CLAT PG Syllabus 2026: Check Exam-Pattern, Weightage, Important Books & PYQs

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Nibedita Debnath

Updated on - Oct 16, 2025

The CLAT Syllabus for PG has 120 questions, which have to be completed in a 2-hour time limit. The CLAT PG Syllabus is based on the LLB core subjects. CLAT PG syllabus 2026 covers detailed subjects for the Postgraduate admission to a 1-year integrated LLM program at 21 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India.

The CLAT PG Syllabus 2026 mainly focuses on understanding core law subjects from the LL.B. studies, along with analytical and comprehension skills.

Now, if we look at the CLAT PG syllabus, it is divided into 13 subjects. Each subject has its sub-topics and different weightage in the exam.

  • Every right response has 1 mark, and for every incorrect response, 0.25 marks are cut.
  • Constitution, Jurisprudence, Contract, and Criminal combined constitute 50% of the paper.
  • Subjects like Tax or Public International Law have 4–6 marks per passage.
  • The exam is passage-based and has from extracts from Supreme Court judgments, statutes, and regulations.
CLAT_PG

Key Summary

In this article, we have given details regarding the CLAT PG syllabus, exam pattern, topic-wise weightage, crucial books, and tips for preparation.

  • The CLAT PG syllabus contains 13 varying subjects.
  • Subjects such as Constitution, Jurisprudence, Contract, and Criminal Law collectively cover over 50% of the paper.
  • The CLAT PG Exam is held offline and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It is to be answered within 2 hours.
  • Candidates should practice high-weightage subjects and comprehension-type questions. It will assist candidates in performing well in the exam.

Also Check:

CLAT PG 2026 Exam Pattern

The CLAT PG exam is based on objective-type questions. It is held once every year, mostly in December, in the offline mode. The candidates have to attempt a total of 120 questions in 2 hours. The table mentioned below shows the CLAT PG exam pattern, providing a clear overview of the subjects, number of questions, and marks distribution for the upcoming exam.

CLAT_PG
Details Particulars
Offline (Pen & Paper) Mode of Examination
120 Number of Questions
2 hours Duration of Exam
Objective Type Questions Type of Questions
English Medium of Examination
+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 for every incorrect answer Marking Scheme
  • Reading and understanding the issues discussed in the passage.
  • Identifying and understanding the arguments and viewpoints.
  • Being aware of the issues addressed.
  • Understanding and analyzing the legal issues and facts mentioned in the passage.
  • Summarizing judgments or rules mentioned.
  • Applying knowledge of law to the situations discussed.
Which Skills will be tested?

What is CLAT PG Syllabus 2026?

The CLAT Postgraduate syllabus is divided into many subtopics. The exam will test you on the core law subjects from LL.B., and the subtopics for the CLAT syllabus for PG are mentioned below:

  1. Constitutional Law
  2. Jurisprudence
  3. Administrative Law
  4. Law of Contract
  5. Torts
  6. Family Law
  7. Criminal Law
  8. Property Law
  9. Corporate Law
  10. Public International Law
  11. Tax Law
  12. Environmental Law
  13. Labour & Industrial Law

The sub-topics for CLAT PG subjects are mentioned below in the table:

