Everything You Need to Know About the CLAT Exam: Eligibility, Career Prospects & Coaching Options
By CLAT Gurukul
If you’re an aspirant aiming to secure admission to top National Law Universities (NLUs) in India, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is your gateway. Whether you’re in class 11th, 12th, or a drop year, this blog will provide you with everything you need to know about the CLAT exam—its structure, eligibility, career prospects after a 5-year BA LLB/BBA LLB, and the benefits of online and offline CLAT coaching.
What is the CLAT Exam?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). It is held annually for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 24 NLUs and several other private universities.
Eligibility Criteria for CLAT UG (5-Year Integrated Program)
To appear for the CLAT UG exam, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
Educational Qualification:
General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates must have secured at least 45% marks in 10+2 or equivalent.
SC/ST candidates must have secured at least 40% marks.
Age Limit:
There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CLAT UG exam.
Appearing Candidates:
Students appearing in their Class 12 exams in the current year are also eligible, provided they submit proof of qualification at the time of admission.
CLAT UG Exam Pattern (Latest)
Understanding the exam pattern is key for effective CLAT preparation.
| Section | No. of Questions | Weightage (%) | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22–26 | ~20% | Comprehension-based |
| Current Affairs, incl. GK | 28–32 | ~25% | Passage-based MCQs |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 | ~25% | Scenario-based MCQs |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 | ~20% | Critical Thinking |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–14 | ~10% | Graphs, Tables, Numbers |
Duration: 2 hours
Total Questions: 120
Total Marks: 120
Negative Marking: -0.25 for each incorrect answer
Prospects After a 5-Year BA LLB/BBA LLB Program
After clearing CLAT and completing your law degree from an NLU, a world of career opportunities opens up.
1. Litigation
Start practicing in trial or high courts under a senior lawyer, eventually building your independent legal practice.
2. Corporate Law Firms
Top law firms like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, and Khaitan & Co. recruit law graduates with high packages.
3. Judicial Services
After graduation and clearing judicial services exams, one can become a Judicial Magistrate or Civil Judge.
4. UPSC/State Public Services
Law graduates are highly successful in UPSC Civil Services, Law Officer positions, and State PSCs.
5. Legal Advisors in MNCs
Work in the legal department of multinational corporations as in-house counsel or legal advisors.
6. Academia and Research
Pursue LLM/PhD for a career in legal education or research.
7. Public Prosecutor & Government Roles
Opportunities with CBI, ED, SEBI, and more through recruitment exams or lateral entries.
Why Choose Online or Offline CLAT Coaching?
CLAT is a highly competitive exam. Self-study can be complemented and often enhanced with structured coaching classes—either online or offline.
Benefits of Offline CLAT Coaching:
Regular classroom interaction with mentors
Peer competition and group discussion
Real-time doubt solving and study discipline
Benefits of Online CLAT Coaching:
Flexibility in learning from anywhere
Access to recorded lectures, mock tests, and PDFs
Ideal for students balancing school and CLAT prep
How CLAT Gurukul Helps You Ace the Exam
At CLAT Gurukul, we offer comprehensive offline and online CLAT coaching designed to cater to every type of learner:
Our Offerings:
Daily live classes and recorded lectures
500+ topic-wise and full-length mock tests
Updated current affairs and legal reasoning modules
One-on-one mentoring and performance analysis
Monthly GK compendiums and legal digest
Weekend doubt-clearing sessions
Access to exclusive CLAT 2025/2026 crash courses
We have mentored thousands of students who have successfully entered top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and NLU Delhi (via AILET).
Key Tips for CLAT 2025/2026 Aspirants
Start early – Give yourself 12–18 months for serious prep.
Read newspapers daily – Preferably The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs.
Practice mocks regularly – Focus on accuracy + speed.
Analyze performance – Learn from mistakes in every mock test.
Stay updated – Regularly revise legal concepts and static GK.
Join a structured coaching – Choose the mode that best suits your schedule.
Final Thoughts
CLAT is not just an exam; it is the first step towards a prestigious and fulfilling legal career. Whether you dream of arguing in court, working in a multinational, or serving as a judge or bureaucrat, your journey begins with strategic preparation. And at CLAT Gurukul, we’re here to walk that journey with you—every step of the way.
