CLAT vs AILET 2027: Pattern, Dates, Eligibility and Strategy

CLAT vs AILET comes down to this: CLAT 2027 is the common test for 26 member NLUs, with 120 passage-based questions across five sections including Legal Reasoning, on 6 December 2026; AILET 2027 is NLU Delhi’s own test, with 150 questions across three sections and no separate Legal Reasoning section, on 13 December 2026. Both last 2 hours, both are offline and both deduct 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Since most of the preparation overlaps, many serious aspirants write both.

Difference between CLAT and AILET: the pattern

Three practical consequences of this AILET vs CLAT pattern difference:

1. Speed. CLAT gives 60 seconds a question; AILET gives 48. AILET rewards quick decisions.
2. Logical Reasoning weight. It is about a fifth of CLAT but nearly half of AILET, and it is AILET’s first tie-breaker.
3. Legal Reasoning. It is a quarter of CLAT and CLAT’s first tie-breaker. AILET has no separate section, though NLU Delhi says legal principles may be used within Logical Reasoning without requiring legal knowledge.

Quant matters only in CLAT. English is a far bigger share in AILET (a third of the paper).

Eligibility and seats compared

• Minimum marks in Class 12: CLAT requires 45% (40% for SC, ST and PwD). AILET requires 45% (42% for OBC, 40% for SC, ST and PwD).
• Appearing candidates: both allow students appearing in Class 12 in 2027 to apply, subject to proof of eligibility at admission.
• Age: neither exam has an upper age limit.
• Seats: CLAT covers the combined intake of 26 NLUs, set by each NLU in its brochure. AILET is for one institution: 110 BA LLB seats through the test, plus 10 for Foreign Nationals and OCI/PIO candidates admitted without it.
• Exclusivity: NLU Delhi does not accept CLAT scores, and CLAT member NLUs do not admit through AILET.

For full details, see the CLAT 2027 UG exam pattern and syllabus and the AILET 2027 exam pattern guides.

Should I prepare for both CLAT and AILET?

For most aspirants, yes. The reasons:

• Overlap. English, current affairs and logical reasoning are common to both. Your CLAT preparation covers most of AILET.
• A second chance. A bad day on 6 December does not end your year if you are also writing on 13 December.
• Low added cost. The extra work is mainly speed practice and more Logical Reasoning.

When it may not be worth it: if you have already missed the AILET deadline (10 November 2026), or if your target list does not include NLU Delhi and you would rather focus all six weeks on CLAT. Be realistic: AILET admits far fewer students than CLAT, so treat it as an additional chance, not a fallback.

How to prepare for both in the six weeks left

Do not sit around after CLAT judging your answers against unofficial keys. Use that week for AILET. For a practice method, see AILET mock test preparation, and start with the free CLAT UG 2027 online mock test.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CLAT and AILET?

CLAT is the Consortium’s common test for 26 NLUs, with 120 questions in five sections including Legal Reasoning and Quant. AILET is NLU Delhi’s own test, with 150 questions in three sections: English, Current Affairs and GK, and Logical Reasoning. Both are 2-hour offline exams with a 0.25 penalty per wrong answer.

CLAT vs AILET: which is tougher?

Neither is clearly tougher in content, but AILET is faster, with 150 questions in the same 120 minutes, and it competes for one university’s seats. CLAT tests more sections, including Legal Reasoning and Quant.

Can I get NLU Delhi through CLAT?

No. NLU Delhi admits BA LLB students only through AILET, as its AILET 2027 FAQ states. You must apply for AILET separately, by 10 November 2026.

Should I prepare for both CLAT and AILET?

Most aspirants should, because English, current affairs and logical reasoning are common to both and the exams are a week apart in 2026. Prepare mainly for CLAT until 6 December, then switch fully to AILET for the following week.

Quick quiz

Prepare for both with one product: the CLAT UG Complete Pack, or start with the CLAT UG 2027 Mock Tests, ₹149.

Sources

• Consortium of National Law Universities, CLAT 2027 UG General Instructions, Syllabus and Question Paper Format (consortiumofnlus.ac.in)
• Consortium of National Law Universities, CLAT 2027 UG Eligibility
• National Law University Delhi, AILET 2027 Admission Notice, B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) Exam Details and Eligibility pages, and FAQ (nationallawuniversitydelhi.in)

This page is for education and general information, not legal advice for a specific case. Law as on 29 October 2026.