CLAT 2026: Application Form, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

CLAT 2026 Application Form will be released in 1st week of July 2025. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a prestigious national-level entrance examination conducted annually by the Consortium of National Law Universities. It serves as the gateway for admission into various undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law courses offered by 24 NLUs for UG courses and 21 NLUs for PG courses across India. 

The CLAT exam, scheduled to be held in the first week of December 2025, facilitates admission into 5-year integrated LLB programs and one-year LLM programs. CLAT is a pen-and-paper-based examination covering subjects such as English, Current Affairs and General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Mathematics for UG courses. 

For PG courses, the exam includes topics like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Torts, IPC, CrPC, CPC, Family Law, and IPR. Aspiring candidates must fill out the CLAT 2026 application form during the registration window, anticipated to commence in the first week of July 2025, to participate in this competitive examination.

CLAT 2026 Highlights

CLAT 2026 presents a premier opportunity for aspiring law students nationwide to gain admission into esteemed National Law Universities (NLUs) and private law colleges.

CLAT 2026 Exam Dates

For a comprehensive overview of the CLAT 2026 schedule, candidates can refer to the following table:

CLAT 2026 Application Form

For aspiring candidates of CLAT 2026, the application process commences in the first week of July 2025, entirely conducted online mode. Fulfilment of eligibility criteria is mandatory before application submission. The registration process entails several steps including document uploads and NLU preference selection, with no provision for corrections, emphasizing the importance of careful submission.

• CLAT 2026 registration will commence in the first week of July 2025 and will be conducted exclusively through online mode, with no offline method available for submission.
• Before initiating the application process, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the conducting authority.
• The registration process entails multiple steps, including registration itself, filling out personal details, uploading necessary documents, selecting NLU preferences, and submitting the application fee.
• It’s crucial to meticulously review all entered details as there will be no provision for corrections once the form is submitted.
• During the application process, candidates are required to upload documents such as a recent photograph, signature, and other necessary certificates in PDF format.
• After completing the form, candidates should carefully recheck all the entered information to avoid any errors before final submission.
• Upon successful submission, candidates must retain a hard copy of the application form for future reference throughout the admission process.
• It is imperative to adhere to the specified deadlines and guidelines provided by the conducting authority to ensure a smooth application process.
• Candidates should keep track of updates and notifications regarding the CLAT 2026 registration process by regularly visiting the website.
• For any queries or assistance during the registration process, candidates can refer to the official guidelines or contact the authorities for clarification and guidance.

CLAT 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for CLAT 2026 is payable exclusively through online channels, offering payment options such as credit cards, debit cards, pay wallets, and RU pay. Candidates need to note that the fee once submitted is non-refundable, irrespective of circumstances.

How to Fill CLAT 2026 Application Form?

Here are the detailed steps for filling out the CLAT 2026 application form to ensure a smooth and error-free application process.

• Visit the CLAT Website: Access the official website of CLAT. The link will be provided on the webpage for CLAT 2026.
• Select CLAT 2026 Link: Click on the available link for “CLAT 2026” provided on the webpage to initiate the application process.
• Register for an Account: If you do not have an account, click on the “Don’t have an account? Register” button to access the registration form.
• Registration Process: Complete the registration by filling in the required details in the registration window that appears on the screen.
• University Preference: Fill in your preferences among all the 22 national law universities listed in the application form.
• Document Upload: Upload the necessary documents in PDF format as specified in the application guidelines. Ensure the documents meet the prescribed requirements.
• Application Fee Submission: Proceed to submit the application fee through the available payment gateways provided on the website.
• Review and Submit: Review all the entered details and uploaded documents carefully to avoid any errors. Once verified, submit the form.
• Print Application Form: After successful submission, take a printout of the filled application form for your records and keep it safe for future reference.
• Follow-up: Stay updated with any further instructions or notifications regarding the CLAT 2026 application process by regularly visiting the official website.
• Contact Support (if needed): In case of any queries or assistance during the application process, refer to the provided guidelines or contact the CLAT support team for assistance and clarification.
• Deadlines and Guidelines: Adhere to the specified deadlines and guidelines outlined by the CLAT authorities to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Documents Required to Fill CLAT 2026 Application Form:

Here are the documents required to be uploaded along with the CLAT 2026 application form. These documents play a crucial role in verifying candidates’ eligibility and ensuring a smooth application process. 

