CLAT vs AILET - Which Exam Is Right for You and Why?
- himanshilawprep
- Jun 18
- 6 min read
Choosing between CLAT and AILET is a common dilemma for students aiming to pursue law. Both are top law entrance exams in India and can lead you to prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs). But which one should you go for?
Let’s simplify everything and help you figure out which exam is the better fit for you based on your skills, interests, and goals. And don’t worry-we’re not going to scare you by saying anything is too tough. With the right plan, both exams are very much within your reach.
Understanding What CLAT and AILET Are
First, let’s understand what these two exams are.
CLAT, or the Common Law Admission Test, is a national-level entrance exam that gives you a chance to get into 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. These are some of the best colleges for law in the country, and most private universities also accept CLAT scores for admission.
AILET, or the All India Law Entrance Test, is conducted by just one university-NLU Delhi. This university is also one of the top law schools in India. However, AILET is only for getting admission into NLU Delhi, not for any other law school.
So, CLAT gives you access to many law colleges, while AILET is only for one, but a very prestigious one. Think of CLAT as a train that stops at many great stations, and AILET as a direct flight to just one top destination.
How the Two Exams Are Structured
The structure of an exam matters because it shows what kind of preparation and skills are required.
CLAT has five sections: English Language, Current Affairs (including General Knowledge), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques (which is basically elementary-level maths). It is a two-hour exam with multiple-choice questions.
AILET is also a two-hour exam, but it has only three main sections: English Language, Current Affairs (including GK), and Logical Reasoning. In the latest pattern, they have removed the maths and legal reasoning sections.
This means that if you're good at reading comprehension and interpreting long passages, CLAT may feel more comfortable for you. But if you are faster at solving logical puzzles and don't want to deal with maths or long reading-based questions, then AILET might feel better.
In short, CLAT is more focused on reading-based thinking and overall understanding. AILET is more direct and has shorter questions, but you have to be very fast and accurate.
Which Exam Is More Difficult?
This is one of the most asked questions-Which exam is tougher? CLAT or AILET?
The truth is, both exams are challenging in their own ways. But neither is impossible to crack.
CLAT is more comprehension-based, which means many of the questions come in the form of passages that you need to read and then answer questions about. Even Legal Reasoning and GK in CLAT are often based on a paragraph or passage.
AILET, on the other hand, is more speed-based. You get more questions in the same amount of time, and most questions are shorter and more direct. There is less reading involved, but more pressure to be quick and accurate.
So, CLAT tests your ability to read and think deeply, while AILET tests your speed and sharp logic.
It’s not about one being harder than the other. It’s about which style suits you more. If you're a calm reader who enjoys figuring things out slowly, CLAT might be better. If you're quick at solving questions and prefer short questions, AILET might suit you more.
Which One Has More Seats and Colleges?
This part is important when you're planning your future.
CLAT offers admission to 22 NLUs across the country. That means there are around 3,000+ seats available through CLAT every year. Apart from NLUs, many top private universities also accept CLAT scores.
If you appear for CLAT, you have multiple colleges as options. Even if you don’t make it to your top choice like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad, you still have good backup options like NUJS Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur, and others.
AILET, however, gives you access to only one law university-NLU Delhi. There are only around 110 to 120 seats available for the undergraduate course every year. That means competition is very high.
But with AILET, it’s all or nothing. If you get selected, that’s great. But if you don’t, you won’t get admission to any other law school through AILET.
So, if you’re someone who wants more options and flexibility, CLAT is a safer and broader choice. But if your dream is only NLU Delhi, then AILET is your direct path.
Also do explore Important Judgments and Case Laws for CLAT
What Type of GK Is Asked in Both Exams?
General Knowledge and Current Affairs are part of both exams, but the way they ask questions is a bit different.
In CLAT, GK is asked through passage-based questions. You’ll be given a short article or news story, and then you’ll be asked questions related to that passage. So, you need to understand the passage well, and sometimes even connect it to what you know from your GK preparation.
In AILET, the questions are mostly direct and fact-based. For example, you might be asked, “Who is the current Chief Justice of India?” or “Where did the G-20 Summit take place in 2023?” You either know the answer or you don’t.
If you enjoy reading and understanding current news stories and connecting the dots, CLAT will feel more natural. If you prefer short, straightforward questions, AILET may be more comfortable.
In both cases, staying updated with current affairs is a must. Try to read the newspaper daily or at least follow monthly current affairs summaries to stay in touch.
Legal Reasoning - A Difference That Matters
This is one area where the two exams are different.
CLAT includes a Legal Reasoning section that is passage-based. You’ll read a short story or situation involving a legal principle, and then answer questions based on how that principle applies.
Don’t worry-CLAT doesn’t expect you to know any law before the exam. They will give you everything you need to answer the question inside the passage itself.
AILET has removed the Legal Reasoning section in recent years. So if you don’t enjoy long passages with legal situations, AILET might seem easier. But remember, legal reasoning also helps you understand the subject you’re about to study for five years, so many students enjoy learning it as part of their preparation.
Which Exam Has More Study Material Available?
CLAT has more study material available in the market. Since it is more widely taken and covers more universities, you’ll find lots of books, sample papers, mock tests, and coaching classes focused on CLAT preparation.
Many coaching centres also provide combo courses that include preparation for both CLAT and AILET. But CLAT remains the main focus of most coaching programs because more students appear for it.
That doesn’t mean AILET has no resources. It just means that you might have to put in a bit more effort to find the right mock tests and practice papers, especially based on the new pattern.
If you’re someone who prefers guided preparation with lots of material, CLAT preparation might feel more comfortable.
Can You Prepare for Both Exams Together?
Yes, absolutely. Many students prepare for both CLAT and AILET at the same time. The syllabus is mostly similar, especially in English, Logical Reasoning, and GK.
You will need to adjust your mock test strategy for both, though. Practice CLAT-style passage-based questions and AILET-style short questions regularly. Also, be ready to change your time management techniques during the exam.
Since CLAT and AILET are usually held around the same time (just a few weeks apart), preparing for both is not only possible but also very common.
If you’re still unsure which exam to choose, you can keep your options open by preparing for both and deciding later based on your mock test performance and comfort level.
Check out the Best Judiciary Coaching in India if you want to crack the judiciary exam and become a judge.
So, Which Exam Is Right for You?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
If you enjoy reading, understanding passages, analyzing information, and want more college options, CLAT may be the better choice.
If you’re fast, sharp with logical reasoning, and want to aim specifically for NLU Delhi, then AILET could be a better fit.
If you're not sure, prepare for both, give mock tests, and see which one suits your skills more. You might discover you're good at both!
Final Words - You Can Do It
At the end of the day, CLAT and AILET are just two different ways to enter the same legal world. Neither exam is better than the other0they just test you differently.
Don’t worry if you feel nervous. Every law aspirant starts somewhere. What matters is how consistent and focused you are. You don’t need to be perfect on Day 1. You just need to keep moving forward, step by step.
Whether you choose CLAT, AILET, or both, believe in your preparation, follow a smart study plan, and stay positive. Law school is not just for toppers0it’s for thinkers, learners, and students who don’t give up.
So take that first step with confidence. Your legal journey begins now.
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