing in CLAT 2022.

CLAT PG Eligibility criteria 2022

• Educational Qualification - The candidate should have complete LLB graduation (3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB) from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India. Candidates appearing in the final year/semester of their graduation in 2022 are also eligible to appear in the examination.
• Qualifying exam : The candidate must score at least 50% marks in the qualifying exam. The SC and ST candidates are required to score at least 45% marks in the graduation (qualifying exam).
• There is no age limit for appearing in CLAT LLM.

Key points to note regarding CLAT eligibility criteria

• Candidates need to confirm their eligibility before filling the form.
• If a candidate doesn't meet the CLAT eligibility criteria 2022, then he or she can be disqualified at any stage of the admission process.
• The information shared by the candidate at the time of filling the CLAT 2022 application form will be checked at the time of the document verification process, which is an integral part of the counseling process.
• Admission process : Simply meeting the CLAT exam eligibility criteria is no guarantee of admissions. Admission or allotment of seats will be strictly based on CLAT 2022 merit rank.

Mode of Application : Online

Mode of Payment : Net Banking | Credit Card | Debit Card

The CLAT Consortium has released the online application form of CLAT on January 1. The application is available at consortiumofnlus.ac.in. To fill the form, candidates will have to get registered, fill in personal, academic, and contact details, and pay the fee.  

How to fill CLAT Application Form 2022

• Registration: To register, enter your name, email id, mobile number, and other details. 
• Fill in relevant details: Here enter personal, academic, and contact details. You will also be required to select the program of study (UG or PG), and enter preferred NLUs in the order of priority from the drop-down menu.
• Upload documents: Scanned copies of signature, photograph, and other documents in the prescribed specification (refer to the table below) have to be uploaded.

CLAT 2022 - Document Specification                   

• Application fee: Depending on the category of the candidate, the application fee may vary as shown in the table below.

Points to remember

• One must fill the CLAT registration only if they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. 
• In such a case where candidates fill the application form but don't meet the eligibility criteria, then the candidate may be disqualified at any stage of the admission process.
• During the document verification process of CLAT counselling 2022, all details entered in the form will be verified. Exam officials will demand originals of all essential documents to be produced before them. In case of any inconsistency in the information shared in the application form, the candidate may be disqualified.
• Also, simply meeting the eligibility criteria is no guarantee for admission, as the final CLAT seat allotment 2022 will be based on the merit rank of the candidate in the online exam.

CLAT Previous year Registration Statistics 

Question 1: How many candidates appeared for CLAT 2021?
Ans: As per data released by the consortium, a total of 53, 574 candidates appeared in the undergraduate, and over 8,000 candidates appeared in the postgraduate exams of CLAT 2021.

Question 2: How many candidates registered for CLAT 2021?
Ans: 75,183 candidates registered for the exam.

Know how to fill CLAT application form

Application Fees

Sometimes the candidate may need a little assistance in their CLAT exam preparation to get over the line. Like the candidate may want to know about some tools that can assist them to improve accuracy or improve speed. 

So, here we bring you some useful CLAT 2022 Preparation Tips 

• Candidates need to be well-versed with the exam pattern and syllabus.
• Practice sufficient mock tests and sample papers to edify learning and to hone problem-solving skills.
• CLAT aspirants are also advised to follow a proper timetable for preparation.
• Candidates should choose books that are easy to follow, meet the quality standards, and contain lots of practice material to prepare for the exam.
• Regular revision is the key to scoring good marks in exams.
• Maintaining equanimity is crucial for effective preparation. To achieve that stay in the moment, instead of flying into the future or pondering the past. 

CLAT 2022 last-week and exam-day tips 

• Solve sample papers: The last most should involve extensive solving of CLAT sample papers 2022. While in the preliminary phases of the CLAT exam preparation one may solve one sample paper a week, the number in the last month and weeks can be increased. One may solve as many sample papers as possible.
• Mock test: The idea of CLAT mock tests 2022 is to get an exam-like experience, which may include a pressure-cooker situation. Considering the exam will be now conducted in online mode, mock tests will help the candidate to understand navigation, how questions are presented, how questions can be answered, and manage time. Note that there will be 150 multiple choice questions that have to be answered in 120 minutes. This means speed and accuracy will be important qualities for success in the exam.
• Don't study new topics close to the exam: Unless you are thoroughly done with what you have already taken up, better don't get entangled in new topics, because it will eat into your last phase of exam preparation. Remember the last phase is all about acceleration, which includes doing fast revision, solving sample papers, and taking mock tests. But if you bring in new topics, you will break the flow; also note that new topics will take more time to master, which you can ill afford at this stage.  
• How to answer the CLAT question paper 2022: The questions asked in the CLAT exam 2022 can be placed in three groups: easy, moderate, and difficult. It is recommended that the candidate starts with easy questions, before answering moderate and difficult questions. Also, if one gets stuck with a difficult question, better not spend too much time on it, but instead move on to the next question.
• Stay composed even in difficult situations during exams: Sometimes the question paper may turn out to be more difficult than expected, or you may not be able to answer an easy-looking question. In those situations, it is important to keep one's cool and not get rattled. Take a deep breath and move on to the next question. 

