If a candidate is looking for the career option after 12 of becoming a lawyer in India, you may be thinking about giving the CLAT. But it is not compulsory for everyone to appear for CLAT to get admission in the LLB college. Those who wish to be in the NLUs are restricted to appearing for CLAT. Let’s understand this in more detail.
What is CLAT?
CLAT stands for Common Law Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance exam for students who want to join top law colleges in India called National Law Universities (NLUs). These universities are considered the best for studying law.
There are 22 NLUs in India that accept CLAT scores for their 5-year integrated LLB course after Class 12. So, if you want to study at an NLU, you must appear for the CLAT.
Is CLAT Compulsory for LLB?
CLAT is not compulsory for all law colleges. You can do LLB without giving CLAT. Many state universities, private colleges, and open universities offer law courses without asking for a CLAT score. These colleges follow their own admission process, which can include entrance exams or direct admission based on merit.
Other Law Entrance Exams
If you're not giving CLAT, here are other exams you can consider:
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MH CET Law—For law colleges in Maharashtra
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LSAT India—Accepted by many private universities
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SLAT—For Symbiosis Law School
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CUET (UG)—CUET is accepted by some central universities for law courses
These are good alternatives for students who want to study law but not at NLUs.
How to Prepare for CLAT
If you choose to appear for the CLAT, start your preparation early and focus on important areas like English, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, Current Affairs, and Maths. For better preparation, use good CLAT preparation books and solve previous year’s questions papers to understand the exam pattern and what kind of questions are asked in the exam. After completing your syllabus, start practicing CLAT mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
CLAT is not mandatory at all. What matters most is your hard work and dedication towards your goal. You can be the good lawyer from any LLB college in India, but throughout your academics, you need to be sincere and focused. All the best!
FAQs
1. Can I do LLB without CLAT?
Yes, you can join many law colleges without CLAT. State and private colleges have their own entrance exams or take direct admission.
2. Why do students give CLAT?
CLAT is for getting admission into top NLUs, which offer the best legal education and good job placements.
3. Is CLAT only for LLB after 12th?
CLAT UG is for students after Class 12. But there is also CLAT PG for students who want to do LLM after graduation.
4. What is the eligibility for CLAT?
You must have passed Class 12 with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) to apply for CLAT UG.
