The establishment of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) in 2008 marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of legal education in India. At the heart of this transformative development was Vivek Tankha, a senior advocate, Member of Parliament, and a visionary committed to streamlining legal education admissions. His personal experiences and professional insights laid the groundwork for one of the most significant reforms in law school admissions.

The Genesis of the CLAT Concept

The idea of a unified law entrance examination struck Vivek Tankha when he witnessed his son, Varun Tankha, struggling to navigate the cumbersome process of applying to multiple National Law Universities (NLUs). Each NLU conducted its own entrance test, often on overlapping dates, forcing aspirants to prepare for and travel to different cities for various exams. This not only placed a financial and logistical burden on students and their families but also created unnecessary stress.

Vivek Tankha, who deeply valued equitable access to education, recognized the inefficiencies of this system. He began to explore the possibility of creating a common entrance test for law schools, inspired by existing models in other disciplines such as engineering and medicine.


The Role of Vivek Tankha in CLAT's Creation

Tankha’s contribution went beyond identifying the problem—he actively sought solutions:

1. Advocacy for Change:
Tankha used his legal expertise and influence to initiate discussions with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education), the Bar Council of India, and heads of various NLUs. He presented a compelling case for a unified admission process that would be transparent, efficient, and fair to students across the country.


2. Facilitating Collaboration:
Bringing together the diverse and autonomous NLUs was no small feat. Tankha played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and consensus among the universities, encouraging them to adopt a shared platform for admissions. His efforts culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2007, which formalized the idea of CLAT.


3. Focus on Student Welfare:
Tankha’s advocacy was rooted in his empathy for students like his son, who faced unnecessary hurdles in pursuing their dreams of studying law. He envisioned a system that prioritized student convenience and academic merit, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.


The Launch of CLAT in 2008

The first CLAT was conducted in 2008, hosted by the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. The exam brought together seven NLUs under a single admission test, offering undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. Over time, the number of participating universities has grown, and the CLAT has become one of the most competitive entrance exams in India.

Legacy and Impact

Vivek Tankha’s initiative has had a profound impact on legal education in India. By centralizing the admission process, CLAT has:

Reduced the burden on students: Aspirants now prepare for one standardized test instead of multiple exams.

Enhanced accessibility: Students from diverse backgrounds have equal opportunities to compete for seats in prestigious NLUs.

Standardized legal education admissions: CLAT has become a benchmark for merit-based entry into India’s top law schools.


A Personal Triumph with National Significance

For Vivek Tankha, the creation of CLAT was not just a professional achievement but a personal triumph. The challenges faced by his son Varun became the catalyst for a reform that has benefited thousands of students across the country. His vision and determination have left an indelible mark on India’s legal education system.
[ Article by: team tosscall ]