Quick Snapshot: MH CET Law 3-Year vs CLAT PG vs DU LLB
Before diving into detailed eligibility, syllabus, and preparation strategies, it is essential to first understand what each exam is actually meant for.
Many aspirants compare MH CET Law 3-Year, CLAT PG, and DU LLB without realising that these exams differ fundamentally in degree outcomes, academic levels, and career purposes.
The snapshot below gives you immediate clarity.
At a Glance: Exam Purpose & Outcome
| Factor | MH CET Law 3-Year | DU LLB | CLAT PG |
| Degree Offered | 3-Year LLB | 3-Year LLB | LLM (Postgraduate) |
| Exam Level | State-level | National-level (CUET PG) | National-level |
| Conducting Body | State CET Cell, Maharashtra | NTA (CUET PG) | Consortium of NLUs |
| Eligible Candidates | Any graduate | Any graduate | LLB graduates only |
| Exam Nature | Aptitude-based | Aptitude + academics | Conceptual, law-subject based |
| Negative Marking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ideal For | Litigation, judiciary, Maharashtra colleges | Central university exposure | LLM, academia, specialisation |
Key Takeaways from the Snapshot
- MH CET Law 3-Year and DU LLB are relevant only if you want to pursue a 3-year LLB after graduation.
- CLAT PG is not an LLB entrance exam; it is meant exclusively for LLM admissions after completing LLB.
- MH CET Law 3-Year stands out for its no-negative-marking policy and high ROI colleges in Maharashtra.
- DU LLB, now through CUET PG, is more competitive and academically inclined.
This snapshot itself eliminates 50% of the confusion students face when choosing between MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB, and CLAT PG.
Understanding the Exams: Purpose, Degree & Who Each Exam Is Actually For
Before comparing difficulty levels or cut-offs, it is critical to understand what each exam is designed to achieve. Most confusion around MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB, and CLAT PG stems from aspirants mixing up LLB and LLM pathways.
This section clears that confusion completely.
MH CET Law 3-Year – What Is It?
MH CET Law 3-Year is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra, for admission to 3-year LLB programs.
- Designed for graduates from any discipline
- Leads to LLB degree, not LLM
- Admissions through CAP rounds to Maharashtra law colleges
- Focuses on aptitude, reasoning, English, GK, and legal awareness
- No requirement for prior law knowledge
This exam is especially popular among students aiming for:
- Litigation
- Judiciary preparation
- Affordable government law colleges
- Practising law in Maharashtra
DU LLB – What Is It?
DU LLB is the entrance route to the 3-year LLB program at Delhi University, now conducted through CUET PG (Law).
- Open to graduates from all streams
- Results in a 3-year LLB degree
- Exam tests aptitude + academic readiness
- Higher competition due to limited seats and the demand for central university demand
- Suitable for students targeting:
- Academic rigour
- Delhi-based legal exposure
- Central University ecosystem
Unlike the MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB involves negative marking and a more structured academic focus.
CLAT PG – What Is It (and What It Is NOT)?
CLAT PG is often misunderstood.
- It is NOT an LLB entrance exam
- It is meant exclusively for LLM (postgraduate law) admissions
- Eligibility requires completion of LLB
- Tests core law subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and Criminal Law
- Used for admissions to NLU LLM programs
If your goal is a 3-year LLB, CLAT PG is irrelevant at this stage.
Clear Takeaway
- Want LLB after graduation → MH CET Law 3-Year or DU LLB
- Want LLM after LLB → CLAT PG
Understanding this distinction is the foundation for choosing the right law entrance exam after graduation.
Eligibility Criteria Comparison: MH CET Law 3-Year vs DU LLB vs CLAT PG
One of the biggest reasons aspirants get confused between MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB, and CLAT PG is a misunderstanding of the eligibility requirements.
Before you shortlist any exam, you must first confirm whether you are even eligible to apply.
