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The CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026 has been released on the official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in and same as the previous year. The CLAT PG Exam will include 120 0bjective based questions, in a time duration of 2 hours.
- The CLAT PG 2026 Exam will be conducted in a pen-and-paper format in different centres, and each correct answer will carry 1 mark, and 0.25 marks will be deducted for incorrect answers.
- The CLAT PG Exam will include core law subjects like constitutional law, jurisprudence, criminal law and contract law.
- Most of the questions will be based on passages and will test the candidate’s ability to understand and apply the legal concepts.
The CLAT PG Exam pattern is based on the format of CLAT UG. The total number of questions is reduced from 150 to 120.
By CLAT PG, you can get admission into LLM Programs in the top National Law Universities
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Key Summary
In this Article, we have discussed about CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026, including the Subject-wise exam pattern, weightage, & Important Topics.
- The CLAT PG 2026 Exam Pattern has been officially released on the official website.
- The CLAT PG Exam will include 120 objective-based questions to be answered in 2 hours.
- Each correct answer will be of 1 mark, and each incorrect answer will deduct -0.25 marks.
- The CLAT PG Syllabus will include constitutional law, jurisprudence, criminal law and contract law.
What is the CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026?
The CLAT PG Exam Pattern will include the exam structure, marking scheme, and types of questions asked in the CLAT PG Exam.
- The Exam will be conducted by the NLUs for admission into LLM programs, which will be offered by 22 NLUs across India.
- It will test the candidates' understanding of legal subjects, analytical ability, and interpretation skills.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate (CLAT PG) |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), mostly passage-based |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| Language of Exam | English |
| Major Subjects Covered | Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Company Law, International Law |
| Purpose | Admission to LL.M. programs offered by 22 NLUs across India |
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CLAT PG EligibilityQues. Will CLAT be held twice in 2026?
Ans. The CLAT PG Exam has recently started a single-session exam for PG Admissions. The CLAT PG Exam 2026 for LLM will be conducted once a year.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
| Session | Single session for PG |
| Reason | Ensures uniform assessment and smooth counseling process |
| Note | Candidates should prepare for the single exam as there will be no second attempt in 2026 |
Ques. What will be the difficulty level of CLAT PG 2026?
Ans. As per the previous year analysis, the CLAT PG Exam will be of moderate to high difficulty level.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High |
| Focus Areas | Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Core Legal Subjects |
| Question Type | Passage-based MCQs, scenario analysis |
| Scoring Strategy | Accuracy is key due to negative marking (-0.25 per wrong answer) |
| Tip for Candidates | Practice previous years’ papers and focus on high-weightage topics to manage time and accuracy |
Ques. Who is eligible for CLAT PG 2026?
Ans. As per the CLAT PG Eligibility, candidates should have an LLB Qualification and meet the minimum academic standards for pursuing LLM Programs at NLUs.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | LL.B or equivalent degree from a recognized university |
| Minimum Marks | Typically 50% for General/OBC, 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates |
| Age Limit | No age restriction |
| Foreign Nationals | Eligible through separate admission criteria |
| Other Requirements | Candidates must meet university-specific requirements if any |
CLAT PG Exam Pattern: Subject-Wise
The CLAT PG Exam will test the candidates on in-depth knowledge of law by 120 MCQs in a time duration of 2 hours. The Questions will be based on the passage, will test comprehension, interpretation and legal principles.
Check the CLAT PG Subject-wise exam pattern:
Source: https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2026/
CLAT PG Constitutional Law Exam Pattern
- In CLAT PG, the constitutional law carries high weightage and is among the largest sections.
- The Questions in CLAT PG will require the application of constitutional provisions to scenarios.
- By practising the Previous year's MCQs, candidates can improve speed and accuracy.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Questions | 30–35 |
| Marks | 30–35 |
| Question Type | Passage-based MCQs, scenario analysis, legal interpretation |
| Topics | Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Judicial Review, Constitutional Amendments, Important Supreme Court Cases |
CLAT PG Jurisprudence Exam Pattern
- In CLAT PG, Jurisprudence carries moderate weightage, which is crucial for understanding philosophy.
- In the Jurisprudence section, questions will require conceptual clarity along with rote learning.
- The Focus should be on theories and thinkers like Hart, Kelsen, and Austin.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Questions | 20–25 |
| Marks | 20–25 |
| Question Type | Conceptual MCQs, theoretical principles, scenario-based reasoning |
| Topics | Schools of Jurisprudence, Legal Theories, Sources of Law, Nature of Rights and Duties, Justice Concepts |
CLAT PG Contract Law Exam Pattern
- In Contract law, the focus is on the essentials of a valid contract and case study laws.
