CLAT Exam 2026: The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually for admission to undergraduate (LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) law programs offered by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) and other participating institutions across India. Recognized as one of the most crucial exams for law aspirants, CLAT opens doors to top law schools and legal careers.
The CLAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 7 December 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM, in offline (pen-and-paper) mode. The registration process began on 1 August 2025 and will continue until 31 October 2025. Candidates must visit the official website http://www.consortiumofnlus.ac.in to check the syllabus, eligibility criteria, application steps, and counselling schedule.
CLAT scores are accepted not only by NLUs but also by several private law colleges and even public sector undertakings (PSUs) for recruitment. After results are declared, shortlisted candidates participate in a centralized counselling process to select their preferred college and law program.
CLAT Exam 2026 Latest Update
- The registration process is already ongoing for CLAT Exam 2026, with the last date of submission of the form being 31 October 2025 for the current academic session.
CLAT Exam 2026 Key Highlights
| Features | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test – Undergraduate (CLAT UG) |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) |
| Exam Level | National-level Entrance Exam |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Eligibility | Class 12 or equivalent with minimum 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) |
| Application Last Date | 31 October 2025 |
| Exam Date | 7 December 2025 |
| Subjects Covered | English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for wrong answer |
| Participating Institutes | 24 NLUs and other affiliated colleges |
| Official Web portal | http://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2026/ |
CLAT Exam 2026
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most important entrance exams for students aspiring to study law in India. It is conducted once a year, usually in December, by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). This exam provides admission to top NLUs for Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) law programs. The CLAT question paper covers subjects such as English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. For UG courses, students who have completed Class 12 or are in their final year can apply, while for PG courses, candidates must hold an LL.B degree.
The exam helps students start a career in law, such as becoming a lawyer, judge, or working in legal departments of organizations. The CLAT registration fee is INR 4000 for General/OBC/PwD/NRI candidates and INR 3500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates. To appear for the exam, applicants must complete the online registration, fill in the required details, upload documents, and pay the fee before the last date.
CLAT Exam 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
| Start of Online Registration | 1 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Application Form | 31 October 2025 |
| Release of CLAT 2026 Admit Card | November 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | 7 December 2025 |
| CLAT Answer Key 2026 | To be announced |
| Declaration of CLAT 2026 Result | To be announced |
| Commencement of Counselling | To be announced |
CLAT Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should review the CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria thoroughly before completing the application form to ensure they meet all the requirements. Students who are appearing for their qualifying examination in March or April 2026 are also eligible to apply. However, they must provide proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission. Failure to submit this proof will result in the cancellation of their admission eligibility. The key points of the CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria are outlined below:
- There is no upper age limit for candidates applying to the UG Programme of CLAT 2026.
- Applicants must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with at least 45% marks, or an equivalent grade.
- For candidates belonging to SC, ST, or PwD categories, the minimum required marks are 40% or an equivalent grade.
CLAT 2026 Application Form
The CLAT 2026 application form is available online through the official website of the Consortium of National Law Universities, which is the body responsible for conducting the exam. The registration process began on 1 August 2025 and will remain open until 31 October 2025. To start, candidates must create a login account by registering with a valid email ID and mobile number.
After successful registration, they can access the application form and fill in details such as personal information, academic qualifications, communication address, and category information. Applicants are also required to upload scanned copies of their passport-size photograph, signature, and supporting documents like caste certificate, PwD certificate, or domicile certificate if applicable, following the prescribed format and size.
The application fee is INR 4000 for General/OBC/PwD/NRI candidates and INR 3500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates, payable online via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. Before final submission, candidates must carefully review the form to avoid mistakes, as incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected. Once submitted, it is advisable to download and print the filled application form and payment receipt for future reference, such as during admit card download or counselling.
How to Apply for the CLAT Exam 2026?
Step 1: Visit the official CLAT website to begin the online registration.
Step 2: Click on the “New Registration” link to start the application process for CLAT UG 2025.
Step 3: Carefully read the official notification and instructions provided on the website before filling out the form.
Step 4: Register by entering your personal details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and captcha code.
Step 5: After successful registration, you will receive your User ID and password on your registered email and mobile number.
Step 6: Log in to the portal using these credentials to access your application dashboard.
Step 7: Fill in all required sections, including personal information, academic qualifications, category details, and other necessary information.
Step 8: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and category or PwD certificates (if applicable) as per the specified format.
Step 9: Pay the application fee online using debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
Step 10: Review all the entered information using the “Preview” option before final submission.
