The Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT) is one of India’s most popular entrance exams for undergraduate law programs. Conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), SLAT opens doors to prestigious law schools like SLS Pune, SLS Noida, SLS Hyderabad, and SLS Nagpur.
If you’re planning to appear for SLAT 2026, understanding the paper pattern is non-negotiable. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or someone repeating the attempt, having a precise grip on the exam structure, sectional weightage, question types, and test duration can make all the difference in your preparation strategy.
This blog is your one-stop guide to decoding the SLAT 2026 paper pattern. From section-wise analysis and question formats to timings and scoring methodology, we break it all down so you can focus on what truly matters—getting selected.
Let’s begin by understanding the overall structure of SLAT 2026 in the next section.
SLAT 2026 Exam Overview
The SLAT 2026 exam is conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) as a gateway to its five-year integrated law programs: BA LLB (Hons.) and BBA LLB (Hons.).
Unlike many other law entrance exams that emphasize heavy legal content or maths, SLAT is known for its balanced, skill-based testing approach. The paper tests your aptitude in areas like reasoning, comprehension, and general awareness—making it ideal for students from all academic backgrounds.
Here’s a quick look at the key highlights of the SLAT 2026 exam format:
SLAT 2026 – At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test) |
| Conducting Body | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate |
| Courses Offered | BA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.) |
| Participating Institutes | SLS Pune, SLS Noida, SLS Hyderabad, SLS Nagpur |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium | English |
| Total Duration | 60 minutes (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 60 (Objective) |
| Total Marks | 60 marks |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark per correct answer |
| Negative Marking | None |
Important Info.:- SLAT 2026 will consist of two parts: the entrance exam and a Personal Interview, both conducted online. Selection will be based on a combined score from these two components. The Writing Ability Test (WAT) has been discontinued.
Detailed SLAT 2026 Paper Pattern
The SLAT 2026 paper has been structured to assess a candidate’s critical thinking, legal aptitude, and reading comprehension skills — all of which are essential for success in law school. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be solved in 60 minutes. Each question carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking, making accuracy and speed both important.
Contrary to previous years, the Writing Ability Test (WAT) has been officially discontinued. Now, the final admission selection is based on a combination of your SLAT score + Personal Interview (PI). Both are conducted online.
Here’s the complete paper pattern breakdown:
SLAT 2026 Paper Pattern Overview
| Component | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Total Marks | 60 |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes |
| Marks per Question | +1 |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Medium | English |
| Additional Component | Personal Interview (online) |
| WAT (Essay Writing) | Not applicable in 2026 |
This structure ensures a balanced evaluation across reasoning, legal aptitude, and general awareness. Since each section carries equal weightage, candidates should aim to perform well across all five areas.
SLAT 2026 Section-Wise Weightage & Structure
The SLAT 2026 exam is divided into five key sections, each designed to assess a unique set of skills critical to legal studies. All sections have equal weightage, with 12 questions per section, making it a total of 60 questions.
This uniform distribution encourages well-rounded preparation across logical, analytical, legal, verbal, and general awareness skills.
Section-Wise Breakdown of SLAT 2026
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Key Focus Areas |
| Logical Reasoning | 12 | 12 | Arguments, assumptions, conclusions, puzzles, coding |
| Legal Reasoning | 12 | 12 | Legal principles, facts, case-based questions |
| Analytical Reasoning | 12 | 12 | Numbers, patterns, data interpretation, logic puzzles |
| Reading Comprehension | 12 | 12 | Passages, vocabulary, inference, tone, structure |
| General Knowledge (Current) | 12 | 12 | Static GK, Current Affairs (past 6–12 months) |
Key Highlights:
- Equal Weightage: No section carries more importance than the other; aim for consistency across all.
- No Sectional Time Limit: You can navigate freely between sections.
- Mix of Skill Types:
- Reasoning-based: Logical + Analytical
- Language-based: Reading Comprehension
- Awareness-based: GK
- Domain-based: Legal Reasoning (no prior legal knowledge required)
Tip: Legal Reasoning questions are principle-fact based, meaning you’re tested more on logic and interpretation than legal memory. Even non-law background students can score well here with practice.