CLAT 2026 Application Correction

The Consortium of National Law Universities has announced that there will be no provision for CLAT 2026 application correction. However, if candidates request corrections, the authority may consider opening a correction window after the registration period ends. Any potential correction facility is expected to be conducted exclusively through online mode.

Candidates are strongly advised to exercise caution and fill out their application forms meticulously to avoid errors. As of now, the authority has not released any official notification regarding the availability of an application correction window. Therefore, applicants should ensure that all details provided in their application form are accurate and complete before submission.

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria outline the requirements candidates must fulfil to be eligible for the examination. These criteria encompass various aspects such as educational qualifications, age limits, and nationality. Adhering to the eligibility criteria is crucial for candidates aspiring to appear for CLAT 2026.

General Eligibility:

• Nationality: Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and NRI-sponsored candidates are eligible to apply for CLAT 2026.
• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law courses through CLAT 2026.

For UG Courses:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the class 12th level examination from a recognized board or university to be eligible for undergraduate (UG) law courses through CLAT 2026.
• Minimum Marks Required: General category candidates must secure at least 45% marks in the qualifying examination, while SC/ST category candidates need to score a minimum of 40% marks to meet the eligibility criteria.
• Appearing Candidates: Class 12th appearing candidates are also eligible to apply for the CLAT 2026 entrance exam, provided they fulfil all other eligibility requirements at the time of admission.

For PG Courses:

• Qualifying Examination: Candidates applying for postgraduate (PG) law courses through CLAT 2026 must have completed LLB, 5-year integrated LLB, or its equivalent from a recognized institute or university.
• Minimum Marks Required: To be eligible for CLAT 2026 PG courses, candidates must obtain a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying examination. However, candidates belonging to the reserved categories (SC/ST) must score at least 45% marks.
• Appearing Candidates: Final year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB students appearing for their qualifying examination in April/May 2026 are also eligible to apply for the CLAT 2026 entrance exam.

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CLAT 2026 exam pattern delineates the structure and format of the examination. It encompasses various aspects such as the mode of the exam, sections, duration, types of questions, and marking scheme. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for candidates to strategize their preparation effectively.

• Exam Mode: Conducted through offline (Pen-paper-based) mode.
• Sections: A total of 5 sections in the UG exam.
• Duration: Candidates will have 2 hours to solve the paper.
• Questions Type: The paper will consist of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) & Subjective type questions.
• Medium: Only English language available.
• Number of Questions: 120 questions for both UG & PG examinations.
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer.
• Negative Marking: 0.25 mark deducted for every incorrect answer.

For UG Courses:

For PG Courses:

CLAT 2026 Syllabus

The CLAT 2026 syllabus accessible through online mode, delineates the topics covered in the examination. It encompasses sections from subjects including English, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning for UG courses. Candidates can refer to the syllabus provided on our website for comprehensive preparation.

CLAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing effectively for CLAT 2026 is crucial for success in this competitive examination. Here are some comprehensive preparation tips to help you ace the CLAT:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the CLAT exam pattern to understand the structure, sections, and marking scheme.
• Master Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to enhance your time management skills during the exam.
• Strengthen Basic Concepts: Focus on strengthening your fundamental concepts in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers to acquaint yourself with the exam format and types of questions.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Dedicate time to stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge topics to tackle questions from this section effectively.
• Enhance Reading Comprehension: Improve your reading comprehension skills by reading newspapers, magazines, and relevant study materials regularly.
• Legal Reasoning Practice: Practice solving legal reasoning questions to understand legal principles, concepts, and their application in various scenarios.
• Mock Tests and Revision: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas of improvement. Additionally, revise regularly to reinforce concepts and formulas.

CLAT 2026 Preparation Books

Dive into our curated list of essential CLAT books tailored to help you ace the test. From comprehensive study packages to specialized guides on specific subjects, these books cover all aspects of the CLAT syllabus, ensuring thorough preparation for aspiring law students.

CLAT 2026 Exam Centres

CLAT offers numerous exam centres across the country for candidates to choose from. These centres are strategically located in various cities to facilitate easy accessibility for test-takers. With a wide range of options available, candidates can select the exam centre most convenient for them to appear in the CLAT exam.

