A career in law after the 12th can offer a wide range of opportunities to students who have a keen interest in the legal profession, and it can also be a fulfilling and challenging career option with the potential for growth and success. After completing 12th, students can pursue a five-year integrated law course such as BA-LLB or BBA-LLB from various colleges and universities across India. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of law, including constitutional, criminal, civil, corporate, and international law. In this article, we will discuss the different types of Law Entrance Exams after the 12th  and how you can effectively prepare for them with Smartkeeda.
 

Types of Law Entrance Exams After 12th

 
There are various national-level law entrance examinations conducted by different Law Universities such as the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) conducted by National Law University Delhi, Law School Admission Test India (LSAT India) conducted by the Law School Admission Council, All India Bar Exam (AIBE) conducted by Bar Council of India, SLAT exam conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU), and Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities to pursue LLB from different law institutes in India.
However, CLAT is considered to be one of the most sought-after exams for students who aspire to pursue a career in law. Qualifying CLAT Exam with a decent rank avails you the opportunity to get admission to the 5-year integrated Ll.B. programme from one of the top National Law Universities which are the best law institutions to get legal education in India. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the CLAT exam and how you can prepare for it effectively with Smartkeeda.
 

Eligibility Criteria for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)

 
It is essential to check the criteria before applying for any competitive exam to determine your eligibility and avoid wastage of your time and effort. To be eligible for CLAT 2025 you must secure the following minimum percentage of marks in their qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2 or an equivalent examination):

  • 45% marks or its equivalent grade for candidates belonging to General / OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories
  • 40% marks or equivalent grade for candidates belonging to SC/ST categories.
 
Even if you’re appearing for your qualifying examination, you are eligible to appear for the CLAT 2025 exam but you will be required to produce evidence of your passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission, failing which you shall lose your right to be considered for admission.
Therefore, if you have completed your 12th standard or are currently in your 12th standard, you are eligible to apply for the CLAT undergraduate program, provided you meet the other eligibility criteria specified by the consortium.
 

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

 
UG-CLAT 2025 would test the mainly test Aptitude and Analytical skills of the candidate that would further be required while pursuing the course. Your knowledge of the English Language, Current Affairs, including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Technique will be evaluated in this exam. Let us have a quick glance over the exam pattern and understand the key features of this exam:
 
  • The UG-CLAT 2025 Examination consisting of an objective test will be conducted online.
  • The test will have five sections with a composite time of 2 hours.
  • The candidate will have to answer 150 multiple-choice questions in the given time.
  • The candidates would be awarded 1 mark for each correct answer.
  • There shall be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.

The following table will provide you with a clear overview of the CLAT examination pattern and syllabus.
 
Features UG Programme
(5-year integrated Ll.B.)
Mode of Exam Offline
Duration 2 Hours
Question Format Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Maximum Questions 150 Questions
Maximum Marks 150 Marks
Subjects The UG exam consists of five sections, namely, English Language, and Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
Frequency of Exam Once a year
Medium of Exam English
Exam date December 2024
Negative Marking Scheme Yes (-0.25 marks for every wrong answer)
Official Website https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in
 
 
 

Tips to Prepare for Law Entrance Exams

 
The national-level law entrance exam, CLAT,  attracts thousands of candidates every year. The number of seats available is limited, and thus the competition is very high. More than 60,000 students appear for the Common Law Admission Test every year intending to secure a seat in the top NLUs. With the growing number of applicants contending for a limited number of seats, it is extremely essential to have a solid preparation plan with access to top-notch study material. Here are some tips you must follow to crack this exam:
 
• Understand the examination pattern: Comprehension of the examination pattern & syllabus for any examination is the first and foremost step in the preparation. It is very important to thoroughly understand and become familiar with the latest examination pattern and syllabus.
 
• Analyze the previous year’s question papers: Analyzing the previous year's papers of the CLAT exam will help you understand the format and the difficulty level of questions asked in CLAT and the topics you need to focus on more. Thereby putting you ahead in the game.
 
• Pay attention to the cutoffs: Having a glance over the previous year's cutoff would give you a rough idea of the target score you require to get admission to the top NLUs.
 
• Attempt CLAT mock tests: CLAT Mock tests are an essential component of any exam preparation, and it is imperative to make it a priority to attempt as many CLAT mock tests as possible before the actual exam. Mock tests are extremely helpful in familiarizing yourself with the examination pattern, reducing anxiety, and keeping you calm and confident during the exam.  Therefore, you should try to attempt at least three mock tests per week and analyze them thoroughly.
 