CLAT UG Sample Papers - Based on new CLAT exam pattern

Download CLAT subject wise sample papers                                                                                     

CLAT 2022 best books for exam preparation 

When preparing for CLAT exam 2022, it is important to have a dependable and high-quality study material. The CLAT best books 2022 will be those that are easy to understand, contain few to no errors, including problem sets and instructions. 

CLAT Exam Reference Books

 CLAT 2021 toppers interview, rank, marks 

CLAT 2020 toppers interview

The CLAT consortium has made some changes to the exam pattern by dropping the descriptive section from CLAT PG; so the postgraduate paper will have only MCQs. The undergraduate paper will continue to have MCQs.

The question paper will be consist of comprehension passages, with each passage followed by 4-5 Questions.

The updated CLAT 2022 exam pattern is given below.
CLAT Exam pattern 2022

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Candidates appearing in CLAT exam can access the CLAT mock test 2022 online. There are multiple benefits of taking the CLAT mock test 2022:

• Mock tests contain similar types of questions to those asked in the exam. So, solving these problems will help candidates judge the difficultly level and plan accordingly.
• The success in mock tests can be indicative of exam readiness or lack of it. If readiness is lacking, one may need to pull up one's socks and try harder.
• Doing well in mock tests would also give the candidate lot of confidence to carry to the actual exam.
• Mock tests will teach the candidate time management skills and also how to wriggle out of a tricky problem by keeping a cool head.
• Effective prioritizing of questions is an art that can be cultivated by solving the CLAT mock test. Students who master this art will be able to lock down all the sure-shot questions first, before moving on to tricky and not-so-sure questions.

How to take CLAT 2022 mock tests

• Click on the mock test link (It will be updated)
• A login window will open
• Enter user id and password
• On login, a dashboard will be displayed
• Click on the mock test link to start the test
• Go through all the instructions, and terms and conditions
• Take the mock test.

Candidates by solving CLAT question papers can strengthen their conceptual understandings and improve problem-solving skills.

CLAT previous year question papers

The Consortium of NLUs will release the CLAT admit card 2022 a few days before the examination. To download the CLAT admit card, candidates have to log in by entering their mobile number and password (the admit card download link is given on this page).

On exam day, the applicant needs to carry with them the admit card of CLAT 2022 without fail, along with a valid photo ID proof.

Details mentioned on CLAT admit card 2022

The CLAT admit card would carry such details as the name and address of the exam venue, date and time of the CLAT 2022 entrance exam, and roll number of the candidate. Candidates are also advised to carefully go through all the exam day guidelines mentioned on the admit card to stay out of trouble.

How to download the CLAT admit card 2022

• Click on the CLAT 2022 admit card link given on this page
• A login window will open
• Enter your registration or application number and password
• The CLAT admit card will be displayed on screen in downloadable pdf format
• Download the admit card and take a printout

CLAT 2022 Exam Guidelines Released

As per the guidelines, the candidate has to report at the CLAT 2022 exam centre at least an hour before the commencement of the exam. Also, after 15 minutes after the commencement of the CLAT exam, no candidate will be allowed fresh entry.

To take the test, the candidate has to display a printout of the admit card and a valid and original photo ID proof.

No baggage counter

There will be no baggage counter at the exam venue and candidates will be solely responsible for the safe keep of their belongings. So, it is advisable not to carry non-essential items to the centre.

If the candidate wants, they may visit the exam centre to check out the location, travel route, distance and traffic situation. However, but no candidate will be allowed beyond the main entrance gate, except on exam day and that too only on producing the admit card and photo ID.

What you can carry inside the exam hall?

• Blue/Black Ball Pen

• Admit Card

• Any original photo ID proof issued by the Government.

• Transparent water bottle.

• Own mask, gloves and personal hand sanitiser.

• Self-health declaration

• Disability certificate for PWD candidates

What you can't carry inside the exam hall?

• Electronic/communication devices such as mobile phones

• Any kind of watch, calculator, headphones, etc.

• Sheets of paper including blank sheets are not allowed inside the examination hall.

Candidates may also note that the consortium or the security staff at the exam centre will not be held responsible for the loss and damage of any property/gadgets of candidates.

CLAT 2022 - Proper conduct during the exam

• Candidates will not be allowed to seek clarifications from anybody while the test is ongoing.

• Candidates found indulging in malpractice like cheating or assisting other candidates will be disqualified and legal action will be initiated against such candidates.

COVID-19 safety guidelines

• Any candidate who has tested COVID-19 positive and is under medical surveillance or in isolation, the candidate won't be allowed to appear in the CLAT 2022 exam.

• The candidate has to bring their own masks and sanitisers. They also need to follow COVID-19 safety precautions, like maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and

• Candidates must produce a duly filled and signed medical self-declaration to the administrative staff at the entrance.

CLAT 2022 admit card related instructions

• The CLAT 2022 exam centre allotted to the candidate cannot be changed.

• The admit card and a valid photo ID proof are mandatory for entry into the exam venue.

