CLAT 2026 Notification: Registration, Exam Date, Pattern & Eligibility Criteria

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) conducts the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), a premier national-level entrance exam for admission into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs. Scores from this exam are accepted by 22 NLUs and several prominent private law institutions. The CLAT 2026 registration process commenced on August 01, 2025, via the official website https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/. Aspirants must submit their applications before the October 31, 2025 deadline. This guide covers essential details regarding the application fee, exam dates, courses, college lists, exam pattern, and the comprehensive CLAT Syllabus.

CLAT 2026 Exam

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the gateway for students aspiring to pursue a professional legal career in India. Held annually in December, the exam assesses proficiency in English, current affairs, legal reasoning, quantitative techniques, and logical reasoning. Eligibility for the UG program requires candidates to have cleared their Class 12 exams, while the PG program requires an LL.B degree. CLAT is the primary selection tool for future lawyers, judges, and legal experts.

CLAT 2026 Notification

The Consortium of NLUs has officially published the CLAT 2026 notification on its portal, www.consortiumofnlus.ac.in. This document contains vital information, including registration timelines, the official exam date, and critical guidelines for applicants. Candidates are strongly advised to review the official notification thoroughly to ensure compliance with all deadlines. We have provided a direct link below for quick access to the detailed notification PDF.

CLAT 2026 Official Notification: Click Here to Download PDF

CLAT 2026 Exam Highlights

The CLAT exam features 120 multiple-choice questions spanning English, Legal Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Successful preparation requires enhanced reading speed, consistent tracking of current affairs, and dedicated practice in quantitative reasoning. Utilizing mock tests is highly recommended to master time management and familiarize yourself with the exam structure. A structured study plan is key to excelling in the upcoming CLAT examination.

CLAT 2026
Exam Name	CLAT 2026 (Common Law Admission Test)
CLAT Exam Conducting Body	Consortium of National Law Universities
CLAT Exam Level	Undergraduate
CLAT Exam Frequency	Once
CLAT Exam Mode	Online
CLAT Exam Duration	120 Minutes
Number of Questions	120
Question type	MCQs
Marking	0.25 marks for each wrong answer
CLAT Exam Language	English
Participating NLUs	22
CLAT Exam Purpose	Admissions to BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, BBA LLB, BSW LLB, LLM courses
Email	[email protected]
Phone	080 47162020 (between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm) all working days
Website	www.consortiumofnlus.ac.in

Download CLAT 2025 Question Paper PDF: Click to View

CLAT 2026 Important Dates

The Consortium has released the full schedule for CLAT 2026. Candidates must stay updated on key milestones, including application deadlines, admit card release dates, and the final exam day. Being organized with your timeline is essential for success. Below is the comprehensive CLAT 2026 calendar to help you keep track of every important event and stay ahead of the competition.

CLAT 2026 Dates
Events	Dates
Release of Notification CLAT 2026	July 20, 2025
CLAT 2026 Registration Form Activate	August 01, 2025
Last date of Application Form	October 31, 2025
CLAT Admit Card 2026 Release Date	November 2025
CLAT Exam Date 2026	December 07, 2025
CLAT Answer Key 2026	December 2025
CLAT 2026 Result	December 2025
Counselling Sessions	Last week of December 2025

Courses offered through CLAT 2026

Most National Law Universities in India (excluding NLU Delhi) and various prestigious law schools offer admission to five-year integrated LL.B and post-graduate LL.M programs based on CLAT merit. Available courses include:

1. B.A. LL.B (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws)

2. B.Sc. LL.B (Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws)

3. B.Com. LL.B (Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws)

4. B.B.A. LL.B (Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws)

5. B.S.W. LL.B (Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Laws)

6. LL.M (Master of Laws)

CLAT Syllabus 2026 for UG and PG

The CLAT 2026 syllabus for UG candidates covers English, Mathematics, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Reasoning. The PG syllabus focuses on core LL.B subjects such as Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence. Thorough comprehension of the syllabus is vital for targeted preparation, ultimately opening doors to top-tier legal institutions.

CLAT 2026 Exam Date

The official date for the CLAT 2026 examination is set for December 07, 2025. The test will be conducted in a traditional pen-and-paper format from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM. Ensure you have registered on the official portal to secure your seat for this date.

CLAT 2026 Application Form

The online registration fee for CLAT 2026 is INR 4,000 for general candidates and INR 3,500 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Payments must be processed through the official website, www.consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Interested candidates should complete the CLAT 2026 Application Form by following these steps:

Steps to Fill CLAT 2026 Registration Form

Step-I: Registration - Create your account using your name, mobile number, and valid email address.

Step-II: Login - Use your credentials to sign in and access the application dashboard.

Step-III: Choose Program - Select your desired course, either the 5-year Integrated LL.B or the 1-year LL.M program.

Step-IV: Fill Details - Enter your personal, academic, and contact information, select your preferred exam centers (in order of priority), and confirm your reservation status.

Step-V: Submit - Review all entered information, agree to the declarations, and finalize your submission.

Step-VI: Fee Payment - Pay the required fee online via credit/debit card or net banking. An optional fee of INR 500 can be paid to access previous years' question papers.

Step-VII: Document Upload - Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature according to the official specifications provided on the portal.

