If you’re an aspiring law student in India, two of the most prominent entrance exams you’ll encounter are CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) and AILET (All India Law Entrance Test). Both are highly competitive, but they cater to different law schools and have distinct patterns, syllabi, and levels of difficulty.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down the key differences between CLAT and AILET, provide a side-by-side comparison, and help you determine which exam to focus on based on your strengths, preferences, and career goals.
What Are CLAT and AILET?
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
A national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
Offers admission to 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India (except NLU Delhi).
Also accepted by many private universities and law schools.
Conducted for both UG (5-year integrated LLB) and PG (LLM) programs.
AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)
Conducted exclusively by National Law University, Delhi (NLU-D).
Offers admission to only one law school — NLU Delhi.
Conducted for UG (BA LLB), PG (LLM), and PhD programs.
CLAT vs AILET: Section-wise Comparison
| Feature | CLAT | AILET |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs | National Law University, Delhi (NLU-D) |
| Number of Seats (UG) | ~3,000+ across 22 NLUs | ~110 (General Category) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 1.5 hours (90 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 | 150 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong |
| English Language | 22–26 Questions | 50 Questions |
| Current Affairs & GK | 28–32 Questions | 30 Questions |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 Questions | 70 Questions |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 Questions | Merged with English and Legal sections |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 10–14 Questions (basic) | Not explicitly tested |
Key Differences Between CLAT and AILET
1. Number of Seats
CLAT offers far more seats across multiple NLUs.
AILET has a highly limited intake, making competition stiffer.
2. Exam Difficulty
AILET is considered tougher due to the limited number of seats and high question density (150 questions in 90 minutes).
CLAT focuses more on comprehension-based and passage-oriented questions.
3. Syllabus and Question Types
CLAT includes quantitative techniques and gives more time per question.
AILET focuses more on direct, knowledge-based legal reasoning and English.
4. Exam Pattern
CLAT is comprehension-heavy with passage-based questions.
AILET is fact-heavy and direct — ideal for those who prefer straightforward MCQs.
5. Time Pressure
AILET offers less than 40 seconds per question.
CLAT offers about one minute per question.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose CLAT If:
You want a higher chance of securing a seat in a top NLU.
You are comfortable with comprehension-based questions.
You prefer passage-driven legal reasoning and reading-intensive formats.
You are aiming for NLUs like NALSAR, NLSIU, NUJS, etc.
Choose AILET If:
You are specifically targeting NLU Delhi.
You have excellent speed and command over legal GK and English.
You are strong in traditional legal aptitude and factual recall.
You are confident in managing high question density under time pressure.
Best Strategy: Appear for Both
Most serious aspirants appear for both CLAT and AILET. This doubles your chances of getting into a top-tier law school and gives you the flexibility to compare results and choose the better option.
Preparation Tips for CLAT and AILET
Understand the difference in question styles. Tailor mock tests accordingly.
Focus on comprehension skills for CLAT and accuracy/speed for AILET.
Revise legal current affairs and landmark cases for both exams.
Take mocks under exam-like conditions for both formats.
Analyze your mock scores separately and adjust strategies for each.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is tougher – CLAT or AILET?
AILET is often considered tougher due to more questions, less time, and limited seats. However, CLAT has more competition due to a larger applicant base.
Q2. Can I prepare for CLAT and AILET together?
Yes. The core syllabus overlaps, especially Legal Reasoning and GK. You just need to tailor practice for the difference in question style and time pressure.
Q3. Which law colleges accept AILET scores?
Only NLU Delhi accepts AILET scores. All other NLUs accept CLAT.
Q4. Is CLAT enough for getting into NLU Delhi?
No. NLU Delhi does not accept CLAT scores. You must take AILET to get admission there.
Q5. Should I focus more on CLAT or AILET?
If you are targeting only one top-tier law school (NLU Delhi), AILET should be your focus. Otherwise, CLAT provides more options and flexibility.
Conclusion
Both CLAT and AILET are gateways to prestigious law schools in India, but they are structured differently. The choice between them should depend on your exam strengths, preparation style, and desired colleges. Ideally, preparing for both gives you the best shot at a successful law career.
