Education
CLAT To Be Conducted In Regional Languages- NTA To Delhi High Court
New Delhi, September 21, 2023 – The National Testing Agency (NTA) has made a significant announcement, stating its readiness to conduct the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) in a variety of regional languages, potentially as early as 2024. This move aims to make CLAT, a crucial examination for law aspirants, more accessible to students across India. However, the final decision rests with the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), the current organizers of CLAT.
In response to a petition presented before the Delhi High Court, NTA revealed its willingness to conduct CLAT in languages such as Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This initiative could revolutionize the accessibility of legal education by breaking down language barriers.
The NTA further stated its readiness to administer CLAT in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, similar to other major entrance exams such as JEE and CUET. If approved, the CLAT (UG)-2024 could potentially be held in the third or fourth week of January 2024, taking into consideration the necessary preparations.
This move has garnered widespread support from students and educationists who believe it will foster inclusivity and democratize access to legal education. Advocates argue that conducting CLAT in regional languages aligns with India’s emphasis on mother tongue-based education, as recommended by the 2020 Education Policy and the 2009 Right to Education Act.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this decision, there are valid concerns regarding the feasibility and cost implications. Ensuring accurate translation and equal access to exam materials for all students will be paramount. Additionally, coordinating the logistics of conducting CLAT in multiple languages will be a complex endeavor.
CLAT, which is presently conducted solely in English, has faced criticism for allegedly discriminating against students with regional language backgrounds, potentially violating constitutional articles 14 and 29(2). This development holds the potential to bring about a transformative change in the way aspiring lawyers across India prepare for their legal careers.
As the legal fraternity awaits the final decision by the Consortium of National Law Universities, the prospect of CLAT being conducted in regional languages has ignited hope for a more inclusive legal education landscape while also presenting a set of logistical and financial challenges that must be thoughtfully addressed.