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CLAT PG

CLAT PG 2027 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme, Question Format, Syllabus & Preparation Tips

Updated on June 15, 2026

The CLAT PG 2027 exam pattern serves as the blueprint for candidates aspiring to secure admission to LL.M. programmes offered by National Law Universities (NLUs) and other participating institutions. Conducted by the Consortium of NLUs, the examination is designed to assess a candidate’s legal knowledge, comprehension skills, and ability to interpret and apply legal principles. The test follows a passage-based format comprising 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed within two hours. With a marking scheme that includes negative marking for incorrect responses, understanding the exam structure is essential for effective preparation. This article provides a detailed overview of the CLAT PG 2027 exam pattern, question format, marking scheme, syllabus coverage, and key preparation insights.

Table of Contents

CLAT PG 2027 Exam Pattern Overview

The CLAT PG 2027 exam pattern provides candidates with a clear understanding of the structure, duration, and marking scheme of the examination. Conducted by the Consortium of NLUs, the test evaluates legal knowledge, comprehension, and analytical abilities through passage-based multiple-choice questions. Familiarity with the exam pattern helps candidates develop an effective preparation strategy and improve time management during the examination. 

 

ParticularsDetails
Exam NameCommon Law Admission Test for Postgraduate Programmes (CLAT PG)
Conducting BodyConsortium of National Law Universities
Course OfferedLL.M.
Exam LevelNational
Exam ModeOffline (Pen and Paper)
Duration120 Minutes
Total Questions120
Maximum Marks120
Question TypeObjective-Type MCQs
LanguageEnglish
Official Websiteconsortiumofnlus.ac.in

The CLAT PG examination follows a comprehension-based format in which candidates are required to read legal passages and answer multiple-choice questions. The passages are generally extracted from statutes, constitutional provisions, landmark judgments, and legal commentaries. The examination is designed to evaluate legal comprehension, analytical ability, interpretation of legal texts, and application of legal principles rather than rote memorization.

CLAT PG 2027 Question Format and Nature of Questions

The examination follows a passage-based format where candidates are required to read legal extracts and answer objective questions based on them. Questions test legal reasoning, interpretation, comprehension, and application of legal principles rather than direct factual recall. Candidates must develop analytical reading skills to perform well in this section. 

What Kind of Questions Are Asked in CLAT PG?

The CLAT PG examination primarily consists of passage-based multiple-choice questions. Each passage is usually followed by objective questions that assess a candidate's understanding of legal concepts, interpretation skills, and ability to apply legal principles to factual situations.

Questions are designed to test:

  • Reading comprehension of legal texts
  • Understanding of legal issues and arguments
  • Interpretation of statutes and judicial decisions
  • Identification of legal principles
  • Application of law to factual scenarios
  • Analytical and critical reasoning skills

Sources of CLAT PG Passages

Passages may be derived from:

  • Constitutional provisions
  • Bare Acts and statutes
  • Supreme Court judgments
  • High Court decisions
  • Legal commentaries
  • Contemporary legal developments

Candidates should therefore focus on conceptual clarity and legal reasoning rather than relying solely on memorization.

CLAT PG 2027 Subject-Wise Coverage

The CLAT PG syllabus covers major law subjects that form the foundation of undergraduate legal education. Questions are generally derived from statutory provisions, landmark judgments, legal principles, and recent legal developments. A strong command of these core subjects is essential for answering comprehension-based questions accurately and efficiently. 

Major Subjects Covered in CLAT PG 2027

Although the Consortium of NLUs does not prescribe a rigid subject-wise distribution, questions are generally drawn from core subjects taught during the LL.B. programme.

SubjectKey Areas Covered
Constitutional LawFundamental Rights, DPSPs, Judicial Review
JurisprudenceSchools of Law, Rights, Justice
Criminal LawGeneral Principles, Offences, Liability
Contract LawFormation, Breach, Remedies
Administrative LawNatural Justice, Delegated Legislation
Law of TortsNegligence, Defamation, Liability
Family LawMarriage, Divorce, Succession
Company LawCorporate Governance, Directors
Property LawSale, Lease, Mortgage
Public International LawTreaties, Human Rights
Environmental LawPollution Control, Sustainable Development
Labour LawIndustrial Relations, Labour Codes
IPRCopyright, Patents, Trademarks
Arbitration LawArbitration & Conciliation Act
  

The examination may also include questions based on recent judicial developments and legislative changes within these subject areas.

CLAT PG 2027 Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

The CLAT PG 2027 marking scheme plays an important role in determining a candidate's final score. Since the examination follows a negative marking system, aspirants must balance accuracy and attempt rate carefully. Understanding how marks are awarded and deducted can help candidates develop an effective test-taking strategy. 

How Are Marks Calculated in CLAT PG?

