CLAT 2025 – Counselling, Cutoff, Result, Scorecard,Trend & Top colleges

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a National-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs across 24 National Law Universities and numerous other affiliated private universities and colleges throughout India. Held annually, typically in December for admission to the subsequent academic year, the exam tests candidates in areas such as English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Appearing for the CLAT is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue law at India’s most reputed institutions. With a single exam score, aspirants can apply to multiple colleges across the country — making it a centralised, merit-based selection tool. The CLAT examination is conducted offline, as a pen-paper-based test, spanning a duration of two hours. It comprises multiple-choice questions, totaling 120 questions for the UG program, each carrying one mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 for every incorrect answer. The entire examination is conducted exclusively in English. The syllabus for CLAT is not based on rote learning or specific academic board curricula, but rather on assessing a candidate's aptitude for legal studies. It emphasizes comprehension, critical reasoning, and analytical skills, covering topics generally aligned with a 10th to 12th standard understanding of language, general knowledge, and basic mathematics, alongside specialized sections on legal and logical reasoning. Exam trends show CLAT as a highly competitive examination, attracting over 60,000 applicants each year, all vying for limited seats in prestigious NLUs. The Consortium of NLUs introduced a significant change for CLAT 2024, reducing the total number of questions from 150 to 120, which impacted the overall exam strategy and time management for candidates. Cutoffs for admission vary significantly across different National Law Universities and categories, reflecting the intense competition and varying demand for specific institutions. Preparing for CLAT requires a strong focus on analytical thinking, current affairs, and developing efficient time management skills to navigate its comprehensive aptitude-based pattern, paving the way for a promising legal career.

A single exam for admission to most prestigious law universities in India; focus on aptitude rather than rote learning; questions reduced from 150 to 120 for CLAT 2024.

Centralized online counselling based on CLAT scores, preferences, and NLU seat matrix. Candidates register, pay a fee, fill choices, and participate in multiple rounds of seat allotment.

Qualifying Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) opens up admission opportunities at India’s most prestigious institutions — known for their academic excellence, robust industry connections, and stellar placement records. The CLAT score is the primary gateway to 24 highly acclaimed National Law Universities and is also accepted by over 60 private law colleges across the nation, all vying for top talent. Admission to these premier institutions is highly competitive, predicated on securing a strong CLAT score, often reflecting high cutoff percentiles. Among the frontrunners accepting CLAT scores is the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, widely regarded as the pinnacle of legal education in India. NLSIU graduates consistently command impressive average CTCs, often in the range of INR 18-25 LPA, drawing fierce competition with cutoff ranks typically within the top 200. Following closely is NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, another institution of formidable academic repute, where average placements frequently hover around INR 15-22 LPA, requiring similarly competitive scores. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, also stands out, known for its rigorous curriculum and strong industry ties, with average CTCs generally between INR 12-18 LPA. Other highly sought-after institutions include National Law University, Jodhpur, and Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, both offering comprehensive legal education and commendable placement opportunities, with average packages typically ranging from INR 10-16 LPA. Graduates from these esteemed colleges often secure coveted roles in leading law firms like Trilegal, Khaitan & Co., AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., alongside prestigious corporate houses and PSUs. This array of career opportunities and impressive salary ranges vividly showcases the powerful return on investment for those who successfully qualify the CLAT examination, cementing their path to a distinguished legal career.

Qualifying the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) opens doors to some of the most prestigious institutions in India and unlocks access to high-growth career opportunities across sectors. This highly competitive examination serves as the gateway to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs offered by 24 premier National Law Universities across the country, alongside numerous other reputable private law colleges and public sector undertakings that consider CLAT scores for admission. Studying at these institutions guarantees exposure to world-class faculty, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a rigorous academic curriculum that shapes future legal luminaries. The career outcomes from these top-tier institutions offer a substantial return on investment. Graduates consistently secure impressive placement packages, with average figures ranging from INR 12-20 LPA, and leading offers often exceeding this range significantly. Top recruiting entities include renowned law firms such as Trilegal, Khaitan & Co., AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., along with prominent corporate houses, think tanks, and public sector organizations. The law programs align perfectly with in-demand career domains like corporate law, intellectual property, cyber law, litigation, and public policy, offering pathways into high-growth fields both nationally and internationally. Opportunities for internships, research, and collaborative projects are abundant, further enhancing practical skills and industry exposure. Pursuing a law degree through CLAT can also pave the way for global recognition, scholarships for higher studies abroad, and a strong foundation for advanced legal research. Ultimately, CLAT acts as a strategic launchpad for aspirants, opening up lifelong opportunities for unparalleled academic and professional success in the dynamic legal landscape.

CLAT continues to evolve each year to stay aligned with modern academic frameworks and career readiness expectations. The 2024 edition of the exam introduced several key changes that candidates should be aware of, and these are largely expected to continue for upcoming years like 2025 and 2026, reflecting the Consortium of National Law Universities' commitment to refining the assessment process. The most significant update implemented for the CLAT 2024 examination was a revision in its overall pattern. The total number of questions was notably reduced from 150 to 120, while the examination duration remained consistent at two hours. This modification aimed to ease the time pressure on candidates and allow for a more focused assessment of their analytical and reasoning abilities. Although the core sections of the examination—English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques—remained unchanged, the weightage and distribution of questions within these sections were adjusted to fit the new total. These updates were introduced to enhance the overall fairness and effectiveness of the examination, ensuring it accurately gauges a candidate's aptitude for legal studies without excessive emphasis on speed. By streamlining the question paper, the Consortium sought to reduce examination-related stress and promote a deeper understanding of the concepts rather than mere rote learning or hurried attempts. This strategic shift benefits aspirants by allowing them to demonstrate their competencies more thoroughly within the allotted time. Candidates preparing for CLAT in 2025 or 2026 should prepare based on this updated pattern, as it represents the latest design calibrated to meet contemporary academic and industry demands.

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) serves as a pivotal national-level entrance examination for aspiring law students in India. For the upcoming CLAT 2025, applications are anticipated to open around July 2024 and close in November 2024, with the examination typically conducted in December 2024. Results are generally declared within a few weeks of the exam, also in December. To be eligible for CLAT, candidates must meet specific criteria regarding age and minimum qualifying marks in their 12th-grade examination for undergraduate programs, or possess an LLB degree for postgraduate courses. Applicants are required to submit essential documents such as academic marksheets, caste certificates (if applicable), a recent photograph, and signature during the online application process. The application fee for the general category is INR 4000, while candidates belonging to SC, ST, and BPL categories pay INR 3500, payable through various online payment methods including credit/debit cards and net banking. It is crucial for applicants to meticulously follow all important instructions outlined in the official information bulletin, paying close attention to deadlines and ensuring accuracy of submitted details to avoid common mistakes like incorrect data entry or last-minute application. The CLAT score remains valid for admissions only for one academic year. The examination consists of 120 multiple-choice questions spanning five core subjects: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The admission process is centrally managed by the Consortium of National Law Universities through online counselling, where candidates register, pay a counselling fee, select their preferred NLUs, and participate in several rounds of seat allotment based on their CLAT score and preferences. Timely submission of applications and thorough preparation are paramount for success.