CLAT 2026 exam date, time, and schedule: Everything you need to know

What is CLAT?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in India. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) and is accepted by 24 NLUs and several affiliated law schools across the country.

Whether you’re a student in Class 12 or a law graduate aiming to pursue an LLM, CLAT is your gateway to a future in legal education.

Courses covered under CLAT:

• CLAT UG: 5-year integrated BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, etc.
• CLAT PG: 1-year LLM (Master of Law)

Participating institutions:

• 24 National Law Universities including NLSIU (Bangalore), NALSAR (Hyderabad), NUJS (Kolkata), and others.
• 60+ private and deemed universities also accept CLAT scores.

Exam format at a glance:

CLAT 2026 exam date and time

The CLAT 2026 exam date has been officially announced by the Consortium of National Law Universities. Here's what you need to know:

• Exam Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper based)

This applies to both the CLAT UG (for undergraduate law aspirants) and CLAT PG (for postgraduate law aspirants).

The two-hour test will be conducted in exam centers across India. Students must report to the center well before the scheduled time, as late entry is not allowed.

Complete CLAT 2026 exam schedule

To help you stay organized, here’s the full timeline for CLAT 2026, based on the official update from the Consortium of NLUs.

CLAT registration date and form deadlines

One of the most important steps in your CLAT journey is registering on time — missing the deadline could mean waiting an entire year. So, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

The CLAT 2026 application process will be conducted online through the official Consortium portal.

Key registration dates for CLAT 2026:

• Application opens: August 1, 2025
• CLAT form last date 2026: October 31, 2025 (Friday)
• Form correction window: Not officially confirmed yet, but usually available soon after the deadline (check the official website periodically for updates)
• CLAT PG last date to apply: Same as above — October 31, 2025

These dates apply to both CLAT UG and CLAT PG aspirants. Make sure you complete the form well before the last date to avoid server delays or last-minute technical issues.

Documents and details required for CLAT 2026 registration

Before you begin the CLAT 2026 application process, it’s essential to keep all necessary documents and details ready. This will save you time and prevent mistakes during registration.

Here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need:

1. A valid email ID and mobile number
   These will be used for all official communication, including confirmation messages, admit card release, and result updates. Make sure they are active and regularly checked.
2. Scanned passport-size photograph:
   Upload a recent, colored photo with a plain light background in JPG/JPEG format (20KB–50KB). Your face should be clearly visible, without filters or shadows.
3. Scanned signature:
   Sign on white paper with a black or blue pen. Scan and upload it in JPG/JPEG format (10KB–20KB). Ensure it matches the signature you’ll use during the exam.
4. Academic documents (10th & 12th mark sheets)
   These are required to enter your academic qualifications accurately. For CLAT PG, upload your LLB degree marks or provisional certificate.
5. Category certificate (if applicable)
   Students applying under SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD/reserved categories must upload a valid certificate issued by a competent authority. The document must be current and match the category chosen in the application form.
6. Residential/domicile certificate
   Required only if you're applying under a state domicile quota for certain NLUs. It must be issued by a government authority such as the District Magistrate or Tehsildar.

Tip: Ensure your photo and signature meet the specifications to avoid rejections

CLAT 2026 exam day schedule

The CLAT exam day is a critical part of the process — and being prepared helps you stay calm and focused. Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, reporting time, and exam-day requirements for CLAT 2026.

Candidates must report to the test center at least one hour before the scheduled start time. Entry typically closes 15–30 minutes before the exam begins, and no late entries are permitted under any circumstances. And the things to carry for exam are below

Printed admit card:

Download your admit card from the official CLAT portal and bring a clear, printed copy. It’s your entry pass to the exam hall — no candidate is allowed without it.

Participating institutions:

Carry a government-issued or institution-issued photo ID for identity verification. Accepted IDs include Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or your school/college ID (if it has your photo and full name). Make sure the name matches the one on your CLAT application.

Blue or black ballpoint pen:

Since the exam is conducted in offline mode, you must bring at least one working blue or black ballpoint pen. Carrying an extra one as backup is a smart move.

Transparent water bottle (optional):

If you’d like to stay hydrated, you can carry a transparent water bottle. Opaque or labeled bottles are usually not allowed inside the exam hall.

When will the CLAT 2026 result be declared?

After months of preparation and exam day behind you, the next big milestone is the result. Based on the Consortium’s past timelines, here’s what you can expect after the CLAT 2026 exam date (December 7, 2025).

CLAT 2026 result timeline (tentative but likely):

• Provisional answer key release: December 8, 2025
• Objection window closes: December 8, 2025 December 10, 2025
• Final answer key: Around December 12, 2025
• Result announcement: Between December 15 and December 20, 2025
• Counselling registration begins: January 2026

Note: These dates are based on last year’s pattern and the official exam calendar. Final announcements will be made by the Consortium on their website.

How will the CLAT result be released?

Results will be available online through the official CLAT portal. You’ll need to log in using your registered mobile number and password to download:

• Your CLAT scorecard (section-wise marks)
• All India Rank (AIR)
• Category rank (for those under reserved categories)
• Cut-offs for various participating NLUs

These scores are the basis for counselling and NLU seat allotment, so download and save a copy immediately.

What comes next?

After the results are out, qualified candidates must register for centralized counselling through the Consortium portal. This is where you’ll submit college preferences and be considered for seat allotment based on your rank and category.

Conclusion: Your action plan

Now that you’re clear on the CLAT 2026 exam date, important deadlines, and what to expect on exam day, it’s time to take action. Start by setting up a study schedule that aligns with the official CLAT 2026 timeline. Mark key dates such as the CLAT form last date and exam day, and begin your CLAT preparation well in advance.

With focused preparation, consistent practice, and a well-organized plan, you can tackle the exam with confidence. Remember, the journey to securing a seat in one of India’s top NLUs begins today, and staying ahead of the timeline gives you the edge. No matter how far away the exam may seem, planning ahead is your best strategy to succeed.