CLAT Syllabus 2026 | CLAT Syllabus

Introduction

The Common Law Admission Test, one of India's most sought-after entrance exams, admits students to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs at National Law University. Understanding the CLAT syllabus 2026 is therefore critical for devising an organized preparation strategy. This article will divide the CLAT syllabus 2026 into sections, assess the key topics and weightage of each section, and offer some preparation tips.

Overview of CLAT Syllabus 2026

The CLAT exam assesses a candidate's understanding, reasoning, and aptitude skills in several parts. The CLAT 2026 question paper is organized into five sections, each with a particular concentration:

English Language
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
Legal Reasoning
Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Techniques

Particulars	Details
CLAT	Common Law Admission Test
Exam mode	Offline
Syllabus	Current Affairs and General Knowledge, English Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques (Mathematics), Legal Reasoning Logical Reasoning
Type of questions	Objective type test
Total number of questions	120 MCQs
Exam duration	2 hours
Negative marking	+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect

Section-Wise Weightage for the CLAT Syllabus 2026:

Section	Number of Questions	Marks	Weightage (%)
Current Affairs (incl. GK)	28-32	35-39	23.33% – 26%
English Language	22-26	28-32	18.66% – 21.33%
Legal Reasoning	28-32	35-39	23.33% – 26%
Logical Reasoning	22-26	28-32	18.66% – 21.33%
Quantitative Techniques	10-14	13-17	8.66% – 11.33%
Total	120	120	100%

The focus of the CLAT syllabus 2026 is to test a candidate’s comprehension and reasoning abilities, as well as their aptitude for legal education.

Section-Wise Breakdown of CLAT syllabus 2026

1. CLAT 2026 English Language Syllabus

This section evaluates a candidate’s reading comprehension skills. Candidates will be presented with passages of around 450 words from contemporary or historically significant texts.

Particulars	Details
Number of questions asked	28-32
Type of questions asked	Passage-based questions
Weightage	18.66 – 21.33 %
Skills tested	Ability to draw inferences, Comprehension and language skills, summarization, etc.
Key Topics in English Language	Vocabulary Words Correcting Grammar Synonyms & Antonyms Tenses Fill in the Blanks Spotting Grammatical Errors Active & Passive Voice
Difficulty level	12th Standard
Important Points	Comprehend main points and arguments. Draw inferences and conclusions. Summarize. Compare and contrast viewpoints. Understand contextual meanings of words.

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Preparation Tips for CLAT English Language Syllabus 2026:

Regularly read newspapers, novels, and editorials to improve your reading speed and comprehension.
Practice grammar rules through exercises focused on sentence correction and usage.
Build your vocabulary by learning new words daily and practicing their usage in context.

2. CLAT 2026 Current Affairs (including General Knowledge) Syllabus

The Current Affairs section focuses on recent national and international events, as well as topics related to arts, culture, and historical events. It includes excerpts from news articles, journalistic sources, and non-fiction writing. Legal information may be included, but prior legal knowledge is not required.

Features	Details
Weightage	23.33 – 26 %
Number of questions asked	35-39
Type of questions asked	Passage-based questions
Skills tested	Awareness of current affairs, historical and international events, laws, etc.
Important Topics in Current Affairs	Significant contemporary events Arts and culture International affairs Key historical events
Difficulty level	Moderate to High
Number of Questions	35-39
Weightage	23.33% – 26%
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Important Points	Comprehend main points and arguments. Draw inferences and conclusions. Summarize. Compare and contrast viewpoints. Understand contextual meanings of words.

Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026 Current Affairs (including General Knowledge) Syllabus:

Read newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express daily to stay updated on current events.
Follow legal developments and landmark judgments through legal portals or news websites.

Reference Material for CLAT Current Affairs and GK

3. CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Syllabus

The Legal Reasoning section is crucial as it tests your ability to apply legal principles to fact-based situations. Candidates will read passages that involve legal matters, public policy questions, or moral and ethical inquiries.

Particulars	Details
Weightage	23.33 – 26 %
Number of questions asked	35-39
Questions asked	Passage-based questions derived from fact situations, legal matters, public policy, etc.
Question areas	Constitutional Law Important Supreme Court judgments Legal maxims Basic legal knowledge and amendments
Difficulty level	12th Standard
Important points	Identify rules and principles. Apply them to facts. Understand how changes affect their application.

Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Syllabus:

Develop a basic understanding of the Indian Constitution, legal maxims, and landmark cases.
Practice applying legal principles to fact-based scenarios.
Read up on recent legal developments, as they might feature in the exam.

4. CLAT 2026 Logical Reasoning Syllabus

The Logical Reasoning section assesses a candidate’s ability to analyze short passages, recognize arguments, and assess the premises and conclusions. Candidates are required to identify logical patterns, relationships, and contradictions in the given passages.

