Introduction

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a crucial entrance exam for law aspirants in India. It is an all-India level examination that provides admission to National Law Universities (NLUs) and other top law colleges in the country. With tough competition and a challenging syllabus, it is essential for students to be well-prepared for the CLAT exam.

CLAT 2023 was held on December 18, 2022, and the results of the same are out. As per the latest notification of the Consortium of National Law Universities, dated October 31, 2022, “The CLAT 2024 will be held in December 2023 for admissions to the 5-year integrated BA LL.B (Hons.) And LL.M. programmes that commence in the Academic Year 2024-2025 at the 22 participating NLUs.”

It is vital to have a clear understanding of the CLAT exam pattern and syllabus in order to secure a good rank in the final examination. Familiarising yourself with the types of questions asked, the marking scheme, and the total number of questions will prove beneficial. This article will cover various important aspects of preparation, including the exam pattern, syllabus, examination schedule, and valuable references. Whether you are a law aspirant or just considering law as an option, this article will provide you with the essential information that would aid your preparation for the CLAT 2024 exam.

Eligibility for CLAT 2024

The consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will have the final say on the CLAT 2024 qualifying requirements. As of now, there is no age restriction for taking the CLAT exam, nor is there a maximum number of attempts. To be eligible to take the CLAT, candidates must fulfil the following requirements:

UG-CLAT:

• Applicants must have earned at least 45% in their Class 12 or equivalent examination (40% for SC and ST categories).
• Candidates sitting for their Class 12 or an equivalent examination are also eligible for CLAT 2024.

PG-CLAT:

• Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in law (3-year LLB or 5-year LLB) with a minimum of 50 % overall (45 % for SC and ST candidates).
• Candidates who took the CLAT 2023 test may also take the CLAT 2024 exam to be eligible for new admissions for the Academic Session 2023-24.

It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying for the CLAT 2024 exam to ensure you remain updated on any additions or changes in the qualifying criteria.

CLAT 2024 Application Process

The application process for the https://www.lloydlawcollege.edu.in/blog/clat-exam.html is straightforward and can be completed online. Ensure that you have all the necessary information and documents ready before starting the application process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the CLAT exam in 2024:

• Register Online: The first step in the application process is to register online by providing basic personal and educational details.
• Complete the Online Form: After successful registration, you will be required to fill up the application form with all the necessary information, such as personal details, academic details, and contact information.
• Uploading of Documents: The next step is to upload the required documents, such as a recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and other relevant documents.
• Test Centres Selection: You will then have to select the test centre of your choice from the list of available options.

To apply for the CLAT exam, candidates will need to visit the website consortiumofnlus.ac.in and follow the steps outlined in the application process.

CLAT 2024 Application Fee

The last step in the process of completing the application procedure for CLAT 2024 would be to make the fee payment and submit the form. The application fee for the CLAT exam is as follows:

• General, OBC, and PwD Categories: INR 4,000
• SC and ST Categories: INR 3,500

CLAT 2024 Exam Pattern

Candidates for CLAT 2024 should be well-versed in the format of the exam in order to anticipate the structure of the test and prepare accordingly. Candidates can learn about the format of the test, the number of questions they can expect, how they will be scored, how long the test will last, and any other relevant information by reviewing the exam pattern.

• The CLAT 2024 exam will last for 2 hours (120 minutes).
• It will be conducted in a paper-and-pencil format/ offline mode.
• UG-CLAT will consist of 150 multiple-choice (MCQ) questions.
• PG-CLAT will include 120 MCQ questions.
• Each correct answer will be worth 1 mark.
• Each wrong choice will result in a negative marking of 0.25 (1/4) marks.

Syllabus CLAT 2024

Applicants must become familiar with the course material and prepare appropriately. Additionally, they should take practice exams and review question papers from earlier years to familiarise themselves with the exam format. The questions in the exam will test the candidate’s understanding of legal concepts and their ability to think logically and apply legal concepts to real-life situations.

UG-CLAT

The syllabus for CLAT 2024 will include the following subjects:

• English (Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension): This section will test the aspirant’s understanding of the English language, vocabulary and grammar.
• General Knowledge and Current Affairs: This section will test knowledge of current events, national and international news, and general knowledge.
• Fundamental Mathematics: This section will test basic mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra and geometry.
• Legal Aptitude: This section will test the candidate’s understanding of legal concepts and the ability to apply those to given situations.
• Logical Reasoning: This section will test the candidate’s ability to think logically and analyse and draw conclusions from given information.
• Legal Awareness: This section will test the candidate’s knowledge of the Indian Constitution, Indian Penal Code, Contract Act and other important laws.

