The CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus carries approximately 35–39 questions and accounts for nearly 25% of the total CLAT Syllabus 2026. As per the updated CLAT Exam Syllabus, the legal reasoning syllabus for CLAT evaluates a candidate’s ability to:
- Comprehend legal passages
- Identify relevant facts
- Apply legal principles to real-life situations, without requiring prior knowledge of law
Topics in the CLAT syllabus for legal reasoning include legal principles, current legal issues, application of laws to factual scenarios, and legal reasoning-based reading comprehension. You will get passages of 450 words each in Legal Reasoning. Based on the passages, you have to identify factual situations by implementing various rules.
To secure a seat in the top NLU’s, you can target a score of 25+ marks in legal reasoning syllabus for CLAT. For CLAT Syllabus 2026, the Consortium has emphasized practical legal application and critical thinking over rote memorization, making it essential for aspirants to integrate conceptual clarity with timed practice.
What is CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026?
CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus will contain passages of around 450 words each. The passages may relate to fact situations or scenarios involving legal matters, public policy questions or moral philosophical inquiries.
- There is no requirement for any prior knowledge of law to attempt the questions in legal reasoning syllabus for CLAT.
- You will benefit from a general awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues to better apply general principles or propositions to the given fact scenarios.
The video by PW Clat provides an indepth analysis of CLAT legal Reasoning Syllabus.
What are the types of questions in CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus?
In CLAT Syllabus 2026 for Legal Reasoning, the passage would be followed by a series of questions that will require you to:
- Identify and infer the rules and principles set out in the passage.
- Apply such rules and principles to various fact situations
- Understand how changes to the rules or principles may alter their application to various fact situations.
- CLAT Syllabus for Legal Reasoning Highlights
- CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026
- CLAT Syllabus 2026 for Legal Reasoning Key Areas
- CLAT Syllabus for Legal Reasoning Question Types
- Skills Tested in CLAT Legal Reasoning
- CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Previous Year’s Paper Analysis
6.1 CLAT Question Paper with Answer Key and Solution PDF
- CLAT Exam Pattern 2026
- CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions
- Best Books for CLAT Legal Reasoning
- How to Prepare for CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026?
- CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning: Dos & Don’ts
CLAT Syllabus for Legal Reasoning Highlights
The highlights of CLAT Legal Reasoning syllabus 2026 are as follows:
| Total Questions | 28-32 questions |
|---|---|
| Total Weightage | 25% |
| Total Marks | 28-32 (depending on questions) |
| No. of Passages | 4-6 passages |
| Passage length | Around 450 words, focusing on actual events with legal solutions |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for every correct answer-0.25 for every incorrect answer |
| Difficulty Level (as per previous year) | Easy to Moderate |
| Important topics | Law of Contracts, Personal Law, Constitution, Volenti Non-fit Injuria, Jurisdiction, legal maxims, etc. |
CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026
Below is the CLAT syllabus for aspirants to thoroughly understand several aspects of legal reasoning, case laws, constitutional law, torts, criminal law, contracts, legal terminology, international law, and other important topics:
| Topics | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview |
|
| Constitution of India |
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| Leading Case Laws & Supreme Court Judgments |
|
| Law of Torts |
|
| Contract / Civil Law |
|
| Important Legal Terms |
|
| Legal Maxims |
|
| Criminal Law |
|
| Legal GK |
|
| Important Treaties & Conventions |
|
| International Laws & IPR |
|
| Famous Indian Cases & Lawyers |
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| Famous Doctrines |
|
Also Check:
CLAT Syllabus 2026 for Legal Reasoning Key Areas
Some of the most important topics that you must understand in CLAT Legal Reasoning syllabus are:
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Contract Law | Agreements, Breach of Contract, Valid & Void Contracts |
| Criminal Law | Offenses, Mens Rea (Intent), Actus Reus (Action), Defenses in Criminal Law |
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Separation of Powers |
| Law of Torts | Negligence, Defamation, Strict & Absolute Liability |
CLAT Syllabus for Legal Reasoning Question Types
The CLAT 2026 exam’s Legal Reasoning section has questions about legal situations, general legal knowledge, and reasoning. The various types of questions that you might expect in legal reasoning syllabus for CLAT are:
- Assertion and Reasoning-based questions: Checks if you can identify correct assertions and reasons.
- Principle-based questions: Checks application of legal principles to given situations.
- Single Principle: Here, candidates get a single principle and 1 or more questions based on that principle.
- Multiple Principles: Here, 2 principles will be asked, meaning candidates must answer 1 or more questions based on those principles.
- Cluster Questions: These legal reasoning questions will be based on 4 to 5 principles.
- Fact-based questions: These will assess your ability to pick the correct fact from the given options.
- Legal GK questions: This will test students’ knowledge of current legal events and terms.
Skills Tested in CLAT Legal Reasoning
You will be tested on various skills in CLAT Legal Reasoning syllabus. The skills that you will be tested on are:
- Comprehension Skills: Understanding the given information, the context, and the underlying legal principles.
- Analytical Abilities: Analyzing the facts in light of the legal principles and making logical deductions.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating different arguments or viewpoints to reach a conclusion.
- Application of Legal Knowledge: Although prior legal knowledge isn’t a prerequisite, familiarity with basic legal concepts can be advantageous.
