Differences Between CLAT and LSAT: Check All Major Differences
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) are two of the most popular entrance exams for admission to various law courses offered by law schools and universities across India and abroad. While both exams are designed to test the candidate's legal reasoning and analytical skills, there are some key differences between CLAT and LSAT that candidates should be aware of.
Here are the key differences between the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT):
1. Exam Conducting Bodies: CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, while LSAT is conducted by the Law School Admission Council.
2. Exam Mode: CLAT is an online exam, while LSAT is a paper-based exam.
3. Exam Pattern: CLAT tests candidates on their proficiency in English Language, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Elementary Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning. LSAT tests candidates on their proficiency in Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and an unscored Writing Sample.
4. Number of Questions: CLAT consists of 150 questions, while LSAT consists of 100-102 questions.
5. Exam Duration: CLAT has a duration of 2 hours, while LSAT has a duration of 2 hours and 20 minutes.
6. Marking Scheme: CLAT includes +1 for correct answers and -0.25 for incorrect answers, while LSAT does not include negative marking.
7. Exam Centers: CLAT exam centers are located in various cities across India, while LSAT exam centers are located in various countries across the world.
8. Acceptance of Scores: CLAT scores are accepted by various law schools and universities in India, while LSAT scores are accepted by law schools and universities in India and abroad.
As can be seen from the above table, there are significant differences between CLAT and LSAT in terms of exam conducting bodies, exam mode, exam pattern, number of questions, exam duration, marking scheme, exam centers, and acceptance of scores.
Question Paper Weightage: CLAT vs LSAT
Here are the weightage of different sections in the question paper for CLAT and LSAT:
CLAT:
1. English Language - 28-32 questions
2. General Knowledge and Current Affairs - 35-39 questions
3. Elementary Mathematics - 13-17 questions
4. Legal Aptitude - 35-39 questions
5. Logical Reasoning - 28-32 questions
LSAT:
1. Analytical Reasoning - 23-24 questions
2. Logical Reasoning - 23-24 questions
3. Reading Comprehension - 26-28 questions
4. Writing Sample (unscored) - 1 essay question
It's important to note that the number of questions and weightage of different sections may vary slightly from year to year. Candidates should check the official exam website for the most updated information on the exam pattern and question paper weightage.
Candidates should carefully consider the question paper weightage for CLAT and LSAT and prepare accordingly. It is important to understand the exam pattern and focus on the sections that carry a higher weightage to score well in the exam.
The exam centers for CLAT are located in various cities across India, whereas the exam centers for LSAT are located in various countries across the world. CLAT scores are accepted by various law schools and universities in India, whereas LSAT scores are accepted by law schools and universities in India and abroad.
CLAT vs LSAT Competition Level :
The competition level for CLAT is quite intense as it grants access to the prestigious National Law Universities in India. Last year's data revealed that 50,000 candidates competed for 2,500 available seats. Additionally, the list of CLAT participating colleges in India is expanding rapidly.
LSAT is a globally recognized exam and is gradually becoming a popular choice for law aspirants in India. Last year, over 50 law colleges came under the purview of LSAT India, including some of the top law colleges in the country. The LSAT India colleges list for 2024 has been updated with new additions.
Which are the Top Participating Colleges for CLAT and LSAT?
Here are some of the top participating colleges for CLAT and LSAT:
CLAT:
1. National Law School of India University, Bangalore
2. National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad
3. National Law Institute University, Bhopal
4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
5. National Law University, Jodhpur
LSAT:
1. Harvard Law School, USA
2. Columbia Law School, USA
3. University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Canada
4. National Law School of India University, Bangalore
5. Jindal Global Law School, India
It's important to note that these are not the only participating colleges for CLAT and LSAT, and that the list may vary from year to year. Candidates should check the official exam websites for the most updated information on participating colleges and universities. Additionally, candidates should research and consider various factors such as the college's reputation, course offerings, and placement opportunities before making their final choice of college.
In conclusion, candidates should carefully consider these differences between CLAT and LSAT and choose the exam that best suits their needs and preferences. It is important to prepare well for the exam by understanding the exam pattern, practicing mock tests, and staying up-to-date with current affairs related to the legal field.