Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025: Topics and Questions
Since the enforcement of BNS bill from July 1, 2024, Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025 has become nuanced with several important changes. Get to know all the crucial topics and questions of Criminal Law for CLAT PG in this article.
Criminal law in CLAT PG 2025 is a very important topic that will cover a good portion of the question paper as it contains basic laws and the new amendments which have been incorporated into Indian law. Studying criminal law not only aids in understanding several concepts in major areas of the law but will also help in increasing one’s possible marks in the examination. Each year, starting from 2020 till 2023, questions from Criminal law in CLAT PG 2025 have seen a 2X increasing trend with 30 questions asked from the subject in CLAT PG 2023.
Some crucial topics in the Criminal Law syllabus include culpable homicide, murder, grievous hurt, and the definition of cardinal legal terms including act, omission, and consent. Some of the most important topics of Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025 are Elements of Crime, Group Liability, Offences Against Person, Recent Amendments etc.
CLAT exam pattern may incorporate typical questions based on arguments on some important cases as per the above-mentioned topics highlighting the performance of case laws and legal proceedings. Revising regularly and practising with past papers along with solving CLAT mock tests will help in understanding the format of the exam and the types of questions that will be asked.
Also Read: CLAT Toppers Preparation Tips
Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025: Important Topics
A detailed table on Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025 topics, subtopics, and their significance is mentioned below which now also incorporates the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill in the Recent Amendments:Important Topics for Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025 | Important Subtopics for Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025 | Significance |
Indian Penal Code (IPC) | - General Exceptions (Sections 76-106) - Culpable Homicide and Murder (Sections 299-304) - Hurt and Grievous Hurt (Sections 319-326) - Criminal Force and Assault (Sections 349-358) - Criminal Conspiracy (Section 120A-120B) | The IPC has its base and crux in the Indian criminal law system. It is important to have an understanding of definitions, exceptions and punishments for major offences. |
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) | - Arrest, Search and Seizure - Cognizable and Non-Cognizable Offences - Bailable and Non-Bailable Offences - Anticipatory Bail | The CrPC deals with the procedure in criminal law. Knowledge of some essential provisions concerning the investigation, bail and trials is essential. |
Landmark Judgments | - Nandini Satpathy vs P.L. Dani (Right to Silence) - Selvi vs State of Karnataka (Narco Analysis, Polygraph, and Brain Mapping Tests) - Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (Section 66A of IT Act) | Familiarity with landmark Supreme Court decisions that shaped criminal law is helpful in its application. |
Recent Amendments | - Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Nirbhaya Act) - Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 (Death Penalty for Rape of Girls below 12 years) - Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023 (BNS2) - New offences such as organised crime, terrorism, and group murder based on identity markers are introduced. - Sedition is repealed, replaced with a new offence for acts endangering national integrity. | It is important to keep abreast with recent changes as some questions may be drawn from these amendments, especially the BNS2 which proposes to transform current criminal laws. |
Specific Laws | - Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act - Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act - Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act | For adequate preparation in criminal law, it is essential to know and appreciate the provisions and consequences under these special laws. |
Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025: Important Questions
Here are 20 important multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from Criminal Law that are important for your CLAT PG preparation, along with their answers:Which of the following is not a valid defence under the Indian Penal Code?
a) Insanity
b) Intoxication
c) Mistake of fact
d) Necessity
Answer: d) Necessity
What is the minimum age of criminal responsibility in India?
a) 7 years
b) 12 years
c) 14 years
d) 18 years
Answer: a) 7 years
Which of the following is not a form of criminal conspiracy in India?
a) Abetment
b) Attempt
c) Facilitation
d) Instigation
Answer: c) Facilitation
What is the maximum punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder in India?
a) 10 years imprisonment
b) 14 years imprisonment
c) Life imprisonment
d) Death penalty
Answer: c) Life imprisonment
Which of the following is not a ground for granting bail under the Code of Criminal Procedure?
a) Illness
b) Pregnancy
c) Reasonable apprehension of witness tampering
d) Reasonable apprehension of witness intimidation
Answer: a) Illness
What is the minimum sentence for rape under the Indian Penal Code?
a) 7 years
b) 10 years
c) 14 years
d) Life imprisonment
Answer: b) 10 years
Which of the following is not a ground for the death penalty under the Indian Penal Code?
a) Murder
b) Waging war against the state
c) Kidnapping for ransom
d) Dacoity with murder
Answer: c) Kidnapping for ransom
What is the maximum punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt?
a) 3 years imprisonment
b) 7 years imprisonment
c) 10 years imprisonment
d) Life imprisonment
Answer: d) Life imprisonment
Which of the following is not a type of criminal negligence?
a) Gross negligence
b) Recklessness
c) Willful negligence
d) Vicarious negligence
Answer: d) Vicarious negligence
What is the minimum punishment for theft in India?
a) 1 year imprisonment
b) 3 years imprisonment
c) 5 years imprisonment
d) 7 years imprisonment
Answer: a) 1 year imprisonment
Which of the following is not a type of criminal misappropriation in India?
