CLAT Logical Reasoning Previous Year Paper Analysis 2020-23

The CLAT Logical Reasoning Previous Year Question Paper Analysis is a must-have resource for anyone seeking to achieve in one of the most difficult sections of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). Logical reasoning is a critical component of CLAT. It examines more than just conceptual understanding; it assesses the ability to think critically and draw logical inferences – skills imperative for a promising career in law. This segment is important because it assesses your ability to understand and apply reasoning to complex scenarios, which is an indispensable trait for any aspiring legal professional.

Through the CLAT Logical Reasoning Previous Year Question Paper Analysis, we aim to offer you a detailed roadmap to navigate this complex section. By meticulously examining past question papers, we uncover patterns, question types, and themes in the passages, providing invaluable insights. This analysis is more than a retrospective look; it is a strategic guide that will enable you to properly strategize your CLAT preparation and approach the logical reasoning section with a well-informed mindset.

CLAT Logical Reasoning- Pattern and Importance

The CLAT Logical Reasoning section is the most important section in the CLAT syllabus. Of the total 120 words, approximately 22-26 questions may be asked in the logical reasoning section of CLAT 2024 exam, i.e., 20% of the paper will be covered by the logical reasoning section. It consists of a series of passages comprising up to 450 words each and is intended to assess your analytical skills and ability to think critically and make prudent decisions. A strong performance in the section of logical reasoning for CLAT can offer you a major advantage over your competitors.

Subject	Number of Questions likely to be Asked	Approximate Weightage (in %)
Logical Reasoning	22-26 questions	20% of the paper (approx.)

General Analysis of CLAT Logical Reasoning Previous Year Question Paper (2020-2023)

We have witnessed alterations in the logical reasoning section over the years as the CLAT examination pattern has changed. The number of passages , the types of questions asked, and the themes of the passages asked in the CLAT exam have all undergone changes since 2020.

The core questions asked in the logical reasoning section over the period of 2020-2023 were based on:

Inference
Main Idea
Assumption
Strengthening of the argument
Weakening of the argument

Although other types of questions were also asked, the majority of questions were based on the above mentioned type of questions

Hence, these shifts in the logical reasoning section make it a pre-requisite for CLAT logical reasoning previous year question paper analysis.

Also Read: CLAT Logical Reasoning: Tips & Tricks for Full Marks

CLAT Logical Reasoning Previous Year Question Paper Analysis – 2020

In the year 2020, in the logical reasoning section, total number of passages asked was five (5) and a total of thirty (30) questions were asked in 2020 in the logical reasoning section.

Theme of the Passage

The passages asked in 2020 were based on the following themes:

Journalism
Social Change
Education Change

One (1) passage was asked from journalism, and from social change an education change, two (2) passages were asked from each.

Topics of the Passage

Based on the above theme of the passages, following are the topics of the passage:

Digitalisation on Journalism
Union of Soviet Socialist Republic
Cut-off marks
Work from home
Argument and statement based questions

Source of the Passage

The excerpts were taken from the following sources:

The Hindu
The Indian Express
Editorial – The TOI
Down to Earth Magazine

Sample Passage

If anything, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has taught us to rethink our lifestyles and question our need to travel to work every day. After all, in the age of internet, zoom meetings and webinars can be virtually conducted and physical distancing is possible. A large nature of work in cities is of tertiary nature, a major part of which can be done from home. This can affect the way offices function and reduce the need for all employees to be physically present every day. Information Technology companies are already contemplating a move of making many of its employees work from home and make this a ‘new normal‘. If more firms follow suit, the need for huge office buildings and central business districts would change. Apartments cannot get bigger at the same rate, and people may not have the space or atmosphere to work from home. This would mean that more people would opt for co-working spaces close to their homes. This could be a game changer, for it would provide the cities to better distribute their activities throughout the spaces and rid themselves of the idea of zoning. Only a handful of professionals are allowed to function from residential zones, including doctors, lawyers, architects, etc. This needs serious rethinking. Many more professions of similar nature that do not disturb surrounding residence and have no requirements of special services should be added to the list. This new work culture would bring associated demand for food joints, cafés, stationary shops, etc.

