Understanding the CLAT exam marks and how they are distributed is crucial for your preparation. Here, we’ll cover the CLAT marking scheme in detail, including the total marks in CLAT and how each section contributes to your final score.
By knowing exactly how the marks are allocated, you can better plan your study strategy and focus on the areas that will maximize your score. This straightforward guide will help you feel more confident as you prepare for the CLAT exam.
Total Marks in CLAT 2026
The total or maximum marks of CLAT paper are 120 for both UG and PG.
CLAT 2026 consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with each question worth 1 mark. It’s important to understand that for every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted, which can significantly impact your total marks in CLAT.
Below is a breakdown of the total marks in CLAT 2026:
| Exam | Total Marks in CLAT | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
| CLAT UG | 120 | 120 | 1 | -0.25 per wrong answer |
| CLAT PG | 120 | 120 | 1 | -0.25 per wrong answer |
CLAT Marking Scheme 2026
| Aspect | Details |
| Correct Answer | +1 mark for each correct answer |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.25 marks for each incorrect answer |
| Unattempted Questions | No marks deducted or awarded; |
CLAT Marks Distribution 2026
The CLAT exam marks are distributed across five key sections. Each section has a different weightage, and the number of questions varies slightly within each.
Here’s the distribution of section-wise marks in CLAT:
| Section | No. of Questions | Approximate Weightage |
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
CLAT Passing Marks (Qualifying Marks)
Securing a seat in one of the prestigious NLUs requires not just passing the CLAT exam but also achieving a competitive score.
1. CLAT Passing Marks For General
To secure admission to the top 3 NLUs, you should aim for a score of 90+ marks. For top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad, a target score of around 110 or above is advisable to increase your chances of securing a seat.
2. CLAT Passing Marks for SC/ST
For SC/ST category candidates, a good score in CLAT 2024 was generally between 60-70 marks. Even for some lower-ranked NLUs, securing around 60-65% of the total marks can be sufficient for admission.
3. CLAT Cut-off Ranges
The CLAT cut-off ranges can differ significantly from one NLU to another. For instance, NLU Kolkata (WBNUJS) has cut-offs that typically range from 140-275 for BA LLB and 289-998 for BSc LLB programs.
Understanding the specific cut-off for your preferred NLU is crucial for setting your target score.
So, if you’re aiming for the general category, a score above 90 is crucial, with higher scores significantly improving your chances of getting into the top NLUs. For SC/ST candidates, aiming for at least 60-70 marks can place you in a strong position to secure admission.
Changes in CLAT Exam Marks Over the Years
The CLAT marking scheme has seen several changes since its inception in 2008. Understanding these changes can provide insights into the evolving structure of the exam and help you appreciate the current format.
| Year | Total Marks in CLAT | Remarks |
| CLAT 2008 | 190 | First year of CLAT, each question carried 1 mark |
| CLAT 2009 | 200 | Total marks increased to 200 |
| CLAT 2010-2019 | 200 | Marks remained consistent at 200 |
| CLAT 2020 | 150 | Marks reduced to 150, aligning with fewer questions |
| CLAT 2021-2023 | 150 | Continued with the 150 marks format |
| CLAT 2024 | 120 | Marks reduced to 120, further streamlining the exam |
| CLAT 2025 | 120 | Same format as CLAT 2024 |
| CLAT 2026 | 120 | Same as previous year |
The CLAT exam has undergone significant changes over the years, especially in terms of total marks and the number of questions. Starting from 190 marks in its inaugural year (CLAT 2008), the exam quickly adjusted to 200 marks in 2009 and maintained this structure until 2019.
However, a major shift occurred in 2020, where the total marks of CLAT were reduced to 150, along with a corresponding decrease in the number of questions.
This pattern continued until 2023. With CLAT 2024, the total marks were further reduced to 120, which is also the format being followed for CLAT 2025 and CLAT 2026.
Free CLAT Study Material for You:
| CLAT Previous Year Papers PDF | CLAT Sample Papers |
| CLAT Syllabus PDF | Free CLAT Coaching |
| CLAT Current Affairs | CLAT Topper Interviews |
| CLAT Videos | CLAT Mock Tests |
Importance of Understanding CLAT Marking Scheme
- Maximize Your Score: Knowing the CLAT exam marks helps you focus on high-weight sections.
- Avoid Negative Marking: Understanding how penalties work helps you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
- Effective Time Management: Allocating time-based on CLAT marks distribution ensures you don’t miss out on scoring opportunities.
