The evolution of CLAT: how the exam pattern has changed in the last 10 years

Over the past decade, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) has undergone a dramatic transformation. What began as a straightforward test of knowledge has evolved into a dynamic, skill-based entrance exam that now challenges a student’s comprehension, reasoning, and analytical ability more than ever before.

This shift hasn’t just affected what appears on the paper—it’s changed the entire approach to CLAT exam preparation, how students interpret the CLAT exam syllabus, and even the type of candidates who succeed.

If you’re preparing for CLAT 2025, understanding how the exam has changed over the years can give you key insights into where to focus your efforts. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of CLAT’s pattern over the last 10 years.

1. From knowledge-based to skill-based

Then (pre-2020):
CLAT was largely a memory-based test. Static general knowledge, basic legal knowledge, and direct questions dominated the paper. Students often scored high just by revising notes and cramming facts.

Now (2020 onward):
CLAT is now a completely passage-based paper. Each section requires reading comprehension, contextual analysis, and application of principles. You can no longer rely on mugging up—it’s all about how you think under pressure.

This change forced a complete overhaul in how aspirants approach the CLAT exam syllabus—shifting from theory-heavy to comprehension-focused prep.

2. The shift in question format and difficulty

The most noticeable change? Lengthy passages. Each section now begins with a paragraph followed by 4–6 questions that test your interpretation skills. For example:

• In legal reasoning, you’re given a principle and a situation—then asked to apply one to the other.
• In current affairs, you’re expected to read about an event and understand its implications—often linking it to law or policy.
• Even quantitative techniques are now more data interpretation-based than formula-focused.

This means CLAT exam preparation now requires consistent reading practice and mock tests with realistic formats, not just speed drills or factual recall.

3. Major reduction in total questions

Then: CLAT had 200 questions to be solved in 120 minutes.

Now: CLAT has 120 questions (reduced since 2021), still to be solved in 120 minutes.

This reduction puts more weight on each question, increases pressure on accuracy, and makes time management more critical. Every mistake now affects your rank more significantly.

4. Reading is now the most valuable skill

In the current format, reading comprehension is central to every section—from English and legal reasoning to current affairs and even logic. This is a major shift from the old pattern where direct questions and definitions dominated.

Now, the ability to read fast, understand deeply, and eliminate options smartly can make or break your score. As a result, top CLAT scorers often spend more time reading newspapers and editorials than solving MCQs alone.

5. The exam has become more application-oriented

CLAT is now designed to simulate how lawyers think. This means:

• More emphasis on reasoning over knowledge
• Situational analysis and judgment
• Neutral thinking—no bias, no personal opinions
  

This has made CLAT exam preparation intellectually challenging but also more relevant to what you’ll actually do in law school.

6. CLAT counselling has become more transparent

Another welcome change has been the streamlining of the CLAT counselling process. Earlier, it was often chaotic and unclear. Now, it’s a structured, centralized process that includes:

• Online registration
• Choice filling based on rank
• Seat allotment rounds with updates
• Defined deadlines and refund rules

This makes the admission process much smoother for students once results are out.

7. CLAT exam centres are now widespread and better managed

With growing popularity, the number of CLAT exam centres has expanded across India. The exam is now conducted in multiple cities and states, making it more accessible to students from diverse regions. Better logistical planning and digital systems have reduced confusion on exam day and improved the overall experience.

Final thoughts: adapt or fall behind

CLAT has evolved—and so must your preparation. The old tricks no longer work. What matters now is:

• Consistent reading and comprehension
• A deep understanding of how to apply logic and legal reasoning
• Regular mock test analysis and smart revision
• Awareness of the entire journey—from CLAT exam syllabus to CLAT counselling

If you’re preparing for CLAT 2025, this is your chance to embrace the new pattern and gain an edge.

Register now with GoFillForm for a fully updated, AI-powered preparation plan, expert-curated mocks, and real-time alerts about everything from CLAT exam centres to counselling rounds.
The exam has changed—your strategy should too. GoFillForm helps you keep up, catch up, and stay ahead.