CLAT 2026 Documents
Document	Size and Format
Photograph	20 kb – 50 kb in JPEG only
Signature	10 kb – 20 kb in JPEG only

Step-VIII: Final Review - Ensure all academic and personal details are accurate before final submission.

CLAT 2026 Application Fees

The application fee must be paid during the registration phase. Please review the detailed fee structure below.

CLAT 2026 Application Fees
Category	Application Fee
General/OBC/SAP and other category candidates	₹ 4000/-
SC/ST category candidates	₹ 3500/-

CLAT 2026 Admission Process

To secure admission to any of the 22 participating NLUs, candidates must qualify the CLAT 2026 entrance exam, which is being coordinated by NUALS Kochi this year.

Following the result declaration, the centralized counseling process will begin. Seat allotment is conducted based on merit, candidate preferences, and seat availability.

The CLAT 2026 selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Online Examination

2. Counseling and Seat Allotment

3. Final Merit List

CLAT Admit Card 2026

The CLAT 2026 Admit Card will be released online as a downloadable PDF on the official website. This document is mandatory for entry into the examination hall and contains vital details including the student's name, roll number, and specific test venue. Candidates are advised to print a copy well in advance of the exam date.

CLAT Answer Key 2026 PDF Download

Post-exam, the CLAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key for sets A, B, C, and D will be available on the official portal. Candidates can challenge the key by logging in with their registered credentials. The Final Answer Key is expected by December 2025.

CLAT Result 2026

CLAT 2026 results are expected to be declared in December 2025. Students can download their scorecards from the official website by entering their application number and date of birth in the student portal.

CLAT 2026 Participating Universities

CLAT scores are accepted by 22 NLUs and over 50 private law schools across India. Below is the list of prominent National Law Universities participating in the admission process.

NLUs Accepting CLAT Scores
National Law School of India University, Bangalore	National Academy of Legal Study & Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata	National Law Institute University, Bhopal
National Law University, Jodhpur	Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar	Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala	Chanakya National Law University Patna
National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi	National Law University Odisha, Cuttack
National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi	National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam	The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli
Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai	Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad	Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur	Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The UG-CLAT 2026 is a 2-hour offline examination consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 for every incorrect response. For further insights, review the complete CLAT Exam Pattern 2026.

Particulars	Details
Maximum Marks	120
No. of Questions	120
Marks per Question	1
Duration	2 Hours
Negative Marking	0.25 for wrong answer

CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 Section Wise

Name of the Sections	No. of Questions	Duration
English Language	28-32	Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Quantitative Techniques	13-17
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge	35-39
Logical Reasoning	28-32
Legal Reasoning	35-39
Total	120

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the CLAT UG or PG programs, candidates must review the eligibility criteria carefully. Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth application process and prevents disqualification due to administrative errors.

Eligibility Criteria for the CLAT UG Program

Education Qualification (UG): Applicants must have completed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.

Percentage Requirement (UG): A minimum of 45% aggregate is required (40% for SC/ST candidates) to be eligible for CLAT UG 2026.

Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for the CLAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria for the CLAT PG program

Education Qualification (PG): Candidates must hold an LL.B degree from a recognized university.

Percentage Requirement (PG): A minimum of 50% aggregate is required (45% for SC/ST candidates) for CLAT PG 2026 eligibility.

Age Limit: No upper age limit applies to the CLAT PG exam.

Check:- CLAT Provisional Answer Key 2026

CLAT 2026 Exam Centres

Test centers are generally allocated based on candidate preference during the application process. In rare cases of unforeseen events, an alternate center may be assigned. All specific details regarding your assigned venue will be printed on your CLAT admit card.

CLAT 2026 Exam Centres
Agra	Gandhinagar	Kolkota	Shimla
Ahmedabad	Gangtok	Kota	Siliguri
Allahabad	Ghaziabad	Kurukshetra	Sonepat
Amritsar	Gorakhpur	Lucknow	Srinagar
Aurangabad	Greater Noida	Madurai	Thane
Barasat	Gurugram	Mohali	Thiruvananthapuram
Barrackpore	Guwahati	Mumbai	Trichy
Bengaluru	Haldwani	Muzaffarpur	Varanasi
Bhopal	Hisar	Mysore	Vijayawada
Bhubaneswar	Hyderabad	Nagpur	Vishakapatnam
Bilaspur	Imphal	Navi Mumbai	New Delhi
Calicut	Indore	Jabalpur	Noida
Chennai	Jaipur	Patiala	Chandigarh
Coimbatore	Jalandhar	Patna	Raipur
Dehradun	Jammu	Jamshedpur	Durg
Faridabad	Kanpur	Shillong	Ranchi
Ernakulum	Jodhpur

Preparation Tips to Crack CLAT 2026 Exam

Success in the CLAT 2026 exam demands strategic preparation, discipline, and consistent practice.

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the CLAT Exam Pattern, which includes sections on English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Know the number of questions, marking scheme, and time limits.
• Create a study plan: Develop a structured study schedule that allocates time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Include regular revision sessions to reinforce your learning.
• Practice Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to familiarise yourself with the latest exam patterns and time management. Analyze your performance in these tests to identify areas that need improvement.
• Work on Logical Reasoning: Practice logical reasoning puzzles and questions to improve your analytical and problem-solving skills. Use resources specifically designed for CLAT Logical reasoning preparation.
• Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Keep abreast of current events, especially those related to law, politics, and social issues. Make notes of important events, judgments, and legal developments.