Below is a clear, exam-wise eligibility breakdown.
Eligibility Snapshot: At a Glance
| Criteria | MH CET Law 3-Year | DU LLB (CUET PG) | CLAT PG |
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation (any stream) | Graduation (any stream) | LLB (3-year or 5-year) |
| Minimum Marks | 45% (Gen), 40% (Reserved) | As per CUET PG norms | 50% (Gen), 45% (Reserved) |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible |
| Age Limit | No age limit | No age limit | No age limit |
| Domicile Requirement | None (MH quota in CAP) | None | None |
| Degree Outcome | 3-Year LLB | 3-Year LLB | LLM |
Exam-Wise Eligibility Explained
MH CET Law 3-Year
Any graduate—Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, or Management—can apply. Maharashtra domicile candidates get preference during CAP counselling, but non-domicile students are also eligible.
DU LLB (CUET PG Law)
DU LLB is open to graduates from all disciplines. Since it is conducted via CUET PG, candidates must meet NTA’s graduation criteria and qualify in the CUET PG Law paper.
CLAT PG
CLAT PG has the most specific eligibility. You must already hold an LLB degree (or be in the final year of LLB). Graduates without an LLB are not eligible, making CLAT PG unsuitable for fresh law aspirants.
Key Takeaway
- Graduates without an LLB → MH CET Law 3-Year or DU LLB
- Graduates with an LLB aiming for specialisation → CLAT PG
Checking eligibility first prevents wasted attempts and ensures your preparation time is spent on the right law entrance exam after graduation.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Comparison: MH CET Law 3-Year vs DU LLB vs CLAT PG
Once eligibility is clear, the next deciding factor in MH CET Law 3-Year vs DU LLB vs CLAT PG is the exam pattern and syllabus.
Although all three are law entrance exams, they test very different skill sets.
This section explains how each exam tests you—and what you are actually expected to study.
Exam Pattern Snapshot
| Feature | MH CET Law 3-Year | DU LLB (CUET PG Law) | CLAT PG |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) | Online (CBT) | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Total Questions | 120 | 75 | 120 |
| Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) | Objective (MCQs) | Passage-based MCQs |
| Negative Marking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Difficulty Style | Aptitude-based | Aptitude + academics | Conceptual & legal |
Syllabus Focus: What Each Exam Tests
- MH CET Law 3-Year – Aptitude-Oriented
The MH CET Law 3-Year syllabus focuses on testing skills required for entry-level legal studies, not prior law knowledge.
Main sections:
- English Language
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning
This exam rewards speed, accuracy, and intelligent guessing, mainly because there is no negative marking.
- DU LLB (CUET PG Law) – Structured & Academic
DU LLB tests a balanced mix of aptitude and academic readiness.
Sections include:
- English Language Comprehension
- General Knowledge
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Computer Basics
Compared to the MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB is more structured, has negative marking, and requires better time management.
- CLAT PG – Conceptual & Law-Subject Heavy
CLAT PG is entirely different from the other two.
It tests:
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Criminal Law
- Contract, Torts, Administrative Law, etc.
Key points:
- No GK, English, or reasoning sections
- Entirely passage-based legal comprehension
- Designed for LLB graduates only
This makes CLAT PG unsuitable for LLB aspirants but ideal for LLM-focused candidates.
| Clear Comparison InsightPrefer aptitude-based exams → MH CET Law 3-YearPrefer the central university academic structure → DU LLBPrefer deep legal conceptual testing → CLAT PG |
Understanding this difference helps you avoid preparing for an exam that does not align with your academic level.
Difficulty Level & Competition Comparison: MH CET Law 3-Year vs DU LLB vs CLAT PG
Difficulty is one of the most searched factors when comparing the MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB, and CLAT PG.
However, “difficulty” does not mean the same thing across exams. It depends on question style, negative marking, competition level, and seat availability.
This section explains why one exam feels tougher than another.
