Aiming to pursue a career in law? Whether you're dreaming of joining a prestigious National Law University (NLU) or another renowned law school, the entrance exam you choose can make a significant impact on your future.
In India, three exams that dominate the law entrance are: CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), and LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
Each exam caters to different institutions, and understanding their differences is essential to make an informed choice.
This guide will cover the essential knowledge of CLAT, AILET, and LSAT and compare them across key parameters like exam structure, eligibility, and career opportunities.
Overview of CLAT UG 2025 vs AILET 2025
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Aspect
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CLAT
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AILET
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LSAT
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Full Form
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Common Law Admission Test
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All India Law Entrance Test
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Law School Admission Test
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Conducted by
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Consortium of NLUs
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NLU Delhi
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Pearson VUE (LSAC)
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Conducted for
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UG, PG programs
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UG, PG, Ph.D. programs
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UG, PG programs
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Exam Level
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National Level
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National Level
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Global Level
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Frequency
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Once a year
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Once a year
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Twice a year
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Participating Colleges
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24 NLUs and 60+ other institutions
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NLU Delhi
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50+ private law schools
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Exam Application Fee
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₹4000 (General) / ₹3500 (SC/ST)
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₹3500 (General) / ₹1500 (SC/ST/PWD)
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₹3999 for all
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Courses offered
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5-year integrated LLB and LLM programs
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BA LLB and LLM programs
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5-year integrated LLB, 3-year LLB, and LLM programs
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Link for Registration
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https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/
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https://nationallawuniversitydelhi.in
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https://www.lsatindia.in/exam-basics/
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Exam Patterns for CLAT, AILET, LSAT
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Particulars
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CLAT
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AILET
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LSAT
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Mode of Exam
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Offline
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Offline
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Online
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Medium
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English
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English
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English
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Duration of Examination
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2 hours
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1.5 hours
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2 hours 20 minutes (35 mins per section)
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Number of Questions
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120
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150
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92
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Question Type
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Objective (MCQs)
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Objective (MCQs)
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Objective (MCQs)
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Marking Scheme
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1 mark for each correct answer
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1 mark for each correct answer
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1-3 mark for each correct answer
[Scaled Score ranges from 420 to 480]
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Negative Marking
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-0.25 per wrong answer
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-0.25 per wrong answer
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No negative marking
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Sections & No. of questions
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1. English Language (28-32 Qs)
2. Current Affairs & General Knowledge (28-32 Qs)
3. Legal Reasoning (28-32 Qs)
4. Logical Reasoning (22-26 Qs)
5. Quantitative Techniques (Math) (10-14 Qs)
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1. English Language (50 Qs, 50 marks)
2. Current Affairs & General Knowledge (30 Qs, 30 marks)
3. Logical Reasoning (70 Qs, 70 marks)
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1. Analytical Reasoning (23 Qs)
2. Logical Reasoning (1) (22 Qs)
3. Logical Reasoning (2) (23 Qs)
4. Reading Comprehension (24 Qs)
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Eligibility Criteria for CLAT, AILET, and LSAT
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Eligibility Criteria
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CLAT
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AILET
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LSAT
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Age Limit
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No upper age limit
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No upper age limit
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No upper age limit
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Educational Qualification
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Passed/Appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent)
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Passed/Appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent)
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Passed/Appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent)
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Minimum Qualifying Marks
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General: 45%,
SC/ST: 40%
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General: 45%,
SC/ST: 40%
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No specific marks required
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CLAT 2025 vs AILET 2025 vs LSAT 2025 Section Wise Pattern
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CLAT
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No. of Questions
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AILET
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No. of Questions
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LSAT
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No. of Questions
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English Language
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28-32
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English Language
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50
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Analytical Reasoning
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23
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Current Affairs & General Knowledge
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28-32
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Current Affairs & General Knowledge
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30
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Logical Reasoning (1)
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22
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Legal Reasoning
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28-32
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Logical Reasoning
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70
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Logical Reasoning (2)
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23
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Logical Reasoning
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22-26
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Reading Comprehension
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24
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Quantitative Techniques (Math)
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10-14
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Total no. of questions
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120
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150
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92
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Total Score
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120
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150
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Ranges between 420-480
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Which exam is harder to crack: CLAT or AILET?
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CLAT
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AILET
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Difficulty level: Moderate
You must focus on speed to complete the exam within the given time.
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Difficulty level: A bit higher compared to CLAT & other law entrance exams.
More students are applying than available seats, making the exam tougher.
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FAQs
1. Which exam is better for law: CLAT or AILET?
Deciding between CLAT and AILET depends on your preferences and goals. CLAT offers admission to 25 NLUs and private colleges, while AILET is specific to one college, the National Law University, Delhi. However, there are other colleges that accept AILET scores.
2. Which exam should you choose?
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If you're targeting multiple NLUs across India, CLAT should be your primary focus.
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If NLU Delhi is your dream school, then AILET is the path to pursue.
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If you prefer private law schools with a focus on critical thinking skills rather than subject-specific knowledge, LSAT may be the right option.
3. Do CLAT, AILET and LSAT help you get into the 3-year LLB program?
Yes, CLAT, AILET and LSAT can get you admitted to the 3-year LLB program at many respected law universities.
4. What are the common topics for logical reasoning in CLAT and AILET?
In both CLAT and AILET, the common topics for logical reasoning include syllogisms, logical sequences, analogies, coding-decoding, blood relations, seating arrangements, and logical puzzles.
5. Which exam is more competitive, CLAT, AILET or LSAT?
AILET is often considered more competitive because it grants access to only one law school (NLU Delhi), whereas CLAT and LSAT offers entry into numerous law schools.
6. Can I take all three exams: CLAT, AILET, and LSAT?
Yes, you can take all three exams. Preparing for CLAT and AILET simultaneously is feasible, as their syllabus overlaps. LSAT requires different preparation focusing on reasoning and comprehension.
7. Which law schools accept LSAT India scores?
Over 50+ law schools in India accept LSAT India scores, including prominent institutions like Jindal Global Law School and Symbiosis Law School.
8. Difference between CLAT and LSAT?
The main difference between AILET and CLAT is that AILET doesn't have a Math section, while CLAT does. Also, CLAT's GK questions are based on passages, whereas AILET's GK questions are straightforward statements or one-liners.
Conclusion
Whether you choose CLAT, AILET, or LSAT, your decision should be based on your career aspirations and the type of institution you aim to study in. Each exam has its unique advantages, so choose wisely and prepare strategically for success in the legal field.