SLAT 2026 Exam Timings & Slot Details
The SLAT 2026 exam will be conducted in an online computer-based format at designated test centers across India. Candidates must be aware of their reporting time, actual test timing, and the duration, as missing the time window may lead to disqualification.
The official exam date and timing will be announced by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) on the SET Test official website, but based on previous trends, here’s what you can expect:
Tentative Exam Slot Information
| Particular | Expected Details |
| Exam Date | December 2025 (Expected 1st or 2nd weekend) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Test Duration | 60 minutes (1 hour) |
| Exam Window | Two slots |
| Reporting Time | 1 hour before exam commencement |
| Exam Start Time | Likely between 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (TBD) |
| End Time | 60 minutes from start time |
Important Timing Guidelines for SLAT Aspirants
- Arrive Early: Reach your test center at least 60 minutes in advance to complete biometric and ID verification.
- No Extended Time: The timer is auto-triggered once you begin; no grace time is allowed.
- Section Navigation: Since there is no sectional time limit, you can switch between sections as needed during the 60 minutes.
Post-Exam Process
Once the exam is concluded, your SLAT score will be used in combination with a Personal Interview (PI) for the final selection process. Ensure you remain available on the dates announced for the PI round (conducted online).
Question Style and Difficulty Level
Understanding the style and complexity of questions in SLAT 2026 is just as important as knowing the syllabus. While SLAT is considered student-friendly compared to exams like CLAT and AILET, it still requires speed, logic, and accuracy under pressure.
Here’s a section-wise breakdown of the types of questions you can expect, along with their difficulty level:
Section-Wise Question Style & Difficulty
| Section | Question Style | Difficulty Level |
| Logical Reasoning | Assumption-conclusion, statement-argument, coding-decoding, logical sequences | Moderate |
| Legal Reasoning | Principle-fact based questions, no prior legal knowledge needed | Moderate |
| Analytical Reasoning | Blood relations, number series, direction sense, data interpretation | Easy to Moderate |
| Reading Comprehension | Short to medium-length passages; focus on inference, tone, central idea | Moderate |
| General Knowledge | Static GK (Polity, History), Current Affairs (last 6–8 months), awards, events | Moderate (If Updated) |
Key Observations:
- Legal Reasoning is designed for non-law students — questions test your application of basic logic to legal principles, not prior legal knowledge.
- Reading Comprehension may include 2–3 short passages with 3–5 questions each.
- General Knowledge requires staying updated with national/international events, government schemes, sports, science & tech, etc.
Pro Tips for SLAT 2026
- Practice mock tests in real time to get used to solving 60 questions in 60 minutes.
- Improve reading speed and comprehension accuracy, especially for RC and GK.
- In Logical & Analytical sections, avoid guesswork unless you’re 80% sure — even though there’s no negative marking, wasted time costs marks.
- Prioritize conceptual clarity over cramming facts, especially in reasoning sections.
What’s Not in SLAT 2026?
While it’s important to know what to prepare, it’s equally crucial to understand what’s not included in SLAT 2026. Many aspirants waste time studying topics that have no relevance to this exam. Here’s a clear list of exclusions to help you focus your preparation better.
Components NOT Included in SLAT 2026
| Not Included | Explanation |
| Quantitative Aptitude / Maths | SLAT does not have a dedicated section on maths or numerical aptitude. |
| Sectional Time Limits | There are no individual time limits for each section — you manage your 60 mins. |
| Negative Marking | No penalty for wrong answers. Guessing isn’t discouraged, but be mindful of time. |
| Writing Ability Test (WAT) | Discontinued in 2026. No essay writing or descriptive component in the paper. |
| Offline Mode | SLAT is strictly conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) — no pen & paper. |
| Assertion-Reason Type MCQs | Unlike AILET, SLAT avoids complex formats like assertion-reason combinations. |
Avoid These Mistakes:
- Don’t study Quant chapters like Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Algebra, etc.
- Don’t over-prepare Legal Theory — focus instead on principle-application style questions.
- Don’t expect comprehension in Legal Reasoning — they’re usually shorter than RC passages.
