CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking scheme, Topic-Wise Weightage, Marks, Number of Questions
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has published the CLAT Exam Pattern 2026, alongside the official CLAT Notification 2026. This follows the revision of the CLAT exam pattern for 2024 by the Consortium.
The CLAT LLM program includes LLB subjects. The exam will have 120 questions, each worth one mark. Candidates preparing for CLAT should review the syllabus to understand what topics they need to study. In this blog, we have compiled the CLAT Exam Pattern related to all the information in detail.
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
Candidates aiming for CLAT 2026 should be aware that the Consortium of NLUs has officially releases the exam pattern. Understanding the structure is key to an effective preparation strategy.
Passage-Based Questions (Except Quant)
In CLAT 2026, all sections except Quantitative Techniques will feature passage-based MCQs.
- English Language, Current Affairs, and Logical Reasoning sections will include passages of around 450 words, each followed by comprehension and reasoning questions.
- The Logical Reasoning section will also include slightly shorter passages, typically around 350 words.
Quantitative Techniques Section
This section will present data in the form of short fact sets, charts, graphs, tables, or pictorial representations. Candidates will be required to interpret and apply basic mathematical concepts to derive the correct answers.
Skills Assessed
The CLAT UG paper will focus on evaluating a candidate’s reading comprehension, critical thinking, legal reasoning, and basic numerical ability. The exam is designed to test understanding and application, not memorization.
Number of Questions & Marking Scheme
- Total Questions: 120
- Type: Multiple Choice (MCQs)
- Each correct answer: +1 mark
- Wrong answer: −0.25 marks
Total Marks: 120
Difficulty Level
- Overall difficulty: Class 12 level
- Quantitative section: Class 10 level
Read More: HOW TO PREPARE FOR CLAT – COMPLETE CLAT PREPARATION STRATEGYCLAT Syllabus 2026 – Subjects-wise Syllabus & Topics for UG & PG
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
The CLAT 2026 marking pattern for the UG entrance remains the same as previous years. Here’s how your responses will be evaluated:
+1 mark is awarded for every correct answer
−0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect attempt
0 marks for questions that are left unattempted
Marking Overview Table:
| Response Type | Marks Given |
| Correct Answer | +1 |
| Wrong Answer | −0.25 |
| Unanswered Question | 0 |
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Weightage
The CLAT UG 2026 exam will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions, all based on comprehension passages, carrying a total of 120 marks. Here’s a detailed look at how questions are distributed across different sections, along with their weightage:
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Weightage (%) |
| English Language | 28 – 32 | 28 – 32 | 18.66% – 21.33% |
| Current Affairs & General Knowledge | 35 – 39 | 35 – 39 | 23.33% – 26% |
| Logical Reasoning | 28 – 32 | 28 – 32 | 18.66% – 21.33% |
| Legal Reasoning | 35 – 39 | 35 – 39 | 23.33% – 26% |
| Quantitative Techniques (up to Class 10) | 13 – 17 | 13 – 17 | 8.66% – 11.33% |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 100% |
Read More: CLAT English Preparation Tips 2026
Tips for scoring well in CLAT 2026
Scoring well in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) requires diligent preparation and a strategic approach. Here are some valuable tips to help you excel in the CLAT exam:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the CLAT exam pattern, including the number of questions, sections, time allocation, and marking scheme. This understanding will help you plan your strategy effectively.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan covering all subjects and allowing ample practice and revision time. Allocate more time to challenging subjects.
- Study Material: Choose high-quality study materials and reference books recommended by experts and previous CLAT toppers. This will ensure you have access to reliable and relevant content.
- Practice Mock Tests: Practice CLAT mock tests regularly. Mock tests help you become familiar with the exam format, improve time management, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Time Management: Manage your time efficiently during the exam. Allocate a specific amount of time to each section and stick to it. Only spend a little time on one question; move on and return later if necessary.
- Revise Regularly: Regular revision is crucial. Create concise notes summarising essential concepts, formulas, and rules for quick review.
- Stay Calm and Confident: On the exam day, maintain a calm and focused mindset. Confidence in your preparation will help you perform better.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Solve previous years’ CLAT papers to understand the question patterns and difficulty levels. It will also help you gauge your readiness.
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026: Conclusion
Understanding the CLAT 2026 exam pattern is the first step toward a well-structured preparation strategy. With 120 passage-based MCQs testing your comprehension, reasoning, and analytical skills, it’s important to focus on concept clarity and regular practice. Be mindful of the negative marking and make every attempt count. By aligning your preparation with the latest pattern and section-wise weightage, you can improve both accuracy and speed — key ingredients to cracking CLAT 2026. Stay updated, stay consistent, and success will follow.
FAQs on CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
How many questions will be asked in CLAT 2026?
The CLAT UG 2026 exam will have 120 multiple-choice questions, all based on comprehension-style passages.
Has the CLAT 2026 exam pattern changed from previous years?
No, the pattern remains the same as CLAT 2025. The structure, number of questions, and marking scheme are unchanged.
Is there negative marking in CLAT 2026?
Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
What is the marking scheme for CLAT UG 2026?
You get +1 mark for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong one, and 0 marks for unattempted questions.
What is the weightage of different sections in CLAT 2026?
Sections like Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs carry the highest weightage, each contributing up to 26% of the paper.
Do all sections in CLAT 2026 have passage-based questions?
All sections are passage-based except Quantitative Techniques, which includes graphs, data sets, and short problems.
What is the difficulty level of the CLAT 2026 exam?
The overall paper is set at a Class 12 level, while the Quant section tests Class 10-level mathematics.
What skills are tested in the CLAT UG exam?
The exam evaluates your comprehension, logical reasoning, legal aptitude, and basic mathematical ability.