Here is a table that summarises the topics covered in the UG-CLAT 2024 exam:

Sections	Topics
English (Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension)	Understanding of the English language, vocabulary, and grammar. Comprehension-based questions are very decisive.
General Knowledge and Current Affairs	Knowledge of current events, national and international news, and general knowledge
Fundamental Mathematics	Basic mathematical skills, including: Ratio Proportion Data Interpretation Arithmetic Algebra Geometry
Legal Aptitude	Understanding of legal concepts and the ability to apply those to given situations, including legal reasoning and interpretation of laws
Logical Reasoning	Ability to think logically, analyse, and draw conclusions from given information. It will also include questions based on the following: Implicit Assumptions Strengthening Arguments Weakening Arguments Seating Arrangements Coding Decoding Blood Relations
Legal Awareness	Knowledge of the Indian Constitution, Indian Penal Code, Contract Act, and other important laws, especially the ones in the news

Based on the CLAT 2023 question paper, the weightage for subjects lies in the following range:

Subjects	Number of Questions	Marks	Weightage
English Language	28-32	28-32	20%
Current Affairs & General Knowledge	35-39	35-39	25%
Quantitative Aptitude	13-17	13-17	10%
Legal Reasoning	28-32	28-32	20%
Logical Reasoning	28-32	28-32	25%
Total	150	150

PG-CLAT:

The PG-CLAT syllabus for 2024 covers subjects known to law graduates, such as:

• Constitutional Law
• Jurisprudence
• Administrative Law
• Law of Contract
• Torts
• Family Law
• Criminal Law
• Property Law
• Company Law
• Logical Reasoning
• Public International Law
• Tax Law
• Quantitative Techniques
• Environmental Law
• Labour and Industrial Law

The syllabus also includes current affairs and general knowledge, which are tested through passage-type questions.

The question paper for CLAT-LLM 2023 can be accessed here.

CLAT 2024 Exam Preparation Planning

To prepare for CLAT 2024, it is recommended to follow a one-year study schedule. This schedule will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the necessary topics. You can consider dividing your preparation as per the following schedule:

First Quarter (Jan-Mar)

• Start by familiarising yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern.
• Begin studying English Language and work on improving your reading and comprehension skills.
• Read newspapers and magazines to keep yourself updated on current affairs. It can be beneficial to refer to YouTube channels for solving Math-related queries and reading The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and PRS for comprehensive information about current affairs for GK preparation.

Second Quarter (Apr-Jun)

• Continue to work on your English Language skills.
• Start preparing for Logical Reasoning and Legal Aptitude by practising sample questions and previous year’s papers.
• Focus on General Knowledge and Current Affairs by reading books and watching news and documentaries.

Third Quarter (Jul-Sep)

• Intensify your preparation for Logical Reasoning and Legal Aptitude.
• Dedicate time for revision and practice tests to track your progress and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Start preparing for Legal Reasoning by studying cases, legal provisions and laws.

Fourth Quarter (Oct-Dec)

• Revise all the topics thoroughly.
• Take full-length mock tests to simulate the actual exam conditions and get an idea of your preparation level.
• Keep yourself updated with the latest current affairs and continue to practice English Language, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude and Legal Reasoning.

Since 20-25% of the examination comprises English Language and Comprehension, you must regularly work to improve your overall language skills. Here are some tips for enhancing vocabulary and reading comprehension for CLAT:

• Read Widely: Read books, newspapers, magazines, etc., to increase your vocabulary and improve your reading comprehension.
• Use a Thesaurus: Look up words you do not know and add them to your vocabulary list.
• Practice Word Games and Puzzles: These can help increase your vocabulary and improve your ability to think critically.
• Study Word Roots and Prefixes: Understanding the roots and prefixes of words can help you figure out their meaning and increase your vocabulary.
• Make Flashcards: Make flashcards with the words you want to learn and review them regularly.
• Practice Reading Passages: Practice reading long passages and answering questions about them to improve your reading comprehension.
• Read Critically: Try to understand the main idea, the author’s purpose, and the supporting arguments in what you read.
• Make Connections: Try to connect what you are reading to what you already know to help you better understand and remember the material.

