CLAT vs LSAT vs AILET - Which One Is Right for You?
- Himanshi Goyal
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
So, you’ve decided to pursue law. That’s already a powerful step in itself. Now comes the part where you're exploring how to get there-and that’s where entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, and LSAT India pop up everywhere you look. You may have heard seniors talk about them or seen coaching ads online, but the real question is - which one should YOU focus on?
Before you start juggling books and prep material, it's important to understand what each of these exams really offers. Not all three are the same, and not everyone needs to attempt all of them either. Whether your goal is a top National Law University (NLU), a globally connected private law school, or simply finding the right balance for your strengths - this blog will help you choose wisely.
Let’s break everything down - calmly, clearly, and confidently.
1. What Are These Exams All About?
The first step is knowing what each exam actually does and who conducts it.
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
A national-level entrance exam called the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is conducted for admission to 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India, excluding NLU Delhi.
Also accepted by several private law colleges like NMIMS, UPES, etc.
Conducted once a year for 5-year integrated undergraduate law programs like BA LLB, BBA LLB.
AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)
Conducted only by NLU Delhi.
Exclusively for admission to its BA LLB (Hons.) and LLM programs.
Offers a small number of seats, but the college holds a top-tier reputation.
LSAT India (Law School Admission Test – India)
Conducted by Pearson VUE for LSAC Global.
Accepted by private universities like Jindal Global Law School, VIT, Bennett University, UPES, and more.
Known for testing reasoning ability more than memorization or factual knowledge.
Each exam leads you to a different group of law colleges. Understanding where each path leads is key to choosing the right one.
2. Syllabus: What You’ll Study and Prepare
Let’s face it, no student enjoys being thrown into different exam syllabi without a clue. Here’s a clear breakdown so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
CLAT Includes:
English Language (comprehension-based)
Current Affairs + General Knowledge
Legal Reasoning (no prior legal knowledge needed)
Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Techniques (basic Class 10 math)
The CLAT exam is comprehension-heavy. Every section has long reading passages, and the questions are based on your understanding of them.
AILET Includes:
English Language
General Knowledge + Current Affairs
Logical Reasoning
Earlier, it had a legal section, but now AILET focuses more on logic and speed.
LSAT India Includes:
Analytical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning (Two sections)
Reading Comprehension
No GK. No legal aptitude. No math. Just pure logical skills and reading comprehension.
Summary:
CLAT: Comprehension + GK + Legal + Logic + Math
AILET: English + GK + Logic
LSAT India: Logic + Reasoning + Reading only
3. Exam Pattern: Questions, Time, and Format
Understanding the paper structure can help you plan your strategy better.
Exam | No. of Questions | Time | Negative Marking | Mode |
CLAT | 120 | 2 hours | Yes (-0.25) | Offline |
AILET | 150 | 1.5 hours | Yes (-0.25) | Offline |
LSAT | Around 92 | 2 hrs 20 mins | No | Online |
Some key insights:
CLAT gives balanced time, but comprehension can slow you down.
AILET has more questions in less time, so speed is important.
LSAT India gives more time per question but needs careful, logical thinking.
In short, all three are very different in terms of time management and thinking style.
Consider joining CLAT coaching in Kolkata or any other reputable institute nearby for expert guidance and effective preparation.
4. What Colleges Accept These Exams?
This part is crucial-because your choice of exam decides the colleges that open up for you.
CLAT Opens Doors To:
22 National Law Universities including NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NUJS Kolkata
Private colleges like UPES, ICFAI, NMIMS (some campuses), and more
AILET Opens Doors To:
Only NLU Delhi
LSAT India Opens Doors To:
Jindal Global Law School (O.P. Jindal University)
UPES Dehradun, VIT, Bennett University, and others
So if your dream is a government law university (NLU), then CLAT and AILET are your top choices. If you're open to well-established private universities, LSAT–India is a great option.
5. Level of Competition
Let’s talk numbers. How many students appear, and what are the chances of selection?
CLAT:
60,000+ candidates appear every year
Around 3,000+ seats across all NLUs
NLSIU Bangalore closes within the top 100 ranks
AILET:
20,000+ candidates for just 110 BA LLB seats
That’s around 0.5% acceptance rate
LSAT–India:
Appears easier due to fewer applicants
Admission is percentile-based, and colleges set their own cut-offs
Strong LSAT performance can also fetch scholarships
So in terms of competition:
CLAT: High competition, many colleges
AILET: Extremely competitive, one college
LSAT-India: Moderate competition, private colleges
6. What Kind of Student Suits Each Exam?
Each exam favors a different skillset. Knowing where you shine helps you pick smartly.
CLAT is best for you if:
You’re good with reading comprehension
You enjoy staying updated with current affairs
You’re aiming for top government NLUs
You can manage legal reasoning and light math
AILET is best for you if:
You’re quick with logic-based questions
You’re okay with tough competition
You’re aiming specifically for NLU Delhi
LSAT-India is best for you if:
You’re strong in logical and analytical reasoning
You’re not comfortable with GK or legal topics
You’re okay with private universities and like international exposure
Tip: Many students appear for all three to keep their options open. It’s a smart move if you’re serious about a legal career.
7. Fees and Scholarships
Let’s talk about affordability and financial planning.
CLAT Colleges (NLUs):
Fees: ₹2.5-3.5 lakh/year (including hostel)
Scholarships: Available based on income, state quotas, and merit
AILET (NLU Delhi):
Fees: Around ₹2 lakh/year
Strong merit-based and need-based scholarships
High placement rate, good return on investment
LSAT–India Colleges:
Jindal Global: ₹6-₹9 lakh/year
Other private colleges: ₹3-₹6 lakh/year
Generous scholarships for high LSAT scores and merit
So:
Budget-friendly option: CLAT & AILET (NLUs)
High-cost, high-facility option: LSAT-India colleges
Also checkout Ways to Revise CLAT Syllabus in One Month
8. Making the Final Choice: A Quick Checklist
Let’s summarize everything with a simple checklist. See which line feels most like you.
Your Strengths / Goals | Best Exam |
Dreaming of top NLUs | CLAT |
Want NLU Delhi only | AILET |
Strong in logic, dislike GK | LSAT–India |
Budget-conscious, want value for money | CLAT / AILET |
Prefer global exposure and private campuses | LSAT–India |
Want to keep multiple options open | All three |
No exam is easy or hard-it all depends on preparation and mindset. The goal is not to crack every exam, but to crack the one that matches your strength. Whether you end up at an NLU or a private law school, what truly matters is how you learn, grow, and use the opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between CLAT, AILET, and LSAT-India is like choosing the right key for a lock. Each key opens a different kind of law college experience. Your job is to pick the one that matches your career dreams, preparation style, and personal preferences.
Don’t stress too much comparing exams. Instead, focus on your own journey. Once you pick your exam, prepare with consistency, use good study material, and practice regularly.
And if you ever feel stuck, remember-you’re not behind. You’re just getting clear on the path ahead. That clarity itself is progress.
Commentaires