CLAT PG is the primary entrance exam for LLM admission at National Law Universities and a wide range of affiliated institutions across India. Like its undergraduate counterpart, the 2026 edition follows the Consortium of NLUs' now well-established format — which makes this guide useful whether you're reviewing this cycle or planning your own attempt.
This guide breaks down the syllabus, exam pattern, and a practical preparation strategy, so you're not relying on scattered or outdated information.
What Is CLAT PG, and Who Should Take It
CLAT PG is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities specifically for LLM admission.
Who It's For
Any LLB or BA LLB graduate seeking postgraduate legal education at an NLU or CLAT PG-accepting institution needs to appear for this exam — it's the standard gateway, not an optional alternative route for most NLU LLM seats.
Why It Matters Beyond Just NLUs
A number of well-regarded non-NLU institutions also accept CLAT PG scores for their own LLM admission, which widens the exam's relevance well beyond the Consortium's own universities.
CLAT PG Exam Pattern
Understanding the structural format helps you plan preparation time realistically.
Format and Duration
The exam is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode), runs for 2 hours, and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, largely built around comprehension-style passages rather than isolated fact-recall questions.
Marking Scheme
Each correct answer earns 1 mark, with a 0.25 mark deduction for every incorrect answer — the same marking structure as CLAT UG, so guessing carries a real cost.
CLAT PG Syllabus: Subject Areas
The syllabus draws from core LLB subjects, tested through passage-based reasoning rather than direct definitional recall.
Core Subjects Covered
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Law of Contracts
- Law of Torts
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
- Property Law
- Company Law
- Labour and Industrial Law
- Public International Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Administrative Law
How Questions Are Actually Framed
Rather than asking you to recall a rule in isolation, CLAT PG typically presents a passage — drawn from case law, statutory provisions, or legal commentary — and tests your ability to apply relevant legal principles to the facts or argument within that passage.
How to Prepare: A Practical Strategy
Because the syllabus spans nearly every core LLB subject, a structured approach matters more than trying to re-read everything equally.
Prioritise Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence
These two subjects tend to carry significant weightage and also underpin how several other subject areas are tested, making them a strong starting point for revision.
Practice With Passage-Based Questions, Not Just Bare Acts
Since the exam format leans heavily on applying principles to a passage rather than recalling a bare act verbatim, practicing with passage-based mock questions builds the specific skill the exam actually tests.
Revise Using Previous Year Papers
Previous year CLAT PG papers are one of the most reliable ways to understand how principles get converted into passage-based questions in practice, and are generally more useful in the final weeks than reading fresh material.
Take Timed Mocks Under Real Exam Conditions
120 questions in 2 hours requires a steady, practiced pace — regular full-length mocks under strict timing build the speed and stamina the actual exam demands.
Don't Neglect Less "Popular" Subjects Like Labour Law or IP Law
Because subjects like Constitutional Law and Contracts get disproportionate attention in most preparation plans, questions from comparatively neglected areas like Labour Law or Intellectual Property Law can become an easy differentiator if you've prepared them properly.
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating CLAT PG prep as a repeat of undergraduate-level bare act memorisation, rather than practicing applied, passage-based reasoning
- Over-focusing on Constitutional Law and Contracts while neglecting smaller-weightage subjects entirely
- Skipping timed mock practice until very close to the exam date
- Ignoring negative marking risk by guessing on quesions you're genuinely unsure about
- Not reviewing previous year papers specifically for question framing style, not just content
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the exam pattern for CLAT PG?
120 multiple-choice questions in a 2-hour offline exam, with +1 for correct answers and -0.25 for incorrect ones.
2. What subjects are covered in the CLAT PG syllabus?
Core LLB subjects including Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Family Law, Property Law, Company Law, Labour Law, Public International Law, IP Law, and Administrative Law.
3. Is CLAT PG only for NLU admission?
Primarily, yes, but a number of non-NLU institutions also accept CLAT PG scores for their own LLM admission process.
4. How is CLAT PG different from CLAT UG in terms of testing style?
Both use a passage-based, applied-reasoning format, but CLAT PG draws its passages and legal principles specifically from postgraduate-level LLB subject matter rather than undergraduate legal aptitude basics.
5. Can I prepare for CLAT PG without coaching?
Yes — disciplined self-study using previous year papers, timed mocks, and a subject-wise revision plan is a viable path, though coaching can add structure for some aspirants.
6. Which subjects should I prioritise if I'm short on preparation time?
Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence are generally strong starting points given their weightage and how they intersect with other subject areas, but don't skip smaller subjects like Labour Law or IP Law entirely.
Related Reading
Explore the LLM Course page, our guide on Top Career Options After LLM, Best LLM Specializations, LLM Abroad vs LLM India, and our LLM Admission Guide for the full application process.
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