Navigating through the intricacies of law entrance examinations in India can feel daunting, especially when deciding between CLAT UG (Undergraduate) and CLAT PG (Postgraduate). Both serve as gateways to some of the most prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) in the country, but they cater to different academic levels and career goals.
This article aims to break down the differences between CLAT UG and CLAT PG, focusing on their exam pattern, syllabus, and other critical aspects.
By the end, you’ll not only understand which exam aligns with your goals but also gain insights into how to approach your preparation effectively.
What is CLAT UG?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT UG) is a national-level law entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of NLUs for admission to 5-year integrated LLB (UG) programs offered by 26 NLUs.
CLAT UG evaluates a candidate’s comprehension, logical reasoning, legal aptitude, general knowledge, and English proficiency. The exam identifies candidates with the analytical and critical thinking skills needed for a successful career in law.
It serves as a standardized entry point for programs like LL.B., BA LLB, BBA LLB, and B.Com LLB, ensuring a fair, merit-based admission process to top law schools. Many private institutions also accept CLAT scores.
Applicants who score at least 45% in their class 12 exams are eligible; reserved category candidates receive a waiver. Students appearing for class 12 exams can also apply but must meet the 45% requirement upon results.
The exam, conducted offline, lasts 2 hours and consists of multiple-choice questions across 5 sections: English, Current Affairs (including General Knowledge), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Focusing on the subject-specific syllabus is key to scoring well and securing admission to a top NLU.
What is CLAT PG?
CLAT PG is a national law admission exam for students pursuing postgraduate legal studies. It focuses on comprehension skills and is accepted by several private and government law universities. The exam is conducted annually on a rotational basis by National Law Universities. It is also used by public corporations like BHEL and ONGC for recruitment.
The paper covers core subjects such as Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Jurisprudence, Law of Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Family Law, Public International Law, Environmental Law, Tax Law, and Labour and Industrial Law.
The exam is 120 minutes long and consists of 120 objective-type questions, each worth 1 mark, with a penalty of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers.
Candidates are given extracts from legal materials, including court decisions, statutes, or regulations, with questions designed to test their ability to:
- Understand and analyze the issues, arguments, and viewpoints in the passage.
- Recognize legal matters, facts, and the source of the passage (statute or judgment).
- Summarize key points.
- Apply relevant legal knowledge.
Key Differences Between CLAT UG and CLAT PG
To better understand the distinction between the two exams, let’s compare them side by side across critical features:
| Criteria | CLAT UG | CLAT PG |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates) | LL.B degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates) |
| Purpose | Admission to integrated five-year law courses (BA LL.B, BCom LL.B, etc.) | Admission to postgraduate LL.M programs |
| Structure | Five sections test general and legal aptitude | Three sections primarily focusing on core legal subjects. |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Number of Questions | 120 | 120 |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for incorrect ones | +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for incorrect ones |
Conducting Authority and Participation
Both exams are conducted once a year by the Consortium of NLUs. CLAT UG features a larger pool of applicants, with over 60,000 registrations vying for approximately 2,600 seats. On the other hand, CLAT PG candidates number around 10,000, competing for about 1,200 LL.M seats.
CLAT UG Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Understanding the CLAT UG structure is essential for prospective law students. The exam focuses on assessing aptitude, logical reasoning, comprehension skills, and basic mathematics. Here’s a breakdown:
Exam Pattern for CLAT UG
| Section | Number of Questions | Weightage |
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs (including GK) | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
- Question Type: Comprehension-based multiple-choice questions
- Focus Areas:
- English Language: Vocabulary, comprehension, sentence correction
- Logical Reasoning: Patterns, assumptions, cause-effect relationships
- Current Affairs & GK: International and national events, history, science
- Legal Reasoning: Legal maxims, case laws, basic constitutional laws
- Quantitative Techniques: Class 10 math concepts such as percentages and ratios
Pro Tip: Prioritize solving previous years’ question papers and taking regular mock tests to improve your accuracy and speed.
CLAT PG Exam Pattern and Syllabus
For law graduates looking to specialize, CLAT PG focuses on subjects covered during undergraduate studies. Unlike CLAT UG, this exam requires in-depth legal knowledge.
Exam Pattern for CLAT PG
CLAT PG includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on passages derived from case laws, statutes, and key judicial pronouncements.
