Top LAW Entrance Exams in India
Overview
A law degree opens doors to top law schools nationwide, but to gain admission to these prestigious institutions, students must prepare for entrance exams. Among these, CLAT is the most popular gateway to the National Law Universities (NLUs). The CLAT Exam, conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, is accepted by 24 NLUs across India. Every year, thousands of students compete for limited seats in top law schools like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata.
Other major exams include AILET, LSAT India, SLAT, and MHCET Law 3 Year and 5 Years. Due to intense competition, students are encouraged to take multiple exams to maximize their chances of admission. Most exams have a similar syllabus, allowing for simultaneous preparation.
This guide is customized to give you a thorough understanding of the top LAW entrance exams, their patterns, and the colleges accepting them, helping you strategically plan your path to a prestigious law school.
| Exams | Month | Total Questions | Sections | Sectional Questions | Sectional Time (Min) | Total Time | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT | December | 120 | English Language Current Affairs including General Knowledge Logical Reasoning Legal Reasoning Quantitative Techniques |
28-32 35-39 28-32 35-39 13-17 |
- | 120 mins | +1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| AILET | December | 150 | English Language Current Affairs & General Knowledge Logical Reasoning |
50 30 70 |
- | 120 mins | +1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| SLAT | December | 60 | Logical Reasoning Reading Comprehension Analytical Reasoning General Knowledge Legal Reasoning |
12 12 12 12 12 |
- | 60 mins | +1 for each correct answer No negative marking |
| NLAT | March | 150 | Verbal Reasoning Current Affairs including General Knowledge Legal Reasoning Logical Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning |
30 30 30 30 30 |
- | 120 mins | +1 for each correct answer No negative marking |
| MHCET LAW (3 yrs) | March | 150 | Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning General Knowledge & Current Affairs Logical & Analytical Reasoning English |
30 30 30 50 |
- | 120 mins | +1 for each correct answer No negative marking |
| MHCET LAW (5 yrs) | May | 150 | Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning General Knowledge & Current Affairs Logical & Analytical Reasoning Mathematical Aptitude English Language |
40 30 40 10 30 |
- | 120 mins | +1 for each correct answer No negative marking |
About the Top LAW Entrance Exams
1. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level law entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). It facilitates admission to 5-year integrated LLB (UG) and one-year LLM (PG) courses. The exam is held for admission to 24 NLUs for UG courses and 21 NLUs for PG courses. Based on CLAT scores, admissions are offered by NLUs. Besides NLUs in India 61 other private colleges accept CLAT scores. Some public organizations like ONGC and BHEL use CLAT-PG scores for recruitment.
2. All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)
The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is a prestigious national-level examination conducted annually by the National Law University, Delhi (NLUD). AILET is the gateway for aspiring students seeking admission into various law programs offered by NLUD, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as BA LLB (Hons.), LLM, and PhD programs. It is a highly competitive examination that plays a pivotal role in shaping the legal education and careers of law aspirants in India.
3. Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT)
The Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT) is a standardised entrance examination for admission to four Symbiosis Law Schools (SLS): SLS Pune, SLS Noida, SLS Hyderabad, and SLS Nagpur. Prospective students can apply for programs such as BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), BA LLB, and BBA LLB. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) organises the SLAT annually with the computer-based exam. Admission to the respective Symbiosis law schools is determined by a merit list, which considers the SLAT, PI, and WAT scores.
4. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS LAT or NLAT)
The NMIMS LAT or NLAT is an entrance exam by Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) for admission to its undergraduate law programs. As a leading institution for legal education in India, NMIMS offers candidates multiple chances to take the NMIMS LAT 2025 exam, with several slots available. Each candidate can attempt the exam up to three times—once initially and twice as retakes. The highest score is considered for admission, and the registration fee depends on the number of attempts.
5. Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHCET) LAW – 3 Years
The Maharashtra Law Common Entrance Test (MH CET LAW) is a state-level examination for admission to 16,000 3-year LLB seats conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. It is a gateway for students to secure admission in various law programs, including the 3-year LLB courses. CET Cell Maharashtra, or the State Common Entrance Test Cell, is an organisation created by the Government of Maharashtra to conduct and manage standard entrance tests (CETs) for admission to professional courses in the state.
6. Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHCET) LAW – 5 Years
The Maharashtra Law Common Entrance Test (MH CET LAW) is a state-level examination for admission to 10,000 5-year LLB seats conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. It is a gateway for students to secure admission in various law programs, including the 5-year LLB courses. It’s an online exam with multiple-choice questions to assess candidates’ knowledge effectively. Participants can take the exam in either Marathi or English. Lasting 120 minutes (2 hours), the exam consists of 150 questions, each worth one mark, for a total of 150 marks.
What are the most popular LAW entrance exams in India?
The most popular LAW entrance exams in India include the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), LSAT India, Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT), and the NMIMS LAT (NLAT), MHCET Law 3 Years and 5 Years.
Which LAW entrance exam is mandatory for admission to national law universities?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the mandatory entrance exam for admission to National Law Universities (NLUs) across India.
What are the eligibility criteria for attending India’s top LAW entrance exams?
Generally, candidates must have completed their higher secondary education (10+2) from a recognised board for undergraduate exams and possess a relevant undergraduate degree for postgraduate exams. Specific eligibility criteria may vary slightly between different exams.
Are there any LAW entrance exams that focus on specific regions in India?
While most law entrance exams are national in scope, some regional universities may have their own entrance tests, such as the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHCET Law), which is specific to law colleges in Maharashtra.
How many times can I attempt the top LAW entrance exams in India?
The CLAT is held annually and can be attempted multiple times over the years, with no age limit. In contrast, the NMIMS LAT offers three attempts each year (one initial attempt and two retakes). Like CLAT, NMIMS LAT also has no age restrictions and may be taken multiple times, year after year.
What is the syllabus for the top LAW entrance exams in India?
The syllabus includes English language, general knowledge, legal aptitude, logical reasoning, and mathematics. Most exams also focus on current affairs and analytical skills.
Do all LAW entrance exams in India follow a similar pattern?
While many entrance exams share similarities in subjects tested, each has a unique structure, including the number of questions, time allocated, and specific sections. Therefore, it’s essential to review the particular patterns of each exam.
What is the importance of the All India Rank (AIR) in LAW entrance exams?
The All India Rank (AIR) is crucial as it determines a candidate’s position among all test-takers. A higher AIR increases the chances of securing admission to preferred law colleges.
How can I register for the top LAW entrance exams in India?
Registration for most LAW entrance exams can be completed online through the official websites of the respective exam conducting bodies. Candidates must fill out their details, upload the required documents, and pay the registration fee.
Are there any special provisions for reserved categories in top LAW entrance exams?
Yes, many exams have provisions for reserved categories, including relaxation in eligibility criteria, reservation of seats, and sometimes additional attempts. The exact requirements differ between exams and should be checked in the official announcement.
Final Words
LAW entrance exams are stepping stones to a rewarding career in the legal business world. Each exam has its own structure and focus, and understanding these can help you align your preparation strategy effectively. Whether you are aiming for a spot in any prestigious institution, a well-prepared approach will enhance your chances of success.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our study materials and mock exams to elevate your preparation to the next level.
