CLAT vs CUET for BA LLB 2025: Choosing between CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) and CUET (Central Universities Entrance Test) for law admissions can be confusing. This 2025 guide compares exam patterns, top colleges, and career outcomes to help you make the right choice.
📌 Key Differences: CLAT vs CUET for BA LLB
| Parameter | CLAT 2025 | CUET (Law Courses) 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Top Colleges Accepting | 22 NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, etc.) | DU, BHU, AMU, Jamia Millia |
| Exam Focus | Legal Aptitude + Reasoning | General Aptitude + Domain Subjects |
| Difficulty Level | High (Competition: 1:80) | Moderate (Competition: 1:30) |
| Syllabus Overlap with 12th | 30% (English, GK, Logical Reasoning) | 70% (Legal Studies, Pol Science) |
🔍 Quick Verdict:
- Dreaming of NLUs? → CLAT is mandatory
- Want DU/BHU’s BA LLB? → CUET suffices
📊 Exam Pattern Comparison (2025 Expected)
1. CLAT 2025 BA LLB Pattern
| Section | Questions | Weightage | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% | RC, Grammar |
| Current Affairs | 28-32 | 25% | News (Last 1 Year) |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% | Legal Principles |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% | Puzzles, Syllogisms |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 10-14 | 10% | Basic Math |
| Total | 120 | 100% | 2-hour exam |
2. CUET 2025 BA LLB Pattern
| Section | Questions | Weightage | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 25 | 25% | Vocabulary, RC |
| General Test | 25 | 25% | GK, Reasoning |
| Legal Studies | 50 | 50% | IPC, Constitution |
| Total | 100 | 100% | 3-hour exam |
🎯 Key Insight:
- CLAT tests legal mindset (hypothetical case studies)
- CUET focuses on textbook legal knowledge
🏛️ Top Colleges & Cutoffs (2024 vs 2025 Expected)
| College | CLAT 2024 Cutoff (Rank) | CUET 2024 Cutoff (%) |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 1-80 | ❌ Not Accepted |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 81-200 | ❌ Not Accepted |
| DU Faculty of Law | ❌ Not Accepted | 98%+ |
| BHU Law School | ❌ Not Accepted | 92%+ |
| Jamia Millia | ❌ Not Accepted | 85%+ |
📌 Strategic Tip:
- CLAT Rank <5000? → You’ll get at least 1 NLU
- CUET Score >90%? → DU/BHU are reachable
📅 Important Dates (2025)
| Exam | Notification | Exam Date | Counselling |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT | July 2025 | December 2025 | Jan-Feb 2026 |
| CUET UG | February 2025 | May 2025 | June-July 2025 |
🔗 Official Links:
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❓ FAQs: CLAT or CUET for Law?
Q1. Can I get into NLUs through CUET?
❌ No – Only CLAT qualifies for NLUs.
Q2. Which has better placements: NLUs or DU/BHU?
✅ NLUs win (NLSIU avg: ₹18 LPA vs DU: ₹6-8 LPA).
Q3. Is Legal Studies compulsory in CUET for BA LLB?
✅ Yes (50% weightage in CUET law admissions).
Q4. Can I prepare for both simultaneously?
✅ Yes! Focus on:
- Common: English, GK, Logical Reasoning
- Separate: CLAT (Legal Reasoning) + CUET (Legal Studies theory)
💡 Preparation Strategy for Dual Aspirants
1. 3-Month Study Plan
pie title Weekly Study Hours (CLAT+CUET)
“Legal Aptitude (CLAT Focus)” : 15
“Legal Studies (CUET Focus)” : 10
“English/GK (Common)” : 12
“Mock Tests” : 8
2. Recommended Books
- CLAT: Legal Awareness by AP Bhardwaj
- CUET Law: NCERT Legal Studies (Class 12)
- Common: Word Power Made Easy
3. Section-wise Tips
- CLAT Legal Reasoning: Practice 10+ case studies weekly
- CUET Legal Studies: Memorize IPC sections + Constitution articles
📢 Final Recommendation
- Aim for Top NLUs? → Prioritize CLAT
- Okay with DU/BHU? → CUET is easier
- Want backup? → Give both exams
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