a) Conversion
b) Disposal
c) Destruction
d) Deception
Answer: d) Deception
What is the maximum punishment for criminal breach of trust in India?
a) 3 years imprisonment
b) 7 years imprisonment
c) 10 years imprisonment
d) Life imprisonment
Answer: c) 10 years imprisonment
Which of the following is not a ground for the insanity defence under the Indian Penal Code?
a) Delusion
b) Hallucination
c) Intoxication
d) Unsoundness of mind
Answer: c) Intoxication
What is the minimum punishment for kidnapping in India?
a) 7 years imprisonment
b) 10 years imprisonment
c) 14 years imprisonment
d) Life imprisonment
Answer: a) 7 years imprisonment
Which of the following is not a type of criminal trespass in India?
a) House-trespass
b) Lurking house-trespass
c) Lurking house-trespass by night
d) Trespass by night
Answer: d) Trespass by night
What is the maximum punishment for criminal intimidation in India?
a) 1 year imprisonment
b) 2 years imprisonment
c) 3 years imprisonment
d) 5 years imprisonment
Answer: b) 2 years imprisonment
Which of the following is not a type of culpable homicide in India?
a) Murder
b) Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
c) Involuntary manslaughter
d) Voluntary manslaughter
Answer: c) Involuntary manslaughter
What is the minimum punishment for robbery in India?
a) 3 years imprisonment
b) 5 years imprisonment
c) 7 years imprisonment
d) 10 years imprisonment
Answer: c) 7 years imprisonment
Which of the following is not a type of criminal force?
a) Assault
b) Battery
c) Mayhem
d) Rape
Answer: c) Mayhem
What is the maximum punishment for rioting?
a) 2 years imprisonment
b) 3 years imprisonment
c) 5 years imprisonment
d) 7 years imprisonment
Answer: a) 2 years imprisonment
These MCQs include the general principles of criminal liability, penalties, specific crimes, and criminal process. One must be well prepared in these areas to excel in the section of Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025.
Criminal Law for CLAT PG 2025 Preparation Tips
Here are some of the most effective preparation tips for criminal law in CLAT PG 2025:Preparation Strategies for Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025 | Details |
Understand the Syllabus and Weightage | - Acquaint yourself with the course structure which includes areas of IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act. - Observe that Criminal Law contributes approximately 10 to 30 questions to the examination. |
Focus on Key Sections and Provisions | - The important sections from IPC (for example General Exceptions, Offences against the State, Offences affecting Life) should be prioritised. - Concentrate on sections of CrPC that describe arrest, bailing, and trial processes. - Read specific chapters of the Indian Evidence Act. |
Master the Bare Acts | - It is necessary to read the Bare Acts of IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act to learn their contents. - Instead of memorising sections of the language and principles, it would be strategic to focus on comprehending the same. - The provisions should then be introduced in legal matters as a practice. |
Analyse Landmark Judgments | - Review significant judgments that have shaped the understanding of criminal law in India. - Figure out the important concerns, principles, and regulations of these cases. - Be ready to analyse and apply the learnings on questions that are based on application. |
Practise MCQs and Mock Tests | - Concentrate more on the practice of MCQ-type questions as often as possible. - It is also advised to solve sample questions, previous year papers, and mock tests to gain better clarity. - Examine mock tests’ performances and check for the major gaps that have to be addressed. |
Stay Updated with Current Affairs | - Be updated with changes, revisions, and milestones in criminal law. - Sift through today’s newspapers and legal magazines to find some of the more current and legal topic questions. - Expect questions in criminal law based on current affairs during the examination. |
Develop a Revision Strategy | - Develop a study schedule that incorporates a daily or weekly pattern for the reviewing of certain topics. - Take brief notes of key issues, judicial decisions, and legal sections. - It is recommended to use flashcards concerning the critical definitions and principles. - Schedule a few more revision sessions just before the set exam date to reinforce concepts. |
Here are some more crucial preparation tips for criminal law in CLAT PG 2025:
Analyse Case Studies
- As part of your Criminal Law preparation strategy, you should also try to memorise some of the important case laws that relate to this subject.
- This will assist you in grasping the practicality of these laws in real life, which will prove useful in the exam as you will be in a position to solve applied questions.
For example: As you get familiar with some of the leading Indian cases like K. D. Gaur v. State (NCT of Delhi) that deal with the applicability of the ’common intention’ under IPC in criminal law, you can enhance your skill to solve application-based questions on the CLAT PG examination.
Understand the Fundamentals
- Attempt to understand the fundamentals of criminal law. This includes having knowledge about the structure and workings of the criminal justice system of India.
- Get to learn the punishment that is related to each type of crime. This entails identifying which deeds attract a fine, imprisonment, or both and the specified durations of the penalties.
