AILET 2026 – Exam Pattern

The AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) is a prestigious national-level law entrance examination conducted annually by the National Law University (NLU), Delhi. AILET exam serves as the gateway for admissions into various law programs at NLU Delhi, primarily for the undergraduate B.A.LL.B (Hons.) and postgraduate LL.M courses. For aspirants preparing for AILET 2026, understanding the AILET 2026 exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation and time management.

The following is a detailed overview of the AILET 2026 exam pattern as announced and expected based on the latest official notifications and previous years' information.

Exam Mode and Duration

AILET 2026 will be conducted offline in a pen-and-paper mode at designated exam centers. The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes (2 hours), an increase from the earlier 90-minute format. The examination is held in the English language only.

Structure and Sections

AILET 2026 for the B.A.LL.B (Hons.) entrance consists exclusively of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The question paper includes a total of 150 questions distributed across three main sections:

• English Language: 50 questions
• Current Affairs and General Knowledge: 30 questions
• Logical Reasoning: 70 questions

This distribution totals 150 questions carrying 150 marks in total, with each question carrying one mark. The AILET 2026 exam pattern reflects a reduction from the earlier broader format, which previously included sections like Legal Aptitude and Elementary Mathematics, now removed to streamline the exam focus.

Marking Scheme

Each correct answer awards the candidate 1 mark, whereas an incorrect answer results in a penalty with negative marking of 0.25 marks (one-quarter of a mark deduction). Unattempted questions do not earn any marks or penalties. This negative marking underscores the importance of accuracy and careful selection during the exam.

The following table gives a quick view of the AILET 2026 exam pattern for candidates to understand better.

Additional Details for LL.M Course

For candidates applying for the LL.M program, the AILET 2026 exam pattern differs slightly but also follows an offline examination mode lasting 120 minutes. It consists of 100 questions in total, divided into two parts with multiple-choice questions (50 questions) and a descriptive section (50 marks), reflecting a different evaluation method than the undergraduate paper.

Key Points to Remember

• The AILET 2026 exam will be held only in English.
• The overall duration is 2 hours for both UG and PG courses.
• Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies, emphasizing a cautious approach to guessing.
• The Logical Reasoning section holds the greatest weightage in the B.A.LL.B exam.
• The exam no longer contains sections on Legal Aptitude or Mathematics.
• The AILET 2026 exam pattern is subject to updates, so candidates should regularly check official sources for any last-minute changes.

Tie-Breaking Rule

If two or more candidates score equally, the tie-break is resolved by giving priority to the candidate with higher marks in the Logical Reasoning section. If the tie persists, the older candidate is given preference, and if needed, a computerized draw of lots is used as a final measure.

Preparation Insights

Given the sectional distribution and marking scheme, aspirants are advised to balance their preparation across English proficiency, current affairs awareness, and logical reasoning skills. Practicing previous years' papers and mock tests can help in managing time and accuracy, which is crucial due to negative marking.

FAQs

Q1. What is the format of the AILET 2026 exam?

Ans. The AILET 2026 exam is conducted offline with a total of 150 multiple-choice questions for the B.A.LL.B program, spread across English, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, and Logical Reasoning sections. The exam duration is 120 minutes.

Q2. Is there negative marking in the AILET 2026 exam?

Ans. Yes, AILET 2026 has negative marking where 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Candidates must answer carefully to avoid losing marks.

Q3. How many questions are there from each section in AILET 2026 for UG?

Ans. The BA LLB paper has 50 questions on English Language, 30 questions on Current Affairs & General Knowledge, and 70 questions on Logical Reasoning, totalling 150 questions.

Q4. Does AILET 2026 include Legal Aptitude or Mathematics sections?

Ans. No, the recent pattern of AILET 2026 has excluded the Legal Aptitude and Elementary Mathematics sections, focusing solely on English, Current Affairs & GK, and Logical Reasoning.

Q5. How is the tie resolved if candidates score the same marks in AILET 2026?

Ans. In case of a tie, the candidate with higher marks in the Logical Reasoning section is ranked higher. If a tie still exists, the older candidate gets preference. If needed, a computerized draw of lots is conducted.