Subjects Sub-Topics
Constitutional Law
  • Basic & Salient Features of the Indian Constitution/History/ Preamble.
  • Citizenship.
  • Doctrine of Basic Structure.
  • Fundamental Rights - Article 12- Article 30.
  • DPSPs & Fundamental Duties.
  • Important Amendments.
  • Constitutional Remedies.
  • Supreme Court.
  • Ordinance Power.
  • Parliament.
  • Services under Union and State.
  • Emergency Provisions.
  • Anti-Defection Law.
  • Center-state Relations.
  • Scheduled Area.
  • Article 300 A.
  • Article 370
Jurisprudence
  • Definition/Nature of Jurisprudence
  • Source of Law
  • School of Jurisprudence
  • Rights
  • Duties
  • Power Liability Person and Liabilities
  • Ownership and Possession
  • Corporate Liability
  • Theories of Punishment
  • Law and Morals
  • Contemporary Jurists & Recent Contemporary Concepts
  • Maxims
  • Hohfeld’s Legal Relation/ Jural Analysis
Administrative Law
  • Meaning, Definition.
  • Scope and Significance of Administrative Law.
  • Rule of Law.
  • Administrative Actions - Meaning and Classifications.
  • Principles of Natural Justice, Meaning, Nature and need for administrative direction.
  • Natural Justice and Statutory Provisions.
  • Control Mechanism of Delegated Legislation Parliamentary.
  • Procedural and Adjudicatory.
  • Liability of Administration.
  • Administrative Discretion and Remedies.
  • Meaning of Delegated.
  • Legislation and its growth.
  • Administrative Adjudication.
  • Enforceability of Administrative Direction.
  • Administrative Direction to Quasi-Judicial and Statutory Bodies.
  • Doctrine of Estoppel.
  • Relationship between Constitutional Law and Administrative Law.
  • Emerging Trends in Administrative Law.
Law of Contract
  • Introduction
  • Basic elements of Contract
  • Offer Acceptance Consideration, etc.
  • Communication of Offer, Acceptance, and Revocation of Offer & Acceptance
  • Consent
  • Capacity to Contract
  • Privity of Contract
  • Element Vitiating Contract
  • Wagering Agreements and Contingent Contract
  • Quasi Contract
  • Breach of Contract and Remedies for Breach of Contract
  • Bailment, Pledge-Specific Contract
  • Indemnity, Guarantee and Agency
  • Force Majeure & Doctrine of Frustration
Torts
  • Introduction to General Principles.
  • What are Torts?
  • Origin of Law of Torts in India.
  • Criticism of Winfield.
  • Damnum sine Injuria/ Injuria sine Damnum Tortious Liability.
  • Several Independent Tortfeasors.
  • Joint Tortfeasors and related cases.
  • Statutory Authority.
  • Consent (Volenti nonfit Injuria) General Defenses.
  • Acts of God & Private Defence.
  • Strict Liability.
  • Specific Torts.
  • Absolute Liability.
  • Negligence.
  • Nuisance and Defamation.
  • Vicarious Liability.
  • Consumer Protection.
  • The distinction between Joint and Several Tortfeasors.
Family Law
  • Judicial Separation, Divorce, Maintenance
  • (under both Hindu and Muslim Law)
Criminal Law
  • Overview/Introduction
  • Criminal Courts in India
  • Stages of Trial:
    • Investigation
    • Inquiry
    • Trial
  • Plea Bargaining
  • Bail
  • Vitiation of Proceedings
  • Inherent Power
Property Law
  • Outline and Applicability of the subject
  • Types of Properties
  • Concept of Sale, Lease, Mortgage, Exchange, Gift, Will, etc.
  • Actionable Claims
Corporate Law
  • Companies Act Overview
  • Doctrines under the Companies Act, 2013
  • Directors ‘ Shareholder Meetings
  • Listing/Delisting of Shares, Winding Up
  • Assessment-Based Questions
Public International Law
  • What is International Law?
  • Sources of International Law
  • Relationship between Municipal and International Law
  • Treaties
  • International Organizations
  • State Recognition
  • State Succession
  • Human Rights and International Law
  • Law of Sea, Air, and Space
  • Settlement of Dispute
Tax Law
  • Income Tax Law – Basics, Residential Status
  • Income from Salary, House Property, Business & Profession
  • Exempt Incomes
  • Indirect Tax Structure
  • GST & Recent Amendments
Environmental Law
  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974
  • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981
  • The Environment (Protection) Act 1986
  • The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1955
  • Indian Forest Act, 1927
  • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  • Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
  • Schedule Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006
  • International Environment Law
Labour & Industrial Law
  • Introduction to Labour and Industrial Law
  • Theory and Concept of Industrial Relations
  • Industrial Relations Code 2020
  • Code on Social Security 2020
  • Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions 2020
  • Code on Wages 2020
  • Industrial Disputes Act
  • The Factories Act, 1948
  • The Standing Orders Act
  • Analysis of Recent Amendments made in Labour Laws
  • Leading Cases in Labour Laws

CLAT PG Syllabus Subject-Wise Importance & Weightage

The CLAT PG Syllabus has 13 subjects. Each subject has its own weightage and some main topics that the candidates should focus on. Subjects such as Constitution, Jurisprudence, Contract, and Criminal Law collectively cover over 50% of the paper. The table given below shows the subject-wise weightage for the CLAT PG test, which will help candidates to understand how the marks are distributed for different topics.

