The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most critical milestones for aspiring law students in India. Organized by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), this test is your gateway to the top NLUs and other reputed law schools nationwide.
If you plan to appear for the CLAT 2026 exam, this guide will cover all the essential details, including important dates, eligibility, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and expected cutoff trends.
What You’ll Learn:
- Key dates and milestones for CLAT 2026
- How to apply for CLAT 2026?
- Exam eligibility for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) aspirants
- CLAT exam pattern, syllabus, and tips for preparation
- Understanding the cutoff and what to expect
What is CLAT 2026?
CLAT 2026 is a national-level law entrance exam for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law program admission at 24 prestigious NLUs in India and over 61 private law colleges. The UG CLAT is divided into five sections, and the PG CLAT is divided into three sections, each testing specific skills required for the legal profession. The CLAT 2026 exam evaluates the aptitude and intellectual capacity of applicants aiming for a career in law.
Important Dates for CLAT 2026
Mark your calendar with the following tentative dates to ensure you’re well-prepared for every stage of the exam.
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Release of Notification | May 2025 |
| Opening of Application Form | July 2025 |
| Last Date for Applications: | November 2025 |
| Availability of Admit Card | November 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | December 6, 2025 |
| Provisional Answer Key | December 7, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | One week after the exam |
| Counseling Commences | December 2025/January 2026 |
Regularly check the official CLAT website (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) for updates.
Eligibility for CLAT 2026
Undergraduate Eligibility (UG)
Interested candidates must meet the following requirements to appear for CLAT 2026 at the UG level:
- Educational Qualification: Must have completed or appeared for Class 12 or an equivalent examination.
- Minimum Marks:
- General/OBC candidates require at least 45% marks.
- SC/ST/PwD candidates require at least 40% marks.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit.
Postgraduate Eligibility (PG)
If you’re applying for postgraduate law programs, here’s what you need to qualify:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB 3-year or 5-year integrated course).
- Minimum Marks:
- General/OBC candidates require at least 50% marks.
- SC/ST/PwD candidates require at least 45% marks.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit.
Note: Students in their final year of school or law undergraduate programs are eligible to apply, provided they furnish proof of qualification upon admission.
Application Process for CLAT 2026
The application process is conducted entirely online. Follow these steps to avoid errors and ensure a smooth submission process.
- Registration: Visit the official CLAT website and create an account using your email ID and phone number.
- Fill out the Application Form: Provide personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload Documents: Upload your recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Select Preferences: Choose up to three exam centres and select your preferred NLUs in the order of preference.
- Fee Payment (Non-refundable): Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card or net banking.
| Category | Fee (INR) |
| General/OBC/PwD/NRI | 4,000 |
| SC/ST/BPL | 3,500 |
- Submit Application: Double-check all the details you entered and press submit. You should save a printed copy of your application for future use.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last day to apply, as servers can get crowded.
Exam Pattern for CLAT 2026
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for adequate preparation. Here’s how the CLAT 2026 exam is structured.
UG Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Weightage |
| English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs & GK | 28-32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
Total: 120 questions, 120 minutes
Each correct answer awards 1 mark, while a wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks.
PG Exam Pattern
PG candidates will face 120 MCQs covering Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and other legal subjects like Contract and Tort Law.
Mode & Duration
- Test Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper based)
- Duration: 2 hours
Syllabus Snapshot for UG and PG
UG Syllabus
| Section | Info. | Topics |
| English Language | The English section comprises 3–4 passages, each around 450 words long, drawn from fiction, non-fiction, or journalistic sources. Questions test comprehension skills, grammar, and vocabulary. | Synonyms and antonyms Sentence correction and spotting grammatical errors Vocabulary in context Drawing inferences, summarizing passages |
| Current Affairs, Including General Knowledge | This section consists of 4–6 passages based on current events and static GK. The questions assess your awareness of national and international developments. | Current national and international events (from April 2024 onwards) Sciences, technology, summits, and awards Indian arts, culture, and historical events of significance |
| Legal Reasoning | This section does not require prior legal knowledge. However, an understanding of fundamental laws and public policy can be advantageous. The questions revolve around passages describing legal principles or situations. | Contract law, tort law, and criminal law basics Legal maxims and terms Constitutional law principles |
| Logical Reasoning | The logical reasoning section assesses your analytical and critical thinking skills. It includes passage-based questions that test your ability to evaluate arguments and apply deductions. | Arguments, assumptions, and conclusions Analogies and relationships Logical sequences and patterns |
