Present system favours candidates who can afford coaching: CLAT reform panel co-convener Prof Tarunabh Khaitan

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) has been criticized by Prof Tarunabh Khaitan, co-convenor of the Expert Committee reviewing its conduct, for favoring candidates who can afford coaching over those who cannot. The CLAT rewards knowledge that can be drilled through coaching, disadvantageing those who lack access to such resources. Despite submitting a report on February 2, the Consortium of National Law Universities has decided to hold off on implementing the recommended changes until a separate committee examines them ahead of CLAT 2028.

Prof Tarunabh Khaitan, co-convenor of the Expert Committee reviewing the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), has criticized the exam for favoring candidates who can afford coaching over those who cannot. The criticism comes as the Consortium of National Law Universities has decided to hold off on implementing the recommended changes until a separate committee examines them ahead of CLAT 2028. This decision, which was made despite the Expert Committee's report being submitted on February 2, raises questions about the fairness and accessibility of the CLAT.

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is an entrance exam for national law universities in India. The test is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge and aptitude for legal education. However, Prof Khaitan has argued that the current system favors candidates who can afford coaching over those who cannot. This criticism is based on the Expert Committee's report, which was submitted to the Consortium of National Law Universities on February 2.

The decision by the Consortium of National Law Universities to hold off on implementing the recommended changes raises questions about the fairness and accessibility of the CLAT. The current system, which rewards knowledge that can be drilled through coaching, disadvantages those who lack access to such resources. This is a concern for many, as it creates a barrier to entry for students from lower-income backgrounds. The Expert Committee's report highlights the need for a more equitable and accessible system, but the Consortium's decision to delay implementation raises concerns about the commitment to these goals.

The CLAT reform panel co-convener's criticism of the exam has highlighted the need for a more equitable and accessible system. The Consortium of National Law Universities' decision to hold off on implementing the recommended changes until a separate committee examines them ahead of CLAT 2028 raises concerns about the fairness and accessibility of the CLAT. Practitioners should be aware of these developments and consider how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable system for legal education.