Home Articles How many times can I take and attempt the CLAT exam? An eligibility overview

How many times can I take and attempt the CLAT exam? An eligibility overview

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Ridhima Jindal
Ridhima Jindal
How many times can I take and attempt the CLAT exam? An eligibility overview

The Common Law Admission Test, commonly abbreviated as CLAT, is the most prestigious law examination for both UG as well as PG courses. Every year lakhs of students apply for this exam, but only a few get to change their luck. That being said, a common question among the students is - “How many attempts do I have to give the CLAT exam?”

The straightforward answer to this question is No. There is no limit to attempt the CLAT exam and the students can take the exam as many times as they wish. However, there are some eligibility criteria that the aspirants must follow to be eligible to apply for the exam.

CLAT UG (Undergraduate) Attempt Limit

Candidates can check the CLAT UG eligibility criteria mentioned below.

  • No attempt limit:Candidates can appear for CLAT UG multiple times.
  • Age limit:There is no upper age limit to apply for CLAT UG.
  • Educational qualification:Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with at least45% marks(for General/OBC/PwD/NRI) and40% marks(for SC/ST categories).
  • Final-year students:Candidates appearing for their 10+2 exams can also apply, but they must produce the required documents at the time of admission.

CLAT PG (Postgraduate) Attempt Limit

Candidates can check the CLAT PG eligibility criteria mentioned below.

  • No attempt limit:Candidates can take CLAT PG multiple times.
  • Age limit:No upper age limit for CLAT PG.
  • Educational qualification:Candidates must have anLLB degree (3-year or 5-year integrated law course)with at least50% marks(for General/OBC/PwD/NRI) and45% marks(for SC/ST categories).
  • Final-year law students:Candidates in their final year of LLB can also apply, provided they submit their degree at the time of admission.

Does Unlimited Attempts Mean One Should Keep Trying?

While there are no restrictions on the number of times you can appear for CLAT, it does not mean you should keep attempting it without proper preparation. Attempting the exam multiple times without analyzing your mistakes and improving your strategy may lead to repeated failures.

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Things to Consider Before Attempting CLAT Multiple Times

While the aspirants can attempt the CLAT exam as many times, there are a few key considerations that must be kept in mind before making way too many attempts. Listed below are a few things to consider.

  • Assess Your Preparation Level:If you have taken CLAT before and didn't clear it, analyze what went wrong. Were you weak in certain subjects? Did you struggle with time management? Understanding your mistakes will help you improve in your next attempt.
  • Financial and Emotional Costs:Every attempt requires investment in coaching, books, and application fees. Moreover, repeated failures can take a toll on your confidence. Plan wisely and ensure you are fully prepared before reattempting.
  • Alternative Options:If you are unable to clear CLAT, explore other law entrance exams such asAILET, LSAT India, SLAT, or state-level law entrance exams. Several private universities also offer quality legal education.
  • Time Management:Re-attempting the exam means dedicating another year to preparation. Consider if you want to take a drop year or pursue other academic/career opportunities while preparing.

Tips to Make the Most of Your CLAT Attempts

If you plan to attempt CLAT multiple times, ensure that each attempt is better than the previous one. Here are some strategies to enhance your preparation:

1. Understand the CLAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

CLAT UG covers five major subjects:

  • English Language
  • Current Affairs & General Knowledge
  • Legal Reasoning
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Techniques (Mathematics)

CLAT PG focuses on:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Jurisprudence
  • Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Torts, and other law subjects

Important → CLAT exam pattern

2. Analyze Previous Attempts

If you have already appeared for CLAT, go through your previous question papers and identify your weaknesses. Work on those areas before reattempting.

CLAT Vs AILET Vs LSAT → Which one is best for you?

3. Create a Structured Study Plan

  • Divide your syllabus into daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
  • Allocate time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

4. Focus on Mock Tests and Time Management

  • Attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
  • Analyze your performance and note down areas of improvement.
  • Learn shortcut techniques for solving quantitative and logical reasoning problems quickly.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

  • Read newspapers likeThe Hindu, The Indian Express, and legal news portals.
  • Revise important current affairs monthly.
  • Practice GK quizzes and legal aptitude questions.

6. Join a Coaching Institute or Online Course (If Needed)

If self-study is not yielding results, consider joining a reputed coaching institute or enrolling in an online course. These can provide structured guidance and study materials.

7. Stay Motivated and Confident

  • Do not get discouraged by failures.
  • Maintain a positive mindset and keep learning from your mistakes.
  • Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I attempt the CLAT exam?

There is no limit to how many times you can appear for the Common Law Admission Test, for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses. You can take it as many times as you wish, provided you meet the specific eligibility criteria for each attempt.

Is there an upper age limit for CLAT UG and PG?

No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in either the CLAT UG or CLAT PG examination. Candidates of any age can apply, as long as they fulfill the required educational qualifications for their respective courses, which include marks criteria and degree requirements.

What are the CLAT UG eligibility criteria?

For CLAT UG, you need to have completed your 10+2 or an equivalent examination with at least 45% marks (for General/OBC/PwD/NRI categories) or 40% marks (for SC/ST categories). Students currently in their final year of 10+2 can also apply, but must produce their documents at admission.

What are the CLAT PG eligibility criteria?

For CLAT PG, you must hold an LLB degree, either a 3-year or 5-year integrated law course, with at least 50% marks (for General/OBC/PwD/NRI categories) or 45% marks (for SC/ST categories). Final-year LLB students are also eligible to apply, provided they submit their degree at the time of admission.

Should I keep attempting CLAT if I dont clear it initially?

While there is no attempt limit, simply re-attempting without proper preparation or analyzing past mistakes is not advisable. Each attempt involves financial and emotional costs. It is crucial to assess your preparation level, improve your strategy, and consider time management before trying again to avoid repeated failures.

What should I consider before re-attempting the CLAT exam?

Before re-attempting CLAT, you should assess your preparation level and analyze what went wrong in previous attempts. Consider the financial and emotional costs involved in multiple attempts. It is also wise to explore alternative law entrance exams or other academic and career options if CLAT does not work out.

How can I improve my score in future CLAT attempts?

To improve your score, thoroughly understand the CLAT exam pattern and syllabus. Analyze your previous attempt to pinpoint weak areas and create a structured study plan focusing on those. Practice regularly with mock tests, manage your time effectively, and stay updated with current affairs to enhance your general knowledge.

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