What is the Marking Scheme in CLAT 2026?

Do you want to get admission to the top NLUs (National Law Universities)? If you do, then you have to crack one of the most competitive entrance tests for the same. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is known to all law aspirants. It is conducted in India to test candidates' potential to pursue their career in law. 

If you are already preparing for CLAT 2026 through standard CLAT books, then don't forget to take mock tests as well. These will help you simulate the real exam environment while focusing on your weak areas for further improvement. Besides mock tests, one important thing that most aspirants overlook is the CLAT marking scheme. 

What exactly is the Marking Scheme in CLAT 2026?

Like other competitive exams, CLAT also involves a marking scheme. Even though there is negative marking, which means you have to answer only when you are sure it is correct. Negative marking on the answer can make or break your overall score. This article will give you a clear insight into the CLAT 2026 marking scheme and how you can prepare and maximize your score.

Well, before moving ahead, let's understand the CLAT 2026 exam pattern first.

Understanding CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern 

CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme (UG Exam)

Many candidates start preparing for UG-CLAT after Class 12. Thus, it is important to understand the marking scheme:

• For Correct Answer: +1 mark

• For Incorrect Answer: –0.25 mark (negative marking)

• For Unanswered Question: 0 marks

This marking scheme shows the importance of correct answers. Doing guesswork in the exam without thinking once can significantly impact your score.

Read More: How to Score High in CLAT Legal Aptitude Section?

CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme ( PG Exam)

• Objective Questions:

For Correct Answer: +1 mark

For Incorrect Answer: –0.25 mark

For Unanswered : 0 marks

• Subjective Questions (Essay Type):

Each essay carries 25 marks, and there will be 2 essays. (2 essays × 25 marks = 50 marks).

There is no negative marking, but it is recommended to focus on clarity, quality, and legal reasoning.

Section-Wise Weightage in UG-CLAT 2026

Apart from knowing the marking scheme, it is vital to understand section-wise weightage. This will help you to manage time effectively in the exam.

This means current affairs, including GK and legal reasoning, carry maximum weight. Candidates need to focus on these sections more. But don't overlook other sections as negative marking because of guesswork or incorrect answers can impact your final score.

Why Should Candidates Consider the Marking Scheme?

Well, the CLAT marking scheme is not just about the rules for solving question papers in the exam. It is important to consider the right preparation strategy.

Accuracy Matters Over the Number of Attempts:

One of the crucial factors while solving the CLAT question paper is accuracy, which matters a lot. Many candidates try to attempt all the questions, but how many answers are correct that actually matter? Due to negative marking, a single incorrect answer can cause you to lose 0.25 marks. This may drop your all-India rank.

Effective Time Management Strategy:

There will be 120 minutes to solve 120 CLAT questions, which means you will have 1 minute to answer each question. Knowing marking schemes thoroughly will assist you in creating efficient time management plans. You have the choice of when to make a guess, when to hold, and when to spend additional time on a specific question.

Utilize Online Mock Test Papers:

By practicing free online CLAT mock test papers, you will learn to balance the number of attempts with more accuracy, leading to the avoidance of guesswork. In this manner, you will be better prepared to tackle the final exam day with confidence

Which CLAT Books to Choose to Understand the Marking Scheme?

Not all the CLAT books can help you understand the marking scheme. You have to choose  them wisely by keeping a few things in mind-

• Choose books with chapter-wise practice sets along with a negative marking scheme.

• Use  CLAT previous year question papers to understand the scoring ways.

• Go for the books with a combination of practice questions and mock tests based on negative marking patterns.

How CLAT Mock Test Papers Help?

CLAT mock test papers help you better understand the marking scheme. Here's how-

• Negative Marking: Candidates can simulate negative marking and thus avoid guesswork.

• Time Limits: As you know, every incorrect answer will cost you 0.25 marks; thus, you will learn when to skip.

• Performance Monitoring: After taking a mock test, you can analyze your incorrect answers and determine whether you were wrong.

Role of CLAT Previous Year Question Papers

It is absolutely vital to use the CLAT previous year question paper because it helps you to understand the difficulty level of the questions and build confidence.

Useful Tips to Maximise Score in CLAT 2026

1. Don't Guess Randomly:

While solving the CLAT question paper, don't guess randomly just to attempt more questions.

2. Skip Questions If You are Unsure:

If you are unsure about the answer, just skip the question; this will improve your accuracy.

3. Solve Sections with High Accuracy First:

Solve high-accuracy sections first, such as GK, current affairs, and legal reasoning. You can create short notes for quick revisions from CLAT books.

4. Monitor Your Accuracy through Mock Tests

After taking every CLAT mock test, analyze the number of attempts, the level of accuracy, and the wrong answers.

5. Solve PYQs for Revision

Solve at least 10 years of CLAT previous year question papers for revision and know the repeated questions. This will also be helpful in trend analysis.

FAQs About CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme

Q1: What is the CLAT 2026 marking scheme?

You will lose 0.25 marks for every wrong answer in both UG and PG CLAT. This negative marking scheme applies to objective sections.

Q2: What is the mark allocation for each correct answer in CLAT?

For each correct response, you will receive +1 point.

Q3: Will there be any deductions for incorrect answers in the subjective section?

No, subjective (essay-type) questions do not have negative marking.

Q4: Is it important to work on the previous year's CLAT question papers to understand the marking system?

Indeed, practicing previous year questions will assist you in understanding the marking scheme while formulating a strong approach for the actual test.

Q5: CLAT books vs CLAT mock test papers, which option should I select?

Using CLAT books, you can establish a strong base, while mock tests allow you to tackle papers under exam conditions and practice according to the marking scheme.

The Bottom Line

The CLAT 2026 marking scheme is challenging for candidates, but it is important as it rewards accuracy. To crack CLAT 2026 effectively, candidates are recommended to combine CLAT books, CLAT mock tests, and CLAT previous year question papers from any reliable sources. By mastering the CLAT marking scheme, you can plan a preparation strategy very well. This will improve your chances of scoring more accurately and securing a seat in the top NLUs.