• The candidate is required to put their signature on the CLAT admit card 2022 in the presence of the Invigilator. Also, the signature must be identical to the one uploaded in the CLAT application form.

The provisional answer key of CLAT 2022 will be released in online mode. By consulting keys given in the provisional CLAT answer key, the candidate can calculate the number of questions they managed to respond to correctly. Using the CLAT official marking scheme, the candidate will be able to calculate the probable score, and in turn their chances of admission (use previous years' cutoff data for the purpose).

Any candidate who has any objections regarding any of the key (s) is allowed to filed objections. Authorities, after considering all complaints will release the final answer key of CLAT exam 2022. The keys given in the final CLAT answer key are considered to be the final authority or correct answers to questions asked in the exam.

CLAT Question Paper & Answer Key - Previous Year's

What is the procedure to calculate probable score using CLAT Answer Key

As per the official marking scheme of CLAT 2022, every correct answer will fetch 1 mark, while for and an incorrect answer 0.25 marks will be deducted. Use the following formula to calculate probable scores.

For e.g.

If the number of correct answers is 100 and incorrect answers is 40 then the total marks will be calculated as-

Total CLAT Marks = (100*1) - (40*0.25)

Therefore; Total marks = 100 - 10 = 90

Given the pandemic situation, the last year's CLAT was conducted in online mode. As per feedback received from candidates who appeared in the exam and analysis released by various coaching institutes, the test was lengthy and the difficulty level was moderate to difficult. Check the CLAT analysis for the UG paper.

CLAT Exam Analysis                                                                                        

The Consortium will declare the result of CLAT 2022 in online mode a few days after releasing the answer key. Candidates can access CLAT result 2022 by logging in using their registration/application number and date of birth. The result will contain important details like sectional and overall marks, and open and category (if applicable) rank obtained in the exam. 

After the declaration of results, shortlisted candidates will have to appear in the counselling and seat allotment process that will be conducted in online, centralized mode. The admissions are offered on the basis of merit and maximum intake of the universities.

How to download CLAT result 2022

• Click on the result link (updated on this page )
• In the CLAT login window, enter the registration/application number and date of birth
• The CLAT result 2022 would be displayed on the screen
• Download and take a printout of the result

Details mentioned on the CLAT 202 result

• Name of the candidate
• Roll number
• Category under which admission is sought
• Program of study (UG / PG)
• CLAT score 2022
• CLAT All India Rank (AIR)
• CLAT 2022 category rank (CR)

CLAT 2022 Merit List

The exam officials will prepare and issued the merit list of CLAT exam 2022 based on marks obtained by candidates in the entrance exam. Those with higher scores are ranked higher in the CLAT merit list 2022. However, if two or more candidates score the same marks, the tie-breaker is used to decide the merit rank.

CLAT Merit List 2022 - Tie-breaking procedure

• The candidate who has a higher score in the “Legal Aptitude” section of CLAT 2022 will be placed higher in the merit list
• If this step, the candidate who is senior in age will get a higher rank
• If the tie is still undecided, a computerized draw of lots will be used to decide the merit rank of such candidates.

The CLAT exam 2022 cut off will be released by all participating NLUs separately. The Cutoff of CLAT 2022 will be the minimum marks (or lowest rank) for which admissions into an NLU is offered. The various parameters on which CLAT cutoff 2022 would depend include - number of applications received for admission, sanctioned seat intake, the performance of applicants in the entrance exam, etc. 

Below are the details of the previous year's cut-off of CLAT exam with the details like opening rank and closing rank.

CLAT previous year cut-offs (Year - 2021)

Previous years' CLAT cut-offs - 2019, 2018

What is a good score in CLAT 2022?

To decide what is a good score you have to first identify the NLU you want to get admission into. And the last rank (or cutoff rank) for which admission is offered in that institute can be considered to be a good score. That said the cutoff fluctuates depending on a host of parameters like seat intake, the performance of candidates in CLAT 2022 total applicants, and the CLAT merit rank of these applicants. So, you will be in the safe zone only if you score a little higher the past year's cutoff rank.

CLAT 2022 expected cut-offs

Mode of Counselling: Online

Candidates who qualify in the computer-based, online, centre based exam are called for attending the CLAT counselling which is being conducted in ONLINE mode. For appearing in the CLAT 2022 counselling, all eligible candidates are issued CLAT 2022 counselling call letters in online mode. 

The consortium invites candidates equivalent to FIVE times the seat intake in each category for the counselling process. Eligible candidates need to register for counselling, wherein they have to select/edit NLU preferences and pay the counselling fee of Rs. 30,000 (Rs 20,000 for reserved category candidates).

CLAT Seat Allotment 2022

The allotment of CLAT seats is made on the basis of the merit rank of the candidate and NLU preference selected. The consortium releases the CLAT 2022 seat allotment result separately for all three rounds. Note that the Upgrade option are available for only Round I and II.

Post Round III seat allotment, the candidate has TWO options before him:

• Accept the allotted seat
• Exit the admission process.

To accept a seat, the candidate will have to pay the NLU fees and complete admission formalities. However, if the candidate is unhappy with the allotted seat, they may exit the admission process without paying the admission fee.

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