- Types of Legal Reasoning: Questions may involve various areas of law, such as criminal law, tort law, contract law, and more. The candidate’s ability to interpret and apply legal rules to specific situations is crucial.
CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Previous Year’s Paper Analysis
Candidates need to be prepared for the diversity in the CLAT Legal Aptitude section.
| Year | Legal Reasoning Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Moderate |
| 2023 | Moderate |
| 2022 | Hard |
| 2021 | Moderate |
| 2020 | Moderate |
| 2019 | Lengthy |
| 2018 | Moderate |
| 2017 | Moderate |
| 2016 | Easy |
CLAT Question Paper with Answer Key and Solution PDF
| CLAT Paper | Download PDF | Detailed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key Set A | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key Set B | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key Set C | Download | Check Solution |
| CLAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key Set D | Download | Check Solution |
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026
The CLAT question paper for UG admissions will have 120 passage-based multiple-choice questions worth 120 points in total. The candidates will have two hours to complete the paper.
| Sections | Nо. оf Questions | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions
Candidates can check here the Legal Reasoning questions as asked in CLAT past year papers:
Passage 1
Recently, a celebrated author published a novel that describes violence and sexuality. A few sections of society have hailed the book as an honest and courageous exploration of human nature, while others have criticized it as corrupting and obscene. The courts are determining whether or not the novel should be classified as obscene. The main tests applied by the courts to decide on obscenity are the “Hicklin Test” and the “Community Standards Test.”
Q1. In the “Hicklin Test,” which publication’s element is scrutinized for determining its obscenity?
A. The overall message and theme of the publication.
B. The intention of the author in writing the publication.
C. Isolated publication passages are taken out of context.
D. The readers’ reaction to the publication.
Answer: C.
Q2. In case the court applies the “Community Standards Test” to the novel, which of the below won’t be considered?
A. The community’s contemporary socio-moral attitude.
B. The novels’ perceived influence on the susceptible readers.
C. The prevalent norms of acceptability in the community.
D. The overall novel’s context.
Answer: B.
Q3. If the court determines that the novel is obscene, this can potentially infringe on the authors’ which fundamental right?
A. Right to Equality.
B. Right against Exploitation.
C. Right to Freedom of Religion.
D. Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression.
Answer: D.
Q4. If the novel includes a scenario depicting violence crucial to the story’s overall narrative and message, how will this scene be treated under the Hicklin Test?
A. It will be judged in the context of the overall novel.
B. It will be judged on the basis of its potential impact on susceptible readers.
C. It wouldn’t be considered obscene as it is necessary for the story.
D. It will be considered obscene regardless of its relevance to the story.
Answer: B.
Q5. If a significant number of people in the community don’t find the novel obscene, but a few group of individuals believe it negatively influences them. How can this situation be handled under the Community Standards Test?
A. The opinion of the majority will be considered.
B. The opinion of the negatively influenced people will be considered.
C. Both opinions would be considered equally.
D. Neither opinion would be considered.
Answer:A.
Best Books for CLAT Legal Reasoning
Some of the top books that you must follow while preparing for CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning syllabus are:
| Book Name | Author Name |
|---|---|
| Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning | Pearson |
| Important Judgement That Transformed India | Alex Andrews George |
| Guide To Clat & Ll.B. Entrance Examination 2020-21 | Universal Publishing |
| The Pearson Guide to the CLAT | Harsh Gagrani |
| Legаl Awareness and Legal Aptitude | АР Bhаrdwаj |
| CLAT Guide | Universal |
| The Hindu | Newspaper |
How to Prepare for CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026?
Many people, especially those with a science background and no prior exposure to law, find legal aptitude to be a novel subject. Although law is a broad subject, you do not need to be an expert to attempt most questions. It is, nevertheless, recommended that you have a basic understanding of the law and legal reasoning. Here are some things to remember while studying for the CLAT Legal Aptitude exam:
- Read Current Events: One of the most important things to do while studying for CLAT is to read. The time it takes to solve the problems will be dramatically reduced if you have good reading abilities. The complete paper will be made up of numerous portions, so it will have an equal impact on all sections.
- Solve Mock Tests, Sample Papers, and Question Papers: Make sure you complete numerous practice papers. This will be beneficial.
- Prepare Thoroughly for the Relevant Topics: Have a thorough understanding of tort law, contract law, the Indian Penal Code, and legal maxims. It is not necessary to memorise it; but, having a basic understanding of how the law operates is sufficient. Remember that the exam isn't about your legal knowledge; it's about your ability to apply it. In addition, any and all relevant information.
- Understand Technical Terms: Though prior knowledge of legal events is not expected, candidates should make an attempt to understand the technical words related to law as this will help in comprehension of the passage provided in question in comparatively less time.
- Time Management Tips: For questions that involve reasoning, each question should take no more than 45-55 seconds to complete, and legal knowledge questions should take no more than 10 seconds. This nitpicking is important in order to complete all of the questions; however, it can be time-consuming at times.
CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning: Dos & Don’ts
Here are some important dos & don’ts to remember while preparing for CLAT legal reasoning.
| Do’s | Dont’s |
|---|---|
| Read and understand, and then tackle the question. | Do not start with the hypothetical circumstance. |
| Keep an unbiased response/approach to the subject. | When addressing questions, avoid imposing personal opinions. |
| Choose an answer that has a direct relation to the passage | Do not assume or extend facts on your own |
| Keep your emotions at bay and think logically. |
*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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