| Quantitative Techniques | This section evaluates your elementary mathematics skills (up to Class 10 level). Questions are based on numerical data presented in charts or tables. | Percentages, ratios, and algebra Profit and loss, time and work, mensuration Data interpretation |
PG Syllabus
| Sections | Main Topics |
| Sec A – Constitutional Law | Legislative power – procedure, privilegesJudicial power – organisation of the judiciary, the jurisdiction of SC of India,Federal Idea – Nature of Indian Polity, co-operative federalismFreedoms of Inter-state Trade and CommerceImpact of Emergency on center-state Relations |
| Sec B – Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR and Jurisprudence | Elements of crime: Actus Reus, Mens Rea, group liability, abetment, criminal conspiracy, exceptions, attempt to commit offences; offences against public tranquillity; offences against the body – culpable homicide, murder, hurt, grievous hurt, wrongful confinement, wrongful restraint, criminal force, assault, abduction, kidnapping, rape, and unnatural offences. Classification of torts: trespass, nuisance, defamation, liability for misstatements, negligence. Formation, validity, discharge, and performance of contracts; remedies and quasi-contracts under the Indian Contract Act-1872 and the Indian Specific Relief Act-1963. Definition, origin, and development of international law; its sources, subjects, and relationship with municipal law; state recognition and succession; international rivers, canals, sea, air, and outer space law; nationality, statelessness, jurisdiction, immunity, extradition, asylum, diplomatic relations, treaties, war, contraband, blockades, legal effects of war, dispute resolution, state responsibility, retorsion, reprisals, armed interventions, and the United Nations role. Nature, scope, and key laws of IPR: Trademarks Act 1999, Patents Act 1970, Copyright Act 1957, and IPR in an international context. Legal methods, the Indian legal system, fundamental legal theories: Analytical positivism, Kelsen’s pure theory, Hart’s and Austin’s definitions of law, Holland’s and Salmond’s views, and approaches to jurisprudence – Historical, sociological, economic (Marx and Engels), and realist (American and Scandinavian). |
| Sec C – Law topics and Contemporary issues | Key constitutional provisions, recent judgments, case law, amendments, legal issues, and facts. |
Tips for CLAT 2026 Preparation
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with all topics and allocate study time for each section.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regular mock testing builds confidence and allows better time management.
- Previous Year Papers: Solve these to understand the question trends and difficulty level.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Devote extra attention to sections you’re less confident in.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers or online sources daily for the current affairs section.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Enrol in coaching classes to clarify complex sections like legal reasoning.
Expected CLAT 2026 Cutoff
The CLAT exam cutoff represents the minimum marks and ranks required for admission to NLUs. Following the counselling rounds, each NLU publishes its cutoff through opening and closing ranks. The table below provides an overview of the expected cutoffs based on expert analysis from previous years.
Considering the difficulty level of CLAT 2025, the following is a summary of the top NLUs for the upcoming examination.
It is important to note that the cutoff varies by college and across different student categories.
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FAQs Answered
- What Are the Important Dates for CLAT 2026?
The official schedule for CLAT 2026 will be released by the Consortium of NLUs. Important dates typically include the application start date, the last date to apply, and the exam date. Stay tuned to the official website for updates.
- When Will the CLAT 2026 Application Form Be Released?
The application form is expected to be released in early August 2025. Candidates should monitor the official CLAT portal for announcements.
- How Can I Apply for CLAT 2026?
You can apply for CLAT 2026 by visiting the official website of the Consortium of NLUs, registering as a new user, filling out your details in the application form, uploading the necessary documents, and paying the application fee.
- What Is the Last Date to Submit the CLAT 2026 Application Form?
The last submission date will likely be around November 2025. Ensure you complete your application well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
- What Is the CLAT 2026 Exam Date?
Following past trends, the CLAT 2026 exam is expected to be held in December 2025. Always confirm the exact date from the official notification to plan your preparation accordingly.
- What Are the Eligibility Criteria for CLAT 2026?
To apply, candidates must have completed their Class 12 examination (or equivalent) with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). Final-year students can also apply, provided they submit proof of passing later. For the PG exam, a bachelor’s degree in law is mandatory.
- What Are the Educational Qualifications Required for CLAT 2026?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) for the UG program with the requisite marks. A law degree (LL.B.) from a recognized institution is required for the PG program.
- Is There an Age Limit for CLAT 2026?
There is no upper age limit for the UG or PG CLAT examination per current guidelines.
- What Is the Application Fee for CLAT 2026?
The application fee is expected to be ₹4,000 for General/OBC candidates and ₹3,500 for SC/ST and other reserved categories. Additional charges may apply for certain services, as in previous years’ papers.
- How Can I Pay the CLAT 2026 Application Fee?
The application fee can be paid online through net banking, UPI, or credit/debit cards during the application process. Detailed payment options will be listed on the official CLAT portal.
