Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) – Detailed Syllabus Overview

Exam Format & Structure

• Type of Exam: Paper-based, 2-hour duration, comprising 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

• Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer; −0.25 for every incorrect response.

• Sections Covered (UG Program):

  • English Language (Comprehension)

  • Current Affairs & General Knowledge

  • Legal Reasoning

  • Logical Reasoning

  • Quantitative Techniques (Mathematics)

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Sectional Breakdown & Weightage

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Section-Wise Syllabus Overview

1. English Language

• Skill Areas: Reading comprehension, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, analogies, idioms, root words), grammar (parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, modifiers, voice, clauses, punctuation, error spotting), and verbal reasoning (analogies, cloze tests, para-jumbles).

• Format: Passages (~450 words), reflecting 12th-grade level reading complexity, followed by MCQs focusing on inference, tone, structure, and vocabulary in context.

2. Current Affairs & General Knowledge

• Content Source: Short passages (≤450 words) derived from journalistic and non-fiction sources.

• Topics: National and international current events, culture, arts, history, and legal developments—all evaluated via passage-based questions.

3. Legal Reasoning

• Focus: Comprehend and apply legal principles presented in a scenario.

• Question Style: Passages with legal or ethical dilemmas, followed by MCQs testing rule extraction, application to new situations, and understanding the effect of changing rules.

• Topics Covered: Foundational areas such as torts, contracts, criminal law, constitutional and international law, intellectual property, landmark judgments, public policy, and legal principles.

4. Logical Reasoning

• Scope: Analytical reasoning, critical thinking, argument evaluation, syllogisms, deductions, analogies, contradictions, cause-effect, inference, and logical connectives.

• Format: ~450-word passages followed by MCQs. Questions test understanding of argument structure, premise-conclusion relationships, pattern logic, and inference validity.

5. Quantitative Techniques (Mathematics)

• Difficulty: Based on up to Class 10 level mathematics; focused on speed and accuracy.

• Question Type: Short numerical passages or caselets followed by MCQs.

• Key Topics: Arithmetic (fractions, decimals, percentages, averages), algebra, ratio & proportion, profit & loss, time & work, discount, mensuration (2D & 3D), geometry, number systems, roots & surds, HCF/LCM, clocks & calendars, probability, partnership, logarithms, data interpretation, and statistical estimation.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

• Time Allocation: Prioritize strengths and manage your time strategically across sections reflecting their weightage.

• Section Format Consistency: All content is passage-based, followed by objective questions—ideal for integrated reading and application.

• Conceptual Clarity: Strong foundations in English grammar, logical constructs, legal basics, and arithmetic will serve you well.

• Practice Strategy: Mock tests and sectional drills are crucial for comprehension speed, accuracy, and identifying weak spots.