A Complete List of Law Entrance Exams in India You Should Know

So, you've decided to pursue law — one of the most respected and intellectually rewarding careers in India. But before you step into a courtroom or a corporate boardroom, there's one critical hurdle to cross: the law entrance exam. With dozens of national, state, and university-level tests available, knowing which ones to target can make all the difference between securing a seat at a top law school and missing out altogether.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every major law admission test in India — who conducts them, what they cover, and who they're meant for. Whether you're a Class 12 student planning ahead or a graduate eyeing an LLB degree, this is the only list you need to bookmark.

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India's legal education landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. With legal systems becoming increasingly complex and the demand for legal professionals rising, law entrance exams in India have become highly competitive and structured. Top institutions like National Law Universities (NLUs), Symbiosis, and Jindal Global Law School receive thousands of applications every cycle — making a strong entrance exam score your primary ticket in.

Understanding the exam ecosystem also helps you apply strategically. Many students appear for multiple tests simultaneously to maximize their chances. In fact, many students appear for separate exams such as CLAT, LSAT India, AILET, SLAT, and MH CET Law to increase their chances of getting admission to a prestigious law college.

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These exams are conducted across India and are accepted by multiple universities and institutions nationwide.

1. CLAT — Common Law Admission Test

Conducting Body: Consortium of National Law Universities

For: 5-year integrated LLB (UG) and 1-year LLM (PG)

CLAT is undisputedly India's most sought-after law entrance exam. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a centralized national-level entrance test for admissions to 26 out of 27 National Law Universities (NLUs), except NLU Delhi. In addition to NLUs, many private law institutions also recognise and accept CLAT scores for admission to their undergraduate and postgraduate law courses.

Subjects Covered: English Language, Current Affairs & GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques

Exam Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper), conducted across approximately 80 cities

Eligibility (UG): Class 12 with minimum 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates); no upper age limit

2. AILET — All India Law Entrance Test

Conducting Body: National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) For: BA LLB (Hons), LLM, and PhD programs

The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is conducted by National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) for admission to undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral (PhD) level legal courses. This is a national-level entrance exam for admission to NLU Delhi's law programmes solely.

Subjects Covered: English, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, Legal Aptitude, Reasoning, and Mathematics

Important Note: Both CLAT and AILET are conducted by different authorities, usually one week apart, allowing candidates to attempt both exams in the same year.

3. LSAT India — Law School Admission Test India

Conducting Body: Law School Admission Council (LSAC) For: UG and PG law programs at private universities

LSAT India is accepted by universities such as Jindal Global Law School, Asian Law School, UPES School of Law, Alliance University, GD Goenka University, VIT School of Law, and BITS Law School. It is an online exam of 2 hours and 20 minutes, wherein reading comprehension, analytical reading, and logical reasoning are tested.

This exam is ideal for students targeting private law schools with an international academic reputation.

4. SLAT — Symbiosis Law Admission Test

Conducting Body: Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune

For: Undergraduate law courses across Symbiosis Law Schools

SLAT is your gateway to four prestigious Symbiosis law campuses. It evaluates students on logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, general knowledge, and legal reasoning.

5. CUET — Common University Entrance Test (Law)

Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)

For: UG (CUET LLB) and PG (CUET LLM) programs at central universities

CUET has emerged as a major admission route to centrally funded universities. Aspirants targeting law programs at institutions like BHU, Jamia, and other central universities should not overlook this exam.

Several reputed universities conduct their own entrance tests for law admissions.

6. DU LLB — Delhi University LLB Entrance Exam

For: 3-year LLB programs at Delhi University's affiliated law colleges

One of the most competitive 3-year LLB entrance exams in India, this test is ideal for graduates who want to study law in the heart of the country's legal capital.

7. BHU LLB — Banaras Hindu University Law Entrance

For: 3-year LLB at Banaras Hindu University

A prestigious option for graduates looking at one of India's oldest central universities, BHU's entrance test is included under the CUET umbrella now.

8. NLSAT — NLSIU Bangalore LLB Entrance

For: 3-year LLB program at National Law School of India University, Bangalore

NLSIU Bangalore — India's first and arguably most prestigious NLU — conducts a separate entrance test for its standalone LLB program open to graduates.

9. IIT Kharagpur LLB Entrance Exam

For: BA LLB (Hons) at Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur

A unique offering at one of India's top technical institutes, this exam is perfect for candidates interested in intellectual property and technology law.

If you wish to study at a state university or government law college, these exams are critical to know.

10. MH CET Law — Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (Law)

Conducting Body: State CET Cell, Maharashtra For: 5-year LLB and 3-year LLB programs in Maharashtra

MH CET Law is a state-level entrance examination organised by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra, to provide admission to law courses. It's one of the largest state-level law tests in India by the volume of applicants.

11. TS LAWCET — Telangana State Law Common Entrance Test

For: 3-year LLB and 5-year integrated LLB in Telangana universities

Conducted by Osmania University on behalf of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education, TS LAWCET opens doors to law colleges across Telangana.