- Strategic Preparation: Prioritize topics and sections that can boost your overall score.
- Better Exam Strategy: A clear understanding of CLAT marks distribution guides you in crafting a balanced approach to the exam.
Tips and Strategy for High Scores in CLAT
Achieving a high score in CLAT requires a well-planned approach. Following are some tips and strategies to help you maximize your performance:
1. Understand Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Thoroughly understand the CLAT exam pattern, including the marking scheme and section-wise distribution of questions.
Prioritize sections and topics that carry more weightage in the exam, such as Legal Reasoning and General Knowledge.
2. Time Management
Regularly practice full-length CLAT mock tests under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.
During the exam, allocate time to each section based on your strengths and the number of questions.
3. Accuracy Over Guesswork
Be cautious with your answers to avoid the 0.25 mark penalty for incorrect answers. It’s better to skip a question if you’re unsure.
Use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices before making a selection.
4. Regular Practice and Revision
Solve previous years’ question papers of CLAT and take online quizzes to stay sharp. Regular revision helps retain important concepts and formulas, especially in sections like Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning.
5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Make it a habit to read newspapers and current affairs magazines for CLAT to stay updated with the latest events.
Pay special attention to national and international news, important dates, and legal developments.
6. Strengthen Legal Reasoning
Familiarize yourself with basic legal principles, landmark judgments, and legal maxims for CLAT.
Work on CLAT legal reasoning questions by practicing case-based problems to enhance your analytical skills.
7. Work on Your Weak Areas
Analyze your mock test results to identify sections where you need improvement. Devote extra time to strengthening weak areas while maintaining a balanced approach across all sections.
Know the full CLAT Mock Test Strategy.
8. Stay Calm and Confident
Maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation and during the exam. Ensure you get enough rest and maintain a healthy routine to keep your mind and body fit for the exam.
9. Mock Tests and Performance Analysis
Take as many mock tests as possible to simulate exam conditions and improve time management. After each mock test, carefully analyze your performance to understand your strengths and areas needing improvement.
10. Strategic Attempting
Begin with the section you are most confident about to build momentum.
Also, don’t spend too much time on one question. If stuck, move on and return to it later if time permits.
Tie-Breaking Criteria for CLAT Marks
If two or more candidates secure the same number of marks in CLAT 2026, the tie will be resolved using the following criteria, in the specified order:
Higher Marks in Legal Aptitude Section
The candidate who scores higher in the Legal Aptitude section of the CLAT 2026 exam will be ranked higher.
Higher Age
If the tie persists, the candidate who is older in age will be given preference.
Computerised Draw of Lots
If the tie still remains unresolved after considering the above criteria, a computerised draw of lots will be conducted to determine the final ranking.
Must Know for Every CLAT Aspirant:
| CLAT Eligibility Criteria | CLAT Exam Pattern |
| CLAT Age Limit | CLAT Marking Scheme |
| How to Prepare for CLAT? | CLAT Preparation Books |
FAQs About CLAT Exam Marks
The total marks for CLAT 2026 are 120.
There are 120 multiple-choice questions in CLAT 2026.
Each correct answer in CLAT is awarded 1 mark.
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
The Legal Reasoning section carries approximately 25% of the total marks.
The English Language section has 22-26 questions.
Yes, you can skip questions without any penalty, as only incorrect answers incur negative marking.
For top NLUs, candidates generally need to score 90+ marks, with 100+ marks being ideal for the top 3 NLUs.
The cut-off varies for each NLU based on factors like the number of seats, difficulty level of the exam, and candidate performance.
The CLAT exam duration is 2 hours.
No, the marking scheme is the same for both UG and PG CLAT exams.
Passing in CLAT is not defined by a fixed score but by securing a rank high enough to get admission to an NLU based on that year’s cut-off.
While the basic marking scheme remains consistent, specific details like the total marks or the number of questions can change, as seen in recent years.
Yes, there is negative marking in CLAT, with a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
There is no fixed passing mark to clear CLAT; admission depends on your rank. However, for general category candidates, a score of 85+ marks is typically required for admission to top NLUs.
A good score in CLAT for the general category is generally considered to be 90+ marks, with 110+ being excellent for securing admission to the top NLUs.
No, calculators are not allowed in the CLAT exam. You must perform all calculations manually.
Important CLAT Questions for Practice:
| CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions | CLAT Logical Reasoning Questions |
| CLAT English Questions | CLAT GK Questions |
Law Colleges Information Related to CLAT: