CLAT 2025 Marks vs Rank (Out Now): What’s a Good Score? Cut-Off & Trend Analysis
Overview
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the gateway to India’s premier National Law Universities (NLUs). Conducted annually by the Consortium of NLUs, this highly competitive exam is the deciding factor for students aspiring to pursue 5-year integrated law programs like BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), and more.
With CLAT 2025 held on December 1, 2024, thousands of aspirants nationwide are now keen to understand how their marks translate into ranks and what that means for NLU admissions.
If you’re wondering:
- What rank can I expect with my CLAT 2025 score?
- What score is good for top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad?
- Will I get a seat with 70 marks? 85 marks?
- How do cutoffs change each year?
Then this blog is your complete guide to CLAT 2025 marks vs rank, cutoff analysis, and previous year trends — all in one place.
Whether you’re a student analyzing your result or a parent planning your child’s next step, understanding the marks-to-rank ratio is crucial for making informed college choices.
CLAT 2025 Exam Overview
The CLAT 2025 exam was successfully conducted on December 1, 2024, offline (pen-and-paper) across 130+ test centres in India. It tested students’ ability to comprehend, reason, and apply legal aptitude — all within a 2-hour time frame.
Let’s take a quick snapshot of this year’s exam details:
CLAT 2025 Snapshot
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities |
| Exam Date | December 1, 2024 |
| Mode | Offline (OMR-Based) |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Subjects Covered | English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect answer |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Expected No. of Test Takers | 75,000+ (Approx.) |
General Feedback & Difficulty Level
- The overall difficulty level of CLAT 2025 was moderate, with a slightly trickier Legal Reasoning section and a relatively easy English section.
- The Logical Reasoning and Current Affairs sections remained standard and comparable to previous years.
- Quantitative Techniques had fewer but more time-consuming questions.
Student Insight: Many test-takers reported that time management was the key challenge, especially due to the lengthy comprehension passages.
CLAT 2025 Marks vs Rank Analysis
Once the CLAT results are out, every aspirant has one question: “What does my score mean in terms of rank?”
Understanding CLAT Marks vs Rank 2025
The relationship between CLAT marks and rank is not fixed — it depends on multiple variables such as:
- Number of test-takers
- Difficulty level of the paper
- Overall performance trends
Scoring higher marks usually results in a better rank, significantly improving your chances of admission to top NLUs such as NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad.
CLAT Marks
CLAT scores are calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect responses in the exam, following this marking scheme:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -0.25 mark (negative marking)
- Unattempted Questions: No marks deducted
For instance, if you get 90 questions right, 10 wrong, and leave 20 unanswered, your final score will be:
(90 × 1) – (10 × 0.25) = 90 – 2.5 = 87.5 marks
CLAT Rank
Your rank is determined by comparing your total score with other candidates. The ranking is based on the following:
- Total Marks: Higher scores secure better ranks.
- Tiebreaker Criteria (in case of equal marks):
- Higher score in the Legal Aptitude/Legal Reasoning section
- Older candidate (by age)
- Computerized random selection (draw of lots)
However, based on previous years and early data from CLAT 2025, here’s a reliable breakdown of how marks correspond to expected ranks.
CLAT 2025 Marks vs Rank – Expected Range
The table below presents an estimated rank corresponding to each CLAT 2025 score. These projections are based on the CLAT 2024 marks vs rank trends. Since CLAT 2025 follows the revised pattern with 120 marks, the scores and their expected ranks have been adjusted accordingly.
| CLAT 2025 marks | CLAT 2025 rank |
|---|---|
| 98+ marks | 200 and above |
| 92+ marks | 500 and above |
| 90+ marks | 1000 and above |
| 88+ marks | 1500 and above |
| 86+ marks | 2000 and above |
| 85+ marks | 2500 and above |
| 83+ marks | 3000 and above |
| 82+ marks | 3500 and above |
| 80+ marks | 5000 and above |
| 77+ marks | 6000 and above |
| 74+ marks | 8000 and above |
| 72+ marks | 10000 and above |
Note: These are indicative figures based on trends from CLAT 2024 and previous years. Actual ranks may vary depending on the overall performance distribution in CLAT 2025.
Key Observations
- A score of XYZ is typically needed to get into the top 3 NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS).
- A score in the XYZ–XYZ range keeps you in contention for several mid-tier NLUs.
- Even XYZ–XYZ marks may get you into some newer or state-specific NLUs, especially in reserved categories.
Why CLAT Marks vs Rank 2025 Is Important?
The Consortium of NLUs publishes CLAT cut-offs based on the last rank admitted, rather than the minimum marks scored, as seen in the CLAT merit list. This often leads to uncertainty about what constitutes a good score in CLAT 2025. Understanding the relationship between marks and rank can help aspirants evaluate whether their current preparation aligns with the admission benchmarks of NLUs.