Particulars	Details
Number of questions asked	28-32
Weightage	18.66 – 21.33 %
Type of questions asked	Passage-based questions followed by a series of questions
Skills tested	Recognizing arguments, critical analysis, drawing inferences, and assessing the effectiveness of arguments
Question areas	Source material includes opinion pieces, essays, and articles from newspapers and magazines
Difficulty level	10th Standard
Important Points	Recognize arguments, premises, and conclusions. Analyze reasoning patterns and assess how premises affect conclusions. Infer and apply to new situations. Identify relationships and contradictions, and assess argument effectiveness.

Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026 Logical Reasoning Syllabus:

Practice solving logical puzzles and critical reasoning questions.
Work on identifying the premises and conclusions of arguments.
Analyze editorials and opinion pieces to improve your critical thinking skills.

5. CLAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques Syllabus

The Quantitative Techniques section involves basic arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation. Candidates will be given sets of data or propositions and asked to solve questions using basic mathematical operations.

Particulars	Important Details
Total Weightage	10%
Type of Questions Asked	Sets of facts, graphs, or other representations, followed by questions.
Skills to be Tested	Derive, infer, and manipulate numerical info; apply 10th-standard math operations.
Key Topics	Ratios Proportions Basic algebra Mensuration Statistical estimation
Standard of Questions	Class 10th

Preparation Tips For CLAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques Syllabus:

Revise the basics of 10th-standard math topics, including percentages, ratios, and averages.
Practice solving data interpretation questions involving graphs and tables.
Work on improving speed and accuracy in basic arithmetic problems.

CLAT 2026 Preparation Strategies

To succeed in CLAT 2026 , candidates need a well-rounded preparation strategy that focuses on understanding the exam format, strengthening core concepts, and regular practice. Here are some preparation tips:

Read Extensively: Develop a habit of reading newspapers, editorials, legal journals, and fiction/non-fiction books. This will improve your reading speed and comprehension, which is essential for almost all sections of the CLAT syllabus 2026.
Take Mock Tests: Regular mock tests help you assess your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement. Time management is key, and practicing under exam-like conditions will help improve your performance.
Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Follow news related to national and international events, legal developments, and important judgments. Focus on understanding the implications of events rather than just memorizing facts.
Practice Basic Math: Regular practice of 10th-standard math problems will improve your confidence and accuracy in the Quantitative Techniques section.
Legal Awareness: Familiarize yourself with basic legal principles, landmark judgments, and the Indian Constitution. This will help you tackle the Legal Reasoning section effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the CLAT 2026 exam?

The CLAT exam is 2 hours long.

How many questions are there in CLAT 2026 ?

There are 120 questions across five sections.

Is there a negative marking in CLAT 2026 ?

Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.

Do I need prior legal knowledge for CLAT?

No prior legal knowledge is required, but a basic understanding of legal principles can be helpful in the Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs sections.

What is the most challenging section in CLAT?

Many candidates find the Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs sections challenging due to their weightage and the analytical nature of the questions.

What is the syllabus of the CLAT exam 2026?

The CLAT 2026 syllabus consists of five sections:

English Language (Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar)
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge (Recent events, legal developments)
Legal Reasoning (Application of legal principles to fact-based situations)
Logical Reasoning (Critical thinking, argument analysis)
Quantitative Techniques (Basic math, data interpretation)

Does the syllabus of CLAT change every year?

The syllabus of CLAT generally remains consistent, focusing on comprehension, reasoning, and aptitude. However, slight modifications in the pattern or emphasis on specific sections can happen.

What is the cutoff for CLAT 2026 ?

The cutoff for CLAT 2026 will depend on the candidate's category and the National Law University they are applying to. It varies annually, with the top NLUs requiring higher ranks.

What are the subjects for CLAT?

The subjects for CLAT 2026 are:

English Language
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
Legal Reasoning
Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Techniques

Is CLAT very tough?

CLAT is considered a challenging exam due to the competition and the breadth of subjects. However, with systematic preparation, it can be manageable.

Is CLAT tougher than NEET?

CLAT and NEET are difficult in their own ways. CLAT focuses on reasoning, comprehension, and legal aptitude, while NEET focuses on scientific knowledge. The difficulty varies depending on an individual's strengths and background.

Is CLAT easy to clear?

CLAT can be tough without adequate preparation. However, consistent study and practice can help you clear the exam.

Is CLAT possible in 4 months?

Yes, with a well-structured study plan, it is possible to prepare for CLAT in 4 months. Intensive practice and focusing on weak areas are crucial to making the most of this time.

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