SLAT Test 1 vs Test 2 is the question every Symbiosis Law School applicant faces this December. You can sit one test or both, and the higher score counts. This guide is for Class 12 students and their parents. It explains how the rule works, what it costs, when taking both makes sense, and the laws and rules behind the exam, in plain language.
SLAT 2027 at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | 4 December 2026 |
| Test 1 | 19 December 2026 |
| Test 2 | 26 December 2026 |
| Format | Online, 60 questions, 60 minutes, no negative marking |
| Sections | Logical, Legal and Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, General Knowledge (12 questions each) |
| Result | 12 January 2027 (expected) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 with 45% (40% for SC/ST), as reported |
How the SLAT Best Score Rule Works
- You choose Test 1, Test 2 or both while registering.
- Each test has its own fee, and every programme you want has a programme fee (reported at ₹1,000). You must pay both to be considered.
- If you sit both, the higher score is used. It is not an average, so a poor first attempt does not hurt you. One source says scores are not normalised, meaning no adjustment is made for difficulty.
- Your score is scaled to 70 marks. The Personal Interaction (PI), an interview round, carries 30 marks. Each Symbiosis Law School publishes its own merit list.
Should You Take Both Tests?
| Your situation | Suggested choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First attempt, still preparing | Both | Test 1 is a real-exam rehearsal |
| Strong, consistent mock scores | Both for safety, or one | A second chance costs little |
| Tight budget | One, preferably Test 2 | A week of extra preparation, but no retake |
| Date clash with another exam | Whichever fits | Do not miss both |
| Targeting SLS Pune or Noida | Both | Cut-offs are more competitive |
Both tests cost about ₹5,100 in test fees (2 x ₹2,550), plus the programme fee for each programme you apply to.
A Simple Two-Test Strategy
Test 1 (19 Dec) → Review mistakes by section → Fix weak areas for a week → Test 2 (26 Dec) → Best score counts
Legal and Regulatory Framework
| Source | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Advocates Act, 1961, Sections 7(1)(h) and 49(1)(d) | The Bar Council of India (BCI) promotes legal education and sets standards for law degrees |
| BCI Rules of Legal Education, 2008 | Set Class 12 eligibility conditions for five-year LLB courses |
| University Grants Commission Act, 1956, Section 3 | Lets institutions be declared deemed universities, which can run their own admission tests |
| Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 | Governs how your application data is handled; being phased in |
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Sections 318 and 319 | Cheating, and cheating by personation (someone else sitting for you), are criminal offences |
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 mainly covers central recruitment and national exams, so SLAT is probably outside it. Check whether it applies.
Your obligation is to give accurate information and follow exam rules. Your right is a fair process. Fees are generally non-refundable. If something goes wrong, write to the university’s helpdesk or grievance cell first. Serious disputes may need a lawyer.
FAQs
Yes. Choose both while registering and pay the fee for each.
Not necessarily. Each test has its own paper, and difficulty can differ.
No. Only the higher score is considered.
No, so attempt every question.
Possibly not. Plan your choice before 4 December and check the portal.
Continue the SLAT 2027 series