Step 11: Click on “Final Submit” to complete the application process.
Step 12: Download and print the confirmation page for future reference, such as admit card download or counselling.
Documents Required
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Class 12 mark sheet and certificate (if available)
- Transfer or migration certificate (if applicable)
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applying under a reserved category
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (if required by the applied NLU)
- Photo identity proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License)
- Recent passport-size photograph (as per the given format)
- Scanned signature (as per the given format)
- NRI/NRI Sponsored/Foreign National category certificate (if applicable)
CLAT 2026 Admit Card
The CLAT 2026 admit card will be issued online on the official website of the Consortium of National Law Universities. Only candidates who have completed the registration and paid the application fee will be able to download it. To access the admit card, candidates must log in using their registered email ID and password. The document will include important details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, photograph, signature, exam date, time, and the exact address of the exam centre. It will also contain a set of exam-day instructions regarding reporting time, items allowed inside the hall, and behaviour guidelines.
Candidates must carefully verify all the details printed on the admit card, and in case of any discrepancies, they should contact the CLAT helpdesk immediately for corrections. The admit card is a compulsory document for entry to the examination hall and must be presented along with a valid photo ID proof like an Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or driving license. Without it, entry will be denied. Students should print multiple copies and keep them safe, as the admit card may also be required during counselling and admission processes.
CLAT 2026 Syllabus
CLAT 2026 syllabus covers subjects that test a student’s reading, reasoning, and legal skills. It includes English language, current affairs with general knowledge, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques (basic math). The exam focuses on comprehension, problem-solving, and analytical ability rather than rote learning. Passages are given in English, followed by questions to check understanding and application. Students should focus on improving reading speed, grammar, logical thinking, and awareness of legal and current events to prepare well for the exam.
| English Language | Current Affairs | Legal Reasoning |
| Reading comprehension | General Knowledge | Legal Principles |
| Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms) | Legal Awareness | Logical Reasoning |
| Grammar | Current events related to law | Legal Reasoning Questions |
| Sentence Formation | Arts and culture | Analysis of Situations |
| Verbal Reasoning | Contemporary developments in politics, law, and economy | Awareness of current legal issues |
| Inference and meaning from context | National and international events | Legal facts and terms |
| Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Techniques |
| Logical sequences and patterns | Basic arithmetic (percentage, ratio, proportion) |
| Analogies and syllogisms | Algebra and mensuration |
| Critical reasoning and arguments | Data interpretation from graphs and tables |
| Puzzles and arrangements | Basic statistical estimation |
| Series | Ratio |
| Deductive Reasoning | Time, Speed & Distance |
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CLAT 2025 exam will be held in offline mode as a pen-and-paper test and will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions. These questions will be spread across five sections such as English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Each correct answer will be awarded 1 mark, and for every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted as negative marking.
The exam will have a total duration of 2 hours, during which candidates need to manage their time efficiently to attempt all sections. The questions will test reading skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. This pattern is designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for studying law at the undergraduate level.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Topic Covered |
| English Language | 28-32 | 28-32 | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar |
| Current Affairs | 35-39 | 35-39 | General Knowledge, Current Events, Legal GK |
| Legal Reasoning | 35-39 | 35-39 | Legal Principles, Logical Reasoning |
| Logical Reasoning | 28-32 | 28-32 | Critical Thinking, Patterns, Analytical Reasoning |
| Quantitative Technique | 13-17 | 13-17 | Data Interpretation, Basic Arithmetic, Statistics |
CLAT 2026 Preparation Tips
To prepare well for CLAT 2026, students should make a proper study plan and follow it every day. Reading newspapers and magazines daily will help in improving current affairs and vocabulary. Regular practice of comprehension passages, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques is very important. Students should solve previous year papers and sample tests to understand the type of questions asked in the exam.
Mock tests should be taken weekly to improve speed and accuracy. Time management is very important, so students must practice completing questions within the given time. Making short notes for quick revision will also be helpful before the exam. Students should revise important topics again and again to strengthen their memory. They should stay healthy, sleep well, and keep a positive attitude during preparation. With hard work and discipline, students can perform well in CLAT 2026.
CLAT 2026 Answer Key
The CLAT 2026 Answer Key is an important document for all candidates who appear in the exam. It is usually released by the Consortium of National Law Universities on the official website after the exam is conducted. The answer key helps students check the correct answers of the questions asked in the test. With the help of the answer key, students can compare their responses and calculate their expected score before the official result is announced. This gives them an idea of their performance in the exam.
