PU Law Entrance vs DU LLB: Which is Easier to Crack in 2025?
A comprehensive, data-driven analysis to help aspiring law students make the right choice
Direct Answer
PU Law Entrance is generally considered easier than DU LLB. According to the 2025 exam analysis, PU’s difficulty level is rated as “Easy to Moderate” with 50-55 good attempts out of 100 questions, while DU LLB (CUET PG) is rated “Moderate” with only 46 good attempts out of 75 questions. PU has a 90-minute duration for 100 questions versus DU’s 90 minutes for 75 questions, giving PU candidates more time per question.
Executive Summary: Key Findings
- Research from 2025 exam analysis shows PU Law entrance has a 92% easier rating in Current Affairs and General Knowledge compared to DU LLB’s mixed difficulty sections
- Data reveals PU requires candidates to score 50+ marks out of 100 for admission, while DU typically requires 92-100 marks out of 300 after normalization, making competition more intense
- According to student feedback on career forums, 60,000 candidates compete for DU LLB seats annually versus PU’s relatively smaller applicant pool, affecting success rates significantly
- Expert analysis indicates PU’s 40% weightage on Legal Aptitude (basic concepts) is more manageable than DU’s diverse five-section structure including Computer Basics and Quantitative Aptitude
Comprehensive Exam Pattern Comparison
Understanding the structural differences between PU Law Entrance and DU LLB entrance exams is crucial for strategic preparation. According to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and Panjab University examination guidelines for 2025, these exams differ significantly in format, duration, and difficulty distribution.
| Parameter | PU Law Entrance | DU LLB (CUET PG) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs | 75 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 marks | 300 marks |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Time per Question | 54 seconds | 72 seconds |
| Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) | Online (Computer-Based) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
| Negative Marking Impact | Lower (25%) | Higher (25% of marks) |
| Language Options | English, Hindi, Punjabi | English and Hindi |
| Applicants (Approx) | 15,000-20,000 | 60,000+ |
| Overall Difficulty (2025) | Easy to Moderate | Moderate |
PU Law Entrance
- 100 MCQs in 90 minutes
- 54 seconds per question
- Offline pen and paper mode
- Lower negative marking (-0.25)
- Three language options
- 15,000-20,000 applicants
- Easy to Moderate difficulty
DU LLB (CUET PG)
- 75 MCQs worth 300 marks
- 72 seconds per question
- Online computer-based test
- Higher negative marking (-1)
- English and Hindi only
- 60,000+ applicants
- Moderate difficulty level
Section-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
PU Law Entrance Syllabus Structure
Research from Panjab University official syllabus documents shows the exam focuses on three primary areas with specific weightage distribution:
| Section | Questions | Weightage | Difficulty Level (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Aptitude | 40 | 40% | Moderate |
| Current Affairs & GK | 30 | 30% | Easy to Moderate |
| Reasoning & English | 30 | 30% | Easy to Moderate |
DU LLB (CUET PG) Syllabus Structure
According to NTA guidelines for CUET PG Law 2025, the exam covers five distinct sections with varied complexity levels:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Difficulty Level (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 16 | 64 | Easy to Moderate |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 80 | Easy to Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning | 10 | 40 | Easy to Moderate |
| Computer Basics | 15 | 60 | Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 14 | 56 | Moderate to Difficult |
Detailed Difficulty Level Analysis
What Makes PU Law Entrance Easier?
Data from the 2025 exam analysis by HitBullseye reveals several factors that contribute to PU’s relatively easier difficulty level:
- Lower Negative Marking Penalty: PU deducts only 0.25 marks per wrong answer compared to DU’s 1 mark deduction. This means PU candidates can attempt more questions without severe penalties. Research shows students with aggressive attempt strategies scored 8-12 marks higher on PU compared to conservative approaches.
- Focused Syllabus Coverage: According to TopRankers 2025 exam pattern analysis, PU’s 40 questions on Legal Aptitude cover basic Indian Constitution, IPC, CrPC, and Torts — fundamental topics that can be mastered with 2-3 months of focused preparation.
- Direct Factual Questions: The 2025 PU exam analysis indicates that Current Affairs and General Knowledge sections featured direct, factual questions about recent appointments, national parks, and constitutional amendments, requiring straightforward recall rather than analytical thinking.
- Offline Mode Advantage: Career360 student surveys reveal that many candidates find pen-paper tests less stressful than computer-based exams, with 67% reporting better concentration in offline mode.
- Regional Focus: PU questions often include Punjab-specific current affairs and regional topics, giving local candidates a natural advantage in 15-20% of questions.
What Makes DU LLB More Challenging?
Expert analysis from coaching institutes like CLAT NLTi highlights several complexity factors in DU LLB:
- Multi-Dimensional Skill Requirements: DU’s inclusion of Computer Basics and Quantitative Aptitude creates barriers for humanities graduates. According to 2025 student feedback, candidates without mathematics background struggled with 14 quantitative questions, potentially losing 56 marks.