12. AP LAWCET — Andhra Pradesh Law Common Entrance Test

For: LLB programs in Andhra Pradesh

Similar in structure to TS LAWCET, this exam is the primary gateway for law admissions across Andhra Pradesh universities and affiliated colleges.

13. KLEE — Kerala Law Entrance Examination

For: 5-year integrated LLB and 3-year LLB in Kerala

Conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala, KLEE is the main route for aspirants looking to study law in the state.

14. PUCET — Punjab University Common Entrance Test (Law)

For: LLB programs at Panjab University, Chandigarh

A popular exam for students in North India targeting Panjab University's well-regarded law programs.

If you already hold an LLB degree and want to specialize further, these postgraduate law entrance exams are for you:

● CLAT PG — For LLM admissions across NLUs

● AILET PG — For LLM at NLU Delhi

● CUET LLM — For LLM programs at central universities

● DU LLB PG / BHU LLM — University-specific postgraduate tests

Eligibility for LLM exams: Candidates must hold an LLB degree (3 or 5 years) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates). 

With so many options, here's a simple framework to narrow it down:

1. Identify your program goal — Are you looking for a 5-year integrated course after Class 12, a 3-year LLB after graduation, or an LLM after your law degree?

2. Shortlist target colleges — Each college or NLU accepts specific exam scores. Work backwards from where you want to study.

3. Appear for multiple exams — Target CLAT and AILET simultaneously, as both cover similar sections — Legal Reasoning, English, GK, and Logical Aptitude. Cracking either secures a seat in India's top NLUs.

4. Know the eligibility criteria — Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board and secured at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates). There is no upper age limit for most exams like CLAT, AILET, or SLAT.

Q1. Which is the most important law entrance exam in India?

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is the most important and widely accepted law entrance exam in India. It grants admission to 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) across the country and is also accepted by numerous private law colleges. For NLU Delhi specifically, AILET is the exam to target.

Q2. Is it possible to appear for multiple law entrance exams in the same year?  

Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is highly recommended. Most law entrance exams are scheduled at different times of the year, so you can appear for CLAT, AILET, SLAT, LSAT India, and MH CET Law in the same admission cycle. Appearing for multiple exams significantly increases your chances of securing a seat at a top law college.

Q3. What is the eligibility criteria for law entrance exams after Class 12?

For 5-year integrated BA LLB programs, candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board and secured a minimum aggregate of 45% marks. SC/ST candidates are eligible with 40% marks. There is no upper age limit for most exams, including CLAT and AILET.

Q4. Which law entrance exam should I take after graduation?

If you hold a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue a 3-year LLB program, you should target exams like DU LLB (Delhi University), BHU LLB, NLSAT (NLSIU Bangalore), and state-level tests such as MH CET Law (3-year), TS LAWCET, AP LAWCET, and KLEE, depending on your preferred college and state.

Q5. Is CLAT conducted online or offline?

CLAT is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across approximately 80 test cities in India. In contrast, exams like AILET, LSAT India, SLAT, and MH CET Law are conducted online.

Q6. What subjects are covered in most law entrance exams?

Most national-level law entrance exams like CLAT and AILET test candidates on five key areas: English Language, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques (or Mathematics). LSAT India focuses specifically on Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.

Q7. Which law colleges accept LSAT India scores?

LSAT India scores are accepted by several prominent private law schools, including Jindal Global Law School, Asian Law College, UPES School of Law, Alliance University, GD Goenka University, VIT School of Law, and BITS Law School, among others. It is especially useful for students targeting private universities with a global academic approach.

Q8. Are state-level law entrance exams easier than national-level ones?

State-level exams such as MH CET Law, TS LAWCET, AP LAWCET, and KLEE are often regarded as slightly less competitive than national exams like CLAT or AILET, but the difficulty can vary. They are a great option if you wish to study in a specific state or prefer government law colleges within that state at a relatively lower cost.

Q9. Can I get into a top law college without appearing in CLAT?

Yes. While CLAT is the gateway to NLUs, several top-ranked law institutions accept scores from other exams. AILET gets you into NLU Delhi, SLAT into Symbiosis Law Schools, and LSAT India into Jindal Global Law School and others. Many state law colleges also have their own entrance tests, so CLAT is important but not the only path.

Q10. How early should I start preparing for law entrance exams?

Ideally, you should begin your preparation at least 12 months before the exam date. Starting early gives you enough time to build conceptual clarity in Legal Reasoning and Logical Aptitude, stay consistent with Current Affairs, and complete multiple rounds of mock tests and revision — all of which are critical to cracking competitive law entrance exams in India.

Final Word

India's law entrance exam calendar is packed — and that's actually good news for you. More exams mean more chances to prove your merit and land a seat at a college that truly matches your ambitions. From the coveted CLAT to state-specific tests like MH CET Law and TS LAWCET, each exam opens a unique door.

Start early, prepare strategically, and don't put all your efforts into just one exam. A well-planned multi-exam approach can be the difference between a waitlist and a confirmed admission letter.

If you're serious about a career in law, your preparation journey starts today — because every top lawyer you admire once sat exactly where you are right now.

Disclaimer: Exam dates and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Always refer to official exam authority websites for the most updated information.