There have been many press releases by NLAT authorities over the past few days. For your convenience we have summarized the main points below:
Press Release Dated 4th September
● Preparations for CLAT 2020 started in November 2019. Consortium being based out of NLSIU, CLAT Secretariat and NLSIU played a key role in conceptualizing the new exam pattern. The team played a key role in developing sample questions and study modules. NLSIU provided extensive technological, logistical and administrative support and will continue to do so for smooth functioning of CLAT.
● CLAT was repeatedly postponed five times because of the COVID pandemic. The last date finalised for CLAT was 28th September which was too late for NLSIU as it follows a trimester system. If they could not finalise the admissions by the end of September it would result in a Zero year.
● To avoid a zero year, NLSIU came up with NLAT, a home based computer test, capped at a nominal fee of Rs 150/-, and testing on the same subjects as CLAT. To ensure integrity of NLAT, a combination of technological, artificial intelligence proctoring and human proctoring would be put in use. NLSIU is committed to holding a fair, accessible and safe admission process.
Read the full Press Release here
Press Release Dated 6th September
● NLSIU had on several occasions provided options for conduct of CLAT 2020 to the Consortium. The options were (1) Carving out exceptions to NLUs to conduct their own entrance test (2) allowing CLAT to be conducted in 2 or more series (3) Allowing for individual NLUs to conduct an examination, permitting CLAT-enrolled candidates to appear for a separate examination without any registration. Consortium rejected these options. The decision to postpone CLAT from 7th to 28th September, was not taken unanimously, therefore NLSIU had no option but to introduce NLAT to avoid a Zero Year.
● On 4th September, the consortium requested NLSIU to reconsider its decision stating that is violative of Clause 15.3.3 of the Consortium Bye-Laws and if NLSIU were to stick to its decision, it would be removed from the Consortium. NLSIU responded stating that under MOA and bye-laws the General Body had no legal authority to remove NLSIU from the Consortium. On 5th September, the Consortium held a meeting that the Vice Chancellor of NLSIU was in derogation of the Bye-Laws and the Objectives of the Consortium. This press release has not yet been formally received by NLSIU.
● The faculty and executive committee of NLSIU unanimously resolved and authorized the University, and the Vice Chancellor to conduct the NLAT due to the repeated postponement of CLAT. NLSIU affirms that the University, and its Vice Chancellor, have not violated the Consortium Bye-Laws. They have not acted in any manner that gives rise to any potential for a conflict of interest and therefore claims made by the Consortium in its Press Release dated 6th September have no legal basis. However, given the statements of the Consortium in its Press Release, NLSIU, and its Vice Chancellor, have no alternative but to completely disassociate from CLAT 2020.
● NLSIU confirms that it is fully committed to delivering NLAT 2020 on time and in a student friendly manner.
Read the full Press Release here
Instructions for persons with disabilities appearing for NLAT
NLSIU has released certain instructions for people with disabilities who wish to appear for the NLAT exam.
● PWD candidates with visual impairment, cerebral palsy and locomotor disability (Both Arms affected) are entitled to avail services of a scribe.
● PWD candidates with other types of benchmark disabilities are also eligible for a scribe provided they submit requisite medical certificates as instructed under Appendix 1
● Candidates will have to choose their own scribe who should be at least Class 10th pass and his maximum educational qualification should not exceed the candidate’s own qualifications. Candidates should submit a Letter of Intent as instructed under Appendix 2.
● All candidates must fill in the necessary fields in the ‘Reservations Tab’ of their Application Form and upload it into Admissions Portal.
● All PWD candidates with benchmark disabilities shall be provided additional time of 15 minutes to complete the NLAT. This includes PWD candidates who avail the services of a scribe.
Also read
Technical requirements for NLSIU’s NLAT exam to be held on 12th September