The CLAT Exam , is one of India’s most competitive and respected entrance exams for aspiring law students. Conducted annually by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), this exam serves as the gateway to National Law Universities across India, as well as other top private law colleges. Whether you wish to pursue undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) law degrees, clearing the CLAT exam opens the door to a rewarding legal career.
In this comprehensive blog, you’ll find everything you need to know , from CLAT exam dates, syllabus, eligibility, exam pattern, fees, and preparation tips to how to apply and what to expect on exam day.
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What is CLAT Exam ?
The CLAT Exam Full Form is the Common Law Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance examination for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLM.
For law aspirants, this exam is the stepping stone to India’s top-ranked NLUs, where they can study law, specialise in various domains, and build a strong foundation for careers in litigation, corporate law, or public policy.
The CLAT exam tests your comprehension, reasoning, legal aptitude, and problem-solving skills, all essential qualities for a successful career in law.
CLAT Exam is for What Purpose ?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to undergraduate (LL.B) and postgraduate (LL.M) law programmes at 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. The exam assesses a candidate’s aptitude in English, current affairs, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques.
- 5-year Integrated LL.B. programs (like B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.Sc. LL.B., B.B.A. LL.B., etc.) after Class 12.
- One-year LL.M. programs after completing a 3-year or 5-year LL.B. degree.
Beyond NLUs, a number of private universities and public sector undertakings also use CLAT scores for admission or recruitment.
CLAT Exam 2026 – Overview
The CLAT exam is conducted for admission to 24 NLUs for UG courses and 21 NLUs for PG courses. In addition to the NLUs, there are 61 private affiliated colleges that accept CLAT scores for admission, along with several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) that use it for recruitment. Read further to know more about CLAT 2026 and its key details.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
|
Conducting Body |
Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) |
|
Exam Level |
National |
|
Frequency |
Once a year |
|
Mode of Exam |
Offline (Pen and Paper) |
|
Duration |
2 Hours |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Total Questions (UG) |
120 |
|
Official Website |
Note : The CLAT Exam 2026 will be conducted in offline mode at multiple centres across India.
CLAT Exam 2026 – Exam Dates
The CLAT Exam Date 2026 will be conducted on 7th December 2025 (Sunday) in offline (pen-and-paper) mode. The detailed schedule, including timings and exam day guidelines, will be announced by the Consortium of NLUs on its official website.
Here’s a quick look at the important CLAT 2026 dates:
|
Event |
Tentative Date |
|
CLAT 2026 Notification Release |
23rd July 2025 |
|
CLAT 2026 Exam Date |
7th December 2025 |
|
Admit Card Release |
November 2025 |
|
Result Announcement |
December 2025 – January 2026 |
Note: The exam held in December 2025 is for the academic year 2026-27, and is officially referred to as CLAT 2026. It’s advisable to register early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
CLAT Exam 2026 – Registration Dates
The CLAT 2026 registration process began in July 2025 and will continue until October 2025.Candidates will be able to fill out the online application form, upload documents, and pay the fee through the official CLAT portal before the deadline.
|
Event |
CLAT Exam Date 2026 |
|
Online Registrations Begin |
August 1, 2025 |
|
CLAT Exam Date 2026 Registration Last Date |
October 31, 2025 |
|
CLAT Exam Date |
December 7, 2025 |
CLAT Exam 2026 – Fee Details
The application fee for CLAT 2026 varies based on the candidate’s category. The fee can be paid online through debit/credit cards, UPI, or net banking on the official CLAT portal.
|
Category |
Application Fee |
|
General / OBC / PwD / NRI / PIO / OCI |
₹4,000 |
|
SC / ST / BPL |
₹3,500 |
Note:
- The CLAT exam fee is non-refundable.
- Candidates can pay using debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
- Additional service charges may apply depending on the payment gateway.
CLAT Exam 2026 – Eligibility
For the UG CLAT, candidates must have completed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. For the PG CLAT, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B) from a recognised university.There is no upper age limit for appearing in the exam.
|
Program |
Minimum Qualifying Marks |
Age Limit |
|
UG (5-year Integrated LL.B.) |
45% in Class 12 or equivalent (40% for SC/ST/PwD) |
No upper age limit |
|
PG (One-year LL.M.) |
50% in LL.B. or equivalent degree (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
No upper age limit |
How to Apply for CLAT Exam 2026
Applying for the CLAT Exam 2026 is a straightforward online process conducted through the official website of the Consortium of NLUs. Candidates are advised to read the eligibility criteria carefully, keep their documents ready, and ensure accurate details while filling out the form to avoid rejection.
Follow these simple steps to register for the CLAT Exam 2026:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Register Yourself: Click on ‘Register’ and enter your name, mobile number, and email ID.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in and provide personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload Documents: Upload your photo, signature, and relevant certificates in the given format.
- Select NLUs and Exam Centre: Choose your preferred National Law Universities and test cities.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay online via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
- Submit and Download Confirmation: Submit the form and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Tip: Apply before the last registration date (expected by 31 October 2025) to avoid late fees or technical issues.
