The CLAT Exam 2023 has been rescheduled to 18th December 2022, and it will be conducted offline. This is a deviation from the usual schedule, as the Common Law Entrance Test (CLAT) typically takes place in the first week of May each year. The change in date is intended to avoid a clash with the Board Exams, which are usually held in May.
Due to the revised schedule, candidates for CLAT 2023 will have a shorter preparation time, as the exams are now set five months earlier than their typical schedule. Therefore, students should adjust their preparation accordingly. During the CLAT 2023 Application process, candidates are required to pay an admission fee of Rs 4000 for general category candidates and Rs 3500 for SC/ST category candidates.
CLAT 2023 – Highlights
| Particulars | Description |
| Exam name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
| Mode of exam | Pen-and-paper mode |
| Number of questions | 150 for UG CLAT 120 for PG CLAT |
| Question type | MCQs |
| No. of seats | 5-year integrated LLB program – 2538 seats LLM program – 742 seats |
| Official website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
CLAT 2023 exam date
The CLAT 2023 exam date has been officially announced by the consortium. It is scheduled to be held on December 18, 2022, in offline mode. The detailed and final schedule for CLAT 2023 will be released after July 15, 2022. Candidates can refer to the tentative schedule provided below until the official schedule is published.
CLAT Important dates 2023
| Event | CLAT Dates 2023 |
| Release of admission notification | July 15, 2022 |
| Opening of CLAT 2023 application form | Last date to submit an application form |
| Release of 1st sample question set | September 2022 |
| Release of 2nd sample question set | October 14, 2022 |
| Commencement of counseling | November 13, 2022 |
| Last date to submit fee & edit application form | November 2022 |
| Release of admit card | November 2022 |
| CLAT 2022 exam date | December 18, 2022 (Announced) |
| Release of provisional answer key | December 19, 2022 |
| Release of final answer key | Fourth week of December 2022 |
| Declaration of results | Fourth week of December 2022 |
| Commencement of counselling | January 2022 |
CLAT 2023 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CLAT 2023, candidates must meet the specified criteria. Even if candidates pass the examination, they will not be considered for admission to integrated LLB programs offered by NLUs if they fail to meet the eligibility requirements. Fulfilling the CLAT eligibility criteria is mandatory for all candidates.
To be eligible for UG-CLAT 2023, candidates must have obtained at least 45% aggregate marks in their Class 12 or equivalent examination. However, for SC and ST candidates, the minimum required aggregate is 40%. If you are currently enrolled in Class 12 or an equivalent course and are scheduled to take the board examination in May or April 2023, you are eligible to appear in CLAT 2023.
However, please note that admission will be subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, which also includes achieving the required minimum marks in Class 12.
CLAT application form 2023
The Consortium of NLUs made the CLAT 2023 application form available online on August 08, 2022, through the official website – consortiumofnlus.ac.in. To apply for CLAT 2023, follow the steps outlined below:
CLAT 2023 Registration: Visit the official CLAT website and complete the registration process using your mobile number and email ID.
Fill out CLAT Application Form 2023: Provide your personal details, communication information, and educational qualifications, and select the preferred test centers and reservation status.
Preview Application Form: Carefully review all the entered details to ensure accuracy.
Submit CLAT Application Form 2023 & Fee Payment: After verifying all the provided information in the CLAT Application Form 2023, candidates should proceed to submit the form and make the application fee payment. The application fee for general category candidates is Rs 4,000, whereas, for SC and ST candidates, it is Rs 3,500.
CLAT Syllabus 2023
To excel in CLAT 2023, candidates must ensure they are well-versed with the syllabus. Familiarizing themselves with the syllabus will help them gain a clear understanding of the subjects and topics that will be covered in the examination. This knowledge is essential for effective preparation and will enable them to focus on the right areas to achieve better results. By referring to the official syllabus, candidates can gain clarity on book selection, identify important topics, and comprehend the test structure.
Consisting of five subjects, namely English, general knowledge and current affairs, elementary maths, legal aptitude, and logical reasoning, the CLAT syllabus provides comprehensive coverage of the exam content.
The marks distribution for CLAT 2023 is as follows:
| Subject/topics | Number of questions | Percentage weightage |
| English Language | 28-32 questions | 20% |
| Current Affairs, including G.K | 35-39 questions | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 35-39 questions | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 28-32 questions | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 13-17 questions | 10% |
CLAT legal aptitude 2023
Legal aptitude holds significant importance in the CLAT examination, and candidates should prioritize strengthening their fundamentals in this area. To prepare effectively for legal aptitude, candidates need to adopt a comprehensive approach. This section comprises two key aspects: legal current affairs and legal concepts & terminology. It is crucial for candidates to focus on both aspects and make connections between contemporary legal issues and traditional legal concepts.
By doing so, candidates can enhance their understanding and performance in the legal aptitude section of the CLAT examination.
Candidates can utilize the following resources to enhance their legal aptitude preparation:
- “Legal Awareness and Legal Aptitude” by AP Bhardwaj
- LexisNexis Butterworths
- Referencing articles from reputable newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express
- Reading legal magazines, analyzing judgments, and studying editorials
By utilizing these resources, candidates can strengthen their grasp of legal concepts and stay updated with current legal affairs, which will be beneficial for their performance in the CLAT examination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
When will the CLAT exam take place in 2023?
The CLAT 2023 exam will be conducted by the Consortium of NLUs on two separate dates: July 1st, 2023, and December 03, 2023. This is the first time the CLAT exam is being held twice in the same year, providing candidates with two opportunities to appear for the examination.
How prestigious is the CLAT exam?
The CLAT exam is highly prestigious and one of the most sought-after law entrance exams in India. It is the gateway to some of the top law universities in the country.
How does the counseling and seat allotment process work after the CLAT results?
After the CLAT results are declared, participating NLUs conduct a centralized counseling process based on merit-cum-preference. Candidates with a rank in CLAT can participate in the counseling to secure admission to the NLU of their choice.
What are the eligibility criteria for the CLAT exam?
To be eligible for the undergraduate program (BA LLB), candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum percentage of marks as specified by the participating NLUs. For the postgraduate program (LLM), candidates must have completed their LLB or equivalent degree.
