If you’ve found yourself here, you must’ve made up your mind to pursue a career in law and legal studies. But finding the right direction is the toughest, isn’t it? With CLAT setting the benchmark of competitive law exams, you needn’t look far before, you find yourself in the field fighting for your place.
But it isn’t like any other competitive exam. CLAT, in my opinion, is actually quite FUN. Really! Don’t believe me? Here’s what you need to know about CLAT.
What is CLAT?
Just like any other career domain, even prospective lawyers need to take a test based on which you can apply to various schools and universities. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is an online objective test which is conducted by the 17 National Law Universities (NLUs) on rotational basis. The participating NLUs include:
- National Law School of India University, Bangalore (NLSIU)
- National Academy of Legal Study & Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad
- National Law Institute University, Bhopal (NLIU)
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata (WBNUJS)
- National Law University, Jodhpur (NLUJ)
- Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur (HNLU)
- Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar (GNLU)
- Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow (RMLNLU)
- Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala (RGNUL)
- Chanakya National Law University, Patna (CNLU)
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi (NUALS)
- National Law University Odisha, Cuttack (NLUO)
- National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi (NUSRL)
- National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam, Guwahati (NLUJAA)
- Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam (DSNLU)
- The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirappalli (TNNLS)
- Mumbai National Law University, Mumbai (MNLU)
Here’s a small history lesson about how it all happened. Before the introduction of the CLAT, every university conducted its own entrance exam, but after a PIL filed by Varun Bhagat against the National Law Universities and the Union of India in 2008, the Supreme Court instructed the body to conduct a centralized examination for admissions to the National Law University schools. This move was supported by the Bar Council of India and has since become the doorway to a career in law.
CLAT aspirants further have the option to pursue either an Undergraduate Program such as B.A. LL.B (Hons.), B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A LL.B. (Hons) and B.Com LL.B. (Hons.) or a Post-Graduate Program, which opens upto an ocean of options in the future.
What is the exam like?
Quite frankly, CLAT is perhaps, one of the most interesting competitive exams. The exam is populated with interesting fill in the blank questions, coupled with invigorating puzzles, a lot of which are actually based on real-life situations. Do you like sports? Are you someone who enjoys reading about what’s going on? You’ll probably find CLAT more interesting than most exams you’ll prepare for. For instance, check out this question which appeared in CLAT 2015:
‘The winner of the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix is…..?’
Now, I know many of you are reading this and wondering what I’m talking about, but for a lot of us (like the writer of this post), this question is why we spend our Sundays glued to the TV watching Formula 1 racing. I, for a fact, know the answer to this question is Sebastian Vettel.
I also found this question in the same exam that seemed quite exciting.
‘If Monday falls on 1st of October, which day will fall three days after the 20th in that month?’
Interesting, isn’t it?
Now, having said that, it must be noted that Math and English still play a major role in the exam. But, it’s the only part of the preparation. What makes the exam really unique is perhaps how it’s based around reading. As you may have read in previous posts, the most important aspect of being a lawyer is his/her ability to read. A lawyer must have the ability to organize large amounts of data in a meaningful and cogent manner, to bring it forth in the most useful way – be it to crack CLAT or get the upper hand in a case.
Are you eligible to give CLAT?
UG Programs:
The candidate should have passed 10+2 examination with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) and there is no age limit. Candidates appearing for their 10+2 equivalent exams are also eligible to apply.
PG Programs:
Candidates with an LL.B. degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized university with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) are eligible to apply. Students in their final year of LL.B. are also eligible to apply. The PG law programs do not have any upper age limit applicable.
How to apply for CLAT and when is it held?
Applications for CLAT can be filled by visiting their official website. We will also update you with the same. Tentative dates for registration are during the first three months of every year. Applications are filled online and the test is usually held in the first or second week of May.
With all this, hope have a better idea about CLAT? Let us know in the comments below.
Do you now, have the CLAT in your crosshairs? You must check out our Law preparation programs designed specifically to help you prepare for CLAT & other law entrance exams.