By staying focused on the actual pattern, you’ll save hours of prep time and avoid frustration.
Preparation Strategy Based on Paper Pattern
To crack SLAT 2026, your preparation strategy must align with the official paper pattern. Since all sections carry equal weightage, you can’t afford to ignore any area. The goal is to maximize accuracy while managing time efficiently across reasoning, legal aptitude, comprehension, and current affairs.
Below is a section-wise prep strategy tailored to the 2026 format:
Section-Wise Preparation Tips
| Section | Strategy |
| Logical Reasoning | Practice different types: syllogisms, puzzles, statement-assumption, coding-decoding. |
| Legal Reasoning | Focus on principle-fact-based questions. No need to memorize laws; apply logic to rules. |
| Analytical Reasoning | Sharpen basic logical and number patterns. Practice DI sets, blood relations, directions. |
| Reading Comprehension | Read editorials from newspapers daily. Focus on speed reading, tone detection, and inference. |
| General Knowledge | Revise static GK + daily news. Focus on the past 6–8 months of current affairs. |
Time Management Strategy
- Allocate 12 minutes per section, approximately.
- Attempt your strongest section first to build confidence.
- If stuck on a question, move on quickly — don’t spend more than 1 minute on any one question.
- Mark guesses logically — no negative marking gives you an edge, but don’t guess blindly.
Mock Tests & Practice
- Solve at least 15 full-length mock tests before exam day.
- Analyze each test to identify weak sections and work on them with targeted practice.
- Practice sectional tests with a timer to build speed and stamina.
Recommended Resources
| Section | Recommended Sources |
| Legal & Logical Reasoning | Universal’s CLAT Guide, RS Aggarwal (Reasoning), Online mocks |
| Reading Comprehension | Hindu Editorials, Gradeup/Oliveboard RC sets |
| General Knowledge | Lucent GK (Static), AffairsCloud Monthly, GKToday, DD News |
With the right balance of mock practice, current affairs revision, and skill building, you can ace SLAT without burning out.
SLAT Score Calculation & Merit List Criteria
Unlike many other law entrance exams, SLAT follows a straightforward scoring system. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking. However, what makes SLAT unique is how your exam score is combined with the Personal Interview (PI) to determine final admission eligibility.
Here’s how it works:
SLAT 2026 Scoring Overview
| Component | Maximum Marks | Weightage in Final Selection |
| SLAT (Objective) | 60 | Scaled up to 70 marks |
| Personal Interview | 30 | 30 |
| WAT | Not Applicable in 2026 | Not part of evaluation |
Key Points to Remember:
- Each correct answer = +1 mark
- No penalty for wrong or unattempted answers
- The total raw score out of 60 is considered for shortlisting candidates for the Personal Interview
- The final admission list is prepared based on combined performance in:
- SLAT Score
- Personal Interview
Important: Even if you score high in SLAT, performing well in the Personal Interview is essential for securing admission at top SLS campuses.
Conclusion
The SLAT 2026 paper pattern is structured to assess your aptitude for law school—not by testing memory or legal jargon, but by evaluating how you think, read, reason, and stay informed. With no negative marking, equal section weightage, and just 60 minutes to attempt 60 questions, SLAT rewards precision, speed, and smart exam strategy.
As you’ve seen in this guide, cracking SLAT isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things:
- Focus on the five tested areas
- Practice with timed mocks
- Strengthen weak sections
- Stay updated on current affairs
- Prepare seriously for the Personal Interview, which plays a decisive role in admissions
At Tarkashastra, we help students like you navigate competitive exams like SLAT with absolute clarity. From conceptual understanding to interview prep, our expert mentors and structured guidance ensure you don’t just prepare—you prepare strategically.
So if you’re ready to take your SLAT prep to the next level, Tarkashastra is here to support your journey to Symbiosis Law Schools.
Let clarity, consistency, and mentorship be your strongest allies.
FAQs on SLAT 2026 Paper Pattern
1. What is the exam pattern of SLAT 2026?
SLAT 2026 will consist of 60 multiple-choice questions, 1 mark each, to be completed in 60 minutes. There are five sections, each with 12 questions, and there is no negative marking.
