The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a centralized national-level examination for admissions to National Law Universities (NLUs) in India, but it is conducted for two distinct academic levels. Understanding the fundamental differences between the CLAT Undergraduate (UG) and CLAT Postgraduate (PG) exams is essential for aspirants to choose the correct path for their legal education. These examinations cater to different stages of a student’s academic journey.
Core Purpose and Program Level
The primary distinction lies in the academic programs for which these tests are conducted. CLAT UG is designed for students who have completed their higher secondary education (Class 12). Its purpose is to grant admission to five-year integrated undergraduate law programs like the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (BA LLB), Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws (BBA LLB), and similar degrees.
Conversely, CLAT PG serves as an entrance examination for candidates who have already completed their undergraduate degree in law (LLB). This test facilitates admission to one-year Master of Laws (LLM) programs. Therefore, CLAT PG is for those seeking to specialize in a particular area of law and advance their legal scholarship.
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Comparison of Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements for both examinations vary significantly due to the different academic levels they target. For CLAT UG, aspirants must have passed their 10+2 or an equivalent examination. Candidates from the General, OBC, and PWD categories need to secure a minimum of 45% marks, while the requirement is relaxed to 40% for SC and ST category candidates.
For the CLAT PG examination, a candidate must possess an undergraduate degree in Law (either a 3-year or a 5-year LLB) from a recognized university. The minimum mark requirement is 50% for General, OBC, and PWD applicants. A lower threshold of 45% is set for candidates belonging to the SC and ST categories.
Exam Pattern and Structure
While both exams are conducted for a duration of two hours and consist of 120 multiple-choice questions, their internal structure and focus are vastly different.
CLAT UG Exam Pattern
The CLAT UG paper is a comprehension-based test assessing a candidate’s aptitude and reasoning skills. It is divided into five distinct sections. Each correct answer is awarded one mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect response.
- English Language: Assesses reading comprehension and language skills.
- Current Affairs, including General Knowledge: Tests awareness of national and international events.
- Legal Reasoning: Evaluates the ability to apply legal principles to factual scenarios.
- Logical Reasoning: Measures critical thinking and analytical abilities.
- Quantitative Techniques: Includes basic data interpretation and numerical ability questions.
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CLAT PG Exam Pattern
The CLAT PG examination is designed to test the advanced legal knowledge of a law graduate. This exam is not divided into separate sections but focuses entirely on law subjects. Extracts from primary legal materials are provided, followed by multiple-choice questions. The marking scheme is identical to the UG exam, with one mark for a correct answer and a deduction of 0.25 marks for a wrong one.
Syllabus and Subject Focus
The syllabus is the most significant point of divergence between the two tests. The CLAT UG syllabus does not require prior legal knowledge and focuses on skills essential for starting a legal education. It emphasizes comprehension, reasoning, and general awareness.
In contrast, the CLAT PG syllabus is extensive and covers core subjects taught during an undergraduate law degree. Mastery of these legal subjects is crucial for success. Key areas include Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Contract Law, Torts, Criminal Law, Property Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and other mandatory subjects from the LLB curriculum.
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