Subject What to Cover? Estimated Weightage (out of 120)
Criminal Law
  • Actus reus / mens rea
  • General exceptions
  • Specific offenses (major IPC sections)
  • Sentencing
  • Constitutional issues and procedural aspects (CrPC basics).
10–15 marks
Constitutional Law
  • Fundamental rights (scope, tests, remedies)
  • DPSPs
  • Separation of powers
  • Federalism & center-state relations
  • Judicial review
  • Constitutional amendments
  • Landmark SC judgments.
10 marks
Jurisprudence
  • Schools of jurisprudence (positivism, natural law, realist, Dworkin)
  • Concept of law, justice, rights
  • Sources and interpretation of law
  • Legal reasoning, legal methods.
10 marks
Family Law
  • Marriage, divorce, maintenance, adoption, guardianship, succession
5–10 marks
Public International Law
  • Sources of international law
  • Treaties
  • State responsibility
  • Jurisdiction
  • Use of force
  • International courts
  • Human rights aspects.
5–10 marks
Corporate Law
  • Incorporation, memorandum & articles, shares & meetings, directors’ duties, corporate governance, winding up (basic principles).
5–10 marks
Environmental Law
  • Environment (statutes and PIL): Environment Protection Act, Air & Water Acts, sustainable development, public trust, notable judgments.
5–10 marks
Law of Contract
  • Formation (offer/acceptance), consideration, capacity, performance, breach & remedies, specific contracts (sale, indemnity, guarantee), quasi-contracts.
5–10 marks
Property Law
  • Transfer of Property Act: sale, mortgage, lease, easement
  • Title and possession issues
  • Actionable claims
  • Eviction/rights.
5 marks
Arbitration & Conciliation
  • Arbitration Act 1996 basics, conciliation, and mediation principles
5 marks
Intellectual Property Rights
  • Copyright, trademarks, patents, designs, landmark IP cases
5 marks
Labour & Industrial Law
  • Industrial Disputes Act, Trade Unions Act, Factories Act, Contract Labour Rules, and Social Security Basics.
5 marks
Administrative Law
  • Delegated legislation
  • Principles of natural justice
  • Ultra vires
  • Judicial review of administrative action
  • Doctrine of legitimate expectation
  • Tribunals and remedies.
5 marks
Tax Law
  • Basic principles of income-tax/GST (concepts, major provisions), landmark tax judgments, and tax administration principles.
5 marks
Law of Torts
  • General principles
  • Negligence
  • Nuisance
  • Defamation
  • Vicarious liability
  • Strict liability, remedies (damages, injunctions).
5 marks

CLAT PG 2026 Important Books

Preparing for the exam is very important, but having the right books is equally crucial. The table below shows the important books that are essential for CLAT PG 2026 preparation.

CLAT_PG

 

Book Author / Publication
S.S. Hand Books for LLM Entrance Exam Singhal's
Universal Guide to LLM Entrance Exam Gaurav Mehta
Guide for LLM Entrance Exam Ashok Jain
Decoding The Jurisprudence Sudipta Bhowmick
Multiple Choice Questions On the Constitution Of India Universal Publications
Law Of Contract And Specific Relief Universal Publications
Indian Penal Code K D Gaur
Law of Torts B M Gandhi
Constitution Book J.N. Pandey
Studies in Jurisprudence and Legal Theory N.V. Paranjape
Textbook on International Law Rakesh Kumar Singh.

In addition to physical books, online resources and e-books should be utilized:

  • Legal Databases: Access court cases, laws, and legal documents via databases like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Manupatra.
  • YouTube Video Tutorials: The LegalEdge After College YouTube channel can be a visual help in understanding difficult concepts.
  • E-Libraries: Platforms like JSTOR and the National Digital Library offer academic journals and research papers.
  • E-Books and Study Guides: E-books from publishers like Pearson, Wolters Kluwer, and Oxford University Press that are often updated with the latest exam patterns are also helpful.

CLAT PG Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics

The CLAT PG Syllabus has remained consistent for years, and it has not been changed for 2026 either. But there are some topics that are important for the CLAT PG 2026 exam.

Important topics for CLAT PG 2026

Uniform Civil Code - Uttarakhand (2024)

  • First Indian State to implement a full UCC.
  • Uniform laws on marriage, divorce, and inheritance across all religions.
  • Excludes Scheduled Tribes.
  • Relevant for debates on Articles 14, 25-28, 44.

Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 + Repeal of Mussalman Waqf Act, 1923

  • Introduces new governance mechanisms for Waqf properties.
  • Adds mandatory representation for Muslim Women.
  • Allows appeal in the High Court.
  • Controversial due to the involvement of non-Muslims in boards.

New Labour Codes

Four consolidated codes:

  • Codes on Wages
  • Industrial Relations Code
  • Social Security Code
  • Occupational Safety Code

Aim: Simplification and digitization of compliance.

Yet to be implemented in full across states.

Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

  • Replaces outdated laws on immigration.
  • Compulsory documentation for entry/exit.
  • Establishment of a centralized Bureau of immigration.
  • Security-based screening provisions.

