What Is CLAT?
CLAT is the acronym for Common Law Admission Test. It serves as the gateway for National Law Universities in the same manner as the JEE exam is for IITs and CAT for IIMs.
What are National Law Schools/Universities?
National Law Universities are centers of legal excellence. They are at the top of the ladder not only in the Indian legal education system but also attract several international students. Superior academic standards, infrastructure and libraries, all–round development, moot court competitions and the fact that the best minds of law choose to study there make National Law Schools one of a kind experience.
Are all the National Law Universities covered by CLAT?
No. National Law University, Delhi (NLU-D) is not covered by CLAT. It has its own examination called AILET.
What are the qualifications to sit for the CLAT paper?
Students of any stream can sit after their 10+2 exam, provided that they have passed with a 55% aggregate. It is not necessary that the results have been declared at the time of sitting for CLAT. But in a situation where you are unable to pass the boards but have cleared CLAT, you will not be able to join a National Law University.
Can students from any stream sit for CLAT?
Yes. Though law is a subject of humanities, students of any stream can sit for the law exam. The paper is evenly balanced so that no particular stream is given a complete edge over the other. In fact, most of the students who sit and qualify the law exam over the years have been science students as it was the most popular stream. It is only in recent years that Arts and Commerce students are also seen appearing in sizable numbers.
What is the time frame of legal education?
There are two formats of legal education. The traditional one espouses a three year graduation, followed by a three year degree in law. The National Law Schools, however, speak of a five–year integrated program, the most commonly awarded degree being B.A. LL.B. (Hons.).
Do National Law Schools offer other degrees too?
Yes. Though the most common is B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), there are other degrees awarded in the form of BB.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.Com. (LL.B.) (Hons.). However, each of these options vary from law school to law school and you will have to check their websites in order to confirm the degrees awarded.
Are National Law Universities Residential Universities?
Yes. Almost all National Law Universities require compulsory hostel stay during the five year period. Certain universities, especially NUJS, Kolkata, gives local students an option to day scholars.
What are my career options after graduating from a NLU?
Manifold. National Law Schools allow diverse career options that carry handsome pay packages and social prestige. For more on careers, please visit the section “Life after Law School” on our website.
Is law a safe career option for Girls?
Absolutely. In fact, it is pretty interesting to note that over the years, a large number of law schools are reporting that the majority of students are girls. A safe residential environment and the opening up of numerous legal career options has made it a great option for girls.
Are there reservations in NLUs?
Yes. Being Government institutions, there are reservations in different National Law Universities. All NLUs have reservations for SCs and STs and quite a few of them have seats for OBCs as well. Fewer have regional quotas and some also have reservations for women, wards of defence personnel and even NRI sponsored Candidates.
What is the fee structures of different NLUs?
The fee is usually in the frequency of approximately a lakh rupees per annum, and differs from student to student. However, an education at National Law Universities shall allow you to earn the entire five years fees in a couple of months. Besides, there are numerous options of scholarships, grants and student loans. Every economic section of the society is visible in National Law Schools. Some of the national law schools are known for their philosophy that all a student needs to do is qualify and they will take care of the fees.
Can I prepare simultaneously for Boards and CLAT?
You need to answer this question. Our experience indicates that the ratio of students who have just passed out and students who have dropped a year is 50:50 or thereabouts. CLAT is not a voluminous paper but one which requires consistent input. If you can draw a schedule, you can work and qualify for the paper by putting in a couple of hours every week.
How do I appear for the CLAT and other law exams?
The form usually comes around the end of the year, between November to December and is available at the official website – www.clat.ac.in. Do visit the notification part of this website. All official information regarding other law examinations shall be available on the concerned websites as well.