CLAT exam 2026 – Complete guide to registration, syllabus, pattern, result & counselling

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Overview
Exam date
Exam centres
UG Syllabus
PG Syllabus
Preparation
counselling
Cut-off
Admit card
Mock test
Application form
Exam pattern
Eligibility criteria
Previous question papers
Results


On this page

Overview

Highlights at a glance

CLAT UG and PG 2026 exam dates

Eligibility criteria for CLAT UG & PG

CLAT exam pattern 2026 –
UG and PG formats explained

CLAT syllabus 2026 – important topics to focus on

CLAT 2026 admit card

CLAT counselling 2026 process

FAQs

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The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most sought-after national-level entrance exams in India for students aiming to pursue a career in law. Conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), CLAT is the gateway to 24 prestigious NLUs offering undergraduate (CLAT UG) and postgraduate (CLAT PG) law programs.

If you're a student currently in Class 12, a recent graduate, or a parent guiding your child toward a legal career, CLAT is the exam to watch. Every year, thousands of aspirants appear for this highly competitive test with dreams of entering institutions like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, and other top law schools in India.

Why is CLAT important?

  • It is accepted by 24 NLUs and many top private law colleges.
  • It opens the door to careers in law, the judiciary, civil services, and corporate firms.
  • It is a single, standardised exam for nationwide legal education admissions.
  • It offers a level playing field for students from various boards and regions.

CLAT is more than just an entrance test - it’s the first step toward a successful and rewarding career in law.

CLAT 2026 highlights at a glance

Before diving deep into the registration process, syllabus, and preparation strategy, it's important to understand the basic structure of the CLAT entrance exam 2026. Here's a quick snapshot of what you need to know:

Particulars Details
Exam name Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
Conducting body Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs)
Exam level National
Exam frequency Once a year
Courses offered UG (BA LLB), PG (LLM)
Participating institutes 24 National Law Universities
Mode of exam Expected to be offline (pen-and-paper)
Question type Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
CLAT official website consortiumofnlus.ac.in

CLAT UG and PG 2026 exam dates

Staying on top of the CLAT 2026 timeline is critical for effective planning and preparation. While the Consortium of NLUs has not yet officially confirmed the schedule, tentative dates have been circulated by reliable academic sources.

Here is the expected timeline for the CLAT entrance exam 2026:

Event Tentative Date
The application process begins July 2025
Last date to apply November 2025
CLAT 2026 exam date December 7, 2025 (Sunday)
Provisional answer key release December 8, 2025
Final answer key & result Mid to late December 2025
The counselling process begins Late December 2025 or January 2026

The exam will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode and will serve as the single gateway for admission into UG and PG law programs across 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.

Reminder: Dates may change once the official notification is released. Keep checking the CLAT official website regularly for updates.

Who can apply? Eligibility criteria for CLAT UG

Before you begin the application process for the CLAT 2026 exam, it’s important to confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The Consortium of NLUs has set specific requirements for both CLAT UG (undergraduate) and CLAT PG (postgraduate) candidates.

CLAT UG is for students seeking admission to 5-year integrated BA LLB programs.

Educational qualification:

  • Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.
  • Students appearing in Class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.

Minimum marks required:

  • General/OBC/PwD/NRI candidates: 45% marks
  • SC/ST candidates: 40% marks

Age limit:

  • There is no upper age limit to apply for CLAT UG.

CLAT PG eligibility criteria

CLAT PG is for law graduates seeking admission to LLM programs.

Educational qualification:

  • Applicants must hold a 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB degree from a recognized university.
  • Final-year students expecting to complete their degree in 2026 are also eligible.

Minimum marks required:

  • General/OBC/PwD/NRI candidates: 50% marks
  • SC/ST candidates: 45% marks

Age limit:

  • There is no age restriction for CLAT PG.

CLAT PG eligibility criteria

CLAT UG is for students seeking admission to 5-year integrated BA LLB programs.

Educational qualification:

  • Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.
  • Students appearing in Class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.

Minimum marks required:

  • General/OBC/PwD/NRI candidates: 45% marks
  • SC/ST candidates: 40% marks

Age limit:

  • There is no upper age limit to apply for CLAT UG.

CLAT PG eligibility criteria

CLAT PG is for law graduates seeking admission to LLM programs.

Educational qualification:

  • Applicants must hold a 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB degree from a recognized university.
  • Final-year students expecting to complete their degree in 2026 are also eligible.

Minimum marks required:

  • General/OBC/PwD/NRI candidates: 50% marks
  • SC/ST candidates: 45% marks

Age limit:

  • There is no age restriction for CLAT PG.

CLAT exam pattern 2026 – UG

The CLAT 2026 exam pattern is designed to evaluate students' aptitude and legal reasoning skills through multiple-choice questions. Both UG and PG versions of the exam follow a structured format with a fixed number of questions, a marking scheme, and syllabus distribution.

