CLAT Vs MH CET Law: Which Exam is More Difficult?

2 minute read

Shreya Panagria

Update on Aug 18 2025, 09:12 PM IST

CLAT and MH-CET Law are two important law entrance exams in India. CLAT is a national-level exam accepted by top National Law Universities across the country, while MH-CET Law is a state-level exam for Maharashtra law colleges.CLAT 2026is more competitive and challenging due to complex questions in legal reasoning, logical reasoning, English, general knowledge, and mathematics. It has negative marking and a varied question pattern, making preparation tougher. MH-CET Law is generally easier because it is state-focused, has simpler questions, and no negative marking. Both exams are computer-based, 2 hours long and have 120 questions worth 120 marks. Understanding these differences helps students decide which exam suits their strengths, preparation style and career goals in law.

 

Table of Contents
  1. CLAT vs MH-CET Law
  2. CLAT vs MH CET Law: Exam Pattern
  3. CLAT vs MH-CET Law: Difficulty Level
  4. Key Takeaways

 

CLAT vs MH-CET Law

This section compares two important law entrance exams in India: CLAT and MH-CET Law. CLAT is a national-level exam accepted by top National Law Universities across the country, while MH-CET Law is a state-level exam for admission to law colleges in Maharashtra. We will look at their exam level, participating institutions, courses offered, exam sections, eligibility criteria, exam dates, and official websites to help students understand the differences and choose the right exam.

Details

CLAT

MH-CET Law

Exam Level

National-level, accepted by several National Law Universities (NLUs) in India

State-level, for law courses and universities in Maharashtra

Participating Institutions

Accepted by NLUs across India, including NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad

Valid only for law schools and universities in Maharashtra

Courses Offered

5-year integrated LLB and postgraduate LLM courses

3-year and 5-year integrated LLB programs

Sections

English Language, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs & GK, Mathematics

Legal Aptitude, Current Affairs & GK, Logical Reasoning, English Language, Basic Mathematics (for 5-year LLB)

Eligibility Criteria

Varies among NLUs; candidates must have completed 10+2 with a minimum percentage

Must have completed 10+2 from a recognised board as per Maharashtra State CET Cell

Exam Date

Typically in December; CLAT 2025 was on 1st December 2024

Usually in April-May for 3-year and 5-year LLB

Official Website

consortiumofnlus.ac.in

cetcell.mahacet.org

Also Check: Important Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026

 

CLAT vs MH CET Law: Exam Pattern

This section compares the CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern with the MH-CET Law. It highlights key features such as exam mode, level, medium, duration, number of questions, marking scheme and negative marking. Understanding these differences helps students prepare effectively and choose the right exam based on their eligibility and preferences.

Exam Features

CLAT

MH-CET Law

Exam Mode

Computer-based / Online proctored

Online, Computer-based test (CBT)

Exam Level

National-level

State-level (Maharashtra)

Test Medium

English

English and Marathi

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Test Duration

120 minutes (2 hours)

120 minutes (2 hours)

Total Questions

120

120

Total Marks

120

120

Negative Marking

0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer

No negative marking

Also Check: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning

 

CLAT vs MH-CET Law: Difficulty Level

This section compares the difficulty levels of CLAT and MH-CET Law, helping students understand which exam may be more challenging. CLAT, a national-level test, is highly competitive and features complex questions in legal reasoning, logical reasoning, English, general knowledge and mathematics, making it tougher for many candidates. On the other hand, MH-CET Law is a state-level exam for Maharashtra with a simpler curriculum & fewer competitors, making it comparatively easier. Understanding these differences can help students choose the exam that best suits their strengths & preparation.

 

CLAT Reason for Difficulty

  • Competition: CLAT is a very competitive national-level exam accepted by top National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. It can be tough because there are many students competing for a limited number of seats.
  • Complexity: Questions in CLAT, especially in legal reasoning and logical reasoning, can be challenging. They require students to think carefully and use their analytical skills.
  • Question Pattern: CLAT has a varied question pattern that tests different skills like English, legal reasoning, logical thinking, general knowledge, and mathematics (for some NLUs). This variety can be difficult for students who need to perform well in multiple areas.

Also Check: Top 10 Private Law Colleges in India 2025

 

MH-CET Law: Reasons for Simplicity

  • State-Level Focus: MH-CET Law is a state-level exam specifically for admission to law colleges in Maharashtra. The competition is usually lower compared to CLAT, which is a national-level exam.
  • Curriculum: MH-CET Law includes sections like Legal Aptitude, General Knowledge, Logical and Analytical Reasoning, and English. These topics are similar to CLAT, but the overall difficulty is generally considered easier.
  • Limited Scope: Since MH-CET Law is only for Maharashtra, students do not compete with candidates from across the country, which can make the exam less competitive.

 

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, CLAT 2026 and MH-CET Law cater to different needs of law aspirants. CLAT is a national-level exam with higher competition & a challenging question pattern, suitable for students aiming for top National Law Universities across India. MH-CET Law, being state-focused, has a simpler curriculum and less competition, making it easier for students targeting law colleges in Maharashtra. Understanding the differences in exam level, pattern, and difficulty helps candidates choose the exam that best aligns with their strengths and career goals.

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