Prepare for CLAT, AILET, and SLAT 2026 with this comprehensive guide. Get exam dates, syllabus, eligibility, preparation tips, and expert strategy to boost your law entrance success.
Introduction
Are you planning to pursue law after Class 12? Then you’re probably looking at top law entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, and SLAT 2026. These three exams open doors to some of India’s best law schools including NLUs, NLU Delhi, and Symbiosis Law Schools.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know — exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, paper pattern, and smart preparation tips — so you can plan your journey effectively and stay ahead of the competition.
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Why These Exams Matter
- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test): Gateway to 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India (except NLU Delhi).
- AILET (All India Law Entrance Test): Conducted by NLU Delhi exclusively for admission to BA LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., and Ph.D. programs.
- SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test): Entrance exam for Symbiosis Law Schools (Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, Nagpur).
Cracking any one of these can secure you a seat in a prestigious law school, giving you an edge for a successful legal career.
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Important Dates for 2026
(Tentative based on past trends — keep checking official websites for updates)
| Exam | Application Start | Application Deadline | Exam Date (Expected) | Result Announcement |
| CLAT 2026 | July 2025 | November 2025 | December 2025 | January 2026 |
| AILET 2026 | August 2025 | November 2025 | December 2025 | December 2025 |
| SLAT 2026 | December 2025 | April 2026 | May 2026 (2 slots) | May 2026 |
✅ Tip: Register early to avoid last-minute technical issues and to get your preferred test city.
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Eligibility Criteria
| Exam | Eligibility (BA LL.B) |
| CLAT | 10+2 with 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). No age limit. |
| AILET | 10+2 with 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). |
| SLAT | 10+2 with 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). |
(For LL.M. and other programs, check official websites for specific criteria.)
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Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Exam | No. of Questions | Sections | Duration | Marking Scheme |
| CLAT | ~120 | English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques | 2 Hours | +1 / -0.25 |
| AILET | 150 | English, Current Affairs & GK, Logical Reasoning | 2 Hours | +1 / -0.25 |
| SLAT | 60 | Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, GK | 60 mins | +1 / No negative |
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Syllabus Overview
Although each exam is slightly different, here’s the common syllabus coverage:
- English Language: Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension
- Current Affairs & GK: Legal news, static GK, current events
- Legal Reasoning: Legal principles, fact-based scenarios
- Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, syllogisms, critical reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques: Basic arithmetic (CLAT only)
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How to Prepare Effectively
- Start Early: At least 10–12 months before the exam.
- Focus on Legal Reasoning: High-weightage area in CLAT & AILET.
- Read Newspapers Daily: The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate real exam environment.
- Analyze Your Performance: Identify weak areas and improve.
- Time Management: Practice solving full papers within the allotted time.
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Recommended Books & Resources
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CLAT & AILET:
- Legal Aptitude by A.P. Bhardwaj
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- SLAT:
- Focus more on critical thinking & reading comprehension practice.
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FAQs
Q1: Can I prepare for CLAT, AILET, and SLAT together?
Yes! Around 80% of the syllabus overlaps. You just need to adjust strategy for the slight differences in exam patterns.
Q2: Is coaching necessary for law entrance exams?
Not mandatory, but coaching can help with structured study plans, doubt clearance, and mock tests.
Q3: Which exam is toughest — CLAT, AILET, or SLAT?
AILET is considered slightly more challenging due to higher competition for fewer seats.
Conclusion
CLAT, AILET, and SLAT 2026 are your golden ticket to India’s top law schools. With proper planning, disciplined preparation, and consistent practice, you can crack these exams and kickstart a rewarding career in law.
Pro Tip: Stay updated with Indian Law Press for regular exam updates, preparation tips, and expert guidance — your one-stop platform for legal education news.
Also Read: CLAT 2025 Preparation Strategy: Subject-Wise Guide
