Team7 · July 8, 2026 
Introduction
One exam. Two programs. One brand-new pattern. And thousands of law aspirants across Maharashtra trying to figure out what just changed.
If you have been preparing for MH CET Law and recently heard that the exam now has 120 questions instead of 150, you are not alone in wanting clarity. The revised MH CET Law 2025 exam pattern has introduced meaningful changes not just in the total number of questions, but in how marks are distributed across sections for both the 5-year LLB and the 3-year LLB programs.
Here is the most important thing to understand upfront: the 5-year and 3-year exams are not the same. They share a format and a total mark count, but their section-wise weightage is structured very differently. A student preparing for the 5-year program after Class 12 has a different set of priorities than a graduate targeting the 3-year LLB.
In this blog, we break down every section of both patterns with exact question counts, marks, and weightage percentages. We also explain what changed from the old 150-mark pattern, which sections carry the most weight, and how you can build a preparation strategy that actually reflects the new exam structure.
What Is MH CET Law?
MH CET Law, officially known as MAH-LLB CET, is the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for admission to law programs across the state. It is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, and serves as the gateway to law colleges including Government Law College Mumbai, ILS Law College Pune, and several other top institutions.
The exam is held separately for two distinct programs: the 5-year integrated LLB (open to Class 12 students) and the 3-year standalone LLB (open to graduates from any stream). Both are computer-based tests held in English, and both now follow the 120-question format.
5-Year vs 3-Year: What Are You Actually Choosing?
The 5-year program integrates a bachelor’s degree with an LLB and is designed for students who know they want a career in law right after school. The 3-year program is for those who completed a graduation degree first and are now entering law as a second step. The career outcomes can be similar, but the path and the entrance exam are structured differently for each.
The New 120-Mark Pattern What Changed?
Until 2024, both the 5-year and 3-year MH CET Law exams contained 150 questions for 150 marks, with a duration of 2 hours. The updated pattern for 2025 reduced the total question count to 120 for both programs, while keeping the exam duration the same at 120 minutes.
What this means practically: students now have more time per question. In the old format, you had roughly 48 seconds per question. In the new 120-mark format, you get exactly 60 seconds per question. This shift puts a greater premium on accuracy over speed.
Why the 120-Mark Format Is a More Balanced Test
The reduction in questions has also reshuffled the section-wise weightage in subtle but important ways. The proportional distribution has been recalibrated to reflect what each program actually demands. For the 5-year exam, Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning now jointly account for 54 marks out of 120. For the 3-year exam, English takes the crown with 40 marks out of 120 the single largest section in either program.
There is no negative marking in the new pattern. Every question carries 1 mark, and unattempted questions do not attract any penalty. This means attempting all 120 questions is always the right strategy.
Section-Wise Deep Dive: 5-Year LLB Exam Pattern
The MH CET Law 5-year exam is designed for Class 12 students and tests five distinct areas. Here is the complete official breakdown:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning | 32 | 32 | 27% |
| Logical & Analytical Reasoning | 32 | 32 | 27% |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 24 | 24 | 20% |
| English Language | 24 | 24 | 20% |
| Mathematical Aptitude | 8 | 8 | 6% |
| TOTAL | 120 | 120 | 100% |
Which Sections Carry the Most Weight in the 5-Year Exam?
Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning are the twin pillars of the 5-year exam, each contributing 32 marks and 27% of the total score. Together they account for 64 marks more than half the paper. GK and English are equally weighted at 24 marks each, while Mathematics is the smallest section at just 8 marks.
Here is what each section tests:
- Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning (32 marks): Tests knowledge of legal principles, legal maxims, and the ability to apply law to factual situations. Questions follow a proposition-and-fact format similar to CLAT.
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning (32 marks): Includes syllogisms, analogies, series, data interpretation, and critical reasoning. Speed and pattern recognition are key.
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs (24 marks): Covers national and international events, history, polity, geography, and legal developments. Static GK and current affairs are both tested.
- English Language (24 marks): Focuses on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and sentence correction. Questions are straightforward but require consistent practice.
- Mathematical Aptitude (8 marks): Based on Class 10 level topics profit and loss, percentages, time and work, ratio and proportion, speed and distance. This section is considered easy to score in if prepared well.
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Section-Wise Deep Dive: 3-Year LLB Exam Pattern
The MH CET Law 3-year exam drops the mathematics section entirely and redistributes those marks across the remaining four sections. The result is a notably different exam especially in how heavily it weighs English and GK.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 33% |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 32 | 32 | 27% |
| Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning | 24 | 24 | 20% |
| Logical & Analytical Reasoning | 24 | 24 | 20% |
| TOTAL | 120 | 120 | 100% |
Is the 3-Year Pattern Harder Than the 5-Year?
Not harder but different. The 3-year exam expects a higher level of English proficiency, reflected in the 40-question English section that accounts for 33% of the paper. This makes sense given that graduates are expected to have stronger language skills than Class 12 students.
The 3-year pattern also gives more weight to GK and Current Affairs (32 marks, 27%) compared to the 5-year version. Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning are present but carry lower individual weightage 20% each. Graduates who stay updated on current events and have strong reading habits will naturally find this format more manageable.