The CLAT PG examination follows a negative marking system. Candidates are rewarded for correct responses and penalized for incorrect answers.

Response TypeMarks Awarded
Correct Answer+1
Incorrect Answer-0.25
Unattempted Question0

Importance of Accuracy

Because of negative marking, candidates should prioritize accuracy over excessive attempts. Strategic question selection and careful reading of passages can significantly improve the final score.

CLAT PG 2027 Expected Subject-Wise Weightage

Although the Consortium of NLUs does not officially specify subject-wise weightage, previous years' trends provide useful insights into frequently tested areas. Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Criminal Law, and Contract Law generally account for a significant portion of the paper. Understanding these trends helps candidates prioritize high-impact subjects during preparation. 

Subject-Wise Weightage Based on Previous Trends

The Consortium does not officially release subject-wise weightage. However, analysis of previous years' papers suggests the following trend:

SubjectExpected Weightage
Constitutional Law20–25 Marks
Jurisprudence10–15 Marks
Criminal Law10–15 Marks
Contract Law8–10 Marks
Administrative Law5–8 Marks
Torts5–8 Marks
Company Law5–8 Marks
Public International Law5–8 Marks
Environmental Law5–8 Marks
Family Law5 Marks
Property Law5 Marks
Labour Law5 Marks
Tax Law3–5 Marks

Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence consistently remain the most important subjects and should form the foundation of preparation.

CLAT PG 2027 Exam Pattern vs Previous Year

The Consortium of National Law Universities has maintained a largely consistent examination structure for CLAT PG in recent years. Candidates preparing for CLAT PG 2027 can therefore rely on the existing format while planning their preparation strategy.

ParticularsCLAT PG 2027CLAT PG 2026
Mode of ExaminationOfflineOffline
Duration120 Minutes120 Minutes
Total Questions120120
Maximum Marks120120
Question TypeObjective MCQsObjective MCQs
LanguageEnglishEnglish
Correct Answer+1 Mark+1 Mark
Negative Marking-0.25 Mark-0.25 Mark
Exam FormatPassage-BasedPassage-Based

The examination continues to focus on legal comprehension, statutory interpretation, and application of legal principles through passage-based questions. Candidates should regularly check the official CLAT notification for any future modifications to the examination pattern.

How to Prepare for CLAT PG 2027 Based on the Exam Pattern

An effective CLAT PG preparation strategy should align closely with the exam pattern and question format. Candidates should focus on conceptual clarity, regular Bare Act reading, landmark judgments, and passage-based practice. Consistent revision, mock tests, and analysis of previous years' papers can greatly enhance accuracy, speed, and exam readiness. 

Preparation Tips

  • Start with Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence.
  • Read Bare Acts regularly.
  • Solve previous years' CLAT PG papers.
  • Practice passage-based legal comprehension daily.
  • Focus on landmark Supreme Court judgments.
  • Attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
  • Analyze mistakes after every mock test.
  • Stay updated with recent legal developments.

Candidates who consistently combine conceptual study, case-law analysis, and mock-test practice generally perform better in the examination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CLAT PG 2027 exam pattern?

The CLAT PG 2027 examination is expected to consist of 120 objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed within 120 minutes. The exam follows a passage-based format designed to assess legal knowledge, comprehension, statutory interpretation, and analytical reasoning skills.

How many questions are asked in CLAT PG 2027?

CLAT PG 2027 is expected to contain 120 multiple-choice questions. Each question carries one mark, making the total score of the examination 120 marks.

Is there negative marking in CLAT PG 2027?

Yes, CLAT PG 2027 follows a negative marking system. Candidates receive +1 mark for every correct answer, while 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect response. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.

What is the duration of the CLAT PG 2027 exam?

The CLAT PG 2027 examination is expected to be conducted for a duration of 2 hours (120 minutes). Candidates must complete all 120 questions within the allotted time.

What subjects are covered in the CLAT PG 2027 examination?

The examination covers core law subjects taught in the LL.B. curriculum, including Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Administrative Law, Family Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Environmental Law, Labour Law, and other related subjects.

Who is eligible to appear for CLAT PG 2027?

Candidates must possess an LL.B. degree or an equivalent law qualification recognized by the relevant authorities. Final-year LL.B. students appearing for their qualifying examinations are also eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling admission requirements.

When will the CLAT PG 2027 application process begin?

The official CLAT PG 2027 application schedule will be announced by the Consortium of National Law Universities. Based on previous trends, the application process is expected to begin around August or September 2026, with the examination likely to be conducted in December 2026.

What is the expected cutoff for top NLUs in CLAT PG 2027?

The cutoff varies each year depending on factors such as difficulty level, number of applicants, and seat availability. Based on previous trends, admission to top NLUs may require a high score, particularly for institutions such as National Law School of India University and NALSAR University of Law.