CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Know the latest CLAT UG & PG exam structure, number of questions, marking scheme, section-wise weightage, and key changes. Understand CLAT 2026 time management tips and strategies to boost your score.
CLAT UG exam pattern 2026 official notification stated that there will be a total of 120 questions, instead of 150 questions. The exam duration is 120 minutes, which will be conducted in offline mode. All questions are multiple-choice questions (MCQs), based on comprehension passages designed to evaluate the candidate’s analytical skills and conceptual clarity.
Understanding the most recent exam pattern, structure, marking scheme, is essential for CLAT preparation. The five primary sections in the CLAT UG paper of English Language, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques.
To keep the balance the amount of questions asked, sectoral weighting, and marking scheme are crucial to prepare CLAT cutoffs.
What Is the CLAT UG Exam Pattern 2026?
CLAT 2026 is a crucial gateway for admissions into various undergraduate law programs across India. The exam has been designed to test a candidate’s proficiency in language, reasoning, general knowledge, and quantitative aptitude, while also assessing their legal reasoning ability.
According to the latest CLAT UG exam pattern notification 2026, there are a total of 120 questions, and the exam duration is 120 minutes, and it will be conducted in offline mode. All questions are multiple-choice questions (MCQs), based on comprehension passages designed to evaluate the candidate’s analytical skills and conceptual clarity.
| Particulars | Details |
| Correct Response | +1 Mark |
| Incorrect Response | -0.25 Mark |
| Unanswered Question | No Addition, No Deduction |
| CLAT Total Marks 2026 | 150 Marks |
Also Check: Top 15 Landmark Supreme Court Cases Relevant for CLAT Preparation
What Is the CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026
The CLAT PG test pattern 2026 is designed to assess in-depth legal knowledge for law graduates hoping to pursue an LLM. There will be 120 multiple-choice questions on the test covering a range of legal topics.
Every PG paper question is based on laws pertaining to criminal law, contract law, torts, constitutional law, jurisprudence, and other specialist topics. The exam will be held for 120 minutes, and the paper will only be available in English and be administered offline.
The use of concepts from key legal resources, such as legislation, case laws, and official regulations, is a notable feature of the CLAT PG pattern.
| Particulars | Details |
| Format | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions | 120 Questions |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 120 Marks |
| Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.25 Mark |
| Unanswered Questions | No marks deducted |
Also Check: Do's and Don'ts for CLAT 2026: Exam Tips
Is There Negative Marking in CLAT 2026?
Yes, there is negative marking in both the UG and PG exams of CLAT 2026. For every correct answer, a candidate will get +1 mark, while each incorrect answer will lead to a deduction of -0.25 marks. Importantly, unattempted questions do not receive any penalty.
Section-Wise Weightage in CLAT 2026
Candidates can better prioritize their preparation if they have a solid understanding of section-wise weighting. The following is the anticipated sectional distribution for the CLAT UG 2026 exam pattern:
| Section | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
| English Language | 28 – 32 | 20% |
| Current Affairs (including GK) | 35 – 39 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 35 – 39 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 28 – 32 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 13 – 17 | 10% |
Also Check: Top Tips to Crack CLAT 2026 in First Attempt
Key Changes in CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Major changes in CLAT 2026 exam pattern is debited term below by adding on the important parameters that has been changed:
| Parameter | New Pattern (CLAT 2026) | Old Pattern |
| Total Number of Questions (UG) | 120 Questions | 150 Questions |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Medium of Exam | English | English |
| Focus at UG Level | Same, but fewer questions – focus on accuracy & time management | Objective Comprehension-based MCQs |
| Focus at PG Level | Primary legal materials such as judgments, statutes, and important legal provisions form the basis of passages | General comprehension and legal reasoning |
| Marking Scheme | Same (+1 mark correct, -0.25 wrong, 0 for unattempted) | +1 mark for correct, -0.25 for wrong |
Also Check: Important Topics to Study from CLAT Syllabus 2026
CLAT Marking Scheme 2026
CLAT 2026 marking scheme was also notified in the official exam notice according to which candidates are advised to only attempt questions they are confident in answering because incorrect answers will lower their final score on the UG exam.
The UG and PG marking scheme is tabulated down below:
| Particulars | CLAT UG Marking Scheme | CLAT PG Marking Scheme |
| Correct Answer | +1 Mark | +1 Mark |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.25 Marks | -0.25 Marks |
| Unattempted Question | 0 Marks | 0 Marks |
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How to Manage Time Effectively in CLAT 2026 Based on Exam Pattern?
Effective time management is essential for passing CLAT 2026, as the exam is comprehension-based. Focusing too much on a single passage or a challenging question can reduce your chances of scoring higher marks.
Some important time management tips for CLAT 2026 based on the exam pattern is listed down below for candidates understanding:
- Give each question about a minute, to understand the questions before answering.
- Start with your stronger areas, like English or Current Affairs, then go to Logical and Legal Reasoning.
- Blind guesses are discouraged by negative marking so try only when you're sure.
- Frequent mock test practice will improve accuracy and speed.
- Since each question is based on a passage, it will be extremely beneficial to increase reading speed without sacrificing comprehension.
Candidates can prepare their study schedules, concentrate on high-weightage portions, and effectively manage their time throughout the test by thoroughly comprehending the most recent CLAT 2026 exam format. Effective study techniques together with consistent practice will help you succeed on this difficult admission exam.
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