With CLAT, AILET, and MH CET Law on your radar, choosing the right path might seem daunting. If this is you, Hitbullseye made an attempt to help you! The following guide offers a clear, energizing breakdown of differences between these three exams to sharpen your focus and boost your confidence. Whether you’re eyeing a national stage or a strong regional foothold, understanding these exams is your key to unlocking potential. Let’s explore together, turning curiosity into action and set the foundation for your legal career starting now!
Cracking CLAT, AILET or MH CET could land you in top National Law Universities, a place where alumni like Supreme Court judges and corporate titans got their start. To begin with basic differences, CLAT could open your door to one of the 26 national universities, AILET zeroes in on the elite NLU Delhi, and MH CET Law powers your entry into Maharashtra's vibrant law trajectory, further comparing them to empower your knowledge. Let’s start breaking down each exam with its overview and basic eligibility details:
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is your gateway to India's premier National Law Universities (NLUs). Conducted by the Consortium of NLUs, it's a high-stakes, nationwide exam that's all about testing your ability to solve questions under a clock. For 2026 intake, CLAT is scheduled for December 7, 2025, in offline mode
- Eligibility: Pass 10+2 with at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories). No upper age limit so that everyone gets a shot!
- Application: Open from August 1 to October 31, 2025at fee of Rs 4,000 (general) and Rs 3,500 (for reserved category).
- Participating Colleges: 26 NLUs including NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad paving way to nationwide prestige and stellar placements.
The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)
The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), run by NLU Delhi, could be your ticket to one of India's top law schools. Its exam has been rescheduled to December 14, 2025, giving you extra prep time.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with 45% (general/OBC) and 40% for SC/ST/PwD. No upper age limit and unlimited attempts
- Application: Registration open now; fee Rs 3,500 for general, Rs 1,500 for SC/ST/PwD and free for BPL, SC/ST.
- Participating Colleges: Exclusively NLU Delhi, home to cutting-edge research and global opportunities.
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law (MH CET Law)
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law (MH CET Law) is your go-to for 5-year LLB in Maharashtra colleges. Administered by the CET Cell, it's online and slated for late April 2026, giving you breathing room post-CLAT/AILET.
- Eligibility: Complete 10+2 from a recognized board; typically 45% for general.
- Application: Expected January 2026. Fee Rs 800 for general and Rs 600 for reserved.
- Participating Colleges: Government and self-financed law colleges in Maharashtra. Great for local networks and affordability.
Key Differences Between CLAT, AILET and MH CET Law
To make it crystal clear, here's a summarized table highlighting the core distinctions. Use this as your prep cheat sheet in order to spot where your strengths align!
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Criteria
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CLAT
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AILET
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MH CET Law
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Conducting Body
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Consortium of NLUs
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NLU Delhi
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Maharashtra CET Cell
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Exam Date
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Dec 7, 2025
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Dec 14, 2025
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Late April 2026
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Mode
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Offline
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Offline
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Online CBT
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|
Duration
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2 hours
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2 hours
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2 hours
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Questions
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120 MCQs
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150 MCQs
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150 MCQs
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Marking
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+1 (per correct answer)
-0.25 (per wrong answer)
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+1 (per correct answer)
-0.25 (per wrong answer)
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+1 (per correct answer)
No Negative Marking
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|
Sections
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5 Sections: English | GK | Legal | Logical | Quant
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3 Sections: English | GK | Logical
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5 Sections: Legal | GK | Logical | English | Maths
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|
Difficulty
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High
National competition
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High
Similar to CLAT
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Moderate
State-level
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Colleges
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26 NLUs nationwide
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NLU Delhi only
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Maharashtra law colleges
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Breaking Down the Syllabus, Exam Pattern and Difficulty
The syllabi for CLAT, AILET and MH CET Law share common ground in core areas like English, General Knowledge (GK) and Reasoning, though subtle differences can make a big impact. CLAT introduces Quantitative Aptitude (basic math) as a unique challenge that might stump non-math enthusiasts (though nothing to worry since the mathematics is basic) but can become a game-changing score booster with the right preparation.
AILET ramps up the intensity with 70 Logical Reasoning questions, testing your speed and precision, while MH CET includes Maths but offers a strategic advantage with no negative marking, encouraging smart guessing. Across all exams, English focuses on comprehension, grammar and vocabulary to sharpen legal communication skills, while GK and Current Affairs demand staying updated on news, history and polity, with CLAT and MH CET placing a heavier emphasis. Legal Reasoning, centered on principles and scenarios, is a key component in CLAT and MH CET, though AILET weaves it into Logical Reasoning, where puzzles and arguments take center stage. Quantitative or Maths skills are tested at an elementary level in CLAT (10-14 questions) and MH CET (8 questions), but AILET skips this section entirely.
A motivational twist? View those syllabus gaps as golden opportunities. If math feels intimidating, conquering it could give you a powerful edge in CLAT!
Further, adopt a multi-exam strategy where CLAT prep covers AILET (minus Quantitative Aptitude) and tweak it for MH CET’s state nuances. Keep up a daily grind with newspapers for General Knowledge and puzzles for Logical Reasoning. Make it fun with technology! Mocks are non-negotiable when it comes to simulating exam day feeling, build stamina. Balance life with breaks to stay motivated, remembering that persistence wins both cases and exams and diversify your applications like a savvy lawyer with a backup plan for all three.
Ultimately, your final verdict hinges on your goals: CLAT’s national scope suits those with big ambitions, AILET’s elite focus appeals to Delhi dreamers, and MH CET’s approachable vibe fits Maharashtra roots. Whichever path you choose, you’re stepping into a field brimming with impact and excitement. Stay fueled, prep smart, and trust that every mock and every read brings you closer to donning that robe. You’ve got the grit. Now ace it to claim your legal legacy!