It also enables them to plan their preparation more effectively and make informed choices while setting their NLU preferences, prioritizing those where they have the best chances of securing admission.
CLAT Marks vs Rank: Past Trends and Insights
Analyzing historical CLAT marks vs rank data offers a valuable perspective on how scores impact rankings and admission chances across NLUs. Here’s a breakdown based on trends from CLAT 2022, CLAT 2024, and previous years:
1. CLAT 2024 Marks vs Rank
- NLSIU Bengaluru continued to be the most sought-after NLU, with its cut-off crossing 100 marks.
- Top institutions like NALSAR Hyderabad and WBNUJS Kolkata saw cut-offs ranging between 95 and 100 marks.
- Candidates scoring above 100 typically secured a rank in the top 5, virtually guaranteeing a seat at the top NLUs.
- A score of 91+ often led to admission to mid-ranked NLUs such as HNLU Raipur and RMLNLU Lucknow.
- For the newer NLUs, a score in the 60–70 range was usually sufficient to meet the closing rank.
2. CLAT 2022 Marks vs Rank
In 2022, the exam was conducted under the 150-mark format. The rank distribution showed a steep decline in marks as one moved down the rank list, particularly after the top-performing candidates.
| Score Range (out of 150) | Rank Range | Candidates Count |
|---|---|---|
| 125–130 | 1 | 1 |
| 115–120 | 4–5 | 2 |
| 100–105 | 10–19 | 10 |
| 85–90 | 174–362 | 189 |
| 70–75 | 1412–2318 | 907 |
| 55–60 | 5201–7284 | 2084 |
| 45–50 | 9842–12994 | 3153 |
3. CLAT Marks vs Rank Trends
- Rising Competition: With each passing year, the level of competition has grown, pushing the required scores higher for admission into the top NLUs.
Effect of Exam Difficulty: When the paper is more challenging, overall scores and cut-offs tend to drop. This was evident in CLAT 2023, where the highest score saw a noticeable decline due to the tougher exam level.
What Constitutes a Good Score in CLAT 2025?
One of the most common questions CLAT aspirants (and parents) ask is: “What is considered a good score in CLAT?”
The answer depends largely on two things:
- The NLU you’re targeting
- Your category (General, SC/ST, OBC, EWS, etc.)
But generally speaking a good score in CLAT 2025 for general category candidates is likely to fall within the range of 90 to 100+ marks, translating to approximately 80% of the total score. These scores are typically required for admission to the top NLUs.
However, CLAT 2025 cut-off marks will differ based on the candidate’s category. The expected cut-off for SC/ST candidates is around 75 marks or higher.
Here’s how scores are viewed across the board:
| NLU Name | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | NRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bengaluru CLAT cut-off marks 2025 | 100+ | 95+ | 90+ | 83+ | 78+ | - |
| NALSAR Hyderabad cut-off marks 2025 | 100+ | 95+ | 90+ | 82+ | 78+ | - |
| WBNUJS Kolkata CLAT cut off marks 2025 | 98+ | - | 56+* | 80+ | 74+ | 89+ |
| NLU Jodhpur cut-off marks 2025 | 95+ | - | 88+ | 79+ | 74+ | 88+ |
| GNLU Gandhinagar cut-off marks 2025 | 95+ | 90+ | 87+ | 77+ | 70+ | 84+ |
| MNLU Mumbai cut-off marks 2025 | 93+ | 81+ | 77+* | 71+* | 41+* | 43+ |
| RMLNLU Lucknow cut-off marks 2025 | 91+ | 85+ | 82+* | 53* | 41* | 72+ |
*state category reservation
Takeaway
A “good” score in CLAT 2025 is relative:
- 100+ = Top 3 NLUs
- 85–99 =4th to 10th NLU
- 70–84 = Decent chance at several NLUs
- Below 70? Don’t worry! You may still get in via:
- Category reservations
- State domicile quotas
- Newer NLUs with lower cutoffs
Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on marks; consider your rank, preference order, and category when evaluating options.
What is the CLAT Cut-Off?
The CLAT cut-off refers to the minimum score candidates require for admission into different National Law Universities (NLUs). This cut-off differs depending on several factors, including the number of applicants, candidate’s category (General, OBC, SC/ST), difficulty level of the exam, the specific NLU, total seats offered by the NLU and any applicable domicile reservations.
Additionally, the cut-off is influenced by the exam’s difficulty level—more challenging exams usually lead to lower cut-offs. In comparison, moderately difficult papers tend to have higher cut-offs.
