(Imagine standing in a courtroom, arguing a case with poise and precision, or drafting policies that shape the nation's future. Becoming a lawyer isn't just a profession—it's a calling to justice, advocacy, and intellectual rigour. However, the gateway to India's premier national law universities (NLUs) is the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). If you're new to this—like many discovering it for the first time—don't worry. This blog is your roadmap. We'll demystify the CLAT Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) syllabi, break down exam patterns, and analyse topic-wise question distributions from 2023 to 2025. Whether you're guiding your ward from Class 12 or supporting a law graduate eyeing an LLM, this guide is a reference for students, educators, and families. Team TestFunda )
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CLAT isn't just an exam; it's a merit-based entry to 24 NLUs and over 60 affiliated colleges, offering BA LLB, BBA LLB (UG), and LLM (PG) programs. With over 70,000 aspirants annually, competition is fierce, but preparation is straightforward when you know the CLAT syllabus. The Consortium of NLUs conducts it once a year, with UG and PG in December (results by January).
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Understanding CLAT Exam: UG vs. PG at a Glance
CLAT UG targets school leavers (age 17+ by July 1), leading to a 5-year integrated law degree. CLAT PG is for law graduates (LLB or equivalent, 50% marks), unlocking 1-2 year LLM programs specializing in corporate, constitutional, or international law.
Here's a quick comparison table:
| Aspect | CLAT UG | CLAT PG |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with 45% (40% for SC/ST) | LLB with 50% (45% for SC/ST) |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Questions/Marks | 120 MCQs (1 mark each; -0.25 negative) | 120 MCQs (1 mark each; -0.25 negative) |
| Sections | 5 (passage-based) | 1 (comprehension on law subjects) |
| Focus | Aptitude for law | Core legal knowledge |
| Top Colleges | NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad | Same NLUs, focus on research |
| Career Path | Litigator, corporate lawyer | Judge, academic, policy advisor |
This pattern stabilized in 2024, reducing from 150 questions in 2023 for better quality over quantity. Now, let's unpack the syllabi.
CLAT UG Syllabus:
CLAT UG tests comprehension and reasoning through 13-15 passages (450 words each), emphasizing inference over rote learning. Total: 120 questions, 120 marks. Questions draw from Class 10-level concepts but demand critical thinking—perfect for high schoolers transitioning to law.
Exam Pattern Overview
| Section | Approx. Questions | Weightage (%) | Key Skills Tested |
| English Language | 22-26 | 20 | Reading comprehension, vocabulary |
| Current Affairs & GK | 28-32 | 25 | Awareness of events (past 1 year) |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25 | Applying legal principles |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20 | Arguments, puzzles, relations |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10 | Basic math, data interpretation |
Source: Official Consortium guidelines.
Detailed Section-Wise Syllabus
- English Language (20%)
Focus: 4-5 passages from fiction, non-fiction, or journalism. Questions test inference (author's view), vocabulary (synonyms, idioms), and grammar (fill-in-blanks).
| Sub-Topic | Description & Examples | Preparation Tip |
| Comprehension | Identify main idea, inferences from 450-word passages | Read editorials (The Hindu) |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms/antonyms, phrases (e.g., "turn a blind eye") | Word lists from Wren & Martin |
| Grammar & Usage | Error spotting, sentence completion | Practice with Norman Lewis books |
| Literary Devices | Metaphors, tone in prose/poetry extracts | Analyze short stories |
Expect 5 questions per passage. This section builds reading stamina—vital for law texts.
- Current Affairs & General Knowledge (25%)
Covers events from March-August (for December exam). Static GK: History, geography, polity, economics.
| Sub-Topic | Key Areas | Examples from Recent Years |
| National/International Events | Politics, economy, summits (e.g., G20, BRICS) | Article 370 abrogation |
| History & Polity | Freedom struggle, Constitution amendments | Civil Disobedience Movement |
| Science & Tech | Space missions, AI developments | Chandrayaan-3 |
| Sports & Environment | Olympics, climate accords | Paris Agreement |
| Static GK | Geography (rivers, capitals), Economy basics | GDP trends |
- Legal Reasoning (25%)
No prior law knowledge needed—passages provide principles (e.g., from IPC, Contract Act). Apply to hypotheticals.
| Sub-Topic | Core Areas | Sample Principles |
| Contracts | Offer, acceptance, breach | Indian Contract Act, 1872 |
| Torts | Negligence, liability | Donoghue v. Stevenson principles |
| Criminal Law | Offenses, defenses (e.g., POCSO) | IPC sections |
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental rights, DPSP | Article 21, 370 |
| IPR & Intl Law | Trademarks, treaties | Geographical Indications |
- Logical Reasoning (20%)
Short passages (300 words) on arguments or puzzles.
| Sub-Topic | Description | Examples |
| Arguments | Strengthen/weaken, assumptions | Identify flaws in reasoning |
| Analogies & Relations | Syllogisms, blood relations | A:B :: C:D |
| Puzzles | Seating arrangements, calendars | Linear/circular puzzles |
| Critical Reasoning | Inferences from social issues | Homelessness myths |
4 passages; emphasizes speed.
