Differences Between CLAT and LSAT: Which is Better?

Reader's Digest: Are you considering applying to law school in India and need to understand the difference between CLAT and LSAT?  Keep reading to learn more about the differences between CLAT and LSAT, and decide which exam is proper for you.

These two exams are the gateway to top law schools in India but have different eligibility criteria, syllabi, and difficulty levels. Let's explore!

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Here are some key points highlighting the distinctions between CLAT and LSAT:

• The Consortium of National Law Universities conducts CLAT, while the Pearson VUE administers LSAT India.
• The exam pattern for CLAT includes sections on English, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning. In comparison, LSAT India focuses on Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
• CLAT scores are accepted by all participating National Law Universities apart from NLU Delhi, while selective private law schools in India accept LSAT India scores.
• CLAT has a negative marking system wherein 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect question answered the question, while LSAT India does not.

CLAT vs LSAT: Understanding the Major Differences

Let's understand the key differences between these exams:

Particulars	Description	Description
Exam mode	Offline (pen-paper mode)	Online Mode (Computer-based Test)
Exam Duration	2 hours	2 hours 20 minutes
Type of Questions	Comprehension-based, multiple-choice questions	Multiple-choice Questions
Number of Questions	120	92
Scoring Pattern	+1 mark for each correct answer; the total marks required are 150.	Test scores will be provided as a scaled score between 420 and 480, a score band, and a percentile rank.
Marking Scheme	Each objective question will carry one mark. An incorrect answer will result in a penalty of 0.25.	No penalties for incorrect answers

Difference Between CLAT and LSAT based on Eligibility

For CLAT's undergraduate program, you need a 10+2 grade point average of 45% (40% for reserved categories). The minimum score required for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees for LSAT varies depending on the institute to which you're applying.

Review the eligibility criteria for both exams before deciding which one to take, and prepare to take the first step towards your legal career.

Read More: Eligibility Criteria for LSAT and CLAT

Understanding the Exam Pattern for LSAT and CLAT

Though these exams mainly have one common goal, i.e., getting admission to a law course, the pattern varies. Clarity on the pattern is essential to preparing for these exams.

We have highlighted the key differences between the two below:

CLAT Exam Pattern Details

CLAT is a two-hour exam conducted offline for undergraduate programmes. It consists of passages followed by MCQs.

Name of the Section	Number of Questions
English Language	22-26 questions, or roughly 20% of the paper
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge	28-32 questions, or approximately 25% of the paper
Legal Reasoning	28-32 questions, or approximately 25% of the paper
Logical Reasoning	22-26 questions, or approximately 20% of the paper
Quantitative Techniques	10-14 questions, or approximately 10% of the paper
Total	120

Read More: CLAT Syllabus

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LSAT Exam Pattern Details 

LSAT is an online mode exam. The duration of the exam is 2 hours 20 minutes. The questions are objective.

Section Type	Number of Questions	Duration
Analytical Reasoning	23	35 minutes
Logical Reasoning (1)	22	35 minutes
Logical Reasoning (2)	23	35 minutes
Reading Comprehension	24	35 minutes
Total Questions	92	2 hours and 20 minutes

Read More: LSAT Syllabus

LSAT vs CLAT: Difficulty Level

Understanding the difficulty level of the CLAT and LSAT exams can increase your chances of success.

The CLAT exam is the most challenging law entrance exam in India. 

You had to answer 120 multiple-choice questions in just 2 hours. On the other hand, the LSAT India exam is relatively easier but still challenging.

According to experts, the LSAT India January 2024 had moderate difficulty. It's a 2-hour and 20-minute exam with 92 questions. The analytical reasoning section was the toughest, while the reading comprehension section was the easiest, although it was pretty long.

Read More: Best Books for LSAT and CLAT

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So, which exam should you take?

It depends on your strengths and weaknesses. If you're good at a wide range of subjects and are comfortable with a negative marking system, then CLAT might be a good choice.

If you're better at reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning, then LSAT India might be a better fit.

No matter which exam you choose, it's essential to start preparing early.

Many resources are available to help you, including online courses, practice tests, and tutoring.

Which are the Top Participating Colleges for CLAT and LSAT?

Various colleges accept CLAT and LSAT scores; however, the table below shows the top ones. 

Top law colleges accepting CLAT	Top law colleges accepting LSAT India
National Law School of India University, Bangalore	Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
NALSAR, Hyderabad	Asian Law College, Noida
Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai	School of Law, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun
Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow	Alliance University, Bangalore
National Law Institute University, Bhopal	GD Goenka University
National Law University, Jodhpur	VIT Law School, Chennai
RGNUL, Punjab	BITS Law School

Conclusion

1. The LSAT is primarily used for admissions to law schools in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. It focuses on assessing critical thinking and analytical reasoning. In contrast, the CLAT is specific to India, offering a gateway to 24 National Law Universities and other private law schools. It tests knowledge across various subjects, including general knowledge and legal aptitude.

2. There is a difference in the structure, including the types of questions and subjects covered. LSAT focuses on logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension, compared to the broader scope of the CLAT, which includes quantitative techniques, English, current affairs, legal reasoning, and logical reasoning.

3. The preparation for each test requires a different approach. For the LSAT, students need to hone their reasoning and comprehension skills. For the CLAT, a broader study plan that includes staying updated with current affairs, practising mathematics, and understanding legal principles is essential.

4. LSAT is recognized by a wide range of law schools globally, offering international career opportunities. Though highly respected in India, the CLAT is geared towards the Indian legal system, making it more suitable for those planning to practice within India.

5. Whether choosing the LSAT or CLAT, success requires dedication, consistent preparation, and a clear understanding of one’s career goals in law. Both exams are stepping stones to rewarding legal careers, but the right choice depends on the individual's aspirations and intended path in the legal profession.