Difficulty Comparison Snapshot
| Parameter | MH CET Law 3-Year | DU LLB | CLAT PG |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate–High | High |
| Nature of Questions | Aptitude-based | Aptitude + academic | Conceptual legal |
| Negative Marking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Time Pressure | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Competition Level | State-level | National-level | National-level |
| Seats vs Applicants | Favourable | Limited seats | Extremely limited |
Exam-Wise Difficulty Explained
MH CET Law 3-Year
- This exam is considered the most scoring among the three.
- With no negative marking, candidates can attempt all 120 questions without risk. The difficulty lies mainly in speed management, not conceptual depth.
DU LLB
DU LLB is tougher due to:
- Negative marking
- Limited seats
- Academic-style questioning
Even though the syllabus is aptitude-based, the competition is national, making accuracy crucial.
CLAT PG
CLAT PG is the most challenging exam in this comparison.
- Questions are based on core law subjects
- The entire paper is passage-based
- Negative marking penalises guesswork
- Seats are extremely limited across NLUs
This exam tests legal understanding, not aptitude.
Competition Reality Check
- MH CET Law 3-Year → Large number of colleges, better seat availability
- DU LLB → Few colleges, very high demand
- CLAT PG → Few NLUs, intense merit-based ranking
| Key TakeawayLooking for a scoring, lower-risk exam → MH CET Law 3-YearComfortable with high competition & negative marking → DU LLBReady for advanced legal testing → CLAT PG |
Understanding the context of difficulty helps you choose the exam that matches your strengths, not just your ambition.
Colleges, Fees & ROI Comparison: MH CET Law 3-Year vs DU LLB vs CLAT PG
Beyond the exam pattern and difficulty, the real impact of choosing between MH CET Law 3-Year vs DU LLB vs CLAT PG lies in the colleges you get, the fees you pay, and the return on investment (ROI).
This section compares where each exam can take you—and whether the outcome justifies the cost.
College Options & Fee Snapshot
| Exam | Top Colleges | Typical Annual Fees | Degree Outcome |
| MH CET Law 3-Year | GLC Mumbai, ILS Pune, Ambedkar Law College, Govt & aided MH colleges | ₹20,000 – ₹1.2 lakh | 3-Year LLB |
| DU LLB | Faculty of Law, Delhi University (CLC, LC-I, LC-II) | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 | 3-Year LLB |
| CLAT PG | NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS, etc.) | ₹1.2 – ₹2.5 lakh | LLM |
ROI Perspective: What You Get for What You Pay
MH CET Law 3-Year
MH CET Law 3-Year offers one of the best ROI models in legal education.
- Low fees
- Strong courtroom exposure
- Access to reputed government colleges
- Ideal for litigation and judiciary preparation
For Maharashtra-based students, this exam provides maximum value at minimal cost.
DU LLB
DU LLB also offers excellent ROI, primarily because of:
- Very low tuition fees
- Central University’s reputation
- Exposure to Delhi’s legal ecosystem
However, seat availability is limited, making it high-risk despite the low cost.
CLAT PG
CLAT PG involves a higher investment, but the ROI depends on:
- The NLU you get
- Your career goal (academia, policy, specialisation)
It makes sense only if you are clear about pursuing LLM, not as a general law entry route.
| Clear ROI InsightBest ROI for LLB → MH CET Law 3-YearPrestige + low cost (limited seats) → DU LLBSpecialisation after LLB → CLAT PG |
Choosing the right exam ensures your time, money, and effort are invested in the path that actually aligns with your legal career goals.
Career Outcomes: Which Exam Aligns With Your Legal Career Goals?
While comparing MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB, and CLAT PG, many aspirants focus only on exam difficulty or college brand.
In reality, the right exam choice depends on the legal career you want to build.
Each exam aligns with very different professional outcomes.
