Difference Between CLAT and AILET: Which to Choose?

There are multiple difference between CLAT and AILET in terms of exam pattern, syllabus, and admission criteria. However, AILET is considered comparatively more difficult than CLAT.

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There are multiple factors in terms of difference between CLAT and AILET, such as the mode of examination, the exam pattern, and more. Both exams are highly competitive. Candidates can appear for two of the examinations or anyone as per their choice.

CLAT (Common-Law Admission Test) and AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) are national-level law examinations. Hence, knowing the difference between CLAT and AILET becomes essential. However, the CLAT syllabus is considered somewhat similar to AILET syllabus.

Key Differences Between CLAT and AILET

The difference between CLAT and AILET are many. The exam mode, pattern, and time differ from one another. In addition, the CLAT exam pattern 2026 underwent certain changes last year.

The examination committee has reduced the questions to 150 and increased the passage-based questions in the individual section. However, the AILET exam pattern remains unchanged.

CLAT vs AILET Syllabus

The syllabus for both exams is pretty much the same. The only difference between CLAT and AILET exams is that in AILET, we have mathematics, while in CLAT, it is quantitative ability.

Rest follow the list to learn the questions from each subject of the CLAT 2026 syllabus:

CLAT Syllabus

English Language

Passages
Correcting Incorrect Grammar Sentences
Fill in the Blanks
Synonyms & Antonyms
Spotting Grammatical Errors
Tenses
Active & Passive Voice

General Knowledge (inclusive of Current Affairs)

Recent Events of National and International Importance
History
Art & Culture
Awards & Honours
Eminent Personalities Sports
Economy
Science

Also Check: CLAT Important Topics Weightage

Legal Reasoning

Legal Maxims
Indian Constitution
Important Supreme Court Judgments
Important Acts and Amendments of the Legislature
Legal GK
Current Affairs

Logical Reasoning

Relationships
Analogies
Logical Sequences
Syllogism
Statement & Assumption
Cause & Effect
Inferences
Premises & Conclusion

Quantitative Ability/ Mathematics

Algebra
Ratios and Proportions
Mensuration
Statistics
Pie Chart
Bar Graph
Line Graph
Table Chart

AILTET Syllabus

English Language

Fill in the blanks
Comprehension passages
Antonyms & Synonyms
Idioms and phrases
Jumble words and sentences
Choosing the correct words

General Knowledge (inclusive of Current Affairs)

International events
UN bodies
Significant advancements in the fields of sports, environmental agreements & geopolitics
Current affairs
Eminent personalities
Sports
Awards and honours

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Legal Reasoning

Vicarious Liability
Strict Liability
Law of Crimes
Contracts and Constitutional Law
International Law
Intellectual Property Rights
Legal Awareness covering Constitutional Law and Polity

Logical Reasoning

Series
Blood Relations
Directions
Critical Reasoning
Syllogism

Quantitative Ability/ Mathematics

Algebra
Profit and loss
Time and work
Average, speed and distance
Permutation-combination and Venn diagrams
Numerical ability

CLAT vs AILET Question Distribution

Tabulated below is the difference between CLAT and AILET subject-wise number of questions and marks distribution is as follows:

CLAT vs AILET Question Distribution
Subjects	CLAT		AILET
Subjects	Total Questions	Distribution of Marks	Total Questions	Distribution of Marks
English Language	28-32	28-32	35	35
General Knowledge (inclusive of Current Affairs)	35-39	35-39	35	35
Legal Reasoning	35-39	35-39	35	35
Logical Reasoning	28-32	28-32	35	35
Quantitative Ability/ Mathematics	13-17	13-17	10	10

CLAT vs AILET Exam Pattern

CLAT and AILET both are competitive law entrance exams. Therefore, learning the CLAT exam pattern and AILET exam pattern as well as following the same is mandatory.

Hence, for the benefit of the candidates, we have mentioned the difference between CLAT and AILET exam pattern in the table below:

CLAT vs AILET- Exam Particulars
Particulars	CLAT	AILET
Full-Form	Common-Law Admission Test	All India Law Entrance Test
Conducting Authority	National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack	National Law University, Delhi
Level of Examination	National level Exam	National level Exam
Mode of Examination	Online, i.e. Computer-Based Test (CBT)	Offline
Medium of Answering	English	English
Duration of Exam	120 Minutes	90 Minutes
Questions	MCQs and Comprehensions	Objective MCQs
Frequency	Annually	Annually.