[Excerpt from ‘Down to Earth’ Magazine, Blog authored by Sugeet Grover, August 17, 2020]

1. Which of the following is the main idea behind the passage?

(a) Work from home is the new normal.

(b) Work from home will result in shutting down of big buildings.

(d) More professionals should be included in the ‘work from home’ list.

2. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage above?

(a) The ‘work from home’ culture is a no-chaos culture.

(b) There is lack of distribution of activities in the ‘work from home’ scenario.

(d) All of the above.

3. Which of the following can be associated benefits of the new culture?

(a) It will save commute time.

(b) The city‘s land can be used more efficiently

(c) Better distribution of activities would be associated with safer streets and public spaces as they would not go unused and hence have less likelihood of being used for unlawful activities.

(d) All of the above.

4. Consider the following statement: “Work from home culture is a sustainable method of business and should be extended to all professions.”

Which of the following weakens the Author‘s argument?

(a) Not every type of profession fits in the ‘work from home’ culture as different professions have different requirements and need different environmental and work space settings.

(b) ‘Work from home’ impacts a person‘s mental health.

(d) Neither (a) nor (b)

5. Which of the following weakens the author‘s argument that ‘Work from home’culture will enable better city planning?

(a) Development of Co-working spaces will further create chaos in terms of land planning.

(b) City planning is not only about reducing spaces.

(d) All of the above.

Also Read: CLAT Sample Papers

CLAT Logical Reasoning Previous Year Question Paper Analysis – 2021

In the year 2021, the logical reasoning section consisted of a total number of six (6) passages and from each passage, five (5) questions were asked. Thus, a total of thirty (30) questions were also asked in 2021 in the logical reasoning section.

Theme of the Passage

The passages asked in 2021 were based on the following themes:

Society
Social Change
Economy
International Relation
Environment
Economy

One (1) passage was chosen from all the above mentioned themes.

Topics of the Passage

Based on the above theme of the passages, following are the topics of the passage:

Mental Health
Neighbouring Countries
Socio-Economic Status & Schools
Climate Change
Covid & Economy
India tackling COVID

Source of the Passage

The excerpts were taken from the following sources:

Editorial, Indian Express
Excerpt from the book
Times of India

Among the six (6) passages, four (4) passages were excerpts taken from the Indian Express Editorial, and other two (2) passages were from the excerpt of the book and from the Times of India.

Sample Passage

One of the most important challenges for Indian diplomacy in the subcontinent is to persuade its neighbours that India is an opportunity, not a threat. Far from feeling in any way besieged by India, they should be able to see it as offering access to a vast market and to a dynamic, growing economy which would provide their own economies with far greater opportunities than more distant partners (or even their own domestic markets) could provide. This would go beyond economic benefits: as David Malone argues, “Economic cooperation represents the easiest ‘sell’ to various constituencies within the countries of the region. Were this to prove successful, cooperation on more divisive and sensitive issues, such as terrorism, separatism, insurgency, religious fundamentalism, and ethnic strife, could be attempted with greater chances of success.” Winds of change are blowing in South Asia. There is a definite consolidation of democracy in all the countries of the region, every one of which has held elections within the last three years. Some of our neighbours have made significant strides in surmounting internal conflict and others are in the process of doing so. If India has to fulfil its potential in the world, we have no choice but to live in peace with our neighbours, in mutual security, harmony and cooperation. Just as Nehru left Robert Frost’s immortal lines “Miles to go before I sleep” on his bedside table when he died, Shastri kept some lines of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak, on his desk. When translated into English they read: “O Nanak! Be tiny like the grass, for other plants will wither away, but grass will remain ever green.” Shastri was seen by many Indians of exalted ambition as a tiny man, but he had the mind and heart of a giant. His vision of peaceful coexistence with our neighbours, through adopting the demeanour, the modesty and the freshness of grass, may well be the best way for India to ensure that its dreams remain evergreen in its own backyard.

1. As per the passage, which of the following is a challenge for India?

(a) To develop an intimidating surrounding for its neighbours.

(b) To manifest India as a land of opportunities.

(d) To propagate the practice of threatening neighbours for greater opportunities.

2. “If India has to fulfil its potential in the world, we have no choice but to live in peace with our neighbours, in mutual security, harmony and cooperation.” In the context of the statement, which of the following strengthens the author’s opinion?