The answer key is first released in a provisional form, where students are allowed to raise objections if they find any mistake in the given answers. Candidates need to submit proof while challenging an answer. After reviewing all the objections, the final answer key is published by the authority. The final answer key is considered correct and is used to prepare the result. Checking the CLAT 2026 Answer Key helps students understand their chances of getting admission in their preferred law university. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to download the CLAT 2026 Answer Key:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Consortium of National Law Universities.
Step 2: On the homepage, click on the link for CLAT 2026 Answer Key.
Step 3: Login using your registered mobile number and password.
Step 4: After logging in, the answer key will be displayed on the screen.
Step 5: Download the answer key and save it on your device.
Step 6: Compare the answers given in the key with your own responses.
Step 7: If you find any mistake, you can raise an objection within the given time.
CLAT Exam 2026 Result
The CLAT 2026 Result is a very important document for students who appear in the exam. The result is declared by the Consortium of National Law Universities on its official website. Students can check their result by logging in with their registered mobile number and password. The result shows the candidate’s score, rank, and other important details. With the help of the result, students can know their performance in the exam and their chances of admission into national law universities. The result is prepared on the basis of the final answer key, so there is no chance of error in the marks given.
After the declaration of the result, a merit list is also published, which shows the ranks of candidates according to their scores. This merit list plays an important role in the counseling process. Students with higher ranks get better chances to secure seats in top law universities. It is advised that candidates download and take a printout of the CLAT 2026 Result for future use during counseling and admission.
CLAT 2026 Cutoff
The CLAT 2026 Cutoff is the minimum score or rank that a candidate needs to secure admission into different National Law Universities. After the declaration of the result, the Consortium of National Law Universities will release the cutoff marks for each participating university. The cutoff is different for every category such as General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS. It also varies from one university to another depending on the number of seats available, the difficulty level of the exam, and the total number of candidates who appeared. Students who score equal to or above the cutoff will be eligible to participate in the counseling process.
The cutoff is usually released in the form of opening and closing ranks for each law university. By checking the cutoff, students can get an idea about their chances of getting admission into their preferred college. Previous year cutoffs also help students understand the trend and prepare accordingly. Candidates should aim to score higher than the expected cutoff to increase their chances of admission into top law universities through CLAT 2026.
| NLU | Expected CLAT Cutoff |
| Top 3 NLU | 90+ |
| Top 10 NLU | 87+ |
| At least 1 NLU | 85+ |
CLAT 2026 Counselling Process
The CLAT 2026 Counselling Process will begin after the results and cutoff are announced. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities in online mode. Students who qualify the exam and meet the cutoff are invited to take part in counselling. The process includes registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and admission confirmation. First, students need to register on the official website and pay the counselling fee. After this, they can choose their preferred law universities in order of priority.
Based on the rank, category, and availability of seats, candidates are allotted seats in different rounds. If a student is happy with the allotted seat, they can accept it and pay the admission fee. If they want a better option, they can apply for an upgrade in the next round. The counselling is held in several rounds until all the seats are filled. It is very important for candidates to keep all documents ready for verification. The CLAT 2026 Counselling Process ensures fair admission into National Law Universities across India.
Frequently asked Question Related to CLAT Exam 2026
Q1. What is the CLAT 2026 notification?
Ans: The CLAT 2026 notification is an official announcement released by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) that provides details about the exam, including registration dates, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and important instructions for applicants.
Q2. What topics are included in the CLAT 2026 syllabus?
Ans: The CLAT 2026 syllabus covers sections like English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. It helps students prepare for both undergraduate (CLAT UG) and postgraduate (CLAT PG) law programs.
Q3. When is the CLAT 2026 registration last date?
Ans: The CLAT 2026 registration last date will be announced in the official notification. Students are advised to complete their online registration before the deadline to avoid missing the opportunity.
Q4. When will the CLAT 2026 exam be conducted?
Ans: The CLAT 2026 exam date will be mentioned in the official notification released by the Consortium of NLUs. It is usually held in May or June, and the exact date will be confirmed online.
Q5. Which books are recommended for CLAT 2026 preparation?
Ans: Some of the CLAT 2026 books recommended for preparation include Universal’s Guide to CLAT & LL.B. Entrance Exams, Arihant’s CLAT Guide, and Legal Awareness & Legal Reasoning by A. P. Bhardwaj. These books cover key topics from the syllabus and provide practice questions.
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