Career Path vs Exam Alignment
| Career Goal | Best-Suited Exam | Why |
| Litigation & Court Practice | MH CET Law 3-Year | Strong local bar exposure, practical court training |
| Judiciary Preparation | MH CET Law 3-Year | Flexible schedule + govt colleges suited for long-term prep |
| Central University Exposure | DU LLB | Academic focus + Delhi legal ecosystem |
| Corporate Law (Entry-level) | DU LLB / MH CET Law 3-Year | Depends on internships and city exposure |
| Legal Academia / Research | CLAT PG | LLM from NLUs preferred |
| Law Specialisation (Policy, IPR, Constitutional Law) | CLAT PG | Conceptual depth & subject mastery |
Exam-Wise Career Outcomes Explained
MH CET Law 3-Year
Best suited for students aiming at:
- Litigation
- Judiciary
- Trial courts and district practice
Maharashtra colleges provide hands-on courtroom exposure, making this exam ideal for practice-oriented careers.
DU LLB
DU LLB suits students who:
- Prefer an academic environment
- Want exposure to Delhi-based law firms, courts, and policy bodies
- Plan to build a balanced career combining practice and academics
Competition is high, but outcomes can be rewarding.
CLAT PG
CLAT PG is meant for candidates who:
- Already hold an LLB
- Want to pursue LLM
- Aim for teaching, research, policy roles, or specialisation
It is not meant for starting a legal career, but for advancing one.
| Clear Career TakeawayStart law practice → MH CET Law 3-Year or DU LLBSpecialise or teach law → CLAT PGJudiciary-focused path → MH CET Law 3-Year |
Your exam choice should reflect where you see yourself in the legal profession 5–10 years from now, not just where you want to study.
Which Exam Should You Choose? (A Clear Decision Framework)
After understanding eligibility, exam pattern, difficulty, colleges, and career outcomes, the final step in choosing between MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB, and CLAT PG is aligning the exam with your personal profile.
There is no single “best” law entrance exam—only the exam that fits your background, goals, and risk appetite.
Decision Framework by Academic Stage
- You are a graduate without an LLB
→ Choose MH CET Law 3-Year or DU LLB
- You already have an LLB and want specialisation
→ Choose CLAT PG
Decision Framework by Profile & Preference
| Your Priority | Recommended Exam | Reason |
| Low fees + high ROI | MH CET Law 3-Year | Govt colleges, no negative marking |
| Central university brand | DU LLB | Delhi University ecosystem |
| Litigation or judiciary | MH CET Law 3-Year | Court exposure + flexible prep |
| Academic depth & research | CLAT PG | LLM from NLUs |
| Lower exam risk | MH CET Law 3-Year | No negative marking |
| Comfortable with competition | DU LLB / CLAT PG | Limited seats, higher pressure |
Multiple-Exam Strategy (Smart Approach)
Many successful aspirants do not rely on a single exam.
- LLB aspirants can attempt MH CET Law 3-Year + DU LLB
- LLM aspirants should focus only on CLAT PG
- Avoid preparing for CLAT PG if your goal is LLB
This approach:
- Increases admission chances
- Reduces dependency on one result
- Optimises preparation overlap
| Final Decision InsightIf you are still unsure, ask yourself one question: “Do I want to start my legal career or specialise in law?”Start law → MH CET Law 3-Year / DU LLBSpecialise in law → CLAT PG Answering this honestly will point you to the right law entrance exam after graduation. |
How Tarkashastra Helps You Choose and Crack the Right Law Entrance Exam
Choosing between MH CET Law 3-Year vs DU LLB vs CLAT PG is not just an academic decision—it is a career decision.
This is where most aspirants struggle, not because of a lack of effort, but due to a lack of clarity and direction.
At Tarkashastra, our approach goes beyond “one-size-fits-all” coaching.
Step 1: Exam–Career Alignment (Before Preparation Begins)
Many students start preparing first and ask questions later. Tarkashastra does the opposite. We help aspirants clearly understand:
- Whether they should target LLB or LLM
- Whether MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB, or CLAT PG fits their profile
- How budget, location, competition, and long-term goals affect exam choice
This prevents wrong exam selection, which is one of the biggest mistakes law aspirants make.