CLAT 2026 Admit Card

The Consortium of NLUs is scheduled to release the CLAT 2026 admit card in the third week of November 2025. As there will be no offline facility available, candidates are required to visit the official website through online mode to download their admit cards. They must use their login credentials, such as registration number or application number, along with their date of birth to access the admit card.

Upon downloading the admit card, candidates should ensure to take a hard copy of it, as it will be mandatory to present the original admit card along with a valid photo ID at the exam centre. This process ensures a smooth and organized conduct of the CLAT exam.

CLAT 2026 Answer Key

Following the conclusion of the CLAT 2026 examination, the Consortium of NLUs will release the answer key, which candidates can access online mode. Presented in PDF format on the official website, the answer key will contain all the correct answers to the questions asked in the exam.

Candidates who appeared for the exam will have the opportunity to review the answer key and identify any discrepancies. In the event of a discrepancy, candidates can submit objections online. After analyzing all objections raised by candidates, the final answer key will be published, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the evaluation process.

CLAT 2026 Result

The CLAT 2026 Result will be made available exclusively through online mode by the authority, anticipated to be in the third week of December 2025. This result will contain the qualifying status of all test-takers, and candidates will need to log in using their credentials to access it from the official website.

Prepared based on the final answer key, the result will determine the performance of each candidate in the examination. Upon downloading the result, candidates are advised to keep it secure for future reference during the counselling procedure. Qualified candidates will be summoned to participate in the CLAT 2026 counselling sessions, marking the next step towards their admission journey.

CLAT 2026 Cut-Off

The CLAT 2026 cut-off marks will be disseminated by the authority through online mode, typically after each round of counselling for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses. These cut-offs will be specific to each participating National Law University (NLU).

It’s crucial to note that the cut-off marks may vary among NLUs, with higher-ranking NLUs typically having higher cut-offs. Factors such as the difficulty level of the exam and the total number of candidates shortlisted will influence these cut-off marks. Essentially, the cut-off marks represent the minimum scores or ranks required for admission to various NLUs, playing a significant role in the admission process.

CLAT 2026 Counselling

The CLAT 2026 counselling is scheduled to commence in the last week of December 2025. Qualified candidates from the entrance exam will be entitled to participate in this crucial procedure, during which they will be required to express their preferences for NLUs online through centralized counselling.

Distinct counselling sessions will be conducted separately for both UG and PG programmes. Following each counselling round, the authority will publish seat allotments for each participating NLU, with multiple rounds organized based on available seats. Applicants must also ensure they bring original documents for the verification process, as this step is integral to securing their admission to their preferred institutions.

Required Documents for Counselling

During the counselling process for CLAT, candidates are required to furnish several documents to verify their eligibility and facilitate the admission procedure:

• Class 10th or equivalent mark sheet: This document serves as proof of the candidate’s academic background and is essential for verifying their eligibility for the CLAT exam.
• 12th class or equivalent mark sheet: Similarly, the mark sheet of the 12th standard or its equivalent is crucial to validate the candidate’s qualifications and determine their eligibility for admission to undergraduate law courses.
• Graduation Certificate (for CLAT PG counselling): Candidates applying for postgraduate law courses must provide their graduation certificate as proof of their completed undergraduate degree.
• Character Certificate: This document attests to the candidate’s good conduct and moral character, often issued by their previous educational institution or a gazetted officer.
• Transfer/ Migration Certificate: A transfer or migration certificate is required to validate the candidate’s transition from their previous educational institution to the institution where they seek admission through CLAT.
• Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC), etc if applicable: Candidates belonging to reserved categories must provide their caste certificate to avail of the respective reservation benefits during the counselling process.
• PWD Certificate (if required): Candidates with disabilities must submit a PWD (Persons with Disabilities) certificate issued by a competent authority to avail of any applicable reservation or facilities.
• Domicile/ residence Certificate, etc.: Proof of domicile or residence may be required to ascertain the candidate’s eligibility for state-specific quotas or preferences during the admission process.

Participating Institutes of CLAT 2026

Below are the participating institutes of CLAT 2026, where aspiring law students can seek admission to various law programs offered by these esteemed institutions. These institutes are renowned for their academic excellence and comprehensive legal education.

CLAT 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.