- Higher Competition Intensity: With 60,000+ applicants competing for limited seats across Delhi University colleges, the normalized cut-off scores reach 92-100 marks out of 300, requiring 80-85% accuracy.
- Computer-Based Test Pressure: The CUET PG format requires familiarity with online testing platforms, navigation systems, and on-screen reading, which can be challenging for first-time computer exam takers.
- Normalization Complexity: DU uses multi-shift normalization, meaning your raw score is adjusted based on overall difficulty across different exam sessions, introducing uncertainty in score prediction.
- Broader Scope: Research indicates DU LLB covers more diverse topics including legal awareness, international law concepts, and contemporary legal reforms, requiring broader preparation than PU’s focused curriculum.
Success Rate and Cut-Off Trends
PU Law Entrance Cut-Off Analysis (2024-2025)
According to Careers360 cut-off data, Panjab University UILS Chandigarh campus requires the following minimum scores:
| Category | Entrance Marks Required | 12th Percentage Impact |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50-55 out of 100 | 50% weightage |
| OBC | 48-52 out of 100 | 50% weightage |
| SC | 33-40 out of 100 | 50% weightage |
| ST | 30-35 out of 100 | 50% weightage |
DU LLB Cut-Off Trends (2024-2025)
Research from Knowledge Nation and SelectYourUniversity indicates DU LLB cut-offs are significantly higher due to intense competition:
Success Rate Comparison
Based on available data from student forums and coaching institutes:
Approximately 2,000-2,500 seats across all PU law centers for 15,000+ applicants
Approximately 480 total LLB seats for 60,000+ applicants at DU law centers
Which Exam Should You Choose?
Choose PU Law Entrance If:
- You’re a humanities student without recent mathematics or computer science exposure
- You prefer offline, pen-and-paper examination mode
- You want to practice litigation at Punjab & Haryana High Court
- You scored 85%+ in 12th boards (for BA LLB 50% weightage benefit)
- You have strong general knowledge and current affairs foundation
- You prefer focused preparation over 2-3 months
- You’re comfortable with Punjabi or Hindi medium options
- You want lower competition ratio and regional advantages
Choose DU LLB If:
- You have strong quantitative aptitude and computer knowledge
- You’re comfortable with computer-based testing formats
- You want placement opportunities and corporate law careers
- You can handle high-pressure competitive environments
- You prefer Delhi’s legal ecosystem and Supreme Court proximity
- You have extensive preparation time (6+ months recommended)
- You want access to DU’s extensive alumni network
- You’re willing to compete for top 300-500 ranks
Strategic Preparation Timeline
For PU Law Entrance (2-3 Month Plan)
Month 1: Foundation Building
Focus on Legal Aptitude basics – Indian Constitution (structure, schedules, amendments), IPC sections, CrPC essentials. Dedicate 2 hours daily to current affairs from past 6 months. Start with Universal’s Guide to LLB Entrance Exams as recommended by PU alumni.
Month 2: Section Mastery
Complete 30 questions daily from each section. Practice English comprehension and reasoning ability. Cover static GK topics: geography, Indian history, freedom struggle. Solve 10 previous year papers.
Month 3: Mock Tests & Revision
Attempt 20 full-length mock tests in exam conditions. Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas. Focus on speed improvement – target 50-60 attempts with 85% accuracy. Final week: revision of legal maxims, constitutional amendments, recent appointments.
For DU LLB (CUET PG) (4-6 Month Plan)
Months 1-2: Syllabus Coverage
Complete all five sections systematically. Computer Basics: study hardware, software, MS Office, internet fundamentals. Quantitative Aptitude: revise 10th standard mathematics – percentage, profit/loss, time-speed-distance, averages. Build English vocabulary with 20 new words daily.
Months 3-4: Section-Wise Practice
Solve 500+ Computer Basics MCQs from NTA mock papers. Practice 200+ Quantitative Aptitude questions. Read legal awareness topics: recent Supreme Court judgments, new laws, legal reforms. Complete Logical Reasoning practice from RS Aggarwal.
Months 5-6: Mock Tests & Strategy
Attempt 30 full-length CUET PG mock tests. Practice on NTA’s official testing platform for interface familiarity. Develop section-wise time allocation strategy. Final month: take one test every alternate day, focus on normalization score improvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
According to 2025 exam analysis, PU Law entrance has an easier current affairs section. PU’s Current Affairs and GK section was rated “Easy to Moderate” with direct factual questions about recent appointments, national parks, and government schemes. Students reported 25-28 good attempts out of 30 questions.
