The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)

TABLE OF CONTENT

1.    OVERVIEW

2.    ABOUT EXAM

3.    MODE OF SELECTION

4.    ELIGIBITY

5.    HOW TO FILL EXAM FORM

6.    SELECTION PROCESS

7.    SYLLABUS

8.    PREPARATION STRATEGY

OVERVIEW-

About Exam-

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most prestigious entrance exams in India, serving as the gateway to admission in top National Law Universities (NLUs) for their undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. With intense competition and a challenging syllabus, cracking the CLAT requires meticulous planning, focused preparation, and strategic thinking. In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects of the CLAT exam, along with effective tips and strategies to help you succeed. The CLAT exam is a computer-based test that assesses a candidate's aptitude in areas such as English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Reasoning. The exam aims to evaluate a candidate's critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and general awareness. For more Information read full article by examrewards.com

MODE OF SELECTION:-

CLAT Examination: The first and foremost step is to appear for the CLAT examination. The CLAT exam is a computer-based test that assesses candidates' aptitude in various areas such as English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Reasoning.

Merit List: After the CLAT exam, each participating National Law University (NLU) prepares a merit list based on the scores obtained by candidates in the CLAT exam. This merit list is used to shortlist candidates for the next stages of the selection process.

Counselling and Seat Allotment: Shortlisted candidates are then called for counselling, which is usually conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities. During counselling, candidates get the opportunity to choose their preferred NLUs and law programs in order of preference. The seats are allotted based on the candidate's CLAT score and their preference list.

Document Verification: Once seats are allotted, candidates are required to undergo document verification to confirm their eligibility and identity. This involves submitting necessary documents and certificates as proof of educational qualifications, age, category (if applicable), and other relevant details.

Admission Fees: Candidates who successfully complete the document verification process need to pay the admission fees within the stipulated time frame to secure their admission to the chosen NLU.

ELIGIBILITY

For Undergraduate (UG) Programs:

·       Educational Qualification: Candidates should have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.

·       Minimum Marks: Generally, candidates need to secure a minimum percentage of marks in their 10+2 examination. The minimum marks required may vary from one NLU to another, but it's usually around 45% to 50% for General/OBC categories and 40% to 45% for SC/ST categories.

·       Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CLAT exam for undergraduate programs.

For Postgraduate (PG) Programs:

·       Educational Qualification: Candidates should have an LL.B. degree or an equivalent degree in law from a recognized university.

·       Minimum Marks: Typically, candidates need to secure a minimum percentage of marks in their LL.B. or equivalent degree. The minimum marks required may vary, but it's generally around 50% for General/OBC categories and 45% for SC/ST categories.

·       Age Limit: There is no specific age limit for appearing in the CLAT exam for postgraduate programs.

HOW TO FILL EXAM FORM

·       Visit the official website of the CLAT exam or the respective exam conducting body.

·       Look for the "Registration" or "Apply Online" link. Click on it to begin the registration process.

·       Fill in the required details, such as your name, date of birth, contact information, email address, etc.

·       Create a login ID and password for future access to your application.

·       Submit the registration form. You might receive an email or SMS confirmation with your registration details.

Step 2: Filling the Application Form:

·       Log in using the credentials you created during registration.

·       Access the application form. Carefully read all the instructions provided before proceeding.

·       Provide personal details such as your name, gender, category, nationality, etc.

·       Fill in your educational details, including academic qualifications and exam scores.

·       Choose your preferred NLUs and law programs in the order of your preference. This is important for the counseling and seat allotment process.

·       Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and any other documents as specified in the instructions.

·       Review the filled-in application form and make sure all the information is accurate.

·       Submit the application form.

Step 3: Application Fee Payment:

·       After submitting the application form, you will be directed to the payment section.

·       Choose the payment method (usually online modes like credit/debit card, net banking, etc.).

·       Pay the application fee as specified in the notification. Application fees might vary for different categories (General, SC/ST, PwD, etc.).

·       After successful payment, you will receive a payment confirmation.

Step 4: Print Application Form:

·       Once your application is submitted and the payment is confirmed, you'll usually have the option to download or print your application form.

·       Keep a copy of the application form, payment receipt, and any other relevant documents for future reference.

Step 5: Admit Card:

After the application process is complete, the exam conducting body will release admit cards. These contain information about your exam date, time, center, and other important instructions.

Download and print your admit card and carry it with you on the exam day.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The selection process for the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) typically involves the following steps:

CLAT Examination: The initial step is to appear for the CLAT exam. This exam assesses your aptitude in various areas such as English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Reasoning. Your performance in this exam determines your eligibility for further stages of the selection process.