- Quantitative Techniques (10%)
2-3 sets of arithmetic/data.
| Sub-Topic | Level & Topics | Tools Needed |
| Arithmetic | Ratios, percentages, profit/loss | Basic calculator (mental) |
| Algebra/Geometry | Equations, areas, mensuration | Class 10 NCERT |
| Data Interpretation | Graphs, tables (e.g., budgets, wages) | Pie charts, bar graphs |
| Statistics | Averages, probability | Simple sets |
Easy but time-sensitive—practice 10-min drills.
This syllabus hones analytical skills, turning curious teens into sharp legal minds. Total wordy descriptions minimized; tables clarify focus areas.
CLAT PG Syllabus: Elevating to Advanced Legal Expertise
For law graduates, CLAT PG is a 120-question comprehension test on undergraduate compulsory subjects. Passages (~150-200 words) from judgments, articles, or statutes; 5 questions each (24 passages total since 2024). No separate sections—integrated legal aptitude.
Exam Pattern Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
| Format | 24 passages × 5 MCQs = 120 questions |
| Subjects Covered | 13 core areas (Constitution heaviest) |
| Question Types | Apply principles to facts; judgment analysis |
| Difficulty | Graduate-level; conceptual over factual |
Source: Consortium of NLUs.
CLAT Subject-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
Emphasis: 40-50% on Constitution. Questions test interpretation, not memorization.
| Subject | Weightage (Approx. Questions) | Key Topics & Statutes |
| Constitutional Law | 35-40 (7-8 passages) | Preamble, FRs, DPSP, Amendments, Federalism; Cases: Kesavananda Bharati |
| Jurisprudence | 10-15 (2-3) | Schools (Positivism, Natural Law), Rights theories; Hart, Austin |
| Administrative Law | 8-12 (2) | Delegated legislation, Judicial review; A.K. Kraipak |
| Contract Law | 10-15 (2-3) | Formation, Performance, Remedies; Indian Contract Act, Specific Relief Act |
| Torts | 8-12 (2) | Negligence, Vicarious liability; Rylands v. Fletcher |
| Family Law | 5-10 (1-2) | Marriage, Adoption, Maintenance; Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Law |
| Criminal Law | 15-20 (3-4) | IPC offenses, CrPC procedures; Ratanlal & Dhirajlal |
| Property Law | 8-12 (2) | Transfer of Property Act, Easements; Benami Transactions |
| Company Law | 8-12 (2) | Incorporation, Directors, Mergers; Companies Act 2013 |
| Public Intl Law | 10-15 (2) | Treaties, State responsibility; Vienna Convention |
| Tax Law | 5-10 (1) | Direct/Indirect taxes; Income Tax Act |
| Environmental Law | 5-10 (1) | Pollution control, Wildlife; Environment Protection Act |
| Labour & Industrial Law | 5-10 (1) | Wages, Disputes; Industrial Disputes Act |
Prepare via landmark judgments (Manupatra database) and bare acts. This syllabus refines your ward's expertise for high-stakes roles like judiciary or academia.
CLAT Past Year Paper Analysis: Topic-Wise Questions (2023-2025)
Data from official analyses reveals patterns: UG shifted to fewer, deeper questions post-2023; PG doubled passages in 2024 for granularity. Use these tables to spot recurring themes—educators can design mocks, students prioritize hotspots. (Sources: Careers360, Lawctopus, Finology).
CLAT UG: Section-Wise Topic Trends
Note: 2023 had 150 questions; 2024-25: 120. Tables show approx. questions per major topic (passage-based; 4-6 q/passage).