(a) Peace and prosperity cannot work in consonance.

(b) India should assert its might over its neighbours.

(d) India can offer myriad opportunities for its neighbours by working in seclusion.

3. Which of the following is the central theme of the above passage?

(a) The objective of attaining peaceful co-existence and cooperation with the neighbours.

(b) The dominance of India on its neighbouring countries.

(d) Prioritising the economic opportunities for India.

4. Which of the following is correct expression of the author’s opinion as stated in passage?

(a) India should strive for greater economic integration which should be politically and administratively feasible.

(b) India can see borders as barriers, and border areas as buffer zones but not as gateways of opportunity.

(d) It is not in India’s interest to be generous to neighbouring countries.

5. Which of the following can be inferred from the above passage?

(a) There is no nexus between cooperative existence and economic growth of a nation.

(b) Unless India’s region becomes more self -centred, India is unlikely to develop into more than a regional power.

(d) India cannot aspire to be a great power without the cooperation of neighbours.

Also Read: Important Topics for CLAT

CLAT Logical Reasoning Previous Year Question Paper Analysis – 2022

Similar to 2021 pattern, in 2022, in the logical reasoning section, a total of six (6) passages were asked and five (5) questions were asked from each passage. Accordingly, a total of thirty (30) questions were also asked in 2022.

Theme of the Passage

The themes of the logical reasoning passages were based on:

Technology
Climate Change
Psychology
Legislation
High Court’s Suggestion
India’s Interntional Scenario

From each of the preceding themes, one (1) passage was chosen.

Topics of the Passage

Based on the above theme of the passages, following are the topics of the passage:

College Education System
Offline to Online Mode of teaching
Biodiversity Conservation
POCSO Act
Decrease – Sense of Humour
India- use of nuclear power

Source of the Passage

The excerpts were taken from the following sources:

Excerpt from website
Excerpt from ResearchGate
Excerpt from website “Nature”
Editorial – Times Of India
Editorial – The Tribune
Times Of India Blogs

Each topic of the logical reasoning was taken from the following sources.

Sample Passage

An unintended and unjust consequence of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 is its widespread persecution of teenage lovers. This law raised the age of consent from 16 to 18 years, while defining persons below 18 years as children. Consequently, when two 16-year-olds are romantically and sexually involved, but the girl’s family doesn’t approve the affair and files a police complaint, her consent has zero legal validity. And the consensual relationship morphs into a case of statutory rape. The Allahabad High Court has indicated how its “conscience” is concerned by such severe POCSO provisions being drawn by teenage lovers simply on the basis of family disapproval. The High Courts of Delhi, Madras and others have made similar observations in recent years and also pointed to amendments to the law that can help reduce its injustices. One suggestion that has gathered broad support is to push back both the cut-off for childhood and the age of consent to 16 years. Given that the NCRB data shows around half of POCSO cases falling in the 16-18 years age group, such an amendment is overdue. Minimizing the prosecution of consensual romances would also leave a logjammed system with more space to pursue actual sexual assault cases. The broader goal here is respecting the rights of adolescents and young adults. Their romantic and sexual autonomy needs greatly increased recognition in India.

1. “Minimising the prosecution of consensual romances would also leave a logjammed system with more space to pursue actual sexual assault cases”

In the context of the statement, which of the following strengthens the author’s opinion?

(a) There are many unreported sexual assault cases.

(b) Speedy prosecution of sexual assault cases is desirable.

(d) Sexual assault and rape are different.

2. What has the author conveyed regarding the prosecution of statutory rape in India?

(a) Statutory rape does not violate the romantic and sexual autonomy of young adults.

(b) Statutory rape must be met with stricter punishment.

(d) Statutory rape is a relic of Victorian morality.

3. As per the above passage, which of the following does not correctly represent the author’s view regarding the widespread persecution of teenage lovers under the POCSO Act?

(a) Teenagers have the right to love as much as adults.

(b) Police complaints of teenage lovers may lead to their harassment.

(d) Consent of minor girls have legal validity.

4. In the above passage, which of the following has concerned the “conscience” of the Allahabad High Court?

(a) Carelessness of teenage lovers. (b) Threat to the safety of teenage lovers.

5. As per the above passage, which of the following is a major challenge in implementation of the POCSO Act?

(a) Speedy prosecution of cases.