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CLAT Vs AILET Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for CLAT and AILET eligibility criteria are almost similar. However, the minimum requirement for both admissions is stated initially in this article.

Below mentioned is the difference between CLAT and AILET eligibility criteria is as follows:

CLAT Vs AILET - Eligibility Criteria
Category	CLAT	AILET
Unreserved/OBC/Specially Abled	45%	50%
SC/ST	40%	50%

Also Check: How to Crack AILET Exam

CLAT vs AILET Examination Fees

The CLAT and AILET exams are quite alike, but the fee differs. It is observed that there is a considerable difference between CLAT and AILET application fees. The fee structure is displayed below:

Difference Between CLAT and AILET Examination Fees
Category	CLAT	AILET
General Category/ Other Backward Class (OBC)/ Persons with Disability (PwD)	INR 4,000	INR 3,050
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)	INR 4,000	INR 3,050
Overseas citizens (OCI)	INR 4,000	INR 3,050
Non-Resident Indians (NRI)	INR 4,000	INR 3,050
Kashmiri Migrant	INR 4,000	INR 3,050
Scheduled Class (SC)/ Scheduled Tribe (ST)	INR 3,500	INR 1,050
Below Poverty Line (BPL)	INR 3,500	No application fee is charged.

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CLAT vs AILET Competiton Level

In terms of competition, the two tests are very different. The battle is fierce since AILET only gives a few places and that too to only one participating university, which also happens to be one of India's top NLUs.

This isn't to imply that passing CLAT and securing a spot in one of the 22 NLUs is easy. When compared to AILET, however, CLAT has a lower level of competitiveness.

CLAT vs AILET Pros and Cons

Cracking AILET is a remarkable achievement by itself. An NLUD tag coupled with extensive knowledge about the field will shine bright in any student’s CV. On the other hand, extreme competition is a con.

Only a few handfuls of students are able to crack this exam and the failure rate is high.

Whereas, CLAT is a less competitive exam. Compared to AILET, CLAT has a higher success rate and has more available seats as well. Candidates with a lower CLAT score are more likely to enrol at NLUs that are not their first choice.

Candidates should keep in mind, however, that all of the NLUs are reputable law schools with a reputation for providing high-quality education.

However, they lack several essential benefits, like industry connections and placement, as compared to the top NLUs.

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CLAT Vs AILET Which is Tougher?

It is an honest query among candidates, which is hard: CLAT or AILET.

However, if you go by the seat count, CLAT is easier than AILET. Furthermore, every year for 3283 seats at 22 NLUs, approximately 59,000 candidates appear. At the same time, 19,000 candidates appear for 180 seats at NLU Delhi. It is one of the key difference between CLAT and AILET.

Therefore, according to the basic calculation (approx), 17 candidates contest for one seat in NLU, whereas 105 candidates compete for one seat in NLU, Delhi. However, the candidates can appear for both examinations: CLAT and AILET.

Besides, the AILET question paper has a tough legal aptitude paper, and it deals with the core of the law, which is on the tougher side.

Besides, the CLAT Consortium has revised the test paper by raising comprehensive questions to make it more manageable for candidates.

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CLAT Vs AILET Which One to Choose?

AILET and CLAT come with their perks and drawbacks; it is sensible to arrive for both examinations. However, there are two reasons for the deliberation:

AILET is held before CLAT. Thus, candidates acquire an opportunity to analyze the kind of questions that may come for CLAT.
Through AILET, candidates gain an opportunity to obtain a seat among the NLUs. While through CLAT, the opportunity enhances.

Candidates can any day opt for the law entrance exam according to their choice. However, when they get an opportunity to apply, it is recommended to apply for both.

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Top Law Colleges Accepting AILET Exam

After knowing the difference between CLAT and AILET, there are many prestigious colleges accepting AILET scores. Candidates are advised to follow the eligibility criteria for each of these colleges and apply accordingly.

Also Check: Best Law Colleges in India Without CLAT

Top Law Colleges Accepting CLAT 2026

Top law colleges consider CLAT scores for admissions. However, candidates are advised to track the eligibility criteria set by each listed college and apply for admissions if they satisfy the standards.

Also Check: Top 10 CLAT Colleges in India