The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT UG 2026) is a highly competitive national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduate law programmes offered by National Law Universities (NLUs). Administered by the Consortium of National Law Universities, the exam is designed to test a candidate’s aptitude, comprehension, and analytical abilities rather than rote memorization. Understanding the question paper format is essential for effective preparation.
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CLAT UG 2026 Exam Structure and Duration
CLAT UG 2026 will be conducted as a two-hour (120 minutes) offline examination. The question paper will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each carrying one mark, making the maximum score 120 marks. The exam follows a negative marking scheme, where 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
This structure emphasizes accuracy along with speed, requiring candidates to make strategic choices during the exam.
- Maximum Marks: 120
- Duration of CLAT 2026 Exam: 02:00 Hours
- Multiple-Choice Questions: 120 questions of one mark each
- Negative Marking: 0.25 Mark for each wrong answer
| Subject Areas with weightage: | (approximate number of questions) |
|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 questions, or roughly 20% of the paper |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 questions, or roughly 25% of the paper |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 questions, or roughly 25% of the paper |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 questions, or roughly 20% of the paper |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 questions, or roughly 10% of the paper |
Subject-wise Distribution and Weightage
The CLAT UG 2026 paper is divided into five sections, each focusing on a specific skill set. The distribution is approximate and may vary slightly year to year.
English Language
This section typically contains 22–26 questions. Questions are passage-based and assess:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary and language usage
- Inference and tone
- Grammar in context
Passages are usually drawn from contemporary or historically significant non-fiction writing.
Current Affairs, Including General Knowledge
With 28–32 questions, this section tests awareness of:
- National and international current events
- Legal current affairs
- Static GK linked to news (history, polity, economy)
Questions are passage-based, focusing on comprehension and application rather than direct factual recall.
Legal Reasoning
Another 28–32 questions are asked from this crucial section. It evaluates:
- Understanding of legal principles
- Application of rules to given fact situations
- Legal comprehension and reasoning ability
No prior legal knowledge is required, making logical application more important than technical terminology.
Logical Reasoning
This section includes 22–26 questions based on short passages. It assesses:
- Critical thinking
- Arguments and conclusions
- Assumptions, analogies, and logical relationships
The emphasis is on reasoning clarity and structured thinking.
Quantitative Techniques
The smallest section, with 10–14 questions, focuses on:
- Basic arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages)
- Data interpretation using graphs, tables, or charts
Questions are passage-based, and the math level is generally up to Class 10.
Key Features of the CLAT UG 2026 Format
- Entirely passage-based MCQs
- Strong focus on reading comprehension and reasoning
- Reduced emphasis on rote learning
- Balanced testing of aptitude, awareness, and analytical skills
The CLAT UG 2026 question paper format reflects a modern, skills-oriented approach to law entrance testing. With 120 questions across five well-defined sections, the exam rewards candidates who read well, think critically, and manage time efficiently. A clear understanding of the format allows aspirants to tailor their preparation strategy, focus on high-weightage areas, and maximize their performance on exam day.