CLAT 2026 exam pattern (5-year integrated LLB) and (LLM admissions)

Particulars Details
Maximum marks 120
Duration 2 hours (120 minutes)
Type of questions Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Total number of questions 120 (1 mark each)
Negative marking 0.25 mark deducted for every wrong answer
Mode of exam Offline (pen-and-paper)
Medium English

Subject-wise weightage for UG (with approximate number of questions)

Subject No. of Questions Weightage (%)
English Language 22–26 ~20%
Current Affairs (incl. General Knowledge) 28–32 ~25%
Legal Reasoning 28–32 ~25%
Logical Reasoning 22–26 ~20%
Quantitative Techniques (basic math) 10–14 ~10%

CLAT exam pattern 2026 – PG

The CLAT PG 2026 (Common Law Admission Test for postgraduate programs) is structured to evaluate a candidate’s understanding of core legal subjects and their ability to apply legal reasoning effectively. This exam is conducted for admission into LLM programs offered by participating National Law Universities (NLUs) across India.

Key highlights of CLAT PG 2026:

  • Maximum marks: 120
    The total score for the exam is 120 marks, with each question carrying one mark.
  • Total questions: 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
    The paper consists of 120 objective questions based on legal concepts and principles.
  • Marks per question: 1 mark
    Each correct answer will earn 1 mark
  • Negative marking: 0.25 mark for each incorrect answer
    For every wrong answer, 0.25 mark will be deducted from the total score, so accuracy is important.
  • Exam duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
    Candidates will have 2 hours to complete the exam, so managing time efficiently is crucial.
  • Mode of examination: Offline (pen-and-paper based)
    The CLAT PG 2026 will be conducted in an OMR-based offline format at designated exam centres.

CLAT UG syllabus 2026 – important topics to focus on

The CLAT 2026 exam is designed to test how well you can read, understand, and apply information, not how much you’ve memorized. Whether you’re applying for CLAT UG or CLAT PG, knowing the right topics and how they’re tested will help you prepare smarter.

Let’s look at the syllabus for both:

(For students applying to 5-year integrated LLB programs)

The CLAT UG 2026 syllabus will have around 120 multiple-choice questions spread across five key areas. You’ll get 2 hours to complete the test. Each correct answer gives 1 mark, and each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks.

Here are the five major sections and what you should focus on:

Section Main focus areas
English language Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar
Current affairs & GK National/international events, legal & historical issues
Legal reasoning Rule identification and application in legal scenarios
Logical reasoning Argument analysis, inferences, and logical consistency
Quantitative techniques Class 10-level math, data interpretation

CLAT PG syllabus 2026 – important topics

(For LLB graduates applying to postgraduate law programs)

The CLAT PG syllabus 2026 consists of 120 multiple-choice questions based on key areas of law studied during LLB. The exam is 2 hours long, and negative marking applies (-0.25 per incorrect answer).

Objective-type comprehension-based questions:

  • Extracts from legal judgments, statutes, or regulations
  • Legal understanding and issue identification
  • Awareness of principles and concepts in context
  • Ability to apply relevant laws to given scenarios

Key subjects to study for CLAT PG 2026:

  • Constitutional Law – Rights, duties, amendments, major court cases
  • Jurisprudence – Theories of law and philosophy behind legal systems
  • Administrative Law – Government powers, rules, and fairness
  • Contract Law – Agreements, valid contracts, breach, and remedies
  • Torts – Harm, negligence, liability
  • Criminal Law – IPC, offences, general exceptions
  • Family Law – Marriage, divorce, inheritance (Hindu/Muslim law)
  • Property Law – Sale, lease, mortgage, ownership
  • Company Law – Corporate structure, duties of directors
  • Public International Law – UN, treaties, international rights
  • Environmental Law – Pollution laws, green principles
  • Labour & Industrial Law – Worker rights, disputes, unions
  • Tax Law – Basics of taxation (direct and indirect)

CLAT 2026 admit card – how to download and key instructions

Once you’ve successfully registered for the CLAT 2026 exam, the admit card (also called a hall ticket) will be your official permission slip to enter the exam center. It’s a must-have document on exam day and contains vital details like your exam center, reporting time, and roll number.

When will the CLAT 2026 admit card be released?

The admit card is usually released around 2–3 weeks before the exam. Since the CLAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for December 7, 2025, you can expect the admit card to be available in the last week of November 2025.

How to download the CLAT 2026 admit card

  1. Visit the official website: https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in
  2. Click on CLAT 2026 Login
  3. Enter your registered mobile number and password
  4. Go to the ‘Admit Card’ section
  5. Click Download Admit Card and save the PDF
  6. Take a printout (preferably in color)

CLAT PG syllabus 2026

Make sure to check all the information printed on your admit card carefully. It should include:

  • Your full name
  • CLAT application/roll number
  • Date and time of the exam
  • Exam center address
  • Your photograph and signature
  • Important instructions for exam day

If you find any errors (like incorrect spelling or the wrong exam center), contact the CLAT helpdesk immediately.

