CLAT preparation
CLAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Section-by-Section Guide
CLAT UG has five passage-based sections. Here is what each tests and how Intermediate students should prepare for it.
Pragnya IAS Academy, Hyderabad · Updated 20 October 2026 · 8 min read
The five CLAT sections
| Section | What it tests | How to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Comprehension, inference, vocabulary in context | Daily editorial reading with timed passages |
| Current Affairs including GK | Understanding of news passages and related static facts | Daily news analysis plus monthly revision |
| Legal Reasoning | Applying a given principle to facts | Practice principle–fact passages; no prior law knowledge needed |
| Logical Reasoning | Arguments, assumptions, conclusions | Critical reasoning sets and argument analysis |
| Quantitative Techniques | Data from passages, tables and graphs | Class 10 arithmetic: percentages, ratios, averages |
Recent CLAT UG papers have had 120 questions carrying one mark each, with 0.25 deducted for each wrong answer. English, Current Affairs, Legal and Logical Reasoning carry most of the weight; Quantitative Techniques is the smallest section.
How the syllabus maps to Intermediate
CLAT does not test the Intermediate syllabus directly. It tests reading and reasoning. That is why students who start in Inter 1st year, reading a newspaper daily and practising passages weekly, gain the most.
Frequently asked questions
Is legal knowledge required for CLAT?
No. Legal Reasoning passages provide the principle; you apply it to the facts. Familiarity with legal ideas helps speed but is not required.
Is there negative marking in CLAT?
Yes. Recent papers deduct 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.