For instance, knowing that ‘murder’ under Section 300 IPC is a ’cognizable’ as well as ‘non-bailable’ offence places you in a position to understand the extent and seriousness of this crime in Indian law.
Also Read: Best Study Plan for CLAT 2025
Important Sections and Provisions to Study for Criminal Law in CLAT PG 2025
When preparing for the exam using Bare Acts, it is essential to focus on certain critical sections and provisions that are often addressed in the exam from Criminal Law subject as mentioned below:
The Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- General Exceptions (Sections 76 to 106): Such sections involve many defences to criminal responsibility such as the act of a child, the act of an insane person, necessity, etc.
- Offences Against the State (Sections 121 to 130): These sections include grave offences like waging war against the Government of India, sedition, etc.
- Offences Relating to Religion (Sections 295 to 298): These provisions are highly significant in light of today’s socio-political environment.
- Offences Affecting Life (Sections 299 to 311): This ranges from murder to culpable homicide, suicide, and much more.
- Criminal Conspiracy (Sections 120A and 120B): The above sections give meaning and penalty for criminal conspiracy.
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
- Maintenance of Wives, Children, and Parents (Section 125): This section enables a quick and effective remedy for neglected persons to seek maintenance.
- Anticipatory Bail (Section 438): This is a very essential clause that gives a person the right to approach the court to seek a bond in preparation for arrest on charges of having committed a bailable offence.
- Powers of Police to Investigate (Sections 154 to 176): These sections give the procedure for the filing of FIRs and the procedure for investigations amongst others.
- Procedure of Trial (Sections 238 to 250): These sections give details on how trials should be done in session courts of law.
The Indian Evidence Act
- Admission and Confession (Sections 17 to 31): These sections concern the role of admission and confession in criminal trials.
- Expert Opinions (Sections 45 to 50): These sections state under which circumstances the opinions of experts can be admissible in a process.
- Character as Corroborative Evidence (Sections 53 to 55): These sections narrate the circumstances under which the character of a person assumes importance.
- Documentary Evidence (Sections 61 to 90): These sections contain provisions relating to the relevance and admissibility of documents.
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FAQs
What are the essential elements of criminal law that candidates must understand for CLAT PG 2025?
As a CLAT PG 2025 aspirant, one has to have a basic understanding of several features of criminal law which includes mens rea (a guilty mind) actus reus (a guilty act) and the difference between murder and culpable homicide. There is also a need to understand bailable/ non-cognizable offences, as well as those that are non-bailable/ cognizable offences.
What is the best approach to studying case summaries for CLAT PG Criminal Law preparation?
While going through case summaries for CLAT PG, one needs to go through the facts, issues, judgement and principles with fine detail. Concentrate on problems and provide examples of cases that define critical issues or set legal standards.
How can mock tests enhance a candidate's readiness for the Criminal Law section of CLAT PG 2025?
Taking mock tests helps in determining strengths, as well as weaknesses, and probably areas that need more attention. They also introduce the candidates to the pattern of the examination and assist in the management of time.
How can students stay updated with recent amendments and developments in Criminal Law?
Commonly refer to legal journals, newspapers and websites to be in touch with recent modifications in the IPC and CrPC in relation to criminal law.
What strategies can be employed to revise key concepts in Criminal Law effectively for CLAT PG 2025?
In order to facilitate the process of revisiting such key concepts, there is a necessity to identify weak spots based on performance in mock tests. It is recommended to solve question papers of the previous years and not merely attempt to mug up provisions or sections.
What specific provisions from the Indian Penal Code should be prioritised in preparation for CLAT PG 2025?
While preparing for CLAT PG 2025, focus on sections concerning culpable homicide, murder, hurt, grievous hurt, force, and criminal conspiracy. It will be beneficial to fully understand the exact words used in the IPC so as to apply the concepts in exams.
How does the Criminal Procedure Code influence the questions asked in CLAT PG?
The Criminal Procedure Code or CrPC has a strong bearing on CLAT PG, as many questions are derived from this act. It is expected that the candidates know the following provisions: anticipatory bail, arrest, search and seizure, trial procedures.
How can understanding landmark cases improve performance in the Criminal Law section of CLAT PG?
Understanding landmark cases like K. D. Gaur v. State (NCT of Delhi) on the ‘common intention’ and R v. Dudley and Stephens on ‘necessity as a defence’ helps in tackling application-based questions in CLAT PG.
Which key topics in Criminal Law should candidates focus on for CLAT PG 2025?
Candidates should master some of these chapters of IPC that include; General Exceptions, Offences against the State, Offences against Public Justice, Offences affecting Life; and Criminal Conspiracy. Other sections that need to be considered are section 300, 304A (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 319-326 (injury and hurt and grievous hurt), 120A-120B (criminal conspiracy).
What is the significance of Criminal Law in the CLAT PG 2025 examination?
Criminal law being an important part of the syllabus, plays a significant role in the CLAT PG 2025 examination. It demands comprehension of legal concepts, prior cases, and the latest changes to the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.