CLAT introduced a completely new passage-based format from December 2019 (CLAT 2020). Papers before 2020 have a very different format and are NOT useful for CLAT 2027 preparation. Focus exclusively on papers from 2020 to 2026 | these reflect the current exam pattern with comprehension-based questions across all sections.
CLAT Previous Year Papers | Official (2020–2026)
These are the most important papers for CLAT 2026 preparation. The new passage-based format has been consistent since 2020.
CLAT 2026 Question Paper with Answer Key
Held: December 1, 2025 | 120 questions, 120 marks, 2 hours | Offline (Pen & Paper) | Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
CLAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key & Analysis
Held: December 3, 2023 | 120 questions | Difficulty: Moderate | GK section had high current affairs focus
CLAT 2023 Question Paper with Answer Key
Held: December 18, 2022 | 120 questions | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Legal Reasoning was passage-heavy
CLAT 2022 Question Paper with Answer Key
Held: June 19, 2022 | 150 questions (Note: pre-pattern change) | Mixed format
CLAT 2021 Question Paper with Answer Key
Held: July 23, 2021 (online due to COVID) | 150 questions | Online format | minor variations from standard
CLAT 2020 Question Paper with Answer Key
Held: September 28, 2020 (online) | First exam with new passage-based format | 150 questions | Very important for understanding new format
Official CLAT Sample Paper 2027
The Consortium of National Law Universities releases an official CLAT sample paper each year to help aspirants understand the exam format. The official sample paper for CLAT 2027 will be released on the official website. Until then, use CLAT 2026 as the reference.
Official website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in | Download section under "CLAT 2026"
How to Effectively Use CLAT Sample Papers
- Simulate exam conditions: Always attempt full papers in one sitting | 120 minutes, no breaks, no phone. This builds the stamina and concentration needed for the actual exam.
- Time tracking: Note how much time you spend on each section. Target: English: 25–28 min, GK: 28–32 min, Legal Reasoning: 28–32 min, Logical Reasoning: 22–25 min, Quant: 10–13 min.
- Detailed error analysis: After every mock, analyse every wrong answer | was it a reading error, careless mistake, concept gap, or time pressure? This is where real improvement happens.
- Track score trends: Maintain a score log for every mock. If your score is not improving over 3 consecutive mocks, change your preparation strategy.
- Don't neglect older format: While papers post-2020 are most relevant, pre-2020 papers (especially 2015–2019) are useful for practising individual sections like legal reasoning and logical reasoning as concept-based exercises.
CLAT Mock Test Score Tracker
Use this table to track your CLAT mock test scores over time:
| Mock # | Paper | Your Score (/120) | English | GK/CA | Legal | Logical | Quant | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mock 1 | CLAT 2026 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mock 2 | CLAT 2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mock 3 | CLAT 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mock 4 | CLAT 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mock 5 | CLAT 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mock 6 | CLAT 2021 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Print this table and fill it after each mock test. Target: score should improve by 3–5 marks every 2–3 mocks as you refine your strategy.
📊 CLAT Score Benchmarks | NLU Target Guide
| Score Range (/120) | Expected Rank (Gen) | Target NLUs |
|---|---|---|
| 95–100+ | Top 100 | NLSIU Bangalore (NIRF #1) |
| 88–94 | 100–400 | NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata |
| 80–87 | 400–1200 | NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar |
| 72–79 | 1200–3000 | HNLU Raipur, RMLNLU Lucknow |
| 62–71 | 3000–6000 | CNLU Patna, NLUO Cuttack |
| Below 62 | 6000+ | Lower-ranked NLUs, consider other exams |
FAQs | CLAT Sample Papers
Pre-2020 CLAT papers (2008–2019) used a different format | they had direct knowledge-based questions (grammar, legal knowledge, static GK) rather than the current passage-based approach. They are NOT useful for full-length mock practice. However, you can use pre-2020 legal reasoning questions as additional concept-based practice for applying legal principles to facts. Focus primarily on CLAT 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 papers for full mock practice.
CLAT previous year question papers can be downloaded for free from the official Consortium of NLUs website (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) | navigate to the "Downloads" section. The official site provides the most authentic versions with official answer keys. You can also access papers through LegalBites.in and other law education portals. Be cautious of unofficial sites that may have incorrect answer keys.
Solve all 6 available CLAT papers from 2020–2026 (new format). Additionally, complete at least 10–15 full-length mock tests from reliable coaching platforms. In total, aim for 20+ full mocks before CLAT 2026. The quality of analysis after each mock matters more than the number of papers solved. Always review every wrong answer and understand why it was wrong.