Key Differences Between the Two Patterns Side by Side
Here is a detailed comparison of both exam patterns to help you understand exactly how they differ:
| Factor | 5-Year LLB | 3-Year LLB | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Class 12 pass / appearing | Graduation (any stream) | Class 12 vs Graduate |
| Duration | 5 Years (integrated BA+LLB) | 3 Years (standalone LLB) | Integrated vs standalone |
| Total Questions | 120 | 120 | Same |
| Total Marks | 120 | 120 | Same |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | Same |
| No. of Sections | 5 (includes Maths) | 4 (no Maths) | 5-yr has extra Maths section |
| Highest Weightage | Legal Aptitude & Logical Reasoning (27% each) | English (33%) | Legal+Logic heavy vs English heavy |
| Mathematics | Yes — 8 questions (6%) | No | 5-yr only |
| English Questions | 24 (20%) | 40 (33%) | 3-yr has 16 more English Qs |
| GK Questions | 24 (20%) | 32 (27%) | 3-yr has 8 more GK Qs |
| Negative Marking | No | No | No penalty in both |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Online in both |
Smart Preparation Strategy for Each Program
Understanding the pattern is only half the battle. Here is how to build a preparation strategy that actually matches the new 120-mark structure.
For 5-Year LLB Aspirants (Class 12 Students)
Your exam is dominated by Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. Give these sections the most preparation time. Legal Aptitude requires you to understand basic legal principles and apply them to fact-based scenarios. Start with a good guide like AP Bhardwaj’s CLAT preparation book and practice daily.
- Legal Aptitude first: Spend at least 30–35% of your prep time on this section. Practice proposition-based questions every day.
- Logical Reasoning second: RS Aggarwal is a reliable resource. Focus on syllogisms, analogies, and data interpretation.
- Do not ignore Maths: 8 marks may seem small, but these are among the easiest marks on the paper. Cover Class 10 basics and practice mock questions.
- GK and English together: Read a national newspaper daily to cover both current affairs and English simultaneously.
- Take timed mock tests: With 60 seconds per question, you have more time than before — but do not waste it. Regular mocks will help you build both accuracy and time management.
For 3-Year LLB Aspirants (Graduates)
Your exam is English-heavy. With 40 questions in English alone, your command over reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary can make or break your score.
- Prioritise English: Read editorials, practice grammar exercises, and do comprehension passages regularly. Aim to score 35 or more out of 40.
- Build your GK foundation: With 32 GK questions, a mix of static GK (history, polity, geography) and current affairs (last 6 months) is essential.
- Sharpen Legal Aptitude: Even though it carries less weight than in the 5-year exam, 24 marks in Legal Aptitude can be won consistently with focused preparation.
- Logical Reasoning is scorable: 24 questions at a graduate level this section rewards analytical thinking and regular practice.
The One Section Most Students Underestimate
For 5-year aspirants, it is Mathematics. Most students from non-Science backgrounds either skip it or prepare minimally. But 8 guaranteed marks from Class 10 level topics are too valuable to leave on the table. A focused 2-week revision of basic arithmetic and algebra is all it takes to secure these marks.
For 3-year aspirants, it is English. Many graduates assume their language skills are strong enough without practice. The 3-year exam’s 40-question English section is not just about grammar it includes reading comprehension passages that require speed and precision. Practice is non-negotiable.
How Career Plan B Helps
- Personalised Career Counselling – Get expert guidance to determine whether law is the right career path and identify the program that aligns with your goals.
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- Admission & Academic Profile Guidance – Receive support in selecting the right law programs and building a strong academic profile for admissions.
- Structured Career Roadmapping – Create a clear, step-by-step plan connecting MH CET Law preparation with long-term academic and career goals.
- Clarity & Confidence for Decision-Making – Approach your exam and college choices with a stronger understanding of your future direction and opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the biggest change in the MH CET Law 2025 exam pattern?
The most significant change is the reduction in total questions from 150 to 120 for both the 5-year and 3-year LLB programs. The exam duration remains 120 minutes, which means students now have more time per question, 60 seconds instead of approximately 48 seconds. There is still no negative marking.
2. Does the 5-year LLB exam have Mathematics and the 3-year LLB exam does not?
Yes. The 5-year LLB exam includes a Mathematical Aptitude section with 8 questions worth 8 marks. These are based on Class 10 level topics. The 3-year LLB exam does not include Mathematics; its four sections are English, GK, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.
3. Which section has the highest weightage in the MH CET Law 3-year exam?
English Language is the highest-weightage section in the 3-year LLB exam, with 40 questions for 40 marks accounting for 33% of the total score. This makes consistent English preparation the single most important investment for 3-year aspirants.
4. Is there any negative marking in MH CET Law 2025?
No. There is no negative marking in either the 5-year or 3-year MH CET Law exam. Every correct answer earns 1 mark, and wrong or unattempted answers do not reduce your score. This means you should always attempt all 120 questions.
5. How is the MH CET Law exam conducted online or offline?
MH CET Law is conducted in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) at designated exam centres across Maharashtra. All questions are multiple-choice with one correct answer per question. The exam is available in English and Marathi.
Conclusion
The new 120-mark MH CET Law pattern is a more focused, more balanced test than its predecessor. By trimming 30 questions and giving students more time per question, the revised format rewards preparation depth over last-minute cramming.
The key takeaway is simple: the 5-year and 3-year exams are not interchangeable. The 5-year exam is built around Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning, with a small but scorable Mathematics component. The 3-year exam puts English front and centre, followed by GK and then Legal and Logical sections. Preparing without understanding this distinction is the most common mistake aspirants make.
Know your program. Know your weightage. Build your preparation around the actual structure of the exam and you will walk in on exam day with a clear advantage over students who prepared from a generic template.
Need help structuring your law entrance preparation? Reach out to Career Plan B for personalised guidance and a preparation roadmap built specifically for your profile and target college.