2. How many sections are there in SLAT 2026?
There are five sections in SLAT 2026: Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and General Knowledge. All sections carry equal weightage of 12 marks each.
3. Is there any negative marking in SLAT 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the SLAT exam. This allows students to attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.
4. Is SLAT 2026 conducted online or offline?
SLAT 2026 will be conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test) at designated test centers. Candidates must report to their chosen centers for the exam.
5. Has the WAT (Writing Ability Test) been removed from SLAT 2026?
Yes, the WAT has been officially discontinued from SLAT 2026. Only the objective test and the personal interview will be part of the selection process.
6. What is the duration of the SLAT 2026 exam?
The exam duration is 60 minutes. Candidates must attempt all 60 questions within this one-hour window without any sectional time limits.
7. How are SLAT scores calculated?
Each correct answer earns 1 mark, and the total score is out of 60. This score is later combined with PI (Personal Interview) marks during final admissions.
8. Is there any sectional cut-off in SLAT 2026?
No, there is no sectional cut-off in SLAT. Selection is based on the overall score combined with performance in the Personal Interview.
9. What is the difficulty level of SLAT compared to CLAT or AILET?
SLAT is generally considered to be moderate and more student-friendly than CLAT or AILET. It focuses on basic aptitude and comprehension skills.
10. Is prior knowledge of law required for the Legal Reasoning section?
No, SLAT does not require prior legal knowledge. Legal Reasoning questions are based on applying simple legal principles to factual situations.
11. Can I skip questions and come back to them later?
Yes, since there is no sectional time limit, you are allowed to navigate freely between sections and revisit unanswered questions during the exam.
12. Are calculators or rough sheets allowed during SLAT?
No calculators are allowed. However, rough sheets are typically provided at the test center for rough work related to reasoning-based questions.
13. Will Reading Comprehension passages be lengthy?
Reading Comprehension passages are generally short to medium-length and test your ability to grasp, interpret, and infer quickly under time pressure.
14. How is the final merit list prepared in SLAT?
The final merit list is prepared using a scaled SLAT score (out of 70) and a Personal Interview score (out of 30). WAT is not considered in 2026.
15. How many questions should I attempt to get shortlisted?
While there’s no fixed number, attempting 50+ questions with high accuracy usually improves your chances of clearing the SLAT shortlist comfortably.
16. How important is General Knowledge in SLAT 2026?
General Knowledge forms 1/5th of the paper. Since questions are quick to solve, a strong GK section can help you save time and improve your score.
17. Can I take SLAT without applying to any Symbiosis Law School?
No. You must apply separately to your preferred Symbiosis Law School (SLS) in addition to registering for SLAT on the SET website.
18. Are all SLAT 2026 questions MCQs?
Yes, all questions in SLAT 2026 are Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with four or five options. There is only one correct answer per question.
19. Is coaching necessary to crack SLAT 2026?
While not mandatory, coaching can help with structured preparation, mock tests, and interview readiness. Platforms like Tarkashastra offer expert guidance tailored to SLAT.
20. How should I prepare for the Personal Interview (PI) after SLAT?
The PI evaluates your communication, current affairs knowledge, clarity of thought, and personality. Practice mock interviews and stay well-informed.
21. How many times is SLAT conducted in a year?
SLAT is conducted once a year, typically in December, as part of the SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) umbrella.
22. Can I appear for both SLAT and SET General on the same day?
No. You can apply for multiple SET streams (like SET Law, SET General, etc.). Still, the timing for each test is different and depends on scheduling.
23. How many Symbiosis Law Schools accept SLAT scores?
SLAT scores are accepted by four campuses: SLS Pune, SLS Noida, SLS Hyderabad, and SLS Nagpur.
24. Will there be questions from mathematics in SLAT 2026?
No, SLAT does not include a Quantitative Aptitude or Maths section. Instead, reasoning-based and comprehension-based skills are tested.
25. How can I apply for SLAT 2026?
You must register on the official SET website, pay the SLAT application fee, and separately apply to the law schools you’re targeting.
