CLAT 2027 follows the passage-based format that the Consortium of NLUs introduced in 2020. Every question is tied to a passage — there are no standalone MCQs. Understanding the pattern is the first step to building a preparation strategy that works.
One mark awarded per correct response
Quarter mark deducted per wrong response
No penalty for skipped questions
Implication: With −0.25 for incorrect answers, random guessing has a net negative expected value. However, if you can eliminate 2 out of 4 options, the expected value of guessing turns positive (+0.125 per guess). The strategy is clear: attempt every question where you can eliminate at least two options; skip only when all four options look equally plausible.
Focus on reading speed and inference. Practise identifying main idea, tone, and vocabulary in context. Do not memorise word lists — CLAT tests comprehension, not recall.
Read one newspaper daily (The Hindu or Indian Express). Focus on polity, economy, international relations and legal developments. Static GK is tested through current event passages.
The highest-weighted section. Read the passage for the legal principle, then apply it to the fact pattern. Do not bring outside legal knowledge — answer from the passage only.
Identify argument structure: premise → conclusion. Practise strengthening/weakening arguments and spotting assumptions. Passage length is shorter than Legal Reasoning.
Data interpretation through tables and graphs. Calculations are basic — Class 10 mathematics. Do not skip this section: 10–14 marks with near-100% accuracy is achievable.
The Consortium of NLUs has not announced structural changes to the CLAT pattern for 2027. The passage-based format introduced in 2020 continues. Key constants:
CLAT 2027 awards +1 mark for each correct answer and deducts 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty. The total paper is 120 questions for 120 marks.
CLAT 2027 has five sections: English Language, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. All sections are passage-based.
CLAT 2027 is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) at designated test centres across India. The exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes).
The core format remains the same: 120 passage-based questions, five sections, negative marking of 0.25. The Consortium may make minor adjustments to question distribution between sections, but the fundamental pattern introduced in 2020 continues unchanged.