Understanding Law entrance exams – The Hindu

Entering the realm of legal education involves taking entrance exams such as CLAT, CUET, and LNAT. Each of these is designed to align with various strengths, goals, and professional aspirations. In a landscape where law intersects with careers in litigation, civil services, policy, and international law, understanding the structure and benefits of these exams is essential for students.

CLAT

The Common Law Admission Test is the most prestigious and competitive Law entrance exam in India and its score is accepted by 26 National Law Universities. It also provides a gateway to Delhi University and IP University. It emphasises Legal Reasoning, English, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques. Students have to attempt 120 questions in two hours and the pattern of the exam is comprehension-based along with a negative marking of 0.25 marks.

Benefits: Staying updated on current issues builds strong general awareness, essential for any legal career. CLAT preparation also instills discipline, time management, and the ability to handle pressure. As students tackle tough questions, their confidence grows. Along the way, they grasp legal basics, sharpen their judgment, and improve their decision-making.

CUET

The Common University Entrance Test is computer-based. The pattern varies by university but it is most commonly taken for admission to Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The exam typically includes two sections: Language (English) and a General Aptitude Test. Each section has 50 questions, and the duration for each is 60 minutes. The test assesses candidates on topics such as language, reasoning, mental ability, and general awareness. Candidates receive five marks for every correct answer, and one mark is deducted for each incorrect response.

Benefits: CUET preparation builds broad thinking and academic flexibility. Exposure to subjects like Economics, History, and Current Affairs helps students develop skills useful in Law, civil services, journalism, or policy. It sharpens awareness, reasoning, and communication. With interdisciplinary options and affordable access, CUET is ideal for those aiming at research, public-interest law, or exams like UPSC and Judiciary.

LNAT

The Law National Aptitude Test is an international exam required for admission to top foreign universities for undergraduate law programmes. It is an aptitude test based entirely on Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. It doesn’t test your knowledge of law or any other subject but helps universities assess your aptitude for the skills required to study law. There are two papers; an objective (42 questions in 95 minutes) and a descriptive (write one of the three essays in 40 minutes); both are conducted online.

Benefits: LNAT builds and sharpens critical skills such as analytical thinking, argumentation, and writing. Students learn to respond quickly, adapt arguments, and communicate clearly. Regular reading and essay writing boost confidence, curiosity, and mental agility. With exposure to global issues like human rights and international law, LNAT opens doors to roles in global firms, UN bodies, or policy think tanks.

Make your choice

CLAT suits students aiming for NLUs and legal careers in India like litigation or corporate law. CUET fits those interested in multidisciplinary studies, civil services, or research. LNAT is ideal for those targeting global law schools and careers in diplomacy or human rights. Both are MCQ-based, testing comprehension and reasoning. LNAT adds an essay, focusing on critical thinking and writing. Knowing the purpose and possibilities of each exam allows students to choose wisely and gives educators a clearer path to guide them.

The writer is the founder and CEO of Maansarovar Law Centre.