 

Benefits of Enrolling in Smartkeeda's Law Entrance Exam Preparation Program

 
Smartkeeda's CLAT preparation program offers a comprehensive and structured approach to cracking the CLAT exam by providing access to high-quality study materials, including video lectures, CLAT mock tests, and mentoring sessions, with which you can identify your weak areas and work on them at the right time. The program is designed and taught by experienced faculty members, who have a deep understanding of the CLAT exam and can provide personalized guidance and feedback to students.
Smartkeeda's CLAT preparation program also offers doubt-solving sessions, regular performance analysis, and time management strategies that can help students to improve their overall performance and crack the CLAT exam with confidence. Let us understand the key benefits of enrolling in Smartkeeda’s Law entrance exam preparation in detail.
 

Free Video lectures

 
Preparing for the CLAT exam can be a tedious and exhaustive process, but it is essential to secure admission to one of the prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) in the country. To make the learning process much more accessible and enjoyable, we at Smartkeeda provide engaging and informative video lectures on our YouTube platform LawEx by Smartkeeda for law aspirants preparing for the CLAT exam.
The video lectures at Smartkeeda are designed to help law aspirants strengthen their legal aptitude and analytical and problem-solving skills. The lectures cover a range of topics, including the English Language, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
Moreover, Smartkeeda's CLAT video lectures are prepared by some of the best faculty members whose expertise, experience, and innovative teaching methods make learning fun and effective. The teachers at “LawEx by Smartkeeda” use real-life examples, case studies, and interactive quizzes to explain complex legal concepts, making it easy for students to understand and remember. With the guidance of these expert faculty members, you can prepare for the CLAT exam with ease and achieve your dreams of studying in one of the top law colleges in the country.

 

Mentoring Sessions

 
The faculty members at Smartkeeda are not just excellent teachers but also phenomenal mentors and guides to the students. The mentors are highly approachable and always ready to address the queries and doubts of the students. They provide students with the guidance, support, and insights they require to succeed in this highly competitive exam.
During the mentoring sessions, the CLAT faculty members at Smartkeeda provide comprehensive guidance on various aspects of the CLAT exam such as the CLAT exam pattern, syllabus, time management strategies, and career after CLAT. Along with this, they motivate and inspire the students to cover the extra mile to achieve their goals.  The feedback provided by mentors helps students to improve their study habits, time management skills, and overall approach to the exam.
 

Reading drills

 
  • One of the significant challenges in different sections of the CLAT exam is the passage-based questions, which require students to read and comprehend complex passages within a limited time. In this portion, you are expected to read passages of around 450 words each and answer a series of questions based on the passage. In the CLAT exam, the following types of questions are asked from the passage:
  • Drawing inferences from the passage and applying these inferences to new situations
  • Comparing and contrasting arguments or viewpoints set out in the passage.
  • Comprehending the important points, arguments, and viewpoints discussed in the passage.
  • Finding the meanings of different words and phrases used in the passage.
  • Understanding the argument and reaching conclusions.
  • Reading and identifying the arguments given in the passage.
  • Analyzing the patterns of reasoning critically and comprehending how conclusions may depend on particular premises or evidence.
  • Identifying contradictions and equivalence, drawing relationships and analogies, and assessing the effectiveness of arguments.

Reading drills provided by Smartkeeda are specifically designed to help students improve their reading speed, accuracy, and comprehension skills. These drills contain a variety of passages derived from contemporary or historically significant fiction and non-fiction writing identical to the ones asked in the CLAT exam. The Reading drills provided by Smartkeeda also include detailed explanations and analysis of the passages, which help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on your areas of improvement. By practicing these drills regularly, students can develop a better understanding of the structure of the exam and learn how to quickly identify the key points and ideas.
 

Smartkeeda CLAT Mock Tests

 
The CLAT mock tests at Smartkeeda are meticulously designed by highly qualified content developers to simulate the actual exam conditions and help the aspirants assess their level of preparedness. The CLAT Mock tests  help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to work on the weaker areas at the right time. By attempting CLAT mock tests regularly at Smartkeeda, you can improve your time management skills which are critical in a time-bound exam like CLAT.
Further, let us understand how different varieties of mock tests available at Smartkeeda CLAT mock tests play a crucial role in preparing the aspirants for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT):
 
1. Full-length mocks
The full-length CLAT mock tests at Smartkeeda are the simulation of the actual CLAT exam and consist of all the sections asked in CLAT. These mock tests are designed to match the time and difficulty level of the actual exam. After completing the test, you can get a graphical overall as well as section-wise representation of your performance over the tests with the help of the Smart Analysis tool available in the solution window.
 
2. Topic Tests
A thorough knowledge of the topics asked in CLAT exams is the first step to acing these examinations. The CLAT Topic Tests by Smartkeeda are designed to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of specific topics or concepts related to the CLAT exam. These tests would prioritize learning different concepts asked in the CLAT examination in a consistent & well-paced manner and allow you to focus on a specific concept to evaluate your proficiency in that area. Practicing each topic individually with the help of Smartkeeda Topic Tests will help you build an understanding of the concepts from the scratch.
 