(b) Respecting the rights of adolescents and young adults.

(d) Imposition of stringent punishment.

Also Read: CLAT Previous Year Question Papers

CLAT Logical Reasoning Previous Year Question Paper Analysis – 2023

The CLAT logical reasoning last year question paper analysis becomes all the more important as it will serve as a guide as to what you can expect in the next CLAT exam.

In the year 2023, we can see some changes in the pattern. The total number of passages asked was reduced from 6 to 5, and in each passage, six (6) questions were asked. Though the number of passages was reduced, the total number of questions asked was the same as in the previous years, i.e., thirty (30) questions were also asked in 2023.

Theme of the Passage

The themes of the logical reasoning passages in 2023 were based on:

Economy
Psychology
Trend Analysis
Economy

Except for two (2) passages that were based on psychology, other three (3) passages were based on economy, trend analysis, and economy each.

Topics of the Passage

Based on the above theme of the passages, following are the topics of the passage:

Currency
Print Media
Climate Change
Women Career
Digital Age

Source of the Passage

The excerpts were taken from the following sources:

The Telegraph
Magazine – Down To Earth
The Swaddle
Bloomsbury Publishing
Excerpt from a book

Sample Passage

While men and women are both considered to be more capable as they get older, only women bear the brunt of being seen as “less warm” as they age, new research has found. This series of studies is reportedly the first to look at both gender and age to determine how perceptions of women and men differ. “It’s just stunning… These stereotypes are so hard-wired and deeply entrenched that they come out even when absolutely identical information is provided about a man and a woman,” Jennifer Chatman, Distinguished Professor of Management at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, said. In an analysis of professors’ evaluations, female professors witnessed a decline as they moved from their 30s to 40s, hitting an all-time low around the age of 47. All this while, the evaluation of male professors remained consistent. Interestingly, after the age of 47, the evaluations for women increased again, becoming equal with those of men around the early 60s. “At that point, there are different stereotypes of women, and they may benefit from being seen as more grandmotherly,” said Laura Kray, faculty director of the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership at Berkeley Haas and an author of the study.

Women around the age of mid 30s to late 40s also face what is called “the motherhood penalty,” where assumptions around parenting duties lead people to believe women are less committed to their careers than men. This has several repercussions, most particularly evident in hiring, promotions and wages. Women executives further pointed out that they face “hyper-scrutiny” and “scepticism” which harks back to perceptions of likeability versus agency. Gendered networks in the workplace, with men gaining greater access to senior leaders, become cemented mid-career, pose another difficulty for working women. Negative perceptions of women in middle-age can also be linked to stereotypes around menopause. In 2008, psychologists studied the attitudes of people towards women in different reproductive stages. They found that while the pregnant women or the woman with the baby were thought about in glowing terms, menopausal women were associated with negative emotions, illness and ageing.

[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from “How Stereotypes Affect Middle‑Aged Women’s Careers”, by Ananya Singh, The Swaddle]

1. Which of the following is most likely to be true if the author’s statements about gendered networks in the workplace are true?

(a) Mid-career women do not find it as easy to get access to senior leaders, who are usually male, as their male colleagues. They therefore find career progression or new opportunities easier to come by.

(b) Mid-career women find it easier to get access to senior leaders, who are usually male, as their male colleagues. They therefore find career progression or new opportunities easier to come by.

(c) Mid-career women do not find it as easy to get access to senior leaders, who are usually male, as their male colleagues. They therefore find career progression or new opportunities harder to come by.

(d) Mid-career women find it easier to get access to senior leaders, who are usually male, as their male colleagues. They therefore do not find career progression or new opportunities harder to come by.

2. Which of the following is most likely to be an outcome of what the author describes as the “motherhood penalty”?

(a) People are more hesitant to hire men from their mid 30s to their late 40s but may be more willing to hire women of a similar age.

(b) People are more hesitant to hire women from their mid 30s to their late 40s but may be more willing to hire men of a similar age.

(c) Women from their mid 30s to their late 40s always prioritise parenting responsibilities and so are not really interested in pursuing a career.

(d) Women who have children are less committed to their careers than men.

3. If professors’ evaluations are the most important criteria in awarding promotions, then which of the following would be the most likely outcome, based on the information provided in the passage?