English Language
| Year | Total Q | Key Topics (Questions) | Difficulty | Trend Insight |
| 2023 | 30 | Literary extracts (e.g., Haroun and the Sea of Stories: 5q); Vocabulary (8q); Inferences (12q) | Easy-Mod | Heavy on vocab; shift to inference |
| 2024 | 24 | Character-setting interplay (6q); Justice for poor (6q); English diversity (6q) | Easy | Passage-focused; no isolated vocab |
| 2025 | ~24 | Orwell's "Why I Write" (6q); Vivekananda's Education (6q); Narayan's Astrologer (6q); Krishnamurti (6q) | Mod | Philosophical/literary emphasis |
Current Affairs & GK
| Year | Total Q | Key Topics (Questions) | Difficulty | Trend Insight |
| 2023 | 35 | Presidents (7q); AI/Google (5q); FIFA (5q); Agriculture (7q) | Mod-Diff | Static GK dominant |
| 2024 | 28 | Jallianwala Bagh (6q); Israel-Palestine (6q); G20 (6q); Constitution adoption (5q) | Easy | Balanced current/static |
| 2025 | 30 | BRICS Summit (6q); Article 370 (6q); Women's Reservation (6q); Civil Disobedience (6q); Olympics (6q) | Mod-High | Geopolitics & history rising |
Legal Reasoning
| Year | Total Q | Key Topics (Questions) | Difficulty | Trend Insight |
| 2023 | 40 | Household work/maid (5q); CrPC criminals (5q); Electoral bonds (5q); Surrogacy (5q); Internet shutdowns (5q) | Easy-Mod | Recent laws (e.g., Surrogacy Act) |
| 2024 | 32 | Juvenile Justice Act (6q); Online defamation (6q); PRP Bill (6q); Data Protection (7q); Inheritance (7q) | Easy-Mod | Tech/privacy focus |
| 2025 | 30 | POCSO/child rights (6q); Env protection/Art 21 (6q); Contracts void/voidable (6q); GIs/IPR (6q) | Mod | Child rights & env up |
Logical Reasoning
| Year | Total Q | Key Topics (Questions) | Difficulty | Trend Insight |
| 2023 | 30 | Rupee depreciation (6q); Print media trust (6q); Energy conundrum (6q); Stereotypes (6q); Humankind history (6q) | Mod | Editorial inferences |
| 2024 | 24 | AI development (6q); Consulting roles (6q); Seating puzzles (6q); Mental health (6q) | Easy-Mod | Puzzles + social issues |
| 2025 | ~24 | Homelessness (6q); Consultants (6q); Seating (6q); Mental health India (6q) | Mod | Global social puzzles |
Quantitative Techniques
| Year | Total Q | Key Topics (Questions) | Difficulty | Trend Insight |
| 2023 | 15 | Gender wage gaps (8q); Fruit production % (7q) | Easy-Mod | Percentages heavy |
| 2024 | 12 | Wage disparities (6q); Budget ratios (6q) | Easy | Economic data interp |
| 2025 | 12 | Gender wages India (6q); Family budget (6q) | Easy | Inflation/savings trends |
UG Trend Graph (Conceptual Table – Questions on High-Weight Topics)
| Topic Category | 2023 Q | 2024 Q | 2025 Q | % Change (23-25) |
| Current Events | 20 | 18 | 20 | +0% |
| Legal Principles | 25 | 22 | 20 | -20% |
| Math/Data | 10 | 8 | 8 | -20% |
Decline in quant/legal reflects passage depth; GK stable for relevance.
CLAT PG: Subject-Wise Question Distribution
PG 2023: 12 passages (10q each=120). 2024-25: 24 passages (5q each=120). Tables show questions.
| Subject | 2023 Q | 2024 Q | 2025 Q | Avg. Weight | Key Trend |
| Constitutional Law | 40 | 15 | 10 | 22 | Sharp drop; focus on cases |
| Criminal Law | 10 | 10 | 15 | 12 | Steady; IPC exceptions up |
| Contract Law | 10 | 15 | 10 | 12 | Frustration/remedies rising |
| Jurisprudence | 0 | 10 | 10 | 7 | New emphasis post-2023 |
| Torts | 0 | 10 | 10 | 7 | Negligence steady |
| Intl Law | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Treaties consistent |
| Property Law | 0 | 10 | 10 | 7 | TOPA amendments focus |
| Company Law | 20 | 10 | 10 | 13 | CSR/insider trading down |
| Environmental Law | 0 | 5 | 10 | 5 | Rising with climate cases |
| Tax/Labour/Family | 10 | 15 | 15 | 13 | Minor acts (e.g., Domestic Violence) up |
| Admin Law | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Judicial review stable |
| Others (Evidence/IPR) | 10 | 10 | 0 | 7 | Evidence dipped in 2025 |
PG Trend Visualization (Bar Representation via Table)
| Subject Group | 2023 % | 2024 % | 2025 % | Delta (23-25) |
| Constitution | 33 | 13 | 8 | -25% |
| Core Criminal/Contract | 17 | 21 | 21 | +4% |
| Emerging (Env/Tax) | 0 | 17 | 21 | +21% |
Shift to diverse subjects; 2025 moderate difficulty, concept-heavy (60% questions). Students: Mock on 2024-25 patterns; educators: Note Constitution's decline for balanced prep.
Preparation Roadmap: From Novice to NLU-Ready
UG Tips (Table Format)
| Phase (Months) | Focus Areas | Daily Routine |
| 1-3 | Build basics (NCERT + newspapers) | 2h reading, 1h quant, 1h mocks |
| 4-6 | Sectional tests; past papers | 3h practice, analyze errors |
| 7+ | Full mocks (2/week); revision | Simulate exam; weak topic drills |
PG Tips
| Subject Priority | Strategy | Resources |
| High (Const) | Case briefs (100+ judgments) | SCC Online |
| Medium (Criminal) | Statute reading + hypotheticals | Ratanlal commentaries |
| Low (Emerging) | Current legal news (e.g., Env cases) | LiveLaw app |