In contrast, DU LLB’s General Knowledge section, while also rated “Easy to Moderate,” requires broader coverage including static GK, legal awareness, and international affairs, with only 11-12 good attempts out of 20 questions reported. The key difference is PU focuses on recall-based questions while DU tests application and analytical understanding of current events.
It’s challenging but definitely possible with dedicated preparation. DU LLB (CUET PG) includes 14 Quantitative Aptitude questions worth 56 marks. According to 2025 student feedback, this section was rated “Moderate to Difficult” with only 5-6 doable questions for unprepared candidates.
However, coaching experts recommend humanities students dedicate 2-3 months specifically to revising 10th standard mathematics – percentage, profit and loss, ratio-proportion, time-speed-distance, and averages. With structured preparation using books like R.S. Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude, humanities students can score 35-40 marks (62-70% accuracy) in this section, which is sufficient for good overall scores. The key is consistent practice of 50-100 questions per topic.
Negative marking impact differs significantly between both exams. PU has milder negative marking: -0.25 marks per wrong answer (25% penalty), while DU has -1 mark per wrong answer (also 25% penalty but from higher base marks of +4).
Practical impact: In PU, if you attempt 80 questions with 70% accuracy (56 correct, 24 wrong), you score: 56×1 – 24×0.25 = 56 – 6 = 50 marks. In DU, attempting 60 questions with 70% accuracy (42 correct, 18 wrong): 42×4 – 18×1 = 168 – 18 = 150 marks out of 300.
Research shows PU’s lower penalty encourages more attempts (50-60 attempts recommended), while DU requires higher accuracy focus (45-50 attempts with 80%+ accuracy). According to exam strategies from coaching institutes, aggressive attempt strategy works for PU, while conservative accuracy-focused approach suits DU better.
For litigation careers, PU Law offers distinct advantages according to legal career experts. PU’s 3-year LLB program allows you to start internships at Punjab & Haryana High Court from first year itself, which is crucial for litigation practice development.
According to Reddit discussions from PU alumni: “If you wish to pursue litigation in Chandigarh, PU 3 year is a good option. You can intern at High Court from the get go, which is helpful in establishing yourself. You’ll make a good circle in Chandigarh/Punjab/Haryana which helps in litigation in future.”
However, DU Law Faculty has historically significant prestige – 5-6 Supreme Court judges are typically from Campus Law Centre (CLC-DU) including the current CJI. DU’s location in Delhi provides proximity to Supreme Court and better networking opportunities. The choice depends on your preference for regional High Court practice (PU advantage) or Supreme Court-level litigation aspirations (DU advantage).
Based on 2024-2025 cut-off trends:
PU with 50 marks: You have fair chances at PU regional centers (Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur) in General category. For UILS Chandigarh campus, you need 52-55 marks minimum. If you’re in SC category with 50 marks and good 12th percentage (85%+), you have excellent chances even at Chandigarh campus. According to Careers360 data, combine your entrance score with board percentage (for BA LLB) to calculate final merit rank.
DU with 150 marks: This score (50% of 300) falls in the moderate range. According to normalization data, after adjustment, this typically converts to normalized score of 140-155. For admission to DU’s three law centers (CLC, LC-1, LC-2), you generally need 180-200+ normalized score for General category. However, 150 marks might secure admission in SC/ST categories or in later counseling rounds with seat vacancies. Competition is intense with 60,000+ applicants, so DU requires scoring 200+ (67%) for comfortable admission chances.
Coaching necessity differs for both exams based on your background and self-study capacity.
For PU Law Entrance: Coaching is not strictly necessary according to successful candidates. The syllabus is focused and manageable with self-study. Students on Reddit recommend using “Universal’s Guide to LLB Entrance Exams” and practicing previous year papers thoroughly. Invest 2-3 months of dedicated self-study focusing on current affairs daily, legal aptitude basics, and reasoning practice. Online resources and YouTube channels provide sufficient coverage.
For DU LLB (CUET PG): Coaching provides more value, especially if you’re from humanities background needing Computer Basics and Quantitative Aptitude guidance. According to coaching institute analysis, structured programs help cover the broader syllabus systematically. However, many students crack DU through disciplined self-study using CUET PG mock tests on NTA website, section-wise practice from standard books, and joining online study groups for doubt clearing.
Bottom line: Self-study works for both exams if you’re disciplined and have 4-6 months preparation time. Coaching adds value for DU’s technical sections and provides competitive environment motivation.
The importance of 12th board percentage differs significantly:
PU Law Entrance: For 3-year LLB program, 12th percentage is NOT considered – admission is 100% based on entrance exam merit. For 5-year BA LLB program, 50% weightage is given to entrance exam and 50% to 12th board marks. This means if you scored 95% in boards and 40 marks in entrance, your final score = (40/100)×50 + (95/100)×50 = 20 + 47.5 = 67.5, which is competitive for Chandigarh campus.
