The Evolution of CLAT Exams

CLAT is one of the most sought-after entrance exams for law aspirants. The authorities conduct the examination annually at two levels, UG and PG for admission to NLUs (National Law Universities). Candidates who qualify for the CLAT UG are eligible for admission to the BA LLB course. Whereas, those securing high marks at the PG level get a call for the LLM programme.

However, this was not the case before 2008. Earlier, the top NLUs had the authority to conduct the admission test separately. Nevertheless, after a brief discussion, the government agreed to introduce the CLAT exam in 2008. Know more about the evolution of the CLAT exams on this page.

The Evolution of CLAT

You can refer to the section below to know about the evolution of CLAT exams after it came into effect.

Admission Process of Law Colleges Before CLAT

• Before CLAT came into effect, the NLUs had the authority to conduct the exams separately. The candidates had to fill out the application forms and exams separately for all the colleges. They got admission only if they secure marks more than the prescribed cut-off marks.
• However, this process became very hectic for the class 12th students who have to appear for multiple colleges and courses. Additionally, the exam pattern was also different for all NLUs citing which became more difficult for the candidates.
• Hence, to help the students, Varun Bhagat filed a PIL in 2006 with the Supreme Court of India. With this PIL, the candidates asked for a single law entrance exam. After going through the PIL, the court gave the order in favour of the students and this is the evolution of CLAT exams that came into effect.

Why was CLAT Introduced

• Traditionally, colleges took up admission to Law courses on the basis of marks secured in exams that entrance exams. NLUs conducted the law exams separately. Hence, to bring together all the NLUs under one umbrella, CLAT came into effect. The evolution of CLAT exams is also interesting.
• Earlier in 2008, the government formed a core committe which had vice-chancellors of seven NLUs(National Law Universities). These universities offered admission to UG and PG courses. The committee decided to conduct the CLAT exam from 2008 onwards. The meeting also decided that each year NLU will conduct the examination.
• With that, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) became the first university to conduct the CLAT exam. However, later in 2019, a new committe was set up to introduce changes in the exam. This committee set up a Consortium of NLUs and a new exam pattern was also made available. Now, since 2019 this consortium is the official conducting body of CLAT UG and PG exams.

CLAT Timeline

• Before the introduction of consortium the NLUs used to conduct the CLAT exams every year. The top NLUs were chosen to be convenors for a particular year. Go through the timeline to know about the evolution of CLAT exams over the year.

CLAT Exam Pattern

At present, the authorities conduct the CLAT exam at two levels, UG and PG. The CLAT UG is for admission into the BA LLB and LLB Integrated courses offered by various NLUs. Whereas, CLAT PG is for those aspiring to take admission to LLM courses offered by National Law Universities. Refer to the following section to know the highlights of the exam below.

CLAT UG

• The authorities conduct the CLAT UG exam in pen and paper mode.
• The questions in the exam are of multiple choice type
• A negative marking of 0.25 is applicable for each incorrect answer.

CLAT PG

• The authorities conduct the CLAT UG exam in pen and paper mode.
• The questions in the exam are of multiple choice type
• A negative marking of 0.25 is applicable for each incorrect answer.

Conclusion

We hope this article on the evolution of CLAT exams was helpful in getting the clarification. CLAT is one of the prestigious exams that the NLUs conduct annually for admission to BA LLB and LLM courses. The candidates cracking these exams become eligible for admission under NLUs.

Hence, we suggest sticking to intense practice along with self-study. If you are looking for free study material and live classes then do subscribe to the Physics Wallah Youtube channel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When did CLAT come into effect?

Ans. CLAT came into effect in the year 2008 and the authorities agreed to set up a consortium in the year 2019.

Q2. What happens if one cracks the CLAT UG exam?

Ans. If a candidate becomes successful in cracking the CLAT UG exam then he becomes eligible for admission to BA LLB courses admissible under the National Law Universities.

Q3. When was CLAT conducted for the first time?

Ans. As per the evolution of CLAT exams, it was held for the first time in 2008 and the National Law School of India University, Bangalore became the first college to conduct it.

Q4. How many NLUs participate in the CLAT exam?

Ans. At present, around twenty-three NLUs participate in the CLAT exam at both UG and PG levels.