The LSAT and CLAT are both standardized tests used for admission to law schools. The LSAT is used for admission to law schools in the United States & India, while the CLAT is used for admission to National Law Universities in India.
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Choosing between LSAT India and CLAT is often a dilemma for law aspirants who wish to pursue a career in legal studies. CLAT primarily caters to candidates aiming for admission into India’s top National Law Universities (NLUs), whereas the LSAT India is widely accepted by leading private law schools in India and abroad.
Understanding their differences in exam pattern, syllabus, difficulty level, and college acceptance is essential for making the right decision. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of LSAT vs CLAT to help aspirants choose the exam best suited to their career goals.
LSAT vs CLAT - Overview
There are some major differences between the LSAT and CLAT exams. However, both exams offer admission to top law colleges in the country and abroad; here are some of the particulars:
| Feature | LSAT | CLAT |
| Full Form | Law School Admission Test | Common-Law Admission Test |
| Purpose | U.S. Law school admissions | National Law University Admissions |
| Format | Computer-based | Pen paper-based |
| Conducting Authority | Pearson VUE | The Consortium of National Law Universities |
| Section | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning | Reading Comprehension, Legal Aptitude, General Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning |
| Marks | 120-180 | 0-200 |
| Acceptance | Most U.S. law schools | 22 National Law universities |
| Duration of exam | 160 mins | 120 mis |
Also Check: Law Courses After 12th
LSAT vs CLAT - Exam Pattern
There is a difference in the number of questions, marking pattern, syllabus for LSAT vs CLAT. The table below mentions the details.
| Particulars | LSAT | CLAT |
| Medium of question paper | English | English |
| Question Type | MCQs | MCQs and Comprehensions |
| Question Areas | Analytical Reasoning | English Language |
| Logical Reasoning | Current Affairs & General Knowledge | |
| Reading Comprehension | Legal Reasoning | |
| - | Logical Reasoning | |
| Quantitative Techniques | ||
| Number of Questions | 92 | 150 |
| Incorrect Answer | No negative marking | -.25 for each incorrect answer |
LSAT vs CLAT - Syllabus
LSAT syllabus 2026 is mainly focused on comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. Whereas, CLAT syllabus 2026 covers topics from English, current affairs & general knowledge, legal & logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. However, the candidates appearing for any of the following exams are advised to go through the official syllabus completely before appearing for the exam.
Nonetheless, CLAT UG and PG syllabus are different. Here is the detailed syllabus:
| CLAT | LSAT |
| English | Analytical Reasoning |
| Mathematics | Logical Reasoning - 1 |
| General Knowledge | Logical Reasoning - 2 |
| Current Affairs | Reading Comprehension |
| Logical Reasoning | |
| Legal Aptitude | |
Also Read: CLAT Important Topics Weightage 2026
LSAT vs CLAT - Marks Division
The number of questions and the marks for each question is different. Therefore, it becomes important to learn the marks division of each exam.
| Subjects | LSAT | Subjects | CLAT | ||
| Total Questions | Distribution of Marks | Total Questions | Distribution of Marks | ||
| Analytical Reasoning | 24 | 24 | English Language | 28-32 | 28-32 |
| Logical Reasoning - 1 | 24 | 24 | General Knowledge (Inclusive of Current Affairs) | 35-39 | 35-39 |
| Logical Reasoning - 2 | 24 | 24 | Legal Reasoning | 35-39 | 35-39 |
| Reading Comprehension | 24 | 24 | Logical Reasoning | 28-32 | 28-32 |
| Quantitative Ability/ Mathematics | 13-17 | 13-17 | |||
Also Read: How to Balance Daily Routine for CLAT 2026 Preparation?
List of Colleges Accepting CLAT vs LSAT Scores
There are many colleges that accept CLAT and LSAT scores. Some of the famous colleges are as mentioned in the below.
List of Colleges Accepting CLAT Scores
Here is the list of colleges accepting CLAT scores:
- Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
- National Law Institute University, Bhopal
- Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala
- National Law University, Jodhpur
- Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
- National Law School of India University, Bangalore
Also Check: Top 10 CLAT Colleges in India
List of Colleges Accepting LSAT Scores
There are colleges that accept LSAT scores. The list of some of the colleges are as follows:
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Presidency University, Bangalore
- IIL Indore - Indore Institute of Law
- IFIM Bangalore - IFIM Law School
- School of Law, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun
- SRM University, Delhi-NCR, Sonepat
- LPU Jalandhar - Lovely Professional University
- Amity Law School, Mumbai
- VIT Law School, Chennai
- Bennett University, Greater Noida
- Alliance School of Law, Bangalore
- VIT Chennai - Vellore Institute of Technology
- KLE Society's Law College, Bangalore
- Vishwakarma University, Pune
Also Check: Top Law Colleges in India 2026
CLAT Vs LSAT- Which is Tougher?
It is a simple query among candidates, which is hard: CLAT or LSAT. However, LSAT and CLAT are both law entrance tests. Therefore, candidates can apply for both the exams.
Besides, the difficulty level of reading and legal reasoning in LSAT question paper is higher. Similarly, the CLAT Consortium has upgraded the test paper by raising comprehensive questions to make it more manageable for candidates.
Read More: What is Good Score in LSAT?
LSAT India vs CLAT - Conjunction on Points
The CLAT conducting body is now focused on testing the candidate's English, comprehension reading ability, understanding, and logical reasoning. Besides, mathematics weightage has been lowered.
Hence, it has brought CLAT and LSAT India closer. On the other hand, LSAT India also focuses on English, candidates' reading comprehension, and logical reasoning. Such convergence in the question pattern will be beneficial for the candidates preparing for both entrance exams.
Moreover, the syllabus's overlap helps the candidates enhance their performance in both exams.
Read More: How to Improve LSAT Score?
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