CLAT and AILET are the two biggest law entrance exams in India. Both open doors to top NLUs. Both test your reading, reasoning, and accuracy. However, they differ in pattern, difficulty, and competition. This guide on CLAT vs AILET helps you understand which exam is tougher and why.
Exam Pattern: The First Big Difference
CLAT Pattern
It tests five sections:
- English
- Current Affairs & GK
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
CLAT focuses on comprehension-based questions. You read long passages and answer inference questions.
AILET Pattern
It has three sections:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Logical Reasoning
AILET does not include Quant or Legal Reasoning. The paper is knowledge-heavy and speed-intensive.
Question Style: Comprehension vs Knowledge
CLAT uses case-style passages. You need strong reading skills. You solve questions by interpreting meaning, tone, and logic.
AILET uses shorter questions. You answer quickly. Direct GK forms a large part of the paper. You score only if you recall facts instantly.
Difficulty Level: Which Feels Tougher?
CLAT feels tough because passages are long. Time pressure increases. You must read fast and think logically.
AILET feels tougher because competition is intense. NLU Delhi has only one main campus and far fewer seats. The paper itself demands speed and strong GK. Logical Reasoning also appears deeper and trickier.
Competition: Seats Make a Huge Difference
CLAT offers seats across 24 NLUs. Students have more options. Even with a mid-range rank, you still secure good colleges.
AILET offers far fewer seats. Only NLU Delhi accepts this score. Even one mistake affects your rank significantly.
Speed Requirement
CLAT gives you enough time to read carefully. You solve with logic and eliminate options.
AILET pushes you to move fast. You don’t get time to think deeply. You must answer quickly and accurately.
GK Weightage
CLAT GK focuses more on current affairs. You answer mostly comprehension-based GK.
AILET combines static and current GK heavily. You must memorise facts, awards, appointments, and historical data.
Which Exam Is Harder Overall?
Both exams challenge you differently.
- CLAT is harder for students who read slowly.
- AILET is harder for students who struggle with memory-based GK.
Students with analytical thinking prefer CLAT. Students with strong recall skills perform better in AILET.
Conclusion: Choose Based on Strengths
The CLAT vs AILET debate ends with one truth—your strengths decide which exam is tougher. If you read well, CLAT becomes manageable. If you recall facts quickly, AILET feels easier. Many aspirants prepare for both. With consistent practice, you can succeed in either exam.
