NLU Entrance Exam 2026 Guide: CLAT & AILET Exam Day Tips

Navigate the National Law University (NLU) entrance cycle with expert tips on time management, OMR shading, and the strict 2026 dress code.

Updated: 1 day ago

Categories: Law Entrance, Undergraduate Exams, Career Guide, Competitive Exams
Tags: CLAT 2026, AILET 2026, Law Entrance India, NLU Delhi Admission, CLAT Time Management
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NLU Entrance 2026: The Lawyer’s Day-One Guide
CLAT & AILET Strategy
1. Understanding the 2026 Landscape

The CLAT 2026 (held in Dec 2025) and AILET 2026 (held in Dec 2025) serve as the primary gateways to National Law Universities. Both are offline (pen-paper) tests that demand high mental endurance for 120 minutes.

Feature CLAT (Consortium) AILET (NLU Delhi)
Total Questions120 MCQs150 MCQs
Total Time120 Minutes120 Minutes
Negative Marking-0.25 Marks-0.25 Marks
Core FocusPassage-based LogicReasoning & General English
2. The "Round-One" Time Allocation
Pro Tip: In Law entrances, Reading is your most expensive resource. Never read a passage without glancing at the questions first.

Recommended time splits to ensure you see all 120-150 questions:

  • English Language (20-25 Mins): Focus on identifying the central theme quickly.
  • Current Affairs & GK (10-12 Mins): Purely factual. Either you know it or you don't—move on fast.
  • Legal Reasoning (30-35 Mins): Do not bring outside legal knowledge; stick strictly to the principles given in the passage.
  • Logical Reasoning (25-30 Mins): Tackle critical reasoning passages before analytical puzzles.
  • Quantitative Techniques (10-15 Mins): Solve the data interpretation sets with the easiest calculations first.
3. The Strict OMR & Stationery Protocol

Since these are offline exams, your OMR management can make or break your rank:

  • Pen Type
    Use only a high-quality black or blue ballpoint pen. Gel pens can smudge and may invalidate the OMR sheet.
  • Bubbling Strategy
    Never leave bubbling for the end. Shade answers after every 10 questions or after each passage to avoid cascade errors.
  • Analog Watch
    Only simple analog watches are permitted. Digital watches, calculators, smart bands, or smartwatches are strictly prohibited.
4. NLU Dress Code & Security
Dress for Comfort (and Speed):

The frisking process at NLU centers is notorious for being thorough. To avoid delays:

  • Allowed: Light-colored half-sleeve T-shirts, trousers, simple kurtas, and slippers/sandals.
  • Banned: Shoes (Wear sandals instead), full-sleeve clothes, large buttons, metallic jewelry (rings/earrings), and hoodies.
  • Mehndi/Tattoos: Avoid fresh Mehndi on palms as it can interfere with biometric verification if required.
5. Mandatory Exam Day Kit

Gates usually close 30 minutes before the exam starts (1:30 PM for a 2:00 PM start). Carry these without fail:

  • Admit Card: Printed clear copy (Color is safer).
  • Original Photo ID: Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport.
  • Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos.
  • Transparent Water Bottle: Essential for maintaining focus during the 2-hour sprint.