Category Wise Expected CLAT Cut-Off 2025 Rank in Top NLUs
| Category | NLSIU Bengaluru | NALSAR Hyderabad | WBNUJS Kolkata | NLU Jodhpur | GNLU Gandhinagar | MNLU Mumbai | RMLNLU Lucknow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT general cut-off 2025 | 100 and above | 150 and above | 250 and above | 350 and above | 450 and above | 600 and above | 750 and above |
| CLAT EWS cut-off 2025 | 500 and above | 550 and above | - | - | 1200 and above | 3900* and above | 2300* and above |
| CLAT OBC cut-off 2025 | 950 and above | 1100 and above | 23000* and above | 1400 and above | 1850 and above | 6400* and above | 3600* and above |
| CLAT SC cut-off 2025 | 3000 and above | 3500 and above | 4500 and above | 5000 and above | 6000 and above | 10000* and above | 25000* and above |
| CLAT ST cut-off 2025 | 6000 and above | 6000 and above | 8000 and above | 8000 and above | 11000 and above | 34000* and above | 34000* and above |
| CLAT NRI Cut Off 2025 | - | - | 1250 and above | 1400 and above | 2800 and above | 33000 and above | 9500 and above |
*state category reservation
CLAT 2025 Tie-Breaker Rule
- If two or more candidates achieve the same CLAT score, their merit rank will be determined using the following tie-breaking criteria:
- The candidate with higher marks in the Legal Reasoning section will be ranked higher.
- If the tie still remains, the older candidate (by age) will be given preference.
- If the tie is unresolved even after these steps, a computerized draw of lots will be used to assign the rank.
CLAT Marks vs Rank: Previous Year Cut-Off Analysis
Based on the CLAT 2024 paper analysis, the cut-off trend indicated a relatively high benchmark, with the cut-off percentage nearing 80%. General category candidates needed approximately 100 marks to secure admission into top NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad. For other leading NLUs, a score above 90 was considered competitive.
Below is a summary of the CLAT 2024 cut-off marks for top NLUs, focusing on the general category cut-offs from the first round of counselling.
CLAT 2024 Cut-Off Trends
| Name of law school | CLAT score | Cut off for General Category (Round 1) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening rank | Closing rank | ||
| National Law School of India University, Bengaluru | 100+ | 1 | 97 |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 100+ | 6 | 158 |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata (BA LLB Hons.) | 98+ | 140 | 262 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 95+ | 170 | 341 |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal (BA LLB) | 95+ | 311 | 404 |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar | 95+ | 210 | 429 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 93+ | 99 | 547 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow | 91+ | 410 | 694 |
| HNLU Raipur | 91+ | 434 | 707 |
| National Law University, Odisha | 89+ | 591 | 1080 |
Factors Influencing CLAT Cutoffs
CLAT cutoffs don’t exist in a vacuum. Several dynamic factors affect how high or low the cutoff for each NLU goes every year. Understanding these variables will help you better understand your score, rank, and chances of admission.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that influence CLAT cutoffs:
Number of Applicants
More test-takers = more competition.
CLAT 2025 reportedly saw 75,000+ applicants, slightly higher than CLAT 2024.
As the number of aspirants increases, cutoffs for popular NLUs tend to rise.
Difficulty Level of the Exam
The tougher the paper, the lower the overall scores, pushing cutoffs downward.
In contrast, many students score high if the exam is easier, and cutoffs increase.
Example: A score of 90 may get you Rank 250 in one year and 400 in another.
Number of Available Seats
The 24 participating NLUs offer about 3,200–3,500 UG law seats.
Some universities increase or decrease their seat intake year to year.
More seats may mean lower cutoffs, especially in mid-tier NLUs.
Reservation Policies & Domicile Quotas
Each NLU reserves seats for:
SC/ST/OBC candidates
EWS and PwD categories
State domicile students
These policies create different cutoffs for each category and sometimes lower the general category closing ranks due to unfilled reserved seats shifting back.
Preference Order in CLAT Counselling
Cutoffs are also influenced by how students rank the NLUs during choice filling.
Some NLUs (like MNLU Mumbai or GNLU Gandhinagar) see rising cutoffs because more students are prioritising them higher.
Conversion Rate in Counselling Rounds
Even with a good rank, some students don’t take admission due to:
Other exam options (like LSAT India, SLAT, or private law schools)
Personal preferences or relocation constraints
This affects the vacancy movement in later counselling rounds, which can slightly lower cutoffs for subsequent rounds.
Pro Tip: Don’t rely solely on expected cutoffs. Always strategically fill your NLU preference list and watch official cutoffs released after each counselling round.
Strategies for Aspirants: Interpreting Your CLAT 2025 Score
Now that you have your CLAT 2025 result, it’s time to make informed choices about the next steps. Whether you’re aiming for the top 5 NLUs or considering options based on category or domicile, here’s how to move forward.
