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Open Letter to the Consortium of NLUs: Addressing CLAT 2025 Challenges and the Way Forward
December 30, 2024
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), a revered body overseeing the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), finds itself under scrutiny after a series of issues marred the CLAT 2025 process.
This blog delves into the open letter penned by Harsh Gagrani, a prominent CLAT mentor, addressing these challenges and proposing a pathway for improvement.
The letter, rich with constructive criticism and suggestions, aims to transform the CLAT experience into one that sets a gold standard for competitive exams.
A Letter Rooted in Respect and Concern
Harsh Gagrani, an NLU alumnus and founder of LegalEdge, begins his letter by commending the Consortium of NLUs for managing a mammoth task—conducting CLAT 2025. Despite the enormity of this endeavour, the letter highlights systemic issues that caused significant distress to aspirants.
From errors in the provisional answer key to questionable decisions around result timing, the open letter encapsulates the frustration of students while offering actionable solutions. This balanced approach positions the letter as a constructive dialogue rather than a critique.
Read more: An Open Letter to Consortium of NLUs by Harsh Gagrani Sir
Key Challenges in CLAT 2025
1. Errors in the Question Paper and Answer Key
The Consortium of NLUs faced backlash for the presence of demonstrably wrong answers in the provisional answer key. These errors not only undermined the credibility of the exam but also led to mental anguish for aspirants who had prepared extensively.
For example, the Analytical Reasoning (AR) section included an erroneous set that consumed 10-15 minutes of aspirants' precious time. Such mistakes impact performance and shake the confidence of candidates.
2. Sample Papers and Their Shortcomings
The release of flawed sample papers by the Consortium of NLUs created additional stress for students. Deviating from the actual exam pattern, these samples confused aspirants instead of helping them prepare effectively.
3. Last-Minute Notifications
A notification requiring students to underline answers was retracted shortly before the exam. While the Consortium of NLUs eventually corrected this, the confusion caused unnecessary anxiety among students.
4. Impact of Result Timing
The Consortium’s decision to release the CLAT 2025 results a night before the AILET exam had severe repercussions. Students were distracted or demoralized, leading to subpar performance in AILET. Such decisions highlight a need for greater empathy in operational planning.
Latest Updates: First Allotment Delayed Due to HC Order
Constructive Suggestions for the Consortium of NLUs
Gagrani sir's letter is not just a critique but a roadmap for improvement. Here are the key suggestions:
1. Eliminate Errors
The Consortium of NLUs must invest in rigorous quality control to ensure error-free question papers and answer keys. A meticulous approach to designing and reviewing questions is crucial to maintaining the exam’s credibility.
2. Provide Solutions and Analysis
Publishing detailed solutions and expert analyses alongside answer keys can increase transparency and reduce disputes. Aspirants deserve clarity on why a particular answer is correct.
3. Improve Sample Papers
Sample papers should mirror the actual exam in format and difficulty. The Consortium of NLUs must approach this exercise with the same seriousness as the main exam to ensure aspirants are adequately prepared.
Read More: Latest News on Seat Allotment in CLAT 2025
4. Reevaluate the Fee for Objections
The current fee for raising objections is higher than other competitive exams like JEE and NEET. Reducing this fee would make the process more student-friendly and fair.
5. Rethink Question Patterns
Certain questions in the Current Affairs and Legal Reasoning sections have been overly simplistic or inconsistent. The Consortium of NLUs should ensure that questions are challenging yet fair, rewarding hard work over luck.
6. Demonstrate Empathy
Systemic lapses, such as errors in the final answer key or discrepancies in OMR time allocation, undermine trust. By prioritizing fairness and transparency, the Consortium of NLUs can rebuild faith among students.
7. Justice Must Be Seen to Be Done
Gagrani sir stresses the need for visible fairness. For instance, grievances should be addressed transparently, and aspirants must feel that their concerns are genuinely heard.
Updates About: CLAT 2025 Counselling Process
Broader Lessons for the Consortium of NLUs
The issues surrounding CLAT 2025 offer critical lessons for the Consortium of NLUs. Addressing these challenges is not just about solving immediate problems but also about creating a robust and transparent examination framework for the future.
1. Transparency and Accountability
Errors in competitive exams erode trust. The Consortium must adopt measures like third-party audits to ensure a flawless process.
2. Stakeholder Engagement
Regular communication with students, parents, and coaching institutions can bridge gaps and alleviate anxieties. Transparent updates foster trust and demonstrate accountability.
3. Leveraging Technology
Advanced technology in question setting, evaluation, and result compilation can significantly reduce errors and enhance the credibility of exams conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
Judicial Interventions and Their Implications
The Delhi High Court's recent order for the Consortium of NLUs to revise the CLAT 2025 merit list underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring fairness. While necessary, such interventions highlight gaps in the examination process that need immediate rectification.
Revisiting Merit Lists
The Consortium’s compliance with court directives, including addressing errors in two flagged questions, is a step in the right direction. However, this should extend to addressing all identified discrepancies.
Impact on Aspirants
The delay caused by judicial scrutiny has disrupted the counselling timeline, creating uncertainty for thousands of students. This highlights the need for robust pre-exam checks to avoid such situations.
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Conclusion: A Call for Collaboration
Harsh Gagrani’s open letter to the Consortium of NLUs serves as a powerful reminder that competitive exams must prioritize the well-being of students. While the Consortium has made notable strides, including improved communication and mental health initiatives, systemic reforms are necessary to restore faith.
By embracing these constructive suggestions, the Consortium of NLUs can transform CLAT into a benchmark of fairness, transparency, and academic excellence. This collaborative spirit, as Gagrani sir eloquently notes, ensures that while stakeholders may not always align perfectly, they can work together toward a shared goal: empowering India’s future legal professionals.
In addressing these issues, the Consortium of NLUs has an opportunity not only to correct past mistakes but also to set a precedent for all competitive exams in the country.