- It is often tested in a practical scenario.
- It is important for the quick scoring that the conceptual clarity is strong.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Questions | 10–12 |
| Marks | 10–12 |
| Question Type | Principle-based MCQs, passage analysis |
| Topics | Offer & Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity, Performance, Breach & Remedies |
CLAT PG Criminal Law Exam Pattern
- In Criminal law, the questions are based on passages, which will test the practical understanding of the IPC Sections.
- It will focus on definitions, punishments and exceptions. It is useful for time management
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Questions | 10–12 |
| Marks | 10–12 |
| Question Type | Scenario-based MCQs, sections of IPC, and Case interpretation |
| Topics | General Principles, Offences against Person/Property, Criminal Procedure Code, Important Judgments |
CLAT PG Torts & Property Law Exam Pattern
- In CLAT PG, Questions are more scoring and include fact-based scenarios along with legal principles.
- Candidates should practice diagram and case-study-based MCQs for better speed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Questions | 8–10 |
| Marks | 8–10 |
| Question Type | Principle-based MCQs, factual scenario application |
| Topics | Negligence, Nuisance, Defamation, Transfer of Property, Easements, Land Rights |
CLAT PG Administrative Law Exam Pattern
- In the Administrative Law, the questions will test the applications of the principles to government scenarios.
- The Major focus is on key sections, landmark cases and administrative practices; it is easy to score with a clear understanding of concepts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Questions | 8–10 |
| Marks | 8–10 |
| Question Type | Passage-based application of administrative principles |
| Topics | Delegated Legislation, Rule of Law, Judicial Review, Tribunals, Public Authorities |
CLAT PG Company & Corporate Law Exam Pattern
- The Company & corporate law carries low weightage, but is important as it is a scoring section if your concepts are clear.
- The Main focus should be on definitions, duties and liability principles.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Questions | 6–8 |
| Marks | 6–8 |
| Question Type | MCQs on statutes, scenario-based questions |
| Topics | Companies Act, Contracts in the Corporate Sector, Duties of Directors, Corporate Governance |
CLAT PG International & Environmental Law Exam Pattern
- In International & Environmental law, the questions are based on current affairs, so staying updates will help the candidates.
- The International & Environmental Law is of low to moderate weightage, but with high accuracy, the total score can be boosted.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Questions | 6–8 |
| Marks | 6–8 |
| Question Type | Passage-based MCQs, treaties, principles of IPR & environment |
| Focus Areas | Public International Law, Treaties, Environmental Regulations, Sustainable Development, IPR Basics |
Ques. Is CLAT PG Subjective?
Ans. The CLAT PG includes both objective and subjective-based questions. From 2021, the subject-based questions have been removed. So, the CLAT PG 2026 will be entirely objective based including 120 MCQs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs only) |
| Subjective/Descriptive Section | Removed (no essays since 2021) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect |
| Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
Ques. What Subjects are Covered in CLAT LLM?
Ans. The CLAT PG LLM Exam will test the candidates on substantive and procedural law. The Subjects are based on the curriculum of LLB, which focuses on comprehension, legal reasoning, and core principles of law.
| Subject | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental Rights, Amendments, Judicial Review |
| Jurisprudence | Legal Theories, Justice Concepts, Rights & Duties |
| Contract Law | Offer, Acceptance, Breach, Remedies |
| Criminal Law | IPC Sections, General Defenses, Case Laws |
| Torts & Property Law | Negligence, Nuisance, Ownership, Transfer of Property |
| Administrative Law | Rule of Law, Delegated Legislation, Judicial Review |
| Company Law | Incorporation, Corporate Governance, Directors’ Duties |
| International Law | Treaties, Customary Law, IPR, Environmental Law |
Ques. Is CLAT PG and LLM the Same?
Ans. The CLAT PG is an entrance exam, whereas the LLM is a postgraduate Law Degree that candidates will pursue after qualifying for the CLAT PG Examination.
The CLAT PG is an exam, whereas LLM is the course.
| Aspect | CLAT PG | LL.M |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Entrance exam for postgraduate law admissions | Master of Laws degree program |
| Purpose | Conducted for admission to LL.M. programs in NLUs | Advanced academic and professional legal qualification |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities | Individual NLUs or universities |
| Duration | 2-hour entrance test | 1–2 years academic program |
| Eligibility | LL.B or equivalent | CLAT PG qualification |
Ques. How Many Seats are in CLAT PG?