CLAT Exam Paper Pattern 2026
The UG CLAT paper will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions covering English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The PG CLAT paper includes questions from core law subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and other legal topics.
|
Details |
CLAT UG (LL.B.) 2026 |
CLAT PG (LL.M.) 2026 |
|
Mode |
Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
|
Duration |
2 Hours (120 minutes) |
2 Hours (120 minutes) |
|
Total Questions |
120 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
120 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Question Format |
Comprehension-based questions from passages |
Passage-based questions from court decisions, statutes, or regulations |
|
Marking Scheme |
+1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer |
+1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer |
|
Purpose |
Tests aptitude in English, Legal, Logical, and Quantitative reasoning |
Tests legal reasoning and application of core law concepts studied in undergraduate law courses |
CLAT UG Exam 2026 – Syllabus
The CLAT 2026 syllabus assesses candidates’ aptitude, comprehension, and reasoning skills. For the UG CLAT, it covers English, current affairs, legal aptitude, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques.
|
Subject Area |
Approximate Question Weightage |
Core Skill Tested |
|
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge |
28-32 questions (25%) |
Awareness of contemporary events, arts, culture, and international affairs. |
|
Legal Reasoning |
28-32 questions (25%) |
Ability to read legal propositions/principles and apply them to fact situations. (No prior legal knowledge is required) |
|
English Language |
22-26 questions (20%) |
Reading comprehension, drawing inferences, and understanding vocabulary in context. |
|
Logical Reasoning |
22-26 questions (20%) |
Critical analysis of arguments, identifying premises and conclusions, and recognising patterns of reasoning. |
|
Quantitative Techniques |
10-14 questions (10%) |
Deriving information from data sets (graphs, tables) and applying Class 10 level mathematics (ratios, percentages, basic algebra). |
CLAT PG Exam 2026 – Syllabus
The CLAT PG paper consists of one section that covers various mandatory undergraduate law subjects. The questions are integrated across these subjects, with a high emphasis on Constitutional Law.
|
Subject Areas |
Approx. Weightage |
Description |
|
Constitutional Law |
High (Approximately 60% of the paper) |
Focus on landmark judgments, constitutional provisions, and current legal issues related to the Constitution. |
|
Other Law Subjects |
Moderate (Remaining weightage) |
Includes Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and Labour & Industrial Law. |
CLAT Exam 2026 – Admit Card or Hall Ticket Download Process
The CLAT Admit Card 2026 will be available in November 2025. Candidates can download it by logging in to their registered account on the official CLAT website using their application number and password.The admit card will include important details such as your exam date, reporting time, venue, and instructions.
Here’s how to download it:
- Visit the official website of the Consortium of NLUs – https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Log in using your registered mobile number and password.
- Click on the ‘Download Admit Card’ or ‘Hall Ticket’ link.
- Check all the details carefully before downloading.
- Take a printout of the hall ticket and carry it along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre.
|
Event |
Date |
|
Admit Card Release Date |
November 15, 2024 |
|
Last Date to Download Admit Card |
December 1, 2024 (till 1:30 PM) |
|
CLAT 2026 Exam Date |
December 1, 2024 |
Note: Candidates must verify all information on the hall ticket and report any discrepancies to the exam authorities before the exam date.
CLAT Exam 2026 – Results Release Date
The CLAT 2026 results are expected to be released in mid to late December 2025 or early January 2026, following the exam scheduled for December 7, 2025. Candidates can view their results on the official Consortium of NLUs website by logging in with their registered credentials.
The result will display the candidate’s name, All India Rank (AIR), and merit details, along with a downloadable scorecard for counselling and admissions.
Steps to Check CLAT 2026 Result:
- Visit the official website – consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Click on the “CLAT 2026 Result” or “Scorecard” link.
- Log in using your mobile number/registration ID and password.
- View your result displayed on the screen.
- Download and save the scorecard for future reference during counselling and admission.
CLAT Exam 2026 – Sample Paper for CLAT Exam
Candidates can access official CLAT 2026 sample papers on the Consortium of NLUs website. Solving these papers helps familiarise with the exam pattern, improve speed and accuracy, and enhance overall preparation strategy.
They help you:
- Understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Improve time management skills.
- Identify your strengths and weak areas.
You can download free sample papers and mock tests from the official CLAT website and various trusted coaching platforms.
Is CLAT Exam Tough?
The CLAT exam is considered challenging due to its competitive nature and concept-based questions. Each year, over 60,000 -70,000 students appear for the exam, but only a few thousand secure admission to NLUs.
However, with the right preparation strategy, consistent practice, and a deep understanding of the syllabus, you can definitely crack CLAT. It tests clarity of thought more than memorisation, so analytical reading skills are key.
Tips for Passing the CLAT Exam
- Start Early: Begin preparation at least 8–10 months in advance.
- Read Daily: Build reading habits through newspapers and editorials.
- Practise Mock Tests: Attempt weekly mock tests to improve speed.
- Revise Regularly: Revise GK, legal reasoning, and vocabulary daily.
- Analyse Mistakes: Review your test results and learn from errors.
- Stay Calm: Manage stress through regular breaks and balanced study sessions
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Conclusion
The CLAT Exam is not just a test , it’s a gateway to a bright and respected legal career. With detailed knowledge of CLAT exam dates, syllabus, pattern, eligibility, fees, and preparation tips, you now have everything you need to plan effectively.
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