Most students preparing for CLAT assume AILET is just "the same exam for NLU Delhi." It's not. AILET has a different syllabus, a different pattern, significantly higher time pressure — and no Maths section at all.

If you're preparing for law entrances in 2027, understanding this difference can change your strategy entirely.

The Basics — Side by Side

FeatureCLAT 2027AILET 2027
Conducted byConsortium of NLUsNLU Delhi (independent)
Universities24+ NLUs across IndiaNLU Delhi only
Total Questions120 MCQs150 MCQs
Duration2 hours (120 min)90 minutes
Time per question60 seconds36 seconds
Negative Marking-0.25 per wrong-0.25 per wrong
BA LLB Seats~4,000+ total~110 seats
Expected Exam DateDecember 7, 2026December 14, 2026
Reality Check on Time: AILET gives you 36 seconds per question vs CLAT's 60 seconds. That's not a small difference — it's 40% less time. Students who don't specifically train for AILET's speed requirement consistently underperform even when their knowledge is strong.

Syllabus Comparison — This Is Where Most Students Get It Wrong

CLAT and AILET do not have the same syllabus. Here's the actual comparison:

SectionCLAT 2027AILET 2027
English Language✅ Yes — 24–25 marks✅ Yes — significant weightage
Current Affairs & GK✅ Yes — 28–32 marks✅ Yes — heavy weightage
Legal Reasoning✅ Yes — 28–32 marks✅ Yes — heavier focus on analytical aptitude
Logical Reasoning✅ Yes — 22–26 marks✅ Yes
Quantitative Techniques✅ Yes — 10–14 marks❌ Not in AILET

The most important difference: AILET has no Maths section. If Quantitative Techniques is your weakest section, AILET is actually more favourable for you. Your preparation time can go entirely to the 4 remaining sections.

Which Is Harder — Honestly?

AILET is harder for most students, for two reasons:

  • Speed: 150 questions in 90 minutes requires a fundamentally different approach than 120 in 120. Without specific speed training, most students can't finish the paper.
  • Competition: 110 seats vs 4,000+. Proportionally, getting NLU Delhi through AILET is significantly more competitive than getting NLSIU through CLAT.

However — AILET is not harder in terms of knowledge. The Legal Reasoning in AILET may actually be more straightforward for students who understand principle-fact logic well, because it focuses more on analytical aptitude than CLAT's passage-heavy format.

Should You Appear for Both?

Yes — absolutely. Here's why:

  • The exams are one week apart (Dec 7 and Dec 14) — no scheduling conflict
  • 4 out of 5 sections are shared — one preparation covers both
  • AILET gives you a shot at NLU Delhi — one of India's most prestigious law schools with unmatched Delhi location advantage
  • The only extra work is speed training specifically for AILET's 36-second-per-question pace

⚡ Additional AILET Preparation (Over CLAT)

  • Skip Maths — redirect that time to Legal Reasoning and GK
  • Speed drills: Practice doing 150 questions in 85 minutes (5 minutes buffer)
  • AILET previous year papers (2015–2025) — the pattern differs from CLAT year-to-year
  • Legal Reasoning — focus specifically on analytical aptitude questions, not just principle-fact

NLU Delhi vs Other Top NLUs — Is AILET Worth It?

NLU Delhi's primary advantage is its location. Being in Delhi means:

  • Proximity to the Supreme Court, High Courts, Parliamentary debates
  • Direct access to Delhi's legal ecosystem — top law firms, government, NGOs
  • Internship opportunities that students in other cities have to travel for
  • Alumni network spread across India's highest offices

In terms of NIRF ranking, NLSIU Bangalore ranks #1 and NLU Delhi ranks #3. For students whose career goals involve constitutional law, litigation or public policy — NLU Delhi's location premium is significant. See our full NLU colleges guide for complete comparisons.

Preparation Strategy for Both Exams

If you follow the 12-month CLAT study plan, add these AILET-specific elements:

  • Month 8 onwards: One AILET-format mock per month (150 questions, 90 minutes)
  • Month 10–11: Previous year AILET papers — note where the paper style differs from CLAT
  • Month 12: Two AILET mocks per week alongside CLAT mocks

Common Mistakes When Preparing for Both

  • Treating them as identical exams and not doing AILET-specific speed training
  • Wasting time on Maths for AILET — it's not in the exam
  • Not attempting AILET "because it's too competitive" — at 150 questions, one good attempt can change your life
  • Starting AILET-specific preparation too late — Month 8 at the latest
Final Verdict: Prepare for CLAT first. Once your CLAT preparation is on track, add AILET-specific speed training from Month 8. The effort-to-reward ratio of attempting both is extremely high. NLU Delhi via AILET is one of the best outcomes possible for a law aspirant — don't miss it because you didn't prepare for 7 extra weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maths in AILET 2027?+
No — AILET does not have a Quantitative Techniques/Mathematics section. This is a key difference from CLAT. AILET tests English, GK & Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning only.
Which is easier — CLAT or AILET?+
AILET is generally considered harder due to fewer seats (110 vs 4000+) and significantly higher time pressure (150 questions in 90 minutes vs 120 in 120). However, AILET's lack of Maths makes it easier for students weak in Quantitative Techniques.
Can I prepare for CLAT and AILET simultaneously?+
Yes — most serious law aspirants prepare for both. 4 out of 5 sections are shared. The main additional effort for AILET is speed training and dropping Maths preparation entirely.
What is the AILET 2027 exam date?+
AILET 2027 is expected in mid-December 2026, typically one week after CLAT. The exact date will be announced by NLU Delhi officially. Based on past years, expect December 14, 2026.
How many seats are available through AILET at NLU Delhi?+
Approximately 110 BA LLB seats are available through AILET at NLU Delhi. This makes it one of the most competitive law entrances in India — fewer seats than even NLSIU Bangalore.