Ans. The CLAT PG Exam will offer admission into LLM Programs in 22 NLUs in India. The Total number of seats differs every year.
The Approximate number of seats available in CLAT PG is:
| Category | Approx. Seats |
|---|---|
| General (All India) | 450–500 |
| OBC / EWS | 150–180 |
| SC / ST | 120–150 |
| PwD / SAP | 20–30 |
| Foreign Nationals / NRI | 20–25 |
| Total (Approx.) | 850–900 |
CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026:Topic-Wise Weightage
The CLAT PG Exam will test the candidates on their knowledge and core law topics and applications.
The CLAT PG Exam will include 120 Objective-type questions, which should be answered in 120 minutes, where +1 marks will be given for each correct answer and -0.25 marks will be deducted for incorrect answers.
CLAT PG 2026 Topic-Wise Weightage
- The Constitutional law and jurisprudence are high-priority topics that together include 50% of the total marks.
- The Contract, criminal, Torts and Administrative law will carry around 36 to 44 marks.
- The Company, International and Environmental Law will carry 18 to 24 marks.
| Topic | Approx. Questions | Marks | Weightage (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 30–35 | 30–35 | 25–30% | High-weightage, scenario-based, focus on landmark cases & amendments |
| Jurisprudence | 20–25 | 20–25 | 17–20% | Conceptual clarity required; focus on legal theories & thinkers |
| Contract Law | 10–12 | 10–12 | 8–10% | Application-based; focus on essentials of a valid contract |
| Criminal Law | 10–12 | 10–12 | 8–10% | Passage-based; focus on IPC sections & case applications |
| Torts & Property Law | 8–10 | 8–10 | 6–8% | Questions combine facts and principles; diagrams may appear |
| Administrative Law | 8–10 | 8–10 | 6–8% | Application-based; focus on key administrative principles & cases |
| Company & Corporate Law | 6–8 | 6–8 | 5–7% | Lower weightage; focus on statutory provisions & duties of directors |
| International & Environmental Law | 6–8 | 6–8 | 5–7% | Often, current affairs are linked; focus on treaties, IPR & environmental laws |
Ques. Which Subject Has More Weightage in CLAT PG?
Ans. In CLAT PG, Constitutional law and jurisprudence will carry the highest weightage, and will together carry 50% of the total questions.
These subjects will form the foundation of passage-based questions and should be the top priority of candidates in their preparation.
| Subject | Approx. Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 30–35 | 25–30% |
| Jurisprudence | 20–25 | 17–20% |
| Contract Law | 10–12 | 8–10% |
| Criminal Law | 10–12 | 8–10% |
| Administrative Law | 8–10 | 6–8% |
| Torts & Property Law | 8–10 | 6–8% |
| Company & International Law | 6–8 | 5–7% |
Ques. Is 4000 a Good Rank in CLAT PG?
Ans. A Rank of 4000 in CLAT PG is considered below the cutoff for the top NLUs. The Candidates can still get admission in the low-ranked NLUs or private institutes that participate in the CLAT Counselling process.
| Rank Range | Admission Chances | Possible Institutes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–500 | Excellent | Top NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS, NLUJ) |
| 500–1500 | Good | Mid-ranked NLUs (CNLU, RGNUL, NUALS) |
| 1500–3000 | Moderate | Lower NLUs, few private law schools |
| 3000–5000 | Low | Private or state-affiliated law colleges |
| 4000 Rank | Limited | May get lower NLU or private college admission |
Ques. Is 50 a Good Score in CLAT PG?
Ans. With a score of 50 from the total of 120 marks, candidates will get around the 41 to 42 percentile, which is below the cutoff for the Top NLUs.
Candidates who have reservation categories can qualify for certain NLUs.
| Score Range (out of 120) | Percentile Range | Admission Possibility |
|---|---|---|
| 90+ | 95–100 | Top NLUs |
| 70–85 | 80–90 | Mid-tier NLUs |
| 55–65 | 60–75 | Lower NLUs / Private colleges |
| 50 | ~40–45 | Below NLU cutoff; private colleges possible |
Ques. Is 3 Months Enough for CLAT PG?
Ans. Yes, 3 months are enough for the preparation of CLAT PG, if the preparation is done in a strategic way, by focusing on high-weightage topics, mock tests and previous year papers.
Candidates should study 4-5 hours daily, with a proper study plan.
| Preparation Timeline | Strategy | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | Revise core laws (Constitution, Jurisprudence) | NCERTs, bare acts, key judgments |
| Month 2 | Practice passage-based MCQs | Mock tests, analysis, revision |
| Month 3 | Final revision & timed tests | Focus on weak areas & speed building |
| Recommended Study Time | 4–5 hours/day | Consistency & accuracy are key |
CLAT PG Important Topics
The CLAT PG Exam will test the candidates’ in-depth understanding of law and legal reasoning.