3. Sectional Tests
CLAT  sectional tests at Smartkeeda are the shorter version of the full-length tests and cover a specific section of the exam allowing you to concentrate your efforts on that particular area. If you are struggling to score in a particular section, you can practice that section through CLAT sectional tests and improve your overall score in the CLAT exam.
 

Success Stories of Smartkeeda's Law Entrance Exam Students

 
Over the years, Smartkeeda has helped numerous students to achieve their dreams. The success stories of our students are a testament to the high-quality study material, including video lectures, CLAT mock tests, and one-to-one mentoring sessions. Here are the reviews of some of our students who cracked one of the toughest law entrance exams.
 
Rahul Rao Rank 252 CLAT 2019 (NLU Jodhpur)

I found the Smartkeeda test series to be of great help during my preparation for CLAT 2019. I am thankful to the personal guidance of Legal Head Smartkeeda for his constant support during my preparation.

 
 
Neelesh Beliraya CLAT 2019 Rank 1136 (National Law University Orissa)

The Reasoning section along with the Math section in the Smartkeeda Test series enabled me to secure a rank in NLU Orissa this year. The best thing about this CLAT Test site was the personal care I received both from NUJS mentors as well as Legal Head Rohit Sharma.
 
 
Swati Bansal (Symbiosis 2019)

I owe my success to the test series of Smartkeeda for my selection in Symbiosis 2019. I started my preparation after my 12th class and with the apt guidance received from Smartkeeda aced my Symbiosis Test. I would regard the after-exam analysis of the Smartkeeda Test series to be of vital importance and recommend it to everybody to try it once.
 
 
Aditya Thakur (Symbiosis Pune)

It is due to the Sectional 25 tests of G.K. that I was selected both in Symbiosis Pune and Symbiosis Noida for BBA and BBA LAW. I considered Logical Reasoning and Maths as my strong points but to my surprise, I could manage well in G.K too due to expert advice and the superb test series provided by Smartkeeda for CLAT 2019. I recommend the site to everybody preparing for CLAT 2020
 
 
 
 

Why Smartkeeda is Your Best Bet for Law Entrance Exam

 
Smartkeeda's track record of success speaks for itself, with countless students having achieved their dreams of studying at top law schools with the platform's help. At Smartkeeda, you get a team of experienced and knowledgeable educators who have years of experience in coaching students for law entrance exams. The comprehensive study materials and mock tests available at Smartkeeda cover all aspects of the CLAT exam, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the actual exam. Moreover, cutting-edge technology used in the CLAT mock tests ensures that students are able to visualize their performance in a well-structured format and analyze it thoroughly. So, if you're preparing for India’s toughest law entrance exam, Smartkeeda is definitely the smart choice.

Author : Rohit Sharma

Hi, I am Rohit Sharma, the head of the Law exams vertical at Smartkeeda and an alumnus of NLU Punjab. Having successfully cleared the CLAT exam twice, I am currently engaged in teaching Legal Reasoning on the LawEx YouTube channel. Moreover, I contribute by writing blogs that are specifically tailored to the CLAT exams.


FAQ’s


Smartkeeda is primarily focused on preparing students for the CLAT exam, which is one of the most popular law entrance exams in India. While the course content, videos, and teaching methodology may be useful for other law entrance exams as well, the platform is specifically designed to cater to the needs of CLAT aspirants. Therefore, if your goal is to crack the CLAT exam and secure admission to a top NLUs, Smartkeeda's CLAT course can definitely help you achieve that.

Smartkeeda's digital resources for the CLAT exam are easily accessible, allowing students to study at their own pace without the constraints of fixed schedules or commutes to physical classrooms. Moreover, Smartkeeda's CLAT preparation programme for CLAT is more cost-effective than traditional coaching or classroom-based learning, which can be prohibitively expensive for some students. Moreover, Smartkeeda also provides personalized performance analysis tools to track progress and share targeted feedback with students.

Definitely! Smartkeeda's online courses and study materials are designed to start from the very basics and build up the learner's understanding of legal concepts gradually. The course provides learning sessions that are geared toward beginners, making it easy for them to follow along and understand the topics asked in the CLAT exams.

Smartkeeda offers access to a vast library of interactive study material, mock tests, and video tutorials at the lowest price in the market. Smartkeeda offers various subscription plans for online courses and study materials based on the type of access you require. You can choose the right CLAT subscription plan based on your current level of preparation, budget, and personal preferences.

The CLAT subscription plan at Smartkeeda provides access to 25 Full-Length mock tests, 40 Sectional tests, 1000 Topic Tests with Unlimited Re-attempts facility, PDFs Of Each Test, and monthly Current Affairs Mockdrills, Reading Drills, and video lectures for the CLAT Exam with a validity of 12 months along with personalized one-to-one mentoring from experienced mentors.