(a) Male professors are likely to be promoted at an even rate throughout their career, while women professors would experience a lower likelihood of promotion in the mid-career stage.

(b) Since there is a wide disparity between the evaluations that male and female professors receive, the practice of relying upon such evaluations will quickly be abandoned.

(d) Women professors are likely to be promoted at an even rate throughout their career, while male professors would experience a lower likelihood of promotion in the mid-career stage.

4. Which of the following is the author most likely to disagree with?

(a) Women going through menopause often quit the workforce voluntarily.

(b) Women going through menopause are more likely to be perceived negatively at the workplace and to have difficulty achieving professional success.

(d) Women going through menopause are more likely to be perceived positively at the workplace and to achieve professional success.

5. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the main argument in the passage?

(a) Several independent studies conducted in different countries have shown that women in the workplace are perceived positively and are favourably treated as they age.

(b) Several independent studies conducted in different countries have shown that women in the workplace are perceived negatively and are unfairly treated as they age.

(c) The studies mentioned in the passage have been discredited after they were published, and no reliance should be placed on them.

(d) The studies mentioned in the passage were conducted on very small sample sets and cannot be used to make general statements about the difference in perception between men and women.

6. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken Laura Kray’s arguments?

(a) Women professors perceived as being ‘grandmotherly’ are regarded as being likeable and caring.

(b) Women professors perceived as being ‘grandmotherly’ are treated better by their colleagues and students.

(c) Women professors perceived as being ‘grandmotherly’ are regarded as being slow, inefficient, and outdated in their field.

(d) Women professors perceived as being ‘grandmotherly’ are regarded very highly and receive much more respect than younger women professors.

Also Read: How to prepare for CLAT

Types of Expected Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT

After CLAT logical reasoning previous year question paper analysis, we have come up with the types of expected questions in the logical reasoning section of CLAT 2024 examination.

The types of logical reasoning questions for CLAT are listed below:

The main idea of the passage
Structure of the argument
Strengthening of the argument
Weakening of the argument
Supply to the assumption
Supply to the conclusion
Paradox questions
Flaw in the argument
Drawing inferences
Evaluate the conclusion
Bold Face Question
Main Point Question
Parallel Reasoning Questions

Tips for CLAT Logical Reasoning

You can ace this section easily with enough practice and a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical concepts. The following are some CLAT logical reasoning tips:

Make a systematic study strategy for the logical reasoning section to allow you adequate practice time. Consistent practice is required to improve your performance.
Devote enough time to practice logical reasoning, as mastering it will improve your CLAT 2024 score.
Answer the question from the passage rather than from outside, as this portion assesses your critical thinking ability.
Solve previous year CLAT question papers and practice mock tests as much as possible to grasp the types of themes and questions asked in the CLAT logical reasoning section.
Examine your mistakes carefully after taking mock tests. To develop your critical thinking skills, understand the logic behind the correct answers, and improve your critical thinking skills.
Improve your time management skills, as well as your reading speed and ability to answer questions. This will increase your confidence.

Also Read: CLAT Legal Reasoning: Syllabus, Books, Topics, Full Guide

Overview

The analysis of CLAT Logical Reasoning papers from 2020 to 2023 reveals significant insights for you. Over the years, there has been a noticeable evolution in question types and difficulty levels, emphasizing the need for adaptive preparation strategies. You should focus on diversifying their problem-solving skills, with special attention to emerging patterns and recurrent themes. Understanding these trends is crucial for effective preparation and success in the CLAT exam. As the nature of the logical reasoning section continues to evolve, staying informed and practicing accordingly will be key to acing this crucial segment of the CLAT examination.

CLAT Previous Year Papers

To help you prepare effectively and be ready for the CLAT exam date 2025, we have shared the collection of CLAT previous year papers. These papers provide valuable insights into the exam format and types of questions asked, helping you refine your study strategy.

CLAT 2024 Question Paper	Click to download
CLAT 2023 Question Paper	Click to download
CLAT 2022 Question Paper	Click to download
CLAT 2021 Question Paper	Click to download
CLAT 2020 Question Paper	Click to download
CLAT 2019 Question Paper	Click to download

Checkout CLAT previous Year papers of 15 years.

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