1. Understand Your Rank in Context
Don’t panic if your score seems average — ranks matter more than raw marks. Due to varying exam difficulty and performance trends, even a score of 85 can rank anywhere from 200 to 400.
2. Strategize Your NLU Preferences Wisely
During counselling, the order in which you list NLUs can impact your admission.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Always rank based on your preferences, not just cutoff trends.
- Consider factors like faculty, location, internships, placement stats, and campus life.
- If you’re open to relocating, you may access better-ranked colleges even with a mid-range score.
Tip: Include all 23 NLUs in your preference list. You never know which round might open up a seat!
3. Leverage Category & Domicile Quotas
- Use your category benefits if you belong to SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD.
- State domicile quotas at NLUs like MNLU Mumbai, TNNLU Tiruchirappalli, or CNLU Patna can significantly lower the required rank.
- Always double-check your eligibility with official counselling documents.
4. Plan Backup Options (if Needed)
If your CLAT score is below 55, don’t lose hope. You still have solid pathways:
- CLAT Re-attempt in 2026 – Especially if you’re in Class 12 and not in college yet.
- Private Law Schools – Via LSAT India, SLAT, or CUET-based colleges like BHU.
- Law colleges under state CETs include MH CET Law (Maharashtra), AP LAWCET, TS LAWCET, etc.
Tarkashastra Tip: A lower CLAT score doesn’t define your legal career. Choose the right college and make the most of the opportunities there!
Need Guidance?
If you’re confused between options, we at Tarkashastra are here to help.
We offer personalized counselling, college selection strategy, and career roadmaps to help you take the next step with confidence.
Reach out to us today at www.tarkashastra.co.in or DM us on LinkedIn for a free consultation.
Conclusion: Your CLAT 2025 Score is Just the Start
The CLAT 2025 result has given you clarity — but the real decisions begin now. Whether you’re celebrating a top 100 rank or wondering what to do next with a 60+ score, remember: Your CLAT score is a milestone, not a verdict.
Understanding your marks vs rank, cutoff trends, and category benefits is crucial — but so is being strategic, calm, and informed.
Next Steps
- Download the official CLAT 2025 Rank List & Cutoff PDFs
- Register for CLAT counselling rounds (don’t miss deadlines!)
- Connect with a Tarkashastra mentor for personalised law school guidance
- Plan ahead: If you’re targeting CLAT 2026, start preparing now
No matter your CLAT 2025 score — your journey to a legal career has just begun. Let Tarkashastra be your partner in turning rank into results and confusion into clarity.
1. What Is a Good Score in CLAT 2025?
A good score in CLAT 2025 generally means:
100+ marks: Strong chance at Top 3 NLUs like NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS
85–99 marks: Eligible for Top 10 NLUs
70–84 marks: Possibility at mid-tier or newer NLUs
Below 70 marks: Admission is still possible via category reservations, domicile quotas, or later rounds
2. What CLAT 2025 Score Is Needed for NLSIU Bangalore?
To get into NLSIU Bangalore, the top-ranked NLU in India:
You typically need a score of 100+ marks
That corresponds to a Top 5 All India Rank (AIR) for the General category
3. How Is the CLAT 2025 Rank Calculated?
CLAT rank is calculated using:
Your total score out of 120
Tie-breaking rules (if marks are equal):
Higher marks in Legal Reasoning
Older candidate by age
Random computerized draw, if still tied
4. What Is the Highest Score in CLAT 2025?
While the exact topper’s score hasn’t been released yet, based on previous trends:
The highest score is usually around 115–120 out of 120
In CLAT 2024, topper scores exceeded 100 marks, which continues in 2025
5. What Rank Do I Need to Get Into the Top 5 NLUs?
To get into the Top 5 NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, NLU Jodhpur, GNLU):
Aim for a rank under 200 (General category)
This translates to a score of 95+ marks, depending on the paper’s difficulty
6. Is 85 a Good Score in CLAT 2025?
Yes, 85 marks is a good score:
It can get you into the Top 10 NLUs
You may miss NLSIU, but you have a strong shot at NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar, RMLNLU Lucknow, etc.
7. Can I Get an NLU With 70 Marks in CLAT 2025?
Yes, with 70 marks:
You can get admission into newer or mid-tier NLUs
Your chances improve significantly if you belong to a reserved category or have a domicile advantage
8. How Do I Check the CLAT 2025 Cutoffs for Each NLU?
You can:
Download the official CLAT 2025 Cutoff PDFs released after each round of counselling from the CLAT Consortium website
Or use resources like the one provided by Tarkashastra for cutoff analysis, category-wise data, and counselling tips.
