CLAT Syllabus 2026 PDF Download [Subject-Wise & Important Topics]

An Introduction to the CLAT 2026 Syllabus

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a premier national-level entrance exam. It facilitates admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. Understanding the CLAT syllabus is the first crucial step toward effective preparation. The syllabus outlines the subjects and topics from which questions will be framed. The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) designs and publishes the official syllabus. It focuses on evaluating a candidate's comprehension and reasoning abilities. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the CLAT 2026 syllabus for both UG and PG programs. A thorough familiarity with the syllabus helps aspirants channel their efforts correctly. It ensures they cover all necessary areas for the examination.

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

Before diving into the syllabus, it is important to understand the exam pattern. The structure of the test provides context to the syllabus. The UG-CLAT is conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper format. Candidates will have two hours (120 minutes) to complete the exam. The question paper comprises 120 multiple-choice questions. Each question carries one mark for a correct answer. A negative marking scheme is also in place. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. The paper is divided into five distinct sections. These sections are English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Each section tests a specific set of skills required for legal education.

Detailed UG-CLAT 2026 Syllabus (Subject-Wise)

The syllabus for the undergraduate CLAT is comprehensive. It is designed to assess skills rather than rote memorization. The questions in all sections, except Quantitative Techniques, are passage-based. Candidates must read a passage and answer questions related to it.

English Language Section

This section evaluates a candidate's proficiency in the English language. It specifically focuses on comprehension and language skills. You will be given passages of about 450 words each. These passages will be derived from contemporary or historically significant works of fiction and non-fiction. The difficulty level is what a 12th-grade student can reasonably comprehend. The questions will test your ability to read and understand the main points discussed in the passage. You will also need to draw inferences and conclusions based on the text. Other skills tested include summarizing the passage, comparing and contrasting arguments, and understanding the meaning of various words and phrases used in context. This section typically contains 22-26 questions.

Current Affairs Including General Knowledge Section

This section is designed to test your awareness of the contemporary world. You will be provided with passages of up to 450 words each. These passages are sourced from news articles, journalistic sources, and other non-fiction writing. The questions will require you to demonstrate knowledge of various events and issues mentioned in the passage. Some questions might also test your understanding of the historical context of these events. The syllabus covers a wide range of topics. These include significant contemporary events from India and the world. It also includes arts and culture, international affairs, and important historical events. While you are not expected to have deep legal knowledge, an awareness of legal information or issues in the news is beneficial. This is the section with the highest weightage, containing 28-32 questions.

Legal Reasoning Section

The Legal Reasoning section measures a candidate's ability to think like a lawyer. It assesses your capacity for legal analysis and problem-solving. This section will also present passages of around 450 words each. These passages may relate to fact-based situations or scenarios involving legal matters. They might also touch upon public policy questions or moral philosophical inquiries. You do not need any prior knowledge of law to answer these questions. All necessary information and legal principles will be provided within the passage itself. Your task is to identify the given rules and principles. Then, you must apply them to the various factual situations presented. The questions will require you to understand how changes in rules or principles might alter their application. This section is also a high-weightage area, comprising 28-32 questions.

Logical Reasoning Section

This section aims to evaluate your critical thinking and reasoning abilities. You will be presented with short passages of about 300 words each. Your task is to analyze the arguments presented in these passages. The questions will require you to identify the main argument and its premises and conclusions. You will need to critically read and analyze the reasoning structure within the passage. The skills tested include the ability to draw inferences and conclusions from the text. You must also assess how evidence affects an argument and apply conclusions to new situations. This section will have approximately 22-26 questions. It is designed to be a thorough test of your analytical capabilities.

Quantitative Techniques Section

The Quantitative Techniques section is unique in its format. It includes short sets of facts or propositions, graphs, or other textual or pictorial representations of numerical data. This section is designed to test your ability to derive, infer, and manipulate numerical information. A series of questions will follow each passage or data set. You will be required to perform mathematical operations on the given data. The level of mathematics tested is of the 10th-grade or elementary standard. Key topics include ratios and proportions, basic algebra, mensuration, and statistical estimation. The primary focus is on data interpretation and applying mathematical concepts to solve problems. This section is the shortest, containing about 10-14 questions.

CLAT PG 2026 Syllabus Overview

The syllabus for the postgraduate CLAT is different from the UG test. It is designed for candidates who already have an undergraduate degree in law. The entire question paper focuses on the compulsory subjects of the LLB program. The exam will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 120 minutes. Similar to the UG exam, each correct answer fetches one mark, and each incorrect answer results in a 0.25 mark deduction. The questions will be based on extracts from primary legal materials such as court judgments and statutes.

Compulsory Subjects for PG-CLAT

The syllabus for the PG-CLAT is extensive and covers a wide range of legal subjects. Candidates are expected to have a thorough understanding of these areas. The primary subjects include Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, and Torts. Other important subjects are Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, and Company Law. Additionally, questions from Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and Labour & Industrial Law will be included. A comprehensive knowledge of these core subjects is essential to perform well in the PG-CLAT.

How to Download the CLAT 2026 Syllabus PDF

The official syllabus is the most reliable resource for preparation. You can download it directly from the Consortium's website. Following these steps will help you access the official PDF document. First, visit the official website of the Consortium of NLUs. Navigate to the section dedicated to CLAT 2026. Look for a link labeled "Syllabus" or "Information Brochure" for the relevant year. Click on this link to open the document. You can then download the PDF file to your device. Saving a copy of the syllabus is highly recommended for easy access throughout your preparation journey.

Important Topics to Focus On for CLAT 2026

While the entire syllabus is important, some areas require special attention. Focusing on these key topics can significantly improve your score. For the English section, building a strong vocabulary and improving reading speed are crucial. Practice with different types of comprehension passages. In the Current Affairs section, daily newspaper reading is non-negotiable. Focus on significant national and international news from the past year. For Legal Reasoning, extensive practice with principle-fact-based questions is key. This will help you develop the skill of applying legal rules accurately. For Logical Reasoning, concentrate on critical reasoning questions, including identifying assumptions and strengthening or weakening arguments. Finally, in Quantitative Techniques, your focus should be on interpreting data from charts, graphs, and tables. Mastering these areas will give you a competitive edge.