How is CLAT Different from AILET? Key Differences in Pattern, Syllabus, Difficulty Level

2 minute read

Shreya Panagria

Update on 4 Sep, 2025, 07:33 PM IST

CLAT 2026 and AILET 2026 are two of the most important law entrance exams in India, each serving distinct purposes.CLATprovides admission to 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) & several top private law schools offering broader opportunities across multiple locations. Its syllabus includes English, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques, with a total of 120 questions and 120 marks for the UG exam. In contrast, AILET is conducted only for NLU Delhi, making it highly competitive due to limited seats. AILET emphasizes Analytical Reasoning, longer reading passages, and does not include Quantitative Techniques. Both exams share sections like English, GK and Logical Reasoning, which allows aspirants to overlap preparation for common topics. Understanding these differences in exam pattern, difficulty level and syllabus is crucial for planning an effective study strategy. This knowledge also helps aspirants make informed decisions regarding their law school preferences & career goals.

 

Table of Contents
  1. CLAT Vs AILET 2026 Highlights
  2. CLAT vs AILET 2026: Exam Pattern Comparison
  3. CLAT vs AILET 2026: Section-Wise Syllabus Comparison
  4. CLAT vs AILET 2026 Difficulty Level: Which Exam Is Tougher?
  5. CLAT vs AILET 2026: Career Opportunities
  6. CLAT vs AILET 2026: Which Exam Should You Choose?
  7. CLAT vs AILET 2026: Can You Prepare for Both Together?
  8. Wrapping Up

 

CLAT Vs AILET 2026 Highlights

When preparing for law entrance exams, it is important to understand the key differences between CLAT and AILET. Both exams open doors to prestigious law schools, but they differ in exam structure, participating institutes and admission opportunities. The table below highlights the major parameters of CLAT vs AILET, including conducting bodies, courses offered, exam duration, seats, fees and other important factors. This comparison will help candidates decide which exam aligns better with their goals.

Parameters

CLAT

AILET

Exam Conducting Body

Consortium of NLUs

NLU, Delhi

Courses

CLAToffers admission to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Admissions to UG, PG and PhD courses are offered through the AILET exam.

Number of Participating Institutes

25 NLUs (Subject to change)

NLU (Delhi)

Exam Duration

120 minutes

120 minutes

Number of Questions

120

150

Number of Seats Offered (in 2024)

3353 (approx.)

123 (110 seats excluding PwD candidates)

Location of Campuses

Multiple Locations

Delhi

Application Fee

Rs. 4000

Rs. 3500

PSU Recruitment

Yes

No

Also Check: CLAT UG Vs CLAT PG: Key Differences in Exam Pattern, Syllabus and Other Important Details

 

CLAT vs AILET 2026: Exam Pattern Comparison

The exam pattern of CLAT 2026 and AILET 2026 may look similar at first but has key differences in the number of questions, subjects and marking scheme. Below is a detailed comparison to help candidates understand how both exams are structured

Feature

CLAT 2026

AILET 2026

Mode of Exam

Offline (Pen and Paper)

Offline (Pen and Paper)

Duration

2 Hours (120 Minutes)

2 Hours (120 Minutes)

Total Questions

120 Questions

150 Questions

Total Marks

120 Marks

150 Marks

Type of Questions

Multiple-choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple-choice Questions (MCQs)

Subjects Covered

English, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques

English, Current Affairs & GK, Logical Reasoning

Marking Scheme

+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect

+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect

Also Check: How to fill CLAT application form 2026: Online Registration (OPEN), Fee payment & Last Date

 

CLAT vs AILET 2026: Section-Wise Syllabus Comparison

TheCLAT 2026 Syllabus andAILET 2026 Syllabus cover similar subjects like English, General Knowledge and Logical Reasoning, but there are notable differences. While CLAT 2026 includes Legal Reasoning & Quantitative Techniques, AILET 2026 emphasizes Analytical Reasoning and does not include these sections.

