Miss KanishkaThere is always a “what if” situation that can occur and distort the perfect plan of pursuing a law course in India through CLAT. This is exactly why knowing entrance exams and admission options is important. AICLET, also known as All India Common Law Entrance Test, is one of the ideal entrance exams a law aspirant can take to get admission into top law colleges in India that accept AICLET scores.
The Common Law Admission Test is one of the pathways to undergraduate law programmes at participating National Law Universities (NLUs), but it is not the only entrance examination that students can consider after Class 12.
Depending on preferred colleges, courses and eligibility, tests such as AILET, SLAT and AICLET can provide alternate options. Knowing the list of institutions, the method of the selection process and the last date of application for any examination can be critical to students.
Which Law Entrance Exams Can You Consider Beyond CLAT?
Depending on the preferred colleges, law students must consider the appropriate entrance examination. The following are three useful options to explore.
1. . AICLET 2027: Another Route to Explore for Law Admissions
In addition to CLAT, AILET and SLAT, students can also consider the All India Common Law Entrance Test (AICLET). AICLET is another entrance test, and the list of participating universities and institutions offers candidates the opportunity to explore different options. Undergraduate integrated law courses and postgraduate law programmes are available at the institutions that offer admission based on AICLET scores, subject to the eligibility criteria.
The examination will be conducted online, and the duration is 60 minutes. The test comprises 100 marks, and the marking scheme awards one mark for every correct response and does not specify negative marking for wrong answers.
Aspirants who wish to explore this option can refer to the tentative examination schedule for AICLET 2027 and apply before the deadline of 30 October 2026. The date of the examination is 31 October, followed by the result date on 2 November. Therefore, candidates must confirm that they understand the process and submit the necessary documents by the deadline. Moreover, if this date doesn’t suit, wait for next month’s new exam date. AICLET is not a yearly exam which makes it one of the preferred choices of law aspirants.
A qualifying score in AICLET does not guarantee admission to every law college. Candidates must review the list of participating institutions, the specific course that they wish to pursue, the eligibility criteria, the available seats and any other formalities for admission. Furthermore, prospective students must compare the fee structure at the colleges that offer admission based on AICLET scores.
2. AILET 2027: For Aspirants Targeting NLU Delhi
The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is conducted by National Law University Delhi. This is a separate examination, and not all NLUs accept AILET scores for admission. AILET 2027 will be conducted on 13 December 2026, and the last date to apply is 10 November 2026.
Students who specifically wish to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate law programmes from NLU Delhi must consider its admission criteria and apply for AILET 2027. Aspirants must prepare separately for this test, as a CLAT score will not be considered.
3. SLAT 2027: An Option for Symbiosis Law Schools
The Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT) is conducted for candidates who wish to pursue law programmes from participating Symbiosis Law Schools. The tentative dates for SLAT 2027 are 19 and 26 December 2026.
Applicants will have to register for specific programmes, based on the eligibility of the offering institute. In addition, shortlisted students may have to go through further stages of the selection process. Aspirants considering Symbiosis Law Schools for their law programmes must apply for SLAT 2027.
How Should You Choose the Right Entrance Exam?
Students must start the process by identifying the institutions that offer the course that they wish to pursue. They must then focus on the entrance examinations accepted by these colleges. Applicants targeting NLUs must focus on CLAT, while those interested in NLU Delhi should consider the AILET. Students who have shortlisted Symbiosis Law Schools must explore SLAT and its eligibility criteria.
Furthermore, aspirants considering other participating institutions should identify the appropriate entrance examination, including AICLET. Students can compare the last dates of application, eligibility, pattern, fee structure, location and the process of applying and selection. Therefore, candidates should consider multiple appropriate entrance examinations and the required documents, provided that they can manage the dates of the examinations, as well as the preparation needed for each.
What Should CLAT Aspirants Do Now?
With the last date for applying to CLAT 2027 approaching, aspirants must ensure that they submit their application form. In addition, students who are considering other law entrance examinations must take note of the application deadlines, particularly for AICLET, as its tentative date is 31 October 2026. Therefore, candidates must compare the dates of the various law entrance examinations and ensure that they do not miss any deadlines.
It is not necessary that students abandon the preparation for CLAT in pursuit of another law entrance examination. Instead, they should explore the list of participating colleges, identify the institutions and courses that they prefer, and review the requirements for admission. Candidates can also identify plan B, including other entrance examinations and law colleges, provided that they are suitable and within reach.
Edinbox Team
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