FAQs Based on CLAT Exam | Qualification | Percentage | Admission | College Fees | Reservation

CLAT FAQ for BA LLB & LLM Programs

CLAT FAQ is a one-stop solution for all your questions regarding Common Law Admission Test which is a national law entrance exam for class 12th passed & appearing students. CLAT FAQ does not only answer queries related to LLB admissions but also LLM admissions through Common Law Admission Test.

In this article, we are going to discuss various common questions like what is clat, NLUs, exam pattern, participating institutes, Specially-Abled Persons (SAP), application process & fees, admit card, score card, and counseling process of the common law admission test.

What Is CLAT?
Answer: CLAT is the acronym for Common Law Admission Test. It serves as the gateway for National Law Universities in the same manner as the JEE exam is for IITs and CAT for IIMs.
What are National Law Schools/Universities (NLUs)?
Answer: National Law Universities are centers of legal excellence. They are at the top of the ladder not only in the Indian legal education system but also attract several international students. Superior academic standards, infrastructure and libraries, all–round development, moot court competitions and the fact that the best minds of law choose to study there make National Law Schools one of a kind experience.
Are all the National Law Universities covered by CLAT?
Answer: No. National Law University, Delhi (NLU-D) and NLU Meghalaya are not covered by CLAT. It has its own examination called AILET & MEG UAT / PAT respectively..
What are the qualifications to sit for the CLAT ug paper?
Answer: Students of any stream can sit after their 10+2 exam, provided that they have passed with a 45% aggregate. It is not necessary that the results have been declared at the time of sitting for CLAT. But in a situation where you are unable to pass the boards but have cleared CLAT, you will not be able to join a National Law University.
What is the medium of CLAT exam?
Answer: CLAT exam is held in English medium only.
Can students from any stream sit for CLAT?
Answer: Yes. Though law is a subject of humanities, students of any stream can sit for the law exam. The paper is evenly balanced so that no particular stream is given a complete edge over the other. In fact, most of the students who sit and qualify the law exam over the years have been science students as it was the most popular stream. It is only in recent years that Arts and Commerce students are also seen appearing in sizable numbers.
Are National Law Universities Residential Universities?
Answer: Yes. Almost all National Law Universities require compulsory hostel stay during the five year period. Certain universities, especially NUJS, Kolkata, give local students an option to day scholars.
What are my career options after graduating from a NLU?
Answer: Manifold. National Law Schools allow diverse career options that carry handsome pay packages and social prestige.
Is law a safe career option for Girls?
Answer: Absolutely. In fact, it is pretty interesting to note that over the years, a large number of law schools are reporting that the majority of students are girls. A safe residential environment and the opening up of numerous legal career options has made it a great option for girls.
Is there any reservation in NLUs?
Answer: Yes. Being Government institutions, there are reservations in different National Law Universities. All NLUs have reservations for SCs and STs and quite a few of them have seats for OBCs as well. Fewer have regional quotas and some also have reservations for women, wards of defence personnel and even NRI sponsored Candidates.
What is the fee structure of different NLUs?
Answer: The fee is usually in the frequency of approximately a lakh rupees per annum, and differs from student to student. However, an education at National Law Universities shall allow you to earn the entire five years fees in a couple of months. Besides, there are numerous options of scholarships, grants and student loans. Every economic section of the society is visible in National Law Schools. Some of the national law schools are known for their philosophy that all a student needs to do is qualify and they will take care of the fees.
Can I prepare simultaneously for Boards and CLAT?
Answer: Yes, you can do. Our experience indicates that the ratio of students who have just passed out and students who have dropped a year is 50:50 or thereabouts. CLAT is not a voluminous paper but one which requires consistent input. If you can draw a schedule, you can work and qualify for the paper by putting in a couple of hours every week.
How do I appear for the CLAT and other law exams?
Answer: The form usually comes around the mid of the year, between July to August and is available at the official website – consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Do visit the notification part of this website. All official information regarding other law examinations shall be available on the concerned nlu or universities or colleges websites as well.
What is the method of CLAT examination?
Answer: From 2019, the CLAT exam is conducted in offline mode i.e. Pen & Paper based.
Is there any sectional cutoff in CLAT?
Answer: No, there is not sectional or subjective cutoff in CLAT exam, only you have to score overall marks in all subjects.
Will I get sheets/papers for rough work/calculations etc?
Answer: Yes, but no electronic devices are allowed in examination hall/room.
What is the prescribed fee for the CLAT online application form?
Answer: The prescribed fee is: For General / OBC / SAP and other category candidates: Rs.4000/- For SC/ST category candidates: Rs.3500/-
How will I get my admit card?
Answer: The eligible candidate has to download his/her Admit Card from CLAT website consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Please note that the admit cards will not be sent via e-mail or by post. They may also carry proof of their identity (issued by GOI or state government) such as identity card, voter identity card, driving license, and passport etc. to the venue of the examination.
Can a candidate apply for CLAT offline?
Answer: No, a candidate can apply only through online mode.
How can I get previous year question papers?
Answer: Previous year question papers can be downloaded from CLAT website at the payment of Rs. 500/-through online mode only. No hard copy will be provided by the CLAT office.
Is there any negative marking in examination?
Answer: Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the procedure of allotment of Law School for admission?
Answer: During the online counselling session, the candidates will be required to fill up all the available choices of National Law Universities for the UG/PG course in order of their preference. Seats shall be allotted taking into consideration candidate’s choice and merit.
Can the candidate change his/her choice subsequently?
Answer: No, Choice once indicated and submitted shall be treated as final.
Is there any seat available for NRI/NRI sponsored /foreign nationals candidates?
Answer: Yes. In some of the participating Law Universities seats are available for NRIs/NRI sponsored/Foreign Nationals. Candidates are advised to refer to CLAT e-brochure.
Is there any minimum cut-off CLAT score prescribed for admission?
Answer: No. There is no minimum cut-off score prescribed. Candidature of every candidate shall be considered in their respective category, in order of merit.
Is there any provision of transfer of a student from one participating university to another participating university subsequent to their admission through CLAT?
Answer: No. CLAT rules do not provide for such transfers. Up-gradation to the University of Higher Choice is done only by the CLAT office during the admission process. After the closure of admission process mobility shall not be possible.
Is BA LLB better for UPSC?
Answer: BA-LLB combines the best of Arts streams along with selected Law streams to bring the best of both together for upsc & you can expect it with high probability of success in making it to the top of upsc.