CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

CLAT 2026

CLAT 2026 notification will be available in the month of July 2025 following with the online application submissions starting in the month of July/August 2025. The last date for the submission of online CLAT 2026 application form will be available till October/ November 2025. Additionally, candidates will be provided with correction window where they will be able to make corrections in their CLAT 2026 application form. This correction window will be open in the month of October 2025. The CLAT exam will be conducted on 7th December or 14th December 2025 although the official dates are yet to be released by the authorities.

The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a very popular national – level entrance exam for pursuing Law in higher studies. This exam is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, which is responsible for organizing the exam each year. The CLAT exam is very crucial for those candidates who aspire to purse Law in Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees. There 24 prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) that accepts CLAT scores during admission in their institutes. The CLAT 2026 exam will assess a candidate’s abilities under several categories such as proficiency in English language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.

CLAT 2026 will serve as a gateway for candidates aspiring to pursue their career in the Legal field. There are thousands of candidates who register themselves annually for CLAT. This exam follows an offline mode with 120 multiple-choice based questions. Each of the sections in the question paper is set to evaluate a broad spectrum of skills that are essential for legal studies. Hence, CLAT is also considered to be one of the most challenging and comprehensive exam for young Law aspirants. However, candidates are advised to ensure their eligibility criteria before proceeding with CLAT 2026 application process. For further details, candidates may continue reading the following article.

CLAT 2026 – Key Highlights

Basic Information on CLAT

The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a national-level, centralized entrance exam conducted annually in India. The CLAT exam is meant for admission to undergraduate (5-year integrated LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) law programs at 24 prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) and several other participating institutions. Managed by the Consortium of NLUs, CLAT serves as a key gateway for aspiring Law students, offering them a standardized and transparent selection process. The CLAT exam tests candidates in key areas such as English language, current affairs, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of their aptitude for legal education. Besides admission into top NLUs, CLAT scores are also accepted by many private law colleges, and CLAT PG scores are recognized for recruitment in several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India. The CLAT exam is conducted once a year, in offline mode, and is known for its competitive nature and wide acceptance among legal education institutions in India.

CLAT 2026 Important Dates

CLAT 2026 Exam Highlights

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria will ensure that candidates meet specific academic and category-based requirements to qualify for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. For undergraduate (UG) admission, the CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria want its candidates to have qualified the 10+2 (Senior Secondary) examination or an equivalent recognized qualification with a minimum aggregate score of 45% for General/OBC/PwD/ NRI/ PIO/ OCI candidates and 40% for SC/ST candidates. For postgraduate (PG) admission, the CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria requires candidates to hold an LL.B. degree from a recognized university with minimum marks of 50% for General/OBC/PwD/ NRI/PIO/ OCI and 45% for SC/ST candidates, with no age restrictions.

• UG Eligibility:Passed 10+2 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).
• PG Eligibility:Completed LL.B. with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
• No Upper Age Limit:Candidates of any age can apply.
• Candidates appearing in qualifying exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply with proof of qualification at admission.

Read more about-eligibility criteria

CLAT 2026 Application Form

The CLAT 2026 application form will be available exclusively online through the official website of the Consortium of NLUs (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) from 1st August 2025 to 31st October 2025. Candidates must first register with their email and mobile number, create a password, and then accurately fill in their personal, academic, and category details. Uploading required documents—such as photographs, signatures, and certificates—in specified formats is mandatory. Payment of the non-refundable application fee is to be made online before final submission. Careful review of all information is recommended, as the Consortium typically allows only a short correction window after the initial submission. Only CLAT 2026 application form completed and submitted as per guidelines will be considered for admit card issuance and exam participation.  

Steps to Apply for CLAT 2026

Online Mode

• Candidates must go to the CLAT Consortium's official website – consortiumofnlus.ac.in to begin the application process.
• Candidates need to first create an account by entering their name, mobile number, email ID, and setting a password. This will generate a unique applicant account.
• Candidates will then have to use the registered credentials to log in and access the application form.
• Candidates need to choose the desired program (5-year LLB or 1-year LLM) before proceeding further.
• Candidates need to proceed the application by providing personal information, communication details, qualifying examination status, and academic records accurately.
• Candidates can choose up to three exam centres in order of preference.
• In the next step, candidates will have to upload scanned copies of their recent passport-size photograph (max 500 KB), signature (max 100 KB), and state domicile certificate (max 2 MB), as per specified formats.
• From CLAT 2026 onwards, it is mandatory for candidates to list their preferences for National Law Universities (NLUs) at the time of application. Only the NLUs listed will be considered during seat allocation.
• Candidates are recommended to carefully review all entered details and uploaded documents and make corrections if necessary before final submission.
• Candidates need to pay as per the category-specific application fee online using credit/debit card or net banking. An additional fee is charged if opting for previous years' question papers.
• Candidates after submitting their application form are required to keep a print/Xerox of the application form for their future references.