Step 2: Exam-Specific Preparation Strategy
Each exam requires a completely different preparation style:
- MH CET Law 3-Year → Speed-based aptitude, no-negative-marking strategy
- DU LLB → Accuracy-focused prep with CUET-style time management
- CLAT PG → Deep conceptual clarity, case-law based comprehension
Tarkashastra designs separate preparation tracks, ensuring you don’t waste time studying irrelevant topics.
Step 3: Mentorship, Mocks & Continuous Guidance
What sets Tarkashastra apart:
- Mentor-led strategy sessions
- Exam-pattern-aligned mock tests
- Regular performance reviews
- Clear post-exam guidance (CAP rounds, DU counselling, NLU admissions)
Why This Matters
The proper guidance doesn’t just help you clear an exam—It enables you to enter the right law school for the right reasons.
That clarity is the real competitive advantage.
Related Tarkashastra Blogs You Should Read
If you are researching MH CET Law (3-Year), DU LLB, or CLAT PG, it is essential to build a comprehensive understanding of law entrance exams, admission processes, and career pathways—not just a single comparison.
To help you make a well-informed decision, here are some closely related blogs on Tarkashastra that expand on key aspects discussed in this article:
Reading these blogs together will give you end-to-end clarity—from choosing the right exam to securing admission in the right law college.
FAQs: MH CET Law 3-Year vs CLAT PG vs DU LLB
Below are the most frequently asked questions from aspirants confused between MH CET Law 3-Year, DU LLB, and CLAT PG. Each answer explains the concept clearly so you can make an informed decision.
1. Is CLAT PG applicable for 3-year LLB admissions?
No. CLAT PG is intended solely for LLM (postgraduate law) admissions, not for LLB programs. If your goal is to start law through a 3-year LLB after graduation, CLAT PG should not be considered.
2. Which is better after graduation: MH CET Law 3-Year or DU LLB?
Both exams lead to a 3-year LLB degree, but the choice depends on your priorities. MH CET Law 3-Year offers better ROI and litigation exposure, while DU LLB provides central university branding and Delhi-based exposure.
3. Which exam is easier: MH CET Law 3-Year or DU LLB?
MH CET Law 3-Year is generally considered easier due to no negative marking and an aptitude-based pattern. DU LLB is more competitive and accuracy-driven because of negative marking and limited seats.
4. Can I prepare for MH CET Law 3-Year and DU LLB together?
Yes. A large portion of the syllabus—English, GK, and Logical Reasoning—overlaps. With minor adjustments, combined preparation can save time and increase admission chances.
5. Is the MH CET Law 3-Year good for judiciary preparation?
Yes. Maharashtra government law colleges offer intense courtroom exposure and flexible schedules. This environment is highly suitable for long-term judiciary and litigation preparation.
6. Do all three exams have negative marking?
No. MH CET Law 3-Year has no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions safely. Both DU LLB and CLAT PG have negative marking, making accuracy even more critical.
7. Who should choose CLAT PG?
CLAT PG should be attempted only by LLB graduates aiming for LLM, research, or teaching careers. It is not meant for students who have yet to begin their law education.
8. Can final-year students apply for these exams?
Yes. Final-year graduation students can apply for MH CET Law 3-Year and DU LLB. Final-year LLB students are eligible for CLAT PG, subject to university rules.
9. Which exam offers the best ROI?
For LLB aspirants, MH CET Law 3-Year offers the best ROI due to very low fees in government colleges. DU LLB also has low fees but far fewer seats, increasing competition.
10. Should I attempt more than one exam?
Yes. Attempting multiple relevant exams reduces risk and increases college options. However, avoid attempting the CLAT PG unless you already hold an LLB or are completing one.