CLAT counselling 2026 process – rounds, seat allotment, and documents

After the CLAT 2026 results are announced, the next major step is the counselling process. This is when candidates are offered seats in participating National Law Universities (NLUs) based on their rank, preferences, and category.

Documents required for CLAT 2026 counselling

  • Your full name
  • CLAT application/roll number
  • Date and time of the exam
  • Exam center address
  • Your photograph and signature
  • Important instructions for exam day

How many counselling rounds are there?

  • The Consortium usually holds five rounds of counselling
  • Seats left vacant after each round are re-allocated in the next round
  • Your seat can be upgraded if higher-preference seats become available

Participating NLUs in CLAT 2026

CLAT is accepted by 24 National Law Universities for UG and PG admissions (excluding NLU Delhi). Each NLU has different features like seat intake, reservation policies, and cut-offs.


Step-by-step CLAT 2026 counselling process

Step 1: Counselling invitation

  • Shortlisted candidates (based on CLAT rank) are invited by the Consortium.

Step 2: Registration & fee payment

  • Log in to the official portal, confirm participation, and pay the fee:
  • ₹30,000 (General/OBC/PwD/NRI)
  • ₹20,000 (SC/ST)

Step 3: Choice filling

  • Select and submit your preferred NLUs and courses (UG/PG) carefully.

Step 4: Seat allotment

  • Seats are allotted based on rank, category, and preferences. Candidates can:
  • Accept the seat
  • Apply for an upgrade
  • Exit counselling

Step 5: Final admission

  • Accepted candidates must verify documents, pay the admission fee, and complete formalities at the allotted NLU.

Get all the latest CLAT 2026 updates, important dates, and expert preparation tips – all in one place.

Register now!

Frequently asked questions

1. What rank is 75 marks in CLAT? +
Scoring 75 in the CLAT UG exam generally places you between AIR 1000–1500, depending on the difficulty level and overall performance that year.
2. Is CLAT harder than IIT? +
CLAT and IIT-JEE are difficult in different ways. CLAT tests reading and reasoning, while JEE focuses on advanced science and math. It depends on your academic strengths.
3. What are the 5 subjects in CLAT? +
The five sections in CLAT UG are: English language, current affairs including general knowledge, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques.
4. Can I crack CLAT in 15 days? +
Cracking CLAT in 15 days is possible only for revision if you've already prepared. Focus on mock tests, past papers, and key topics in current affairs and reasoning.
5. Can a 12th pass apply for the CLAT exam? +
Yes, students who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 in the current academic year can apply for CLAT UG. There is no upper age limit.
6. Is 4000 a good rank in CLAT? +
A 4000 rank may not secure top NLUs, but could still get you a seat in lower-ranked NLUs or private law schools that accept CLAT scores.
7. Is CLAT harder than NEET? +
CLAT focuses on language and logic, while NEET is science-heavy. NEET is tougher for non-science students, and CLAT may be easier for those good at comprehension.
8. Which is better, CLAT UG or PG? +
CLAT UG is for admission to 5-year LLB programs after Class 12, while CLAT PG is for LLM courses after graduation. Choose based on your academic path.
9. Is CLAT PG conducted twice a year? +
No, CLAT PG is held once a year, usually in December, along with CLAT UG. Both are conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
10. Is the CLAT paper-based or computer-based? +
CLAT 2026 will be conducted in offline mode using pen-and-paper (OMR-based) format at centres across India.
11. Can I prepare for CLAT at home? +
Yes, you can prepare at home using study materials, mock tests, online classes, and books. Many toppers follow self-study plans successfully.
12. Is CLAT easy for average students? +
Yes, with regular reading, focused practice, and time management, even average students can clear CLAT with a good score.
13. Is the CLAT exam tough? +
CLAT is competitive, not extremely tough. With the right preparation, mock tests, and understanding of the syllabus, it's achievable.
14. Does Symbiosis accept CLAT scores? +
No, Symbiosis Law School does not accept CLAT scores. It conducts its own entrance exam called SLAT for law admissions.
15. Is CLAT easy? +
CLAT becomes easy with consistent preparation, especially for students strong in reading, logic, and current affairs. Practice is key.
16. Is CLAT tougher than JEE? +
CLAT and JEE test different skills. JEE is considered more challenging due to its focus on physics, chemistry, and math, while CLAT is skill-based.
17. Is CLAT conducted online or offline? +
CLAT 2026 will be conducted offline in pen-and-paper mode at designated centres across the country.

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