CLAT application form 2026: registration dates, fees, and eligibility you must know

What is the CLAT exam?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 24 prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) and some reputed institutes providing the course for students across India.

It’s administered every year by the Consortium of National Law Universities, and its score is accepted not only by NLUs but also by several private law colleges and universities.

CLAT is the most sought-after law entrance exam in India, especially for students aspiring to build careers in:

• Corporate law
• Civil or criminal litigation
• Judicial services
• Public policy or governance
• Academia and legal research

Why CLAT matters:

• It opens the door to NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, and NUJS Kolkata, among the top-ranked legal institutions in India.
• It is widely recognized and often required for merit-based law scholarships.
• For postgraduate students, it offers entry into LL.M. programs that serve as a launchpad for research and teaching careers.

Whether you're a Class 12 student aiming for a 5-year integrated law degree or a graduate planning your LL.M., CLAT is the first milestone in your legal education journey.

Who should apply for CLAT?

If you're considering a career in law, the CLAT exam is your best opportunity to enter top-tier law schools in India. But who exactly is CLAT meant for? Here's a simple breakdown.

For Undergraduate (UG) CLAT

• Students currently in Class 12 or recently passed
• Aspirants looking to pursue 5-year integrated law degrees such as BA LL.B., BBA LL.B., B.Com LL.B.
• Students aiming to study at NLUs or reputed private law universities that accept CLAT scores

For Postgraduate (PG) CLAT

• Graduates who have completed or are in the final year of their LL.B. degree
• Law students interested in pursuing a 1-year LL.M. course at NLUs
• Those aiming for careers in Legal research, Academia, and Specialized legal practice (e.g., human rights, international law).

The CLAT application form 2026 is open to students from all streams (Commerce, Science, Arts), as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If you're committed to law as a profession, CLAT is your gateway to the most competitive and respected law programs in the country.

CLAT 2026 registration details/dates at a glance

Before diving into the full application process, here’s a quick overview of the key CLAT registration details you should know. This section gives you a snapshot of the most important information, ideal if you're short on time or just starting your CLAT journey.

This high-level view helps you plan your preparation and stay ahead of deadlines. Keep checking the official website and trusted platforms like GoFillForm for any schedule updates or changes.

Eligibility criteria for CLAT 2026

Before filling out the CLAT application form 2026, it’s important to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. The Consortium of NLUs has laid out clear and inclusive criteria for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs.

For UG program (5-year integrated law course)

You are eligible if:

• You have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• You scored:
  45% or more for General/OBC/EWS candidates
  40% or more for SC/ST/PwD candidates
• You’re appearing in Class 12 board exams in 2026 (you can apply provisionally).

No upper age limit, anyone meeting the academic criteria can apply.

For PG program (1-year LL.M.)

You are eligible if:

• You have completed an LL.B. or equivalent degree from a recognized university.
• You scored:
  50% or more for General/OBC/EWS candidates
  45% or more for SC/ST/PwD candidates
• You are appearing in the final year of your LL.B. in 2026 (you can apply provisionally).

CLAT application form 2026: step-by-step process

Filling out the CLAT registration form can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry, we’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps. Just follow this process carefully to complete your CLAT exam registration without errors.

Step-by-step guide to filling the CLAT application form 2026:

1. Visit the official website

Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in, the only authorized portal for CLAT registration.

2. Register online

Click on “Register” and enter your name, mobile number, email ID, and create a password. You’ll receive an OTP to verify your mobile/email.

3. Log in and fill out the application form

Use your newly created credentials to log in. Fill out personal, academic, and communication details as per your official documents.

4. Upload required documentsy

Upload the following in the specified format:
* Recent passport-size photograph
* Scanned signature
* Category/PwD/BPL certificate (if applicable)

5. Select exam center preferences

Choose your preferred test cities in order of priority. Select carefully, changes may not be allowed later.

6. Choose your NLU preferences

Rank the participating NLUs in your order of preference for admission. This will be considered during counseling.

7. Pay the application fee

Use a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI to pay the CLAT application fee. See the next section for detailed fees by category.

8. Submit the form and download the confirmation

Double-check all information, click submit, and download/save a copy of the confirmation page for your records.

CLAT registration fees: category-wise breakdown

The CLAT exam fees vary depending on your category. The fee must be paid online at the time of submitting the CLAT application form 2026. Here’s a simple breakdown of the CLAT form fees by category:

Important notes:

• The CLAT application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
• You can pay via credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, or other digital payment methods.
• If you opt for previous year question papers, you’ll need to pay an additional ₹500.

Documents required for CLAT exam registration

Before you start filling out the CLAT application form 2026, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready in the correct format. Uploading incorrect or incomplete documents is one of the most common reasons for CLAT registration issues.

Mandatory for all applicants:

• Recent passport-size photograph (clear, colored, and in JPG/JPEG format)
• Scanned signature (on white paper, in JPG/JPEG format)
• Class 10th mark sheet (as proof of date of birth)
• Class 12th mark sheet (or provisional certificate if appearing in 2026)
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, etc.)

If applicable, also include:

• Caste/Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS – issued by a competent authority)
• PwD certificate (if applying under the Person with Disability quota)
• Domicile certificate (if claiming state reservation)
• BPL certificate (if applying under the Below Poverty Line category)
• LL.B. degree mark sheet (for PG applicants only)

Common mistakes to avoid while filling the CLAT form

Filling the CLAT registration form seems simple, but small errors can lead to big problems, including application rejection or incorrect admit cards. Here are the most common mistakes students make during CLAT exam registration, and how you can avoid them:

Top mistakes students make (and how to avoid them)

1. Using an inactive email or phone number
   → Always use your personal, working mobile number and email ID. You’ll receive all important updates there.
2. Uploading unclear or wrong-sized documents
   → Ensure your photo and signature are clear, correctly cropped, and meet the required format and file size.
3. Filling in the wrong personal or academic details
   → Double-check your name, DOB, marks, and category before submitting. These should match your certificates exactly.
4. Choosing the wrong category
   → Select your correct category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and upload the right supporting document. Mistakes here can affect your seat allotment.
5. Waiting until the last minute
   → Server issues and payment failures are common during the final days. Complete your form well before the CLAT 2026 registration last date (31 October 2025).
6. Skipping the NLU preference list
   → Some students forget to rank their preferred NLUs. This list plays a major role in the counseling process, so don’t skip it!
7. Not saving the confirmation page
   → Always download and save your application confirmation page and fee receipt for future reference.
   

What happens after CLAT registration?

So, you’ve completed your CLAT exam registration, what’s next?

Once your CLAT application form is submitted and payment is successful, the journey doesn't stop there. Here's a quick guide on what to expect and how to prepare in the weeks leading up to the exam.

1. Download the confirmation page
   Save a soft copy and take a printout for your records. You might need it during counseling.
2. Track your email and SMS for updates
   The Consortium will share alerts regarding admit card release, changes in exam centers (if any), and result announcements.
3. Prepare for the exam strategically
   Focus on CLAT syllabus topics: Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, English, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques. Use mock tests and previous year question papers (available for ₹500 during registration).
4. Download the admit card (once released)
   Expected in November 2025. You’ll need it on exam day; no entry without it.
5. Revise NLU preferences
   You may be allowed to re-order your NLU preferences closer to the counseling process. Stay alert for updates.
6. Get your documents ready for counseling
   Keep originals and photocopies of all certificates, ID proof, and payment receipts ready.