What is the Syllabus for CLAT 2026 Exam? [Dec 2024]

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most competitive law entrance exams in India. Conducted for admissions into prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) and other institutions, it evaluates candidates based on five key sections: English Language, Current Affairs (including General Knowledge), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Understanding the syllabus in detail is crucial for effective preparation and maximising scores.

This article provides an in-depth breakdown of the CLAT 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategies to help candidates plan their studies strategically.

What is CLAT?

CLAT is an entrance exam that students take after high school to get into the best law colleges in India. It’s like a key that opens the door to a bright legal career. By studying the CLAT syllabus, you can prepare yourself for this important test.

Subjects in CLAT

CLAT covers some important subjects that are essential for a successful law career. Let’s take a look at them:

• English Language
• General Knowledge and Current Affairs
• Legal Reasoning
• Logical Reasoning
• Mathematics

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Section-wise Weightage

The CLAT UG exam consists of five sections with varying weightage. The paper contains a total of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and each question carries 1 mark. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks per incorrect answer.

Weightage Distribution

From this breakdown, 70% of the exam is focused on comprehension-based and reasoning-intensive sections, making reading speed and analytical thinking vital for success.

Section-wise Breakdown of CLAT 2026 Syllabus

1. English Language

The English section evaluates candidates’ ability to comprehend and analyse texts, as well as their proficiency in grammar and vocabulary.

Topics Covered:

• Reading Comprehension (Passages of 450-500 words)
  • Identifying the main idea of the passage.
  • Inferring conclusions.
  • Understanding the author’s tone and attitude.
  • Contextual vocabulary.
  • Summary-based questions.
• Vocabulary
  • Synonyms & antonyms.
  • Word usage in sentences.
  • Fill-in-the-blanks and cloze tests.
• Grammar and Sentence Structure
  • Spotting errors.
  • Sentence correction and improvement.
  • Sentence rearrangement and paragraph formation.

Preparation Tips:

• Read newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express) to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
• Practice grammar exercises regularly.
• Solve previous years’ CLAT papers for better familiarity.

2. Current Affairs, including General Knowledge

This section tests candidates’ awareness of current events and fundamental general knowledge topics.

Topics Covered:

• Current Affairs:
  • National and international events.
  • Important government schemes and policies.
  • Awards and honours.
  • Sports events and achievements.
  • Science and technology advancements.
  • Summits and international agreements.
• Static General Knowledge:
  • History: Indian freedom struggle, important leaders.
  • Polity: Constitution, legislature, executive, judiciary.
  • Geography: Physical and political geography of India and the world.
  • Economics: Basic terms, budget, and economic policies.

Preparation Tips:

• Follow newspapers & monthly magazines for updates.
• Use Lucent’s General Knowledge for static GK.
• Regularly revise current affairs from past 6-12 months.

3. Legal Reasoning

This section assesses candidates’ ability to understand and apply legal principles to hypothetical scenarios.

Topics Covered:

• Principles of Law:
  • Law of Contracts.
  • Law of Torts.
  • Criminal Law.
  • Constitutional Law.
• Application-Based Scenarios:
  • Fact-situation questions requiring legal reasoning.
  • Identifying logical solutions and interpretations.
• Legal Awareness & Current Issues:
  • Recent legal judgments.
  • Amendments in law.
  • Legal maxims and terminology.

Preparation Tips:

• Study basic legal concepts and landmark cases.
• Practice case-based questions from past CLAT papers.
• Stay updated on recent legal developments through online platforms.

4. Logical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to identify patterns, analyse arguments, and solve logical puzzles.

Topics Covered:

• Critical Reasoning:
  • Identifying arguments.
  • Drawing inferences and conclusions.
  • Strengthening and weakening arguments.
  • Identifying assumptions and flaws.
• Analytical Reasoning:
  • Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Matrix).
  • Puzzles and logical patterns.
  • Syllogisms.
  • Coding-Decoding.
  • Blood Relations.
• Logical Sequences:
  • Analogies.
  • Series Completion.
  • Statement and Assumptions.

Preparation Tips:

• Solve logical reasoning books and puzzle-based questions.
• Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy.
• Time yourself while solving mock tests.

5. Quantitative Techniques

This section tests fundamental mathematical skills and data interpretation abilities.

Topics Covered:

• Arithmetic:
  • Percentages.
  • Profit and Loss.
  • Simple and Compound Interest.
  • Time, Speed, and Distance.
  • Ratios and Proportions.
  • Averages.
  • Number System.
• Data Interpretation:
  • Bar Graphs.
  • Line Graphs.
  • Pie Charts.
  • Tables.
  • Data Sufficiency.

Preparation Tips:

• Revise Class 10 Mathematics concepts.
• Focus on accuracy and speed while solving questions.
• Practice Data Interpretation problems regularly.

Final Preparation Strategy for CLAT 2026

1. Prioritise High-Weightage Sections: Focus on Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Logical Reasoning as they account for 70% of the exam.
2. Daily Reading & Practice: Newspapers, legal updates, and regular practice of comprehension and reasoning questions.
3. Mock Tests & Time Management: Solve full-length CLAT mock tests to improve accuracy and efficiency under time constraints.
4. Revision & Concept Clarity: Ensure clarity in legal principles, logical patterns, and mathematical concepts.
5. Stay Updated on Legal and Current Affairs: Regularly follow legal news, landmark judgments, and global events.

By following a structured approach, aspirants can enhance their preparation and maximise their chances of securing admission into top NLUs. Start early, practice diligently, and stay consistent in your efforts!

For further assistance, consider joining coaching programs or using online resources to streamline your preparation.

Good Luck with CLAT 2026!