What Are the 5 Main Subjects in CLAT for Law Aspirants?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most competitive entrance tests for those who want to study law in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants are competing for a few seats in National Law Universities (NLUs). To be successful, the first and most important step is to know the CLAT exam syllabus, exam pattern, and subjects in detail.

What Is CLAT and Why Subject Knowledge Matters?

Overview of CLAT UG Exam Pattern

CLAT UG is a passage-based and comprehension-oriented exam that is conducted in offline mode. The tests in the paper include the reading ability, analytical thinking, legal aptitude, and numerical aptitude of a candidate.

• Duration: 2 hours

• Total Questions: 120

• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect

What Are the 5 Main Subjects in CLAT?

The CLAT UG exam has 5 core subjects, and each subject tests a different skill required in the study of law.

1. English Language

2. Current Affairs Including General Knowledge

3. Legal Reasoning

4. Logical Reasoning

5. Quantitative Techniques

Subject-Wise Detailed Breakdown of CLAT Syllabus

English Language in CLAT

The English section tests comprehension rather than grammar rules.

Topics Covered in English Language

• Reading comprehension passages

• Vocabulary in context

• Inference and tone-based questions

• Sentence correction (indirect)

Number of Questions & Weightage

This section generally consists of 22-26 questions and hence, a scoring area if practiced regularly.

Preparation Strategy for CLAT English

• Reading: - Daily read editorials and opinion articles

• Practice passage-based questions

• Focus on understanding meaning, not memorization

Current Affairs Including General Knowledge

Static GK vs Current Affairs

• Static GK: History, geography, polity basics

• Current Affairs: Last 10–12 months events

Important Areas to Focus On

• Legal and constitutional news

• Government schemes

• International relations

• Awards, appointments, and summits

Legal Reasoning – The Core CLAT Subject

Legal Reasoning is said to be the core of CLAT.

What Is Legal Reasoning in CLAT?

Candidates are given passages based on legal principles and factual situations. Questions test the ability to apply rules logically.

Types of Legal Reasoning Questions

• Principle-based questions

• Legal comprehension passages

Key Topics Asked in Legal Reasoning

• Contracts

• Torts

• Criminal law basics

• Constitutional principles

Read More: Which books should I read for CLAT?

Logical Reasoning in CLAT

Topics Covered in Logical Reasoning

• Arguments and conclusions

• Assumptions and inferences

• Cause and effect

• Strengthen–weaken questions

Tips to Score High

• Practice passage-based sets

• Attempt a CLAT logical reasoning mock test weekly

• Focus on accuracy over speed

Quantitative Aptitude

Syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude

• Percentages

• Ratios and proportions

• Averages

• Time and work

• Profit and loss

Data Interpretation in CLAT Maths

Questions are based mostly on graphs, tables and charts requiring calculation and interpretation.

Subject-Wise Weightage in CLAT Exam

This table gives a clear understanding of CLAT subject-wise weightage and helps the aspirants to prioritize sections.

Which Subject is Most Important in terms of Weightage?

Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs add up to nearly 50% of the paper and hence are critical for success.

6–12 Month CLAT Study Plan (Subject-Wise)

• First 3 months: Concept clarity + reading habit

• Next 3 months: Sectional tests + revision

• Last phase: Full-length mocks + analysis

Daily Time Allocation for Each Subject

This way, CLAT section-wise preparation is supported without getting burned out.

Common Mistakes Aspirants Make While Preparing CLAT Subjects

• Ignoring Legal Reasoning Early
• Many students delay legal prep, which leads to panic later.
• Studying GK Without Revision
• Without revision, facts fade quickly.
• Over-Focusing on Maths
• Maths has less weightage; spending too much time on it can hamper preparation.

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