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CLAT vs AILET vs LSAT: Which Law Entrance Exam Should You Choose?

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   25-Dec-2024 | Drishti The Vision



Law entrance exams serve as gateways to prestigious legal education institutions across India. These examinations are mandatory for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at premier law schools. 

Who Should Appear for Law Entrance Exams?

These exams are ideal for: 

  • Students who have completed or are appearing for Class 12th examinations. 
  • Individuals who are passionate about legal studies and justice. 
  • Those interested in corporate law, civil rights, or constitutional law. 
  • Students aiming for careers as advocates, legal consultants, or judicial officers. 

 Major Law Entrance Examinations 

Exam Name Eligibility Age Limit Exam Process Duration No. of Ques. Sections Colleges 
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 

For UG: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12th (40% for SC/ST).

For PG: Bachelor's degree in law with minimum 50% marks. 

 No upper age limit for UG programs. Computer-based test  2 hours 120  English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques  26 National Law Universities (NLUs) Notable: NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Delhi 
All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)  Minimum 45% marks in Class 12th (40% for SC/ST).  No age limit  Offline mode 120 minutes 150

Section A: English Language (50 questions; 50 marks)

Section B: Current Affairs & General Knowledge (30 questions; 30 marks)

Section C: Logical Reasoning (70 questions; 70 marks) 

 National Law University, Delhi 
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)  Completion of Class 12th or equivalent  No age limit  Digital format  2 hours 20 minutes  MCQ  Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension Various Law Schools across India 

Which Exam to Choose?

Choose CLAT if: 

  • You aim for National Law Universities 
  • Want maximum college options 
  • Prefer comprehensive legal preparation 

Choose AILET if: 

  • NLU Delhi is your primary target 
  • Strong in analytical reasoning 
  • Prefer detailed subject knowledge 

Choose LSAT if: 

  • Interested in private law schools 
  • Planning for international law studies 
  • Strong in logical reasoning 

 Best Strategy:

1. For Most Indian Students: 

  •  Prepare for both CLAT and AILET simultaneously as they have similar patterns. 
  • This gives you access to all NLUs. 

 2. For International Aspirants: 

  •  Focus on LSAT if planning to study abroad. 
  • Can combine with CLAT/AILET if interested in Indian universities. 

 3. For Maximum Options: 

  •  Appear for all three exams if resources and time permit. 
  • This provides the widest range of choices for law education. 

 Preparation Strategy

  • Understand exam patterns thoroughly 
  • Focus on mock tests and previous papers 
  • Develop strong current affairs knowledge 
  • Practice time management 
  • Build legal aptitude through regular reading 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right law entrance exam depends on your career goals, preferred institutions, and academic strengths. CLAT offers the widest reach, AILET provides focused opportunity for NLU Delhi, while LSAT caters to private institutions and international prospects. Consider your strengths and career objectives when making this crucial decision.