Merit List: After the CLAT exam, each participating National Law University (NLU) prepares a merit list based on the scores obtained by candidates. This merit list is the basis for shortlisting candidates for subsequent rounds.

Counseling Registration: Shortlisted candidates are required to register for counseling. The registration process involves selecting NLUs and law programs in order of preference. Make sure to fill in your preferences carefully, as they play a crucial role in the seat allotment process.

Counseling and Seat Allotment: Based on your CLAT score and the preferences you've provided during registration, you will be called for counseling. The counseling process involves the allocation of seats in NLUs according to merit and preference. If you're called for counseling at an NLU of your choice and a seat is available, you will be offered admission.

Document Verification: Once a seat is allotted, candidates are required to undergo document verification. You'll need to provide original documents and certificates as proof of your educational qualifications, age, category (if applicable), and other relevant details. Make sure to carry both originals and photocopies of these documents.

Payment of Admission Fees: After document verification, candidates need to pay the admission fees within the stipulated time to confirm their seat. This step is crucial to secure your admission.

Reporting to the Allotted NLU: After payment, you'll need to physically report to the allotted NLU on the specified date. This is to complete any remaining formalities and to start your academic journey.

Undergraduate (UG) Syllabus:

The CLAT UG exam typically covers the following areas:

English Language:

·       Reading comprehension

·       Vocabulary

·       Grammar and sentence correction

·       Idioms and phrases

·       Synonyms and antonyms

·       Cloze tests

·       General Knowledge and Current Affairs:

·       Current events (national and international)

·       Static general knowledge (history, geography, economics, etc.)

·       Legal knowledge including landmark judgments and legal concepts

·       Political and social developments

Elementary Mathematics:

·       Arithmetic (percentage, profit and loss, time and work, etc.)

·       Algebra (basic algebraic identities, linear equations, etc.)

·       Mensuration

·       Geometry

·       Data interpretation

Logical Reasoning:

·       Analogy

·       Logical sequences

·       Coding and decoding

·       Blood relations

·       Syllogism

·       Critical reasoning

·       Legal Reasoning:

·       Legal principles and rules

·       Case-based legal reasoning

·       Constitutional law

·       Contracts and torts

·       Criminal law

Postgraduate (PG) Syllabus:

The CLAT PG exam focuses on testing candidates' understanding of law at a more advanced level.

The syllabus includes:

Constitutional Law:

·       Fundamental rights and directive principles

·       Separation of powers

·       Constitutional amendments

·       Judicial review

·       Emergency provisions

Jurisprudence:

·       Schools of jurisprudence

·       Legal theories and concepts

·       Positivism, natural law, etc.

Other Law Subjects:

·       Contracts and torts

·       Criminal law

·       International law and organizations

·       Intellectual property rights

·       Environmental law

Legal Research:

·       Research methodology

·       Citation formats

 Preparation Strategy

·       Know the Syllabus: Understand the syllabus thoroughly and create a study plan. This will help you allocate sufficient time to each subject and ensure comprehensive coverage.

·       Time Management: Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice solving questions under time constraints to improve your speed and accuracy.

·       Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the actual exam environment. This will help you get accustomed to the interface, manage time better, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

·       Subject-wise Approach: Divide your preparation time equally among all subjects. Dedicate more time to subjects that you find challenging while maintaining the ones you're strong in.

2. English Language:

·       Reading Comprehension: Practice reading diverse topics and summarizing them. This will enhance your reading speed, comprehension, and ability to extract key information.

·       Vocabulary: Build your vocabulary through daily reading and learning new words. This will aid in solving cloze tests, sentence correction, and vocabulary-based questions.

3. General Knowledge and Current Affairs:

·       Stay Updated: Read newspapers, magazines, and online platforms to stay updated with current events, both national and international. Focus on legal and constitutional developments too.

·       Static GK: Alongside current affairs, study static General Knowledge topics like history, geography, economics, etc. Remember to focus on legal aspects as well.

4. Mathematics:

·       Basics First: Start with the basics of mathematics, especially topics related to arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation.

·       Practice Regularly: Practice mathematical problems of varying difficulty levels. Use shortcuts and tricks to solve problems quickly.

5. Logical and Legal Reasoning:

·       Practice Puzzles: Engage in solving puzzles and logical reasoning problems to enhance your analytical skills.

·       Legal Reasoning: Understand legal principles, concepts, and precedents. Regularly solve legal reasoning questions to familiarize yourself with this section.

6. Exam Day Tips:

·       Stay Calm: Maintain a calm and positive mindset on the day of the exam. Avoid last-minute cramming.

·       Time Allocation: Allocate time wisely to each section. Don't get stuck on a single question; move on and return to it later if needed.