Remember to take care of your emotional and physical health while you travel along the road to readiness. It is important to take breaks from studying at regular intervals and strike a balance between studying and other activities to prevent burnout and improve memory retention.

 

Tips to Prepare for CLAT 2024

To succeed in the CLAT 2024 exam, it is essential to keep up with current events, practise logical and legal reasoning, and read and hone vocabulary skills.

• Reading passages in English will consist of approximately 450 words. Demonstrate comprehension of the text’s topic by drawing conclusions, providing short summaries, and demonstrating a command of the language.
• No prior legal knowledge is needed, but a solid understanding of contemporary legal and ethical issues will be helpful. It is more vital to focus on legal reasoning than on general knowledge. Learn about the legal systems of other nations.
• The most effective method for improving your speed and accuracy is to practise with questions and sample exams from the previous year. The books of S. Chand and RS Agarwal, such as ‘Critical Reasoning’ and ‘Modern Critical Reasoning’, are also helpful resources.

Here are some steps to help you prepare for CLAT 2024:

• Know The Syllabus: Familiarise yourself with the CLAT syllabus and exam pattern. This will help you understand what topics you need to focus on.
• Make A Study Plan: Make a study plan that includes a timeline for each subject and breaks down the syllabus into manageable chunks.
• Use Study Materials: Use study materials such as books, mock tests, and sample papers to prepare for the exam.
• Focus on English and GK: English and General Knowledge are two crucial sections in the CLAT exam. Focus on improving your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Keep yourself updated with current events and general knowledge.
• Practice Logical Reasoning and Legal Aptitude: Logical Reasoning and Legal Aptitude are two crucial sections in the CLAT exam. Practice solving sample papers and mock tests to improve your skills in these areas.
• Revise Regularly: Regular revision is vital to retain the information you have learned. Make a revision schedule and stick to it.
• Regular Mock Tests: Taking mock tests will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and give you an idea of the actual exam scenario.
• Take Breaks: Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and refresh your mind. Engage in physical activity, listen to music, or read a book to relieve stress.
• Stay Composed and Motivated: Stay calm and focused during the exam. Please read the questions carefully and attempt them one by one.

 

Important Books for CLAT 2024

Here is a table that includes some of the important books that can be very useful for CLAT 2024 prepetition:

\

Subject	Book Title	Author
English	Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
General Knowledge	Manorama Yearbook Vision IAS Daily (For Current Affairs)	Mammen Mathew Vision IAS
Mathematics	Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations Fast Track Objective Arithmetic Data Interpretation Decoded	R.S. Aggarwal Rajesh Verma Olive Board
Logical Reasoning	Analytical Reasoning The Power Score LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible	M.K. Pandey David M. Killoran
Legal Aptitude	A Modern Approach to Legal Aptitude LA and LR for CLAT, AILET, SLAT	R.S. Aggarwal AP Bhardwaj

Examination Calendar for CLAT 2024

The CLAT exam dates for 2024 have yet to be confirmed officially. Keep an eye on the official website for updates and information regarding the 2024 CLAT exam dates. The tentative schedule for the CLAT 2024 exam has yet to be officially announced, but based on past years’ trends, we can expect the exam to be held around the same time.

Here is what the tentative schedule for the CLAT 2024 exam might look like:

Release of CLAT 2024 Admission Notification	July or August 2023
Commencement of CLAT 2024 Application Process	August 2023
Last Date to Apply	November 2023
Issue of Admit Cards for CLAT 2024	November or December 2023
Examination Date for CLAT 2024	December 2023
Answer Key Release for CLAT 2024	December 2023
Declaration of Results for CLAT 2024	December 2023 or January 2024
Counselling Begins	January 2024

Conclusion

Abhinav Somani, AIR 1, secured 116.75 marks in CLAT 2023, whose results were declared on December 23, 2022. He strongly advocates staying abreast of daily current affairs and maintaining a steady practice schedule to crack CLAT with a good score. He also emphasised the significance of halting along the journey to refocus and unwind in order to avoid being overly anxious.

The CLAT is undoubtedly a rigorous entrance examination that calls for focused study, extensive preparation, and careful planning. You can improve your chances of getting into one of India’s best law schools by following the above suggestions.

References