CLAT vs AILET — Complete Comparison
Detailed comparison of CLAT and AILET 2027 — exam pattern, syllabus, difficulty, seats, cut-offs, and which exam aspirants should prioritise. Updated by Law Prep Tutorial Bathinda mentors.
CLAT is the entrance test for 27 NLUs (3,200+ seats) and is comprehension-heavy with 120 questions in 120 minutes. AILET is conducted only by NLU Delhi (123 UG seats), is shorter (150 questions in 120 minutes — but older pattern), and tests speed + concepts more directly. Most serious aspirants should prepare for both — the syllabus overlaps ~85%.
Key Facts at a Glance
- CLAT — 27 NLUs, ~3,200 seats, comprehension-heavy
- AILET — only NLU Delhi, 123 UG seats, faster pace
- Syllabus overlap: ~85%
- AILET 2027 expected: 2nd Sunday of December 2026 (a week before CLAT)
- Both are pen-and-paper offline tests
CLAT vs AILET — Side-by-side
| Parameter | CLAT 2027 | AILET 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body | Consortium of NLUs | NLU Delhi |
| Admits you to | 27 NLUs | NLU Delhi only |
| UG Seats | ~3,200 | 123 |
| Total questions | 120 | 150 |
| Duration | 120 min | 120 min |
| Marking | +1 / -0.25 | +1 / -0.25 |
| Question style | Passage-based | Mix of passage + direct |
| Difficulty | Reading-heavy | Speed-heavy |
| Application fee | ₹4,000 | ₹3,050 |
Which Exam Is Tougher?
AILET feels tougher because of the higher question count and lower seat count — a single AILET seat is roughly 26× more competitive than the average CLAT seat. However, the conceptual difficulty of questions is comparable. CLAT punishes slow readers; AILET punishes hesitation.
Should You Prepare for Both?
- Yes — the overlap is ~85% (English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, GK).
- AILET requires extra speed practice and direct-question drills.
- Add 2 AILET-pattern mocks per month from August onwards.
- Skipping AILET costs nothing in CLAT prep but blocks NLU Delhi entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AILET tougher than CLAT?+
AILET is considered tougher than CLAT primarily because of its lower seat count (123 vs 3,200+) and faster pace (150 questions in 120 minutes). The conceptual difficulty of individual questions is similar in both exams.
Can I crack AILET without separate preparation?+
If you are scoring 90+ in CLAT mocks, you can crack AILET with 6–8 weeks of pattern-specific speed practice. Direct AILET-only preparation is not required because the syllabus overlap with CLAT is approximately 85%.
Which exam should I prioritise — CLAT or AILET?+
Prioritise CLAT because it unlocks 27 NLUs and 3,200+ seats. Take AILET as a high-value bonus attempt for NLU Delhi — it costs minimal extra preparation if you are already doing CLAT seriously.
When is AILET 2027 expected?+
AILET 2027 is expected on the second Sunday of December 2026, typically held one week before CLAT 2027.
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