When is the Next Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)?
The next Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for 2024 is expected to take place in December 2023. This critical date marks the beginning of a hectic but highly anticipated period for law aspirants across India. All the best to all those who will be participating in this prestigious examination!
Understanding the CLAT and Its Broader Purposes
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) serves as a unified public-level entrance examination for admissions to several National Law Universities (NLU) in India, excluding the prestigious National Law University, Delhi (Delhi NLU), which conducts its own admissions through the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET).
In addition to Government-controlled universities, many private law schools and self-funding undergraduate institutions in India also consider CLAT scores for admissions. Furthermore, it is the primary admission criterion for legal positions within public sector undertakings in India, where CLAT Post Graduation (PG) scores play a critical role in the recruitment process.
For undergraduate programs in BA LLB, the CLAT is typically taken after completing Higher Secondary Assessment, which is equivalent to grade 12. For pursuing an LL.M, the test is required post-graduation. The CLAT is renowned for its difficulty, with acceptance rates lows of approximately 5%. The introduction of the CLAT aimed to alleviate the burden on students who otherwise would have to clear numerous separate entrance examinations.
A Brief History of the CLAT
The origins of the CLAT can be traced back to 2006 when Varun Bhagat filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court of India. This lawsuit led to the issuance of a Notice of Grasping Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the rector heads of the seven Public Law Universities on November 23, 2007, to initiate a common admission test.
In 2015, a new MoU was formalized by the sixteen Public Law Universities, excluding NLU Delhi. The prestigious Dr. Smarak Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow, then took charge of conducting the CLAT 2015. Since then, the Consortium of Public Law Universities has been established with the primary mission to enhance the standard of legal education in India and the justice system through legal education.
The CLAT Exam Format
The CLAT examination is a fixed schedule and is usually held on the second Sunday of May. This predictable event ensures that all aspirants have adequate time to prepare and stay organized. For the year 2018, the examination was scheduled for May 13, 2018, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The exam itself consists of sections covering General English, Legal Reasoning, General Knowledge, Numerical Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Each section is designed to evaluate the basic aptitude and understanding of the aspirant in a relevant legal context. Candidates can register online and find detailed information on the official CLAT website.
In conclusion, the CLAT is a significant milestone on the academic journey of aspiring lawyers in India. With clear dates and a structured process, the CLAT provides a streamlined path to many top law schools and legal opportunities. For those who are planning to take the test in the upcoming years, staying informed and preparing diligently will be key to success. Good luck to all aspiring lawyers!