Section

CLAT 2026 Syllabus

AILET 2026 Syllabus

English Language

Comprehension-based passages, Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms), Inference and tone-based questions

Reading comprehension, Grammar and vocabulary, Sentence correction and usage

Current Affairs & General Knowledge

Static GK (Indian Polity, History, etc.), Current affairs from national & international events

Static GK, Current events (domestic & global), Legal and constitutional updates

Logical Reasoning

Argument-based passages, Critical reasoning, Assumptions, conclusions, analogy

Analytical reasoning, Critical reasoning, Blood relations, series, coding-decoding

Legal Reasoning

Principle-fact questions, Legal maxims, Constitutional law, torts, contract law

Not Applicable in AILET 2026

Quantitative Techniques

Basic math from Class 10 level, Graphs, tables, data interpretation

Not Applicable in AILET 2026

 

CLAT vs AILET 2026 Difficulty Level: Which Exam Is Tougher?

Between CLAT and AILET, many aspirants find AILET slightly tougher. This is mainly because it is conducted only for NLU Delhi, which has limited seats, making competition intense. The paper usually includes long passages and complex reasoning questions, demanding strong focus and time management. On the other hand, CLAT covers more subjects but is considered more manageable as it offers admission to 24 NLUs, creating wider opportunities. The questions are clearer and focus on reading ability & conceptual understanding rather than being overly tricky. Ultimately, both exams need serious preparation, but the choice depends on comfort with either dense reading (AILET) or broader subject coverage (CLAT).

 

Also Check:How to Cancel CLAT Registration 2026? Complete Guide on Errors and Solutions

 

CLAT vs AILET 2026: Career Opportunities

This section compares the career opportunities after CLAT 2026 and AILET 2026, highlighting the institutes you can join, campus options and the professional paths available. It helps aspirants understand which exam offers broader exposure versus focused, prestigious opportunities.

Parameter

CLAT 2026

AILET 2026

Access / Institutes

Admission to 24 NLUs and top private law schools

Admission only to NLU Delhi

Campus Options

Wide range of locations, campus culture, and career exposure

Single institute, focused academic and research environment

Career Opportunities

Leading corporate law firms, litigation chambers, policy think tanks, international organisations

Litigation, public policy, academia, research-driven roles

Flexibility

Broader flexibility and exposure across multiple institutions

Focused entry into one of India’s most prestigious law schools

Special Recognition

Graduates from top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR, NUJS

Highly respected for academic intensity and research excellence

 

CLAT vs AILET 2026: Which Exam Should You Choose?

Choosing between CLAT and AILET depends on your goals, preparation style, and preferred law schools. CLAT offers admission to 24 NLUs, providing broader opportunities & flexibility for aspirants seeking multiple options. AILET focuses solely onNLU Delhi, suited for candidates confident in reading comprehension and analytical reasoning.

 

Many serious aspirants appear for both exams to keep options open. Evaluate your preparation timeline, understand the differences in exam pattern and difficulty and choose the path that aligns with your long-term legal career goals.

 

CLAT vs AILET 2026: Can You Prepare for Both Together?

Preparing for both CLAT and AILET is possible with the right strategy. Since the exams share common sections like English, Current Affairs, and Logical Reasoning, much of the study material overlaps, which is an advantage.

 

However, there are key differences to consider. AILET has longer reading passages and does not include the Quantitative Techniques section present in CLAT. Therefore, your preparation should include more reading drills for AILET and more quantitative practice for CLAT.

 

Regular mock tests for both exams and switching between their formats will help you stay flexible and improve accuracy. With smart planning, consistency, and focused practice, preparing for both exams together can enhance readiness and increase your options for admission.

 

Wrapping Up

Choosing between CLAT and AILET depends on your goals, preparation style, and preferred law schools. CLAT provides broader opportunities and flexibility, whereas AILET offers a focused path into NLU Delhi with high academic intensity. Aspirants can prepare for both together by leveraging overlapping topics, practicing mock tests, and adjusting strategies for exam-specific sections. Careful planning and consistent practice will help secure admission and achieve long-term career goals in law.

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