- The CLAT PG Exam will include multiple subjects, will cover some topics frequently and will carry high weightage.
- By focusing on these topics, candidates can prioritise their preparation and increase their scoring potential.
CLAT PG 2026 Important Topics
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Judicial Review, Constitutional Amendments, Landmark Supreme Court Judgments |
| Jurisprudence | Schools of Jurisprudence, Legal Theories, Sources of Law, Justice Concepts, Rights & Duties |
| Contract Law | Offer & Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity to Contract, Performance, Breach & Remedies |
| Criminal Law | General Principles, Offences against Person & Property, Criminal Procedure Code, Key IPC Sections, Important Judgments |
| Torts & Property Law | Negligence, Nuisance, Defamation, Transfer of Property, Easements, Land Rights |
| Administrative Law | Delegated Legislation, Rule of Law, Judicial Review, Tribunals, Public Authorities |
| Company & Corporate Law | Companies Act, Corporate Governance, Duties & Liabilities of Directors, Corporate Contracts |
| International & Environmental Law | Public International Law, Treaties & Conventions, Environmental Regulations, Sustainable Development, Intellectual Property Rights |
Also Read
CLAT PG Mock TestCLAT PG Previous Year Question Paper
| CLAT PG Year-Wise Question Paper Download | |
|---|---|
| CLAT PG 2024 Question Paper | CLAT PG 2023 Question Paper |
| CLAT PG 2022 Question Paper | CLAT PG 2021 Question Paper |
| CLAT PG 2020 Question Paper | CLAT PG 2019 Question Paper |
Also Read
CLAT PG Previous Year Question PaperFAQs for CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026
Ques. What is the Format of CLAT PG 2026?
Ans. The CLAT PG 2026 Exam will follow an objective-based format with 120 MCQs to be answered in 2 hours. The CLAT PG Exam will test the candidates' conceptual and analytical skills.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Question Type | Objective MCQs (Passage-Based) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Subjects Covered | Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Contract, Criminal, Administrative, Torts, Company & International Law |
Ques. In Which Month is the CLAT Exam Conducted in 2026?
Ans. The CLAT PG 2026 Exam will be held in December 2025, as per the exam pattern of the previous year.
| Exam Year | CLAT Exam Month | Tentative Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT 2024 | December 2023 | 3rd December 2023 |
| CLAT 2025 | December 2024 | 1st December 2024 |
| CLAT 2026 | December 2025 | Expected: 7th December 2025 |
Ques. What is the Expected Cutoff for CLAT 2026?
Ans. The CLAT PG 2026 expected cutoff will differ across NLUs and different categories. As per the previous year's information, a score of 70 to 85 marks out of 120 is considered a competitive score for top NLUs.
| Category | Expected Cutoff (Marks) | Expected Rank Range | Top NLU Admission Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (Open) | 70–85 | 1–1000 | High (Top NLUs) |
| OBC / EWS | 60–70 | 1000–2000 | Moderate |
| SC / ST | 45–55 | 2000–4000 | Limited to Lower NLUs |
| PwD | 40–50 | 4000+ | Low to Moderate |
| Overall Average Cutoff | ~65–75 Marks | — | — |
Ques. Which Year Was CLAT Toughest?
Ans. The CLAT 2022 and 2020 are considered most toughest exams of CLAT, because of lengthy passages and analytical questions in both UG and PG Exams.
The Difficulty Level of the CLAT Exam Analysis:
- CLAT 2020: A New pattern was introduced along with the longer passages.
- CLAT 2022: High comprehension difficulty level and tricky questions.
- CLAT 2023: Moderate and balanced question paper.
- CLAT 2024: Moderate to slightly difficult, in which conceptual clarity will be tested.
- CLAT 2025: Moderate difficulty level with focus on passage-based reasoning.
Ques. How Many Seats Are in CLAT PG?
Ans. The CLAT PG Exam 2026 will offer around 850 to 900 seats for LLM Programs in 22 NLUs. The Seat Allocation will vary according to the category and institute.
| Category | Approx. Seats (LL.M) |
|---|---|
| General / Open | 450–500 |
| OBC / EWS | 150–180 |
| SC / ST | 120–150 |
| PwD / SAP | 20–30 |
| Foreign / NRI | 20–25 |
| Total Seats | 850–900 |
*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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