CLAT UG vs CLAT PG 2026: A Comparison that Every Aspirant Should Know

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most essential admission tests for students who want to pursue a career in law and further their study at top law school in India and other participating institutes. However, candidates should note that the CLAT is not a single-level exam, but rather separated into two versions, which are as follows:

While the Consortium of NLUs conducts both CLAT UG and CLAT PG tests, they differ in terms of qualifying requirements, exam structure, syllabus, and career options. Understanding the fundamental distinctions between the CLAT UG and CLAT PG tests is critical for students to determine the best way forward.

Latest Update:-

The registration period for the CLAT UG and CLAT PG exams began on August 1, 2025 and will end on October 31, 2025. Those interested in taking the CLAT UG or CLAT PG exam in 2026 should register as soon as feasible. The CLAT UG and CLAT PG 2026 exams will take place on December 7, 2025, from 2PM to 4PM. 

Two CLAT Exams, Two Different Paths and How are they Different?

While looking up or searching for CLAT Exam information, applicants must have observed that there are two different CLAT exams: CLAT UG and CLAT PG. The two different forms of the same exam are determined by the aspirant's academic path. If an aspirant is aiming for the CLAT UG 2026 exam, they must be fresh out of Class 12 and desire to become an attorney through a five-year integrated law study, whereas CLAT PG is for people who already have a law degree and want to specialize further with an LL.M. 

Both exams are gateways to some of India's most famous law schools, yet their difficulty, objective, and breadth are significantly different. Understanding the differences between these two parts of the same exam is the first step toward making an informed career selection.

What are CLAT UG and CLAT PG?

CLAT UG is the undergraduate law admission exam for five-year integrated programs such B.A. LLB, BBA LLB, and B.Sc. LL.B. It is mostly aimed at students who have recently completed or are about to complete their Class 12. The exam assesses students' abilities in Current Affairs, English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Clearing this exam would enable individuals to seek admission to some of India's most prestigious national law institutes, laying the groundwork for a legal career.

CLAT PG is a postgraduate-level course which is especially designed for candidates with an LL.B. or comparable law degree who want to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.). The emphasis here is on advanced legal knowledge, such as constitutional law, jurisprudence, and other law disciplines covered after graduation. Aside from academic development, CLAT PG scores are also frequently used by the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and law firms for recruitment purposes, making it an important qualification for career advancement.

What is the Difference Between the Exam Pattern of CLAT UG and CLAT PG?

The CLAT UG and CLAT PG do not differ very much in the number of questions asked or the duration within which the exam is to be conducted. But the main difference between CLAT UG and CLAT PG lies in the syllabus of both exams and their eligibility criteria. Both papers allow the candidates to complete their exam within the stipulated time of 120 minutes or 2 hours. And the number of questions asked in both CLAT UG and CLAT PG is 120 questions.

Below is the comparison table of the exam pattern of the CLAT UG and CLAT PG for the aspirants to have a better understanding of the difference:-

Also, check:-

• Top Colleges Offering B.A. (Honours) in Political Science Course through CUET UG 2025: Check List, Cut-Offs and Other Details

• CLAT Vs AILET 2026: Comparing Law Colleges You Get Through Each Law Exam

• List of Top Participating National Law Universities Through CLAT 2026: Check Other Important Details

• Why CLAT is Your Gateway to India’s Top Law School?

• GATE 2026: Check the New Updates, Participating Institutes and Eligibility Criteria

• Top Constitutional and Administrative Law Colleges in India

Difference Between the Eligibility Criteria of CLAT UG and CLAT PG

There is a vast difference between the eligibility criteria of the CLAT UG and CLAT PG exams because of the levels at which they are conducted the exams for. Below is a comparison of the different eligibility criteria for the CLAT UG and CLAT PG exams:-

Also, check:-

• CAT vs XAT vs NMAT vs SNAP: Which MBA Entrance You Should Take

• Everything You Need to Know About CAT 2025: Dates, Institutions, Eligibility and Other Details

• Best Non-IIM MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores: Check Details Here

• Top MBA Colleges in India for Career Paths in Finance, Marketing, and Consulting

• Beyond Engineering and Medicine: 15 Non-Traditional Courses to Pursue in India

What are the Career Opportunities Available after CLAT UG or CLAT PG?

Once the aspirant clears the CLAT exam, whether at the undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) level, aspirants open the door to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in the legal field and beyond. For the aspirants of the CLAT UG, the most common career options to pursue are working with a law firm, starting an independent practice or at corporate legal departments. 

For the aspirants of the CLAT PG graduates, the career opportunities expand further into specialised legal roles, higher positions in corporate law, advanced research, teaching in universities or working in international organisations.

Below is the comparison table of the career opportunities available after the CLAT UG and CLAT PG degree completion:-

Also, check:-

• Top MBA Colleges in 2025 Accepting MAT Exam Scores: Check College List & Programs Offered

• Top 10 Ranked IITs in India 2025 by NIRF Rankings: Check Courses Offered and Eligibility Criteria

• Top Arts Colleges of Delhi University: Check Ranking, Courses Offered

• Best MBA Colleges in India by Financial Times Rankings 2025: Check All Details Here

• Top Government Medical Colleges in India Through NEET UG: Fees & Seat Intake

• Private vs Government Medical Colleges: Which is Better for NEET UG Aspirants?

• List of Top Colleges Offering B.Tech Through CUET UG 2025: Check Details Here

To stay updated on current trends, join the Jagran Josh Telegram community!

https://t.me/jagranjoshofficial