Understanding the CLAT marking scheme 2026 is crucial for devising an effective exam strategy. With a total of 120 marks in CLAT 2026 for both UG and PG programs, the marking pattern ensures a balanced evaluation of knowledge and aptitude.
Each correct answer earns positive marks, while incorrect responses invite negative marking. This blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of the marking scheme, helping you optimize your preparation by focusing on accuracy and time management.
Whether you’re appearing for the UG or PG exam, knowing the CLAT 2026 marking scheme will give you an edge in securing a top rank.
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Overview of CLAT Exam
| Particulars | Details |
| CLAT Full Form | Common Law Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| CLAT Official Website | https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/ |
| Purpose of Exam | – Admission to 5-year LLB and 1-year LLM programs – Admissions to NLUs and certain private and self-financed colleges use CLAT score – Recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) |
Read About: CLAT Eligibility Criteria
CLAT UG Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights
The table below discusses critical features of the CLAT Exam pattern 2026 of the CLAT UG exam:
| Particulars | Details |
| Medium | English |
| Mode | Offline – Pen and Paper |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Type of Questions | MCQ |
| Total Number of Questions | 120 |
| Total Number of Subjects/ Sections | – English Language – Current Affairs, including General Knowledge – Legal Reasoning – Logical Reasoning – Quantitative Techniques |
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CLAT Marking Scheme 2026: Subjects
The CLAT UG exam 2026 will be conducted offline, and the exam duration will be 2 hours. It will consist of 120 objective-type questions divided into CLAT subjects:
English Language
This section will comprise 22-26 questions that test the applicant’s proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Logical Reasoning
This section will consist of 22-26 questions that test the applicant’s ability to identify logical patterns, analyze and evaluate arguments, and draw conclusions.
Legal Reasoning
This section will comprise 28-32 questions that test the applicant’s understanding of legal concepts and principles and their ability to apply them to factual situations.
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
This section will comprise 28-32 questions that test the applicant’s general knowledge and current national and international events.
Quantitative Techniques
This section will consist of 10-14 questions that test the applicant’s basic mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Read More About: Symbiosis Law Colleges in India
Total Marks in CLAT 2026 (Subject-Wise)
There are 20 passage-based MCQ questions for 120 marks in the CLAT 2026 exam for UG course admissions. Based on the CLAT 2026 sectional weightage, candidates can consider the weightage of each section’s questions as follows:
| Sections | MCQs Per Section | Maximum Marks |
| English Language | 22-26 | 22-26 |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 | 28-32 |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 22-26 |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 28-32 |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10-14 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Check the: CLAT Express Magazine
CLAT Marking Scheme for UG
Refer to the table below for a better understanding of the CLAT UG 2026 marking scheme:
| CLAT Marking Parameters | Marks Awarded |
| Correct answer | +1 marks |
| Incorrect answer | -0.25 marks |
| Un-attempted question | 0 marks |
Checkout: CLAT Post Magazine
CLAT PG Exam Pattern: Highlights
The table below discusses critical features of the CLAT exam pattern:
| Particulars | Details |
| Medium | English |
| Mode | Offline – Pen and Paper |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Type of Questions | MCQ |
| Total Number of Questions | 120 |
| Total Number of Subjects/ Sections | – Constitutional Law – Other Law Subjects |
Read More: CLAT Current Affairs
CLAT Exam Pattern for PG
The CLAT PG exam pattern 2026 differs slightly from the UG exam pattern as law graduates take the exam. Aspirants must be well-versed in the CLAT PG paper pattern before starting their exam preparation.
The passages will be grounded on legal decisions in law, regulations, or statutes, followed by a series of questions for assessing the candidate’s knowledge through the following demonstrative points:
- Reading comprehension, including issues, arguments, and viewpoints
- Awareness of the problems discussed in the given passage, legal matters, and facts arising from the passage and the statute or judgment.
- Summarize the passage
- Ability to demonstrate law fields discussed in the passage.
Checkout: NLSIU Bangalore Cut-Off
CLAT Sectional Weightage for PG
CLAT PG questions will cover undergraduate-level legal topics, including Contract Law, Property Law, and Family Law. This portion assesses the candidates’ abilities to make legal arguments and their legal knowledge. The CLAT PG exam pattern is tabulated below:
| Sections | MCQs Per Section | Maximum Marks |
| Constitutional Law | 60 | 60 |
| Other Law | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
CLAT Marking Scheme for PG
Refer to the table below for a better understanding of the CLAT PG marking scheme:
| CLAT Marking Parameters | Marks Awarded |
| Correct answer | +1 marks |
| Incorrect answer | -0.25 marks |
| Un-attempted question | 0 marks |
Check difference between CLAT vs AILET vs LSAT India.
Tips for Scoring Well in CLAT 2026
Scoring well in the Common Law Admission Test requires diligent preparation and a strategic approach. Here are a few valuable tips to help you excel in the CLAT examination:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Get familiar with the CLAT exam pattern, including the total number of questions, subjects, time allocation, and marking scheme. This understanding helps you plan your strategy effectively.
- Develop a Study Plan: Create a well-structured study plan that covers all subjects and allows sufficient practice and revision time. Allocate more time to difficult subjects.|
- Study Material: Select top-grade study materials and reference books suggested by experts and previous CLAT toppers. This ensures you have access to reliable and relevant content.
- Practice Mock Tests: Practice CLAT mock tests frequently. Mock tests familiarize you with the examination format, boost time management, and help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
- Time Management: Manage your time efficiently during the test. Allocate a certain amount of time to every section and stick to it. Spend a little time on one question; move on and return later if required.
- Revise Regularly: Regular revision is crucial. Create concise notes summarising formulas, essential concepts, and rules for quick review.
- Stay Calm and Be Confident: On the test day, maintain a calm and focused mindset. Confidence in your preparation helps you perform better.
- Practice Previous Year’s Question Papers: Solve previous years’ CLAT papers to learn about the question patterns and difficulty levels. Also, it helps you gauge your readiness.
Read About: 12 Minutes to CLAT Mock Tests
FAQS on CLAT Marking Scheme
The Common Law Admission Test is considered one of the toughest law exams in India due to its high competition level, exam pattern, number of seats, and cut-off marks. However, the consortium recently changed the CLAT marks pattern to make it less complicated for all candidates.
The test is conducted offline, i.e., in pen-and-paper mode.
Yes, it follows a negative marking scheme. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are reduced from the total score.
A total of 120 questions are asked in the CLAT UG examination.
According to the CLAT exam pattern 2026, the exam will be conducted offline through a pen-and-paper-based test mode. It will have objective-type questions based on passages.
Candidates can obtain a maximum of 120 marks in the CLAT exam.
The CLAT exam is conducted for UG and PG programs. The CLAT UG exam is for admissions to five-year integrated law programs at NLUs, while the CLAT PG exam is for admissions to LLM courses.
As of the recent pattern, CLAT consists of objective-type questions.
The best way to prepare is to know the examination pattern thoroughly, practice past year CLAT papers, take mock tests, and focus on each section. Time management and strategy are vital in tackling the exam effectively.
There are no predefined qualifying marks for the CLAT test. Students are ranked according to their scores, and admissions are given based on this ranking and the availability of seats in the participating institutions.