Read More About-application process

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CLAT 2026 exam pattern will consist of a total of 120 multiple-choice questions spread across five sections. The CLAT 2026 exam pattern will include English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques in the five sections. The CLAT 2026 exam will be conducted offline in pen-and-paper mode for a duration of 2 hours (120 minutes). The question paper for CLAT 2026 exam will be entirely comprehension-based, with passage-driven MCQs designed to test candidates' reading, analytical, and reasoning skills.

CLAT 2026 Syllabus

The CLAT 2026 syllabus is designed to test a candidate's aptitude across five key sections: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Each section in the CLAT 2026 syllabus features passage-based multiple-choice questions that assess comprehension, analytical skills, and subject-specific knowledge. The CLAT 2026 syllabus ensures a balanced evaluation of candidates' legal aptitude, general awareness, and reasoning abilities.

Read more- about-Syllabus

CLAT 2026 – Preparation Tips

Effective preparation for CLAT 2026 hinges on a well-structured approach that covers all five sections: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Candidates should build strong reading habits by regularly engaging with newspapers and legal literature to improve comprehension and vocabulary. Regular practice of previous year question papers and mock tests will help candidates in time management and accuracy. Candidates need to learn in balancing speed and precision, especially in reasoning and legal aptitude, alongside staying updated with current affairs, are key strategies for success.

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CLAT 2026 Admit Card

The CLAT 2026 admit cards will be released online, typically in the third week of November 2025, through the official Consortium of NLUs website. Candidates must log in using their registered credentials to download the admit card. The CLAT 2026 admit card is mandatory for appearing in the exam and contains important details such as exam date, time, venue, and candidate information. Candidates are advised to verify all details on the admit card carefully and report discrepancies to the authorities immediately. It is important to carry the printed admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center on the day of the test.

CLAT 2026 – Cut Offs

CLAT 2026 cut offs will represent the minimum scores required for admission into various National Law Universities, varying by category and institution. For general category candidates aiming for top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, the expected cut off ranges between 85 and 95 marks out of 120, while reserved categories can expect lower cut offs. Cut offs depend on factors such as exam difficulty, number of candidates, seat availability, and reservation policies. The CLAT 2026 cut offs will determine eligibility for seat allotment during counselling and are published after the results declaration.

 Read more about-cut off

CLAT 2026 Results

CLAT 2026 results will be announced by the Consortium of National Law Universities in December 2025 or January 2026, after the CLAT 2026 exam is conducted on 7th December or 14th December 2025. Candidates will be provided with answer keys in December 2025. However, candidates will not be able to challenge those answer keys unlike other competitive exams. Candidates can check their scorecards by logging in with their application number and password. The CLAT 2026 result will include the total score, section-wise marks, All India Rank (AIR), category rank, and qualifying status for counselling. The CLAT results are usually based on the final answer key after a window for objections. Timely checking of results is critical for participating in subsequent counselling and seat allocation processes.

CLAT 2026 Counselling

The CLAT 2026 counselling process is an online, centralized seat allotment conducted by the Consortium of NLUs. The counselling will start shortly after result declaration in December 2025. Qualified candidates must register, pay a counselling fee, and submit their NLU preferences. The CLAT 2026 counselling process generally includes three rounds of seat allotment, where candidates can choose to freeze their seat, float for a better option, or exit counselling. Seat allotment will be based on rank, category, and preference order. Document verification and fee payment confirm admission. Adhering to the CLAT 2026 counselling timelines and procedures is crucial for successful enrolment for every candidate.  

 Read more about- counselling

CLAT 2026 Instructions

1. Candidates should upload their photograph and signature with the preferred size in the portal which should be clearly visible.
2. Candidates need to carry their admit card/hall ticket to the exam centre. Candidates will be prohibited from entering the exam hall without this document.
3. Candidates will also be required to carry a valid ID proof such as – Voter ID Card/ Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card/ Driving License, etc.
4. It is advisable for all candidates to enter the designated exam hall before time for a smooth security process before the beginning of exam.
5. Any candidate violating the rules will be strictly dealt as per the norms of the exam centre.
6. Any candidate pursuing any unfair means in the exam hall will be dealt with as per the rules and regulations of the test centre.

FAQs

Q1. What is the mode and duration of the CLAT 2026 exam?

Ans. CLAT 2026 will be conducted offline in a pen-and-paper mode. The exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes), during which candidates must attempt 120 multiple-choice questions spread across five sections.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for appearing in CLAT 2026?

Ans. For undergraduate admission, candidates must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent exam with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). For postgraduate admission, candidates should hold an LL.B. degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). There is no upper age limit for either exam. Candidates appearing for their qualifying exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.

Q3. How is the CLAT 2026 marking scheme structured?

Ans. Each correct answer awards +1 mark while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 0.25 marks. No marks are subtracted for unattempted questions. This negative marking makes accuracy important in overall scoring.

Q4. What subjects are included in the CLAT 2026 syllabus?

Ans. The exam tests five main areas: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. All questions are passage-based multiple-choice designed to assess comprehension and analytical skills.

Q5. When and where will CLAT 2026 results be declared?

Ans. The CLAT 2026 results are expected to be declared in the third week of December 2025 on the official Consortium of NLUs website (consortiumofnlus.ac.in). Candidates can download their scorecards and check their All India Rank and category rank online.