Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of the questions we are most commonly asked by the candidates, and published them along with our answers here. We hope this will help to answer some of the question you might have.
1. What is CLAT?
o Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is an all India entrance examination conducted by fourteen National Law Universities for admissions to their under-graduate and post-graduate degree programmes (LL.B & LL.M).
2. With CLAT can I apply for admission to all National Law Universities in India?
o No. With CLAT you can apply only to the fourteen participating National Law Universities i.e. National Law School of India University, Bangalore (NLSIU), NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad (NALSAR), The National Law Institute University, Bhopal (NLIU), The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata (WBNUJS), National Law University, Jodhpur(NLU), Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur (HNLU), Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar (GNLU), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow (RMLNLU), Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala (RGNUL), Chanakya National Law University, Patna (CNLU), National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi (NUALS), National Law University, Orissa (NLUO), National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi (NUSRL) and National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam (NLSJA)
3. Where can I obtain a CLAT Information Brochure?
o CLAT Information Brochure can be purchased from any of the fourteen participating universities or from various State Bank of India branches from across the country. See \'Locate Prospectus distribution center\' section on the website (www.clat.ac.in) for State Bank of India where from CLAT Information Brochure can be purchased.
4. What is the cost of CLAT Information Brochure?
o CLAT Information Brochure would cost Rs.3000/- and Rs. 2500/- (for SC/ST/PWD).
5. Do I also need to purchase brochure of participating universities separately?
o Information about all participating universities is included in the CLAT Information Brochure.
6. Where do I get the application form?
o The application form for CLAT 2012 is sold along with the CLAT Information Brochure.
7. Is the examination pattern for CLAT 2012 different from the previous editions?
o CLAT 2012 has been slightly revamped. Please see CLAT Information Brochure for more information including on the pattern of examination paper and weightage of different subject areas.
8. What is the minimum eligibility for taking CLAT 2012?
o For the under-graduate (LL.B) programme - To be eligible to appear for CLAT-2012, a candidate should have passed his/her Higher Secondary School/Intermediate Examination (10+2) or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in aggregate (45% in case of SC/ST/OBC and persons with Disability)*. Age of candidate should not be more than 20 years in case of General/OBC candidates (22 years in case of SC/ST and PWD)* as on 1st July, 2012.
o For the post-graduate (LL.M) programme - To be eligible for appearing in CLAT-2012 a candidate should have obtained a LL.B/B.L. Degree or an equivalent degree from a recognised University with not less than 55% marks in aggregate (50% in case of SC/ST /OBC and PWD)*. There is no age limit for applying for post-graduate programme.
* Subject to state reservation at the University concerned.
9. Where can I find more information regarding courses offered by various National Law Universities?
o Information regarding details of intake, reservation, courses offered along with the fee structure and further details can be had from the CLAT Information Brochure 2012, CLAT website and website of concerned University.
10. Are foreign nationals required to take CLAT 2012 for admission to any of the National Law Universities?
o Foreign nationals are not permitted to sit for CLAT-2012. Those desirous of taking admission to any course in any of the participating Law Universities may directly contact the concerned University having seats for foreign nationals.
However if you are a foreign national and hold either a PIO or OCI card, you would have parity with NRIs in educational fields. Please see(https://mha.nic.in/pdfs/oci-chart.pdf) for more information.
11. What is domicile?
o The domicile certificate would be required to claim an admission under the domicile/state reservation of the respective state law universities. Domicile can be obtained by birth and this may be proved through birth / residential certificate issued by competent authority.
Candidates falling under \'Other\' in domicile category are not required to submit any certificate.
Please see (https://india.gov.in/howdo/howdoi.php?service=5) for more information.
12. How can I get past years CLAT question papers?
o The past four years CLAT question papers will be available at all the 14 National Law Universities on payment of Rs. 100/- (Rs. One Hundred Only). The question papers can also be obtained by post from National Law University, Jodhpur. Candidates must enclose a demand draft of Rs. 150/- (Rs. One Hundred Fifty Only) in favour of “National Law University, Jodhpur CLAT A/C” payable at Jodhpur (Rajasthan). Application requesting the question paper should be addressed to The Convenor, Common Law Admission Test, CLAT 2012, National Law University, Jodhpur, NH-65, Nagour Road, Mandore, Jodhpur - 342304 (Rajasthan). The application can be made on a plain piece of paper and should contain the following information - a) Name, b) Complete Postal Address including pincode, c) Contact Number(Landline and Mobile), and d) Email id.
13. Would there be any negative marking for CLAT 2012?
o No, there is NO negative marking for CLAT 2012.
14. Is there any specific proforma to send request for an application form to CLAT Convenor or just a simple application in writing would suffice?
o There is no proforma for the application requesting CLAT Information Brochure 2012. The request can be made on a plain piece of paper. But the application must be addressed to
The Convenor,
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) - 2012,
National Law University, Jodhpur
NH-65, Nagour Road, Mandore
Jodhpur 342 304 (Rajasthan)
and contain the following information - a) Name, b)Complete Postal Address including pincode, c) Contact Number (Landline and Mobile), and d)Email id.
15. Do I have to separately purchase Application Form?
o No. The CLAT Information Brochure 2012 would contain the CLAT Application Form.
16. CLAT Brochure mentions \'Senior Secondary School/Intermediate Examination (10+2) or its equivalent examination\' as a eligibility criteria. What are these qualifying examination?
o There are certain educational qualifications/ system which are recognised by Government of India as equivalent to \'Senior Secondary School/Intermediate Examination (10+2)\'. More information can be obtained from (https://www.educationindia4u.nic.in/structure.asp)
17. For the purpose of the category of sons or daughters of defence personnel deployed in UP or defence personnel of UP either retired or killed or disabled in action, does defence personnel include personnel belonging to Paramilitary Forces?
o No, paramilitary forces does not fall in the category of Defence Personnel.
