Which Exam is Tougher to Crack - CLAT or AILET?

Reader's Digest: When it comes to cracking a law entrance exam, there is no definite approach. Many aspiring law students debate whether the CLAT or AILET is tougher to crack. However, both these exams are relatively difficult law entrance tests. 

Download FREE Study Material for CLAT by LegalEdge

CLAT is the most popular law entrance exam in India. It is conducted by the Consortium of NLUs and is used for admission to the 24 NLUs and other private law schools in India. 

The exam tests a student's aptitude in English, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques. The exam is two hours duration and has 120 multiple-choice questions. 

AILET is conducted by the National Law University Delhi (NLU-D) for admission to its five-year integrated undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes.

The exam tests a student's aptitude in English, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, and Logical Reasoning. It is 120 hours long and has 150 multiple-choice questions. 

So Which Exam is Tougher to Crack- CLAT or AILET?

Which Exam is Tougher to Crack- CLAT or AILET?

Regarding difficulty level, both CLAT and AILET are known to be tough to crack. 

Based on a few parameters, we can determine which exam is tougher. 

Time duration of Exams

AILET can be considered tougher as 150 questions are to be answered in 120 minutes, whereas for CLAT, 120 questions must be answered in just 120 minutes. 

The exam pattern for CLAT and AILET are similar. Likewise, the syllabus for the two exams is almost similar.

But before we generalize, the papers' difficulty level varies yearly. So it's difficult to arrive at a definite answer. 

Take A FREE Demo Class for CLAT 2026/27 by LegalEdge

Limited Seats 

If you compare the number of candidates per seat, AILET is a tougher exam than CLAT, for example. 

Nearly, 100000 students appear in CLAT admission to 3344 UG seats and 914 PG seats 

Approximately 19,000 aspirants appear for 110 seats - BA LLB, 70 seats - LLM, and 18 seats - PhD. 

Explore Courses Offered by LegalEdge for CLAT 2026/27

CLAT or AILET? 

Attempt both! Since they have a similar syllabus, ensure you write both exams; however, prioritize one to score excellent marks. It obviously will be a personal choice to prioritise one exam over the other. 

If you are sure you want to study at NLSIU Bangalore, prioritize CLAT and write AILET. Since both exams will be conducted in consecutive weeks. 

The best way to prepare for either of the two exams is first to identify your strengths and weaknesses. 

Once you have identified your strengths and weaknesses, you can then focus on studying for the topics you are weak. 

Check: 50 days Preparation Strategy for CLAT 

Attempt Best Mock Tests for FREE by LegalEdge

Conclusion

It is also important to solve as many sample papers and mock tests as possible to understand better the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. Overall, both CLAT and AILET are tough exams to crack.

 However, you can easily crack either of the two exams with the right strategy and preparation.

Check: Private Colleges Accepting CLAT Scores for Admissions