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Section A – Constitutional Law | Federalism, judiciary, emergency provisions, freedoms |
| Section B – Core Law Subjects | Contracts, torts, criminal law, international law, jurisprudence |
| Section C – Contemporary Issues | Recent case laws, legal amendments, current topics |
Key areas of focus for CLAT PG include:
- Constitutional Law – Legislative power, state relationships, the role of the judiciary
- Jurisprudence – Legal theories from Hart, Kelsen, Austin, and others
- Law of Contracts and Torts – Principles, breach of contract, liabilities
- International Law – Treaties, immunity, extradition, global agreements
Pro Tip: Regularly study recent landmark judgments and their implications to score well in the continuously evolving legal topics section.
Fee Structure for CLAT UG and CLAT PG
The cost of law programs and CLAT fees also vary significantly between undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
| Exam Category | CLAT UG Fees (INR) | CLAT PG Fees (INR) |
| General/OBC/NRI/PwD | ₹4,000 | ₹4,000 |
| SC/ST/BPL | ₹3,500 | ₹3,500 |
Tuition fees at NLUs for LL.B programs generally range between ₹4-20 lakh for five years, while LL.M programs are priced at ₹1.5-2 lakh for a year.
Which Exam is Tougher?
While both exams demand rigorous preparation, CLAT PG is often considered more challenging due to its focus on advanced legal principles and the comparatively limited number of seats available. Additionally, PG aspirants face complex questions requiring a deeper understanding of case laws and legal doctrines.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Between CLAT UG and CLAT PG
Deciding between CLAT UG and CLAT PG depends on your academic qualifications and career aspirations. For school graduates looking to start their legal education, CLAT UG provides the foundation you need to build a strong career in law. On the other hand, CLAT PG is ideal for law graduates aiming to specialize or advance their roles in the legal field.
To accelerate your success, consider enrolling with Tarkashastra. Our CLAT preparation programs provide:
- Comprehensive study materials aligned with the latest syllabus
- Mock tests replicating actual exam conditions
- Personalized guidance from legal experts
Get the competitive edge you need to secure a seat at reputed NLUs. Enroll today with Tarkashastra and unlock your potential!
FAQs Answered
- What Is the Difference Between CLAT UG and CLAT PG?
CLAT UG is designed for students who have completed high school and are seeking admission to integrated undergraduate law programs (LL.B). CLAT PG, on the other hand, is tailored for law graduates who aspire to specialize through postgraduate programs (LL.M). The syllabus, focus, and competition level vary significantly between the two.
- What Is the Exam Pattern for CLAT UG?
CLAT UG features a comprehension-based multiple-choice question format divided into five sections – English Language, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs (including GK), Legal Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Each section focuses on specific skills like comprehension, reasoning, general knowledge, and essential mathematical ability.
- What Is the Exam Pattern for CLAT PG?
The CLAT PG exam comprises MCQs based on case laws, statutes, and judicial decisions. It tests candidates’ in-depth understanding of advanced legal principles across Constitutional Law, core law subjects, and contemporary issues.
- How Do the Sections Differ in CLAT UG and CLAT PG?
CLAT UG focuses on foundational topics such as language skills, logical reasoning, and basic law concepts. CLAT PG, however, emphasizes a deeper study of law subjects such as Constitutional Law, jurisprudence, and international law, in addition to requiring familiarity with recent case laws and amendments.
- What Is the Syllabus for CLAT UG?
The syllabus for CLAT UG includes topics from English Language (comprehension and vocabulary), Logical Reasoning (cause-effect, patterns), Current Affairs (national and international events), Legal Reasoning (case laws, basic constitutional laws), and Quantitative Techniques (elementary mathematics like percentages and ratios).
- What Is the Syllabus for CLAT PG?
CLAT PG covers advanced topics in Constitutional Law, Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Jurisprudence, International Law, and contemporary legal issues, alongside key judicial pronouncements and amendments.
- How Does the Difficulty Level Compare Between CLAT UG and CLAT PG?
CLAT PG is often considered more challenging due to the advanced legal knowledge it demands and the fewer seats available. The questions in CLAT PG require more excellent analytical skills and an understanding of complex case laws than the aptitude-based focus of CLAT UG.
- What Types of Questions Are Included in CLAT UG?
CLAT UG includes multiple-choice questions that are primarily comprehension-based. The questions test grammar, reading comprehension, reasoning skills, current events knowledge, legal principles, and basic math.
- What Types of Questions Are Included in CLAT PG?
CLAT PG features MCQs based on passages extracted from case laws, statutes, and key judgments. The format assesses the candidate’s ability to analyze legal texts and apply their deep understanding of legal doctrines and principles.
- How Does the Marking Scheme Differ Between CLAT UG and CLAT PG?
Both CLAT UG and CLAT PG generally follow a similar marking scheme, where correct answers are awarded one mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect response. However, it is essential to check the latest official guidelines for any changes.