Criminal Law Reforms (In Force from July 1, 2024)

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) - Replaces IPC
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) - Replaces CrPC
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) - Replaces the Indian Evidence Act.

Key Changes:

  • New definitions (e.g., terrorism, mob lynching)
  • Sedition removed
  • Electronic evidence emphasis
  • Timelines for investigation and trial.
  • Community service as punishment.

Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

  • First comprehensive data protection law in India.
  • Interlinks with Article 21 (Right to Privacy)
  • Based on the consent architecture and the rights of data principals.
  • Replaces previous Personal Data Protection Bill proposals.

Apart from these, there are some other important topics that the candidates should look for in CLAT PG 2026:

Landmark Judgments for CLAT PG 2026

Many major court judgments are mostly asked in the CLAT PG exam. The candidates should know about the cases and their key significances, and the major changes they have made in our law.

Case Year Key Significance
Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India 2018 Decriminalized consensual homosexuality; Section 377 read down
K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India 2017, 2018 Right to privacy is fundamental; limits on Aadhaar usage
Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala 2018 Allowed women of all ages into Sabarimala temple
Shayara Bano v. Union of India 2017 Declared instant triple talaq unconstitutional
In Re: Article 370 2023 Upheld removal of J&K special status; reorganisation valid
Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India 2024 Cancelled Electoral Bonds Scheme; political funding transparency
Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India 2022 Upheld 10% EWS reservation in education/jobs
M. Nagaraj v. Union of India 2006 Allowed reservations in promotions with conditions
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India 2015 Struck down Section 66A; protected online free speech
Common Cause v. Union of India 2018 Legalised passive euthanasia; living will recognised
Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma 2020 Daughters have equal rights in ancestral property
BALCO v. Kaiser Aluminium 2012 Indian courts can’t interfere in foreign-seated arbitrations
Swiss Ribbons Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India 2019 Upheld Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
Kulbhushan Jadhav Case (ICJ) 2017 Pakistan violated consular access; ICJ ruled in India’s favour
Jarnail Singh v. Lachhmi Narain Gupta 2018 SC/ST promotions: creamy layer excluded, no fresh proof needed
Steel Authority of India Ltd. v. National Union Waterfront Workers 2001 Contract workers don’t automatically become permanent
Lily Thomas v. Union of India 2013 MPs/MLAs disqualified immediately if convicted of 2+ yrs
NALSA v. Union of India 2014 Recognised transgender persons as third gender
T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka 2002 Defined minority educational institutions’ rights
Bilkis Yakub Rasool v. Union of India 2024 Quashed remission of convicts in Bilkis Bano case
Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India 2020 Set limits on internet shutdowns; must be reasonable
Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar 2014 Prevented unnecessary arrests; police must follow CrPC
Kaushal Kishor v. State of UP 2023 Ministers’ hate speech: individuals accountable, not government

Supreme Court Judgments of 2025 for CLAT PG 2026

Some important Supreme Court Judgments of 2025 that can be asked in CLAT PG 2026 are mentioned below. Candidates should understand clearly the main issues and the judgments passed on those issues.

