CLAT vs AILET: Which One Should You Focus On?

For every law aspirant in India, one question inevitably arises: Should I prepare for CLAT, AILET, or both? While both exams pave the way to top-tier law schools, the exam patterns, competition level, and admission processes vary significantly.

At Rahul Sir Classes, we help students make informed decisions based on their goals, aptitude, and preparation timelines. This article will help you understand the key differences between CLAT and AILET and guide you in choosing the right path forward.

Understanding the Basics

What is CLAT?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the gateway to 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India (except NLU Delhi). It is one of the most competitive law entrance exams, offering a centralized application process and widespread recognition.

What is AILET?

The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is exclusively conducted by the National Law University, Delhi, for admission into its BA LLB (Hons.) and LLM programs. NLU Delhi ranks consistently among the top NLUs, and AILET remains highly competitive due to limited seats.

Key Differences Between CLAT and AILET

Feature	CLAT	AILET
Institutions Covered	24 NLUs	Only NLU Delhi
Mode of Exam	Offline	Offline
Duration	2 Hours	1.5 Hours
Total Questions	120	150
Sections	English, Current Affairs (including GK), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques	English, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, Elementary Mathematics
Marking Scheme	+1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong	+1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong
Difficulty Level	Moderate	Comparatively Higher

Which One Should You Focus On?

1. If You Are Aiming for Maximum Options

Focus on CLAT. With 24 NLUs under its umbrella and hundreds of seats, CLAT opens the door to more possibilities. If your goal is to secure a seat at a top law school without putting all your eggs in one basket, CLAT is the wiser choice.

2. If You Have a Strong Academic Edge

AILET is more selective and has fewer seats, making it more challenging. If you are highly confident in your skills and aspire specifically for NLU Delhi, then AILET should be your primary focus.

3. If You Are Starting Late

CLAT’s structured pattern and relatively broader scope make it more accessible to late starters. AILET requires sharper speed and precision due to its time constraints and difficulty level.

4. If You Want to Keep Both Options Open

With proper planning, you can prepare for both exams simultaneously, as there is significant overlap in the syllabus. At Rahul Sir Classes, we offer integrated prep modules that streamline preparation for both CLAT and AILET without overwhelming students.

Rahul Sir's Class Approach

We understand that choosing between CLAT and AILET can be overwhelming. That’s why our faculty offers:

One-on-one counseling sessions to help you evaluate your strengths
Tailored study plans for individual goals (CLAT-focused, AILET-focused, or both)
Separate mock test series that simulate the real environment of each exam
Strategy sessions with Rahul Sir to guide you through the final leg of preparation

Our students have successfully cracked both exams, with many making it to NLU Delhi and other top NLUs year after year.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to CLAT vs AILET. The right choice depends on your aspiration, preparation level, and time management. What matters most is focused, consistent effort under expert guidance.

At Rahul Sir Classes, we’re here to ensure that whichever path you choose, you walk it with clarity and confidence.