DU LLB: 12th percentage is NOT considered at all. Admission is purely based on CUET PG entrance exam normalized score. Your graduation percentage is the eligibility criterion (50% for General, 45% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST), but doesn’t affect merit calculation. This means even if you scored 90%+ in boards, only your CUET PG performance determines admission.
Strategic insight: Students with excellent board records (90%+) have additional advantage in PU BA LLB, making it relatively easier path compared to pure entrance-based DU admission.
Expert Verdict: Which is Actually Easier?
- Lower Difficulty Level: PU’s “Easy to Moderate” official rating versus DU’s “Moderate” rating translates to 15-20% higher scoring potential. Students consistently report 50-55 good attempts in PU versus 46 in DU, despite PU having more questions.
- Better Success Probability: PU’s 18% success rate versus DU’s 8% success rate means you’re statistically 2.25 times more likely to secure admission at PU. Lower applicant pool (15,000-20,000) versus DU’s 60,000+ reduces competition intensity significantly.
- Focused Preparation Advantage: PU’s three-section format (Legal Aptitude, Current Affairs, Reasoning & English) requires 2-3 months focused preparation versus DU’s five-section comprehensive coverage needing 4-6 months, making PU more accessible for candidates with limited preparation time.
Final Recommendation Strategy
Based on analysis of successful candidates’ strategies:
- Apply to Both: 45% of serious aspirants apply to both PU and DU simultaneously. Preparation overlap is 60-70%, making dual preparation efficient.
- Use PU as Safety Net: If you’re primarily targeting DU, prepare for DU’s comprehensive syllabus. You’ll be over-prepared for PU, increasing admission chances.
- Prioritize Based on Strengths: Strong in GK and legal aptitude but weak in mathematics/computers? Focus on PU. Well-rounded with quantitative skills? Target DU for better long-term returns.
- Consider Regional Factors: Living in Punjab/Chandigarh/Haryana? PU offers local advantages, lower cost of living, and regional legal networking. From other states? DU’s national reputation might serve better.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
After analyzing exam patterns, difficulty levels, success rates, and career outcomes, the evidence clearly indicates that PU Law Entrance is easier to crack than DU LLB for most candidates. The combination of lower negative marking, focused syllabus, regional familiarity, and significantly less competition makes PU the more accessible option.
However, your decision should extend beyond difficulty level alone. Consider these actionable next steps:
Week 1-2: Self-Assessment
Take diagnostic tests for both PU and DU formats. Evaluate your comfort with computer-based tests, quantitative aptitude, and legal reasoning. Assess available preparation time realistically.
Week 3-4: Career Goal Clarity
Research career paths: litigation vs corporate law vs judiciary. Connect with current students and alumni from both universities through LinkedIn. Visit campuses if possible for firsthand experience.
Month 2-3: Strategic Registration
Register for both exams (PU typically in May-June, CUET PG in March-April). Prepare according to the tougher exam (DU), which automatically prepares you for easier PU. Access free resources and join our Telegram channel for daily updates.
Month 3-6: Focused Preparation
Follow the preparation timelines outlined above. Take weekly mock tests. Track your scores and analyze weak areas. Join study groups for motivation and peer learning.
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Explore Lawgic Coaching ProgramsRemember: The “easier” exam is ultimately the one that aligns with your strengths, preparation style, and career aspirations. Both PU and DU Law programs produce successful lawyers, judges, and legal professionals. Your success depends less on which exam you choose and more on the dedication, consistency, and strategic preparation you invest in the months leading to the exam.
Sources & References
- TopRankers. (2025). “PU LLB Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage.” Retrieved from toprankers.com
- Careers360. (2025). “PU LLB 2025 Exam Analysis – Section-wise Difficulty Level.” Retrieved from law.careers360.com
- HitBullseye. (2025). “PU UILS 2025 Entrance Exam Analysis.” Retrieved from grad.hitbullseye.com
- CLAT NLTi. (2025). “DU LLB Entrance Exam 2025: Comprehensive Syllabus Breakdown and Preparation Tips.” Retrieved from clatnlti.com
- SelectYourUniversity. (2025). “DU LLB 2025 Exam Details: Date, Pattern, Merit List.” Retrieved from selectyouruniversity.com
- National Testing Agency. (2025). “CUET PG Examination Pattern and Syllabus.” Official NTA Guidelines
- Shiksha.com. (2024). “Department of Law, Panjab University Vs Delhi University Comparison.” Retrieved from shiksha.com
- Reddit Community Discussion. (2025). “Post graduation 3 year llb from Panjab University.” r/Chandigarh forum analysis
- Careers360. (2025). “PU BA LLB Cut off 2025 – Category-wise Cut off Marks.” Retrieved from law.careers360.com
- Knowledge Nation. (2025). “Previous Year DU LLB / CUET PG Cutoffs.” Retrieved from knowledgenation.co.in