Case Name Key Issue(s) Judgment / Principle
Gayatri Balasamy v ISG Novasoft Can courts modify arbitral awards under Sections 34 & 37 of 1996 Act? Limited modification allowed: clerical errors, interest, severable parts; Article 142 can be invoked in exceptional cases. Dissent: No power to modify, only set aside.
All India Judges Association v Union of India Restore 3-year practice requirement for Civil Judge (Jr.) eligibility 3-year practice mandatory, counted from provisional Bar registration; law clerk experience considered; applies prospectively.
Varshatai v State of Maharashtra Use of additional language (Urdu) on municipal signboard Permissible; 2022 Act does not prohibit additional languages alongside Marathi.
Imran Pratapgarhi v State of Gujarat Posting a poem promoting sacrifice & non-violence FIR quashed; no offense under BNS; violated Article 19(1)(a) rights.
State of Tamil Nadu v Governor of TN Governor’s delay in assenting to state bills Delay unconstitutional; Article 142 used to deem assent; timelines fixed; Governor has no absolute veto.
Rakesh Kumar Verma & Deepti Bhatia v HDFC Bank Validity of exclusive jurisdiction clauses in employment contracts Exclusive jurisdiction clauses valid; suits outside agreed forum dismissed; Section 28 Contract Act not violated.
Jitender @ Kalla v State (NCT of Delhi) Criteria for Senior Advocate designation Holistic assessment required (integrity, ethics, mentorship, skill); gown differences have no legal basis.
Jharkhand Urja Utpadan Nigam Ltd v Heavy Electricals Ltd Limitation period for commercial appeals Limitation starts from pronouncement date, not receipt of judgment copy.
Amlesh Kumar v State of Bihar Narco-analysis test rights & admissibility Cannot force narco-test; voluntary request allowed but not absolute; cannot be sole basis for conviction.
Mahnoor Fatima Imran v Visweswara Infrastructure Effect of unregistered sale deeds Registration ≠ title; invalid agreements cannot transfer ownership; writ relief denied if no lawful title.
Independent Sugar Corp Ltd v Girish Juneja CCI approval under IBC Prior CCI approval mandatory before CoC approval; NCLAT’s “directory” view overturned.
Urmila Dixit v Sunil Sharan Dixit Senior citizen’s right to reclaim transferred property Gift deed can be cancelled under Section 23 if maintenance obligations not met; possession can be restored.
Jyotsnamayee Mishra v State of Odisha Negative discrimination in promotion Employee cannot claim promotion to direct-recruit post; internal circulars cannot bypass open recruitment; Article 14 violation prevented.
Vihaan Kumar v State of Haryana Arrest procedure & treatment Arrest illegal due to violation of Art 22(1); handcuffing in hospital violated Art 21; immediate release ordered.
Sunil Kumar Singh v Bihar Legislative Assembly Challenge to legislative expulsion Expulsion quashed as disproportionate; Art 212(1) bars procedural review, not legality of punishment.

CLAT PG Previous Year Question Paper

Solving CLAT PG previous year question papers is an important strategy, as it will make the candidates familiar with the pattern of the exam, types of questions, and difficulty level of the CLAT PG exam.

CLAT PG 2026 Preparation Tips

The following table shows the effective preparation strategies for CLAT PG 2026 that the candidates need to adapt to improve their performance and utilize their study time effectively.

Tip Details
Focus on Major Subjects Constitution, Jurisprudence, Contract, and Criminal together make up more than 50% of the paper.
Tackle Smaller Subjects Revise quickly using one-liners, case briefs, and bare provisions.
Practice Like a Real Test Solve previous year papers and passage-based timed mocks.
Don’t Ignore Small Marks Subjects like Tax or PIL can give easy 4–6 marks per passage.
Read Recent + Landmark Judgments Regularly read Supreme Court judgments and legal current affairs.
Practice Comprehension + Application Focus on passage-based MCQs, not just memorization.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs Keep track of changes in laws like the RTI Act.
Dedicated Time for Jurisprudence Spend enough time, as it’s important for the exam and the practical legal field.
Read Newspapers Regularly Helps with comprehension skills and staying updated with current affairs.
Regular Mock Tests Take mocks to understand the exam pattern and find strong/weak areas.

Mostly Asked Questions

Ques: Is CLAT PG held twice a year?

Ans: No, CLAT PG is not organized twice a year. It is organized once a year, generally in December.

Ques: Who is eligible for CLAT PG?

Ans: Applicants should have passed LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) or equivalent degree from a recognized university.

Minimum Marks:

  • General / OBC / PwD / NRI / PIO / OCI candidates: LL.B. with minimum 50% marks.
  • SC / ST candidates: LL.B. with minimum 45% marks.
  • Applicants who are appearing in the final year of the LL.B. course can also apply, subject to the provision that they furnish proof of qualification at the time of admission.

Ques: How many marks is CLAT PG?

Ans: The total marks for the CLAT PG exam are 120, 1 mark for each question.

Ques: What are the subjects in CLAT PG?

Ans: The CLAT PG syllabus consists of 13 compulsory law subjects from the LL.B. curriculum. The subjects are designed to gauge a candidate's knowledge of basic legal principles and their application. They cover the following subjects: Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Administrative Law, Family Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour and Industrial Law.

Ques: Can CLAT PG be given without LLB?

Ans: No, you cannot provide CLAT PG without an LL.B. (or equivalent law qualification) degree.

Ques: Can I crack the exam without CLAT PG coaching?

Ans: Yes, you can crack CLAT PG without coaching by making the most of online resources. The test evaluates your knowledge of main law topics from your LL.B., as well as comprehension and analytical capability.

Ques: Can I do LLM without CLAT?

Ans: Yes, it is possible to do an LL.M. without appearing for CLAT, but this depends on the university you apply for.

While the majority of National Law Universities (NLUs) in India need CLAT PG for admission, some other universities and private law colleges provide LL.M. courses through their own entrance examinations or through merit-based admission.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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