The difference between SLAT, CLAT and AILET exam is specified here for your convenience. You must check out the detailed comparison provided here for your guidance.
Table of Contents
SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test), CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), and AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) are all national-level law entrance exams through which students get admitted into integrated law programs (BA LLB and BBA LLB).
All three exam patterns cover topics such as general aptitude and legal reasoning. The number of students appearing for the SLAT, CLAT, and AILET exams ranges from 18,000 to 80,000 each year. The difficulty of the exam depends on the exam pattern and the understanding of the syllabus. The percentage of appearance of students in all three exams is nearly:
| Exam Name | Total Number of Appeared Students (in 2025) Approx | Percentage |
| SLAT | 35,000–40,000 | 24–28% |
| AILET | 18,000–20,000 | 12–14% |
| CLAT | 70,000–80,000 | 48–52% |
Overview of SLAT, CLAT, and AILET Exams 2026
The table below outlines a quick snapshot of three major law entrance exams: SLAT, CLAT, and AILET. The courses offered through SLAT and CLAT are mainly BA LLB and BBA LLB. At the same time, students can only pursue the BA LLB (Hons.) through the AILET exam 2026.
Looking at the past year's exam trends, there will be no negative marking in the SLAT 2026 exam. On the other hand, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer attempted in the AILET and CLAT exam 2026.
| Particulars | SLAT 2026 | CLAT 2026 | AILET 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | Consortium of National Law Universities | National Law University, Delhi |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) | Offline (Pen-paper) | Offline (Pen-paper) |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Total Marks | 60 | 120 | 150 |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 | 120 | 150 |
| Offered Courses | BA LLB, BBA LLB | BA LLB, BBA LLB | BA LLB (Hons) |
| Marking Scheme | No negative marking | 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. | 1/4th marks will be cut for each wrong answer. |
SLAT vs CLAT vs AILET Exam: Paper Pattern 2026
All three major exams – SLAT, CLAT, and AILET 2026 – include common sections such as English, logical reasoning, current affairs, legal reasoning, and general aptitude. The SLAT 2026 exam, conducted by Symbiosis International University, consists of a total of 60 questions that must be completed within 60 minutes. The CLAT and AILET 2026 exams will have 120 and 150 questions, respectively. You can check the details regarding SLAT vs. CLAT vs. AILET 2026 given below:
| Feature | SLAT 2026 | CLAT 2026 | AILET 2026 |
| Sections | English, Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, General Knowledge, General Aptitude | English, Current Affairs (GK), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques, General Aptitude | English, Current Affairs & GK, Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, General Aptitude |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 | 120 | 150 |
| Marking Pattern per Question | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult |
Difficulty Level Analysis: Conceptual vs Analytical Focus
According to the SLAT exam format, you are required to allocate only one minute for each question so they can complete the exam on time and solve all the questions. To do this, you must solve as many questions as possible before the exam through mock tests or previous year question papers. This will not only improve your scores but also enhance your reading and comprehension skills, ensuring you don't feel completely lost during the exam.
Now, regarding the difficulty level analysis, we can see that over the past few years, questions asked in the CLAT and AILET exams have been concept-based and in-depth. While questions asked in the SLAT are concise and straightforward. For all three exams, you need to prepare efficiently with key skills such as quick decision-making, deep reading and thinking skills, and conceptual clarity.
For a clearer picture of how difficult the SLAT 2026 is compared to the CLAT and AILET entrance exams, you can see the table below:
| Parameter | SLAT 2026 | CLAT 2026 | AILET 2026 |
| Main Focus | Speed and Accuracy | Deep Reading & Analytical Skills | Conceptual and Legal Understanding |
| Type of Questions | Short and Direct | Passage-Based MCQs | Concept-Oriented Legal Logical Questions |
| Time Limit | Manageable only with Regular Mock Practice | Manageable | Manageable |
| Requirements | Quick Decision Making | Critical Reading & Logical Thinking | Conceptual Clarity & Precision |
Preparation Strategy for SLAT, CLAT, and AILET 2026 Exam
Consistency and disciplined study play a vital role in preparing for any exam. SLAT, CLAT, and AILET are all law entrance exams, conducted annually in May and December. The SLAT exam date 2025 is scheduled for Dec 20, 2025 and Dec 28, 2025, while the CLAT and AILET exams are already scheduled for December 7, 2025, and December 14, 2025. So, if you're appearing for this year's exam, you have less than a month.
In such a case, you should continue your revision and utilize the CLAT and AILET flashcards you created while studying. And if you are appearing next year or are an SLAT 2026 aspirant, then you can follow the effective preparation strategies given below.
| Tip | Details |
| Attempt Easy Questions First | Boosts confidence and saves time |
| Do not overthink | Move on if you ensure, revisit later |
| Divide Time Per Section Equally | 2 minutes per question on average |
| Keep the Last 15 Minutes Reserved for Final Revision | For review and OMR filling |
| Mark Answers Carefully | Avoid any errors on the OMR sheet |
| Keep Clam | Focus improves speed and accuracy |
Conclusion
There is no negative marking in the SLAT exam, and it consists of only 60 questions. Thus, the SLAT exam is slightly easier than the CLAT and AILET. However, the level of competition is getting tougher every year, and the number of students appearing for the SLAT exam is also increasing every year. Therefore, every law aspirant should keep in mind that while the SLAT exam pattern may seem easy, time management is crucial. SLAT, CLAT, and AILET have some common papers such as General Aptitude, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, etc.
Therefore, if you prepare well for the common papers first, it will be easier to focus on a specific exam later, and you will also have backups or options for other law exams. Ultimately, there are three things that all aspirants must master in all these exams: time management, speed, and accuracy. So, not only will you succeed in all three, but you will also have the opportunity to get admission into the best law institutes.
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