What is the eligibility for CLAT 2026?

For CLAT UG 2026: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with minimum 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). For CLAT PG: LLB degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). There is no upper age limit for CLAT exam.

Best CLAT Law Entrance Coaching

What is CLAT 2026 - Common Law Admission Test?

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is India's premier national-level entrance examination conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admissions to undergraduate (BA LLB Hons.) and postgraduate (LLM) programs at 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) and several other prestigious law institutions across India.

🔔 CLAT 2026 CONFIRMED EXAM DATE

Date: December 7, 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (2 hours)
Registration Deadline: October 31, 2025
Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper-Based Test)

Quick Facts about CLAT 2026:

Total Questions: 120 MCQs (Passage-based, 4-5 questions per passage)
Total Marks: 120 marks
Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Marking: +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong answer (negative marking)
Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper-Based Test)
Language: English only
Test Centers: 140 cities across 22 states in India
Participating Institutions: 26 NLUs + other universities

Conducting Body: Consortium of National Law Universities
Official Website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
CLAT 2026 Convenor: HNLU Raipur (Hidayatullah National Law University)
NLUs Participating: 26 (All NLUs except NLU Delhi which conducts AILET)
Expected Candidates: 75,000+ (UG + PG combined)
Exam Level: National Level

Get Free Study Material Call: 8591850950

Important: CLAT 2026 registration opens on August 1, 2025 and closes on October 31, 2025. The exam is highly competitive with limited seats across NLUs. Early preparation with structured study plan is essential. Click here for detailed CLAT 2026 syllabus.

CLAT UG Exam Pattern 2026 - Complete Breakdown

Exam Structure & Format

Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Total Marks: 120 marks
Exam Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours) - No extra time
Question Format: Passage-based - Each passage followed by 4-5 questions
Marking Scheme:
- +1 mark for each correct answer
- -0.25 marks (negative marking) for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unattempted questions
Question Type: Objective-type multiple-choice questions with 4 options
Medium of Exam: English only
Mode of Examination: Offline (Pen & Paper-Based Test) conducted at test centers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult (suitable for Class 12 pass students)
Answer Method: OMR sheet (darken correct bubble)

Important Pattern Highlights:

Passage-based format: All questions based on comprehension of passages
Tests comprehension, analysis & application, not rote learning
Negative marking of 0.25 marks - strategic attempt crucial
No sectional time limit - manage time across all sections
Average 60 seconds per question - time management critical
OMR sheet filling practice essential

Section-wise Distribution (Approximate)

Section Name	Approximate Questions	Topics Covered
English Language	22-26 questions	Reading comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary (passage-based)
Current Affairs including General Knowledge	28-32 questions	Contemporary events, Static GK, Indian & World affairs (passage-based)
Legal Reasoning	28-32 questions	Legal principles, Constitutional law, Application of law to facts
Logical Reasoning	22-26 questions	Logical puzzles, Arguments, Analogies, Pattern recognition
Quantitative Techniques (Mathematics)	10-14 questions	Class 10 level Maths, Data interpretation, Basic calculations
TOTAL	120 questions	All Sections Combined

Understanding the Passage-Based Format

CLAT uses a unique comprehension-based approach where each section contains passages (approximately 300-450 words each) followed by a set of questions testing:

Understanding: Comprehension of main ideas and details
Analysis: Ability to infer, interpret, and evaluate information
Application: Applying principles/concepts to new situations
Critical Thinking: Reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skills

Test Strategy Tips:

Read passages carefully but quickly - practice speed reading
Current Affairs & Legal Reasoning carry maximum questions - prioritize them
Quantitative Techniques has least questions - don't spend too much time
Due to negative marking, skip questions you're unsure about
Attempt high-scoring sections first based on your strengths
Practice with previous year papers to understand passage complexity

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification Requirements for UG (BA LLB)

Basic Qualification:

Minimum Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) examination or equivalent from any recognized Board/University
Stream: Any stream is eligible - Science (PCM/PCB), Commerce, Arts/Humanities
Recognition: Board must be recognized by central/state government or equivalent examining body
Final Year Students: Students appearing in 12th class final examinations in 2026 can also apply provisionally
Important: Final admission subject to producing passing certificates with required percentage

Minimum Percentage Requirements:

Category	Minimum Marks Required in 10+2
General / Unreserved	45% aggregate marks
OBC (Other Backward Classes)	45% aggregate marks
SC (Scheduled Caste)	45% aggregate marks
ST (Scheduled Tribe)	45% aggregate marks

Note: There is no relaxation in minimum percentage for SC/ST candidates in CLAT. All categories require 45% marks in qualifying examination.

Age Limit & Other Criteria:

Age Limit: NO upper age limit as per Bar Council of India (BCI) guidelines
Lower Age Limit: Candidates should have completed 20 years by the date of admission (or as per BCI norms)
Nationality: Indian nationals and NRI/PIO/OCI candidates can apply
Number of Attempts: Unlimited - No restriction on number of attempts

Important Eligibility Notes:

Candidates must fulfill minimum percentage criteria in their qualifying examination (10+2)
Aggregate percentage calculated based on all subjects or best of 5 (as per board rules)
Candidates with compartment/supplementary in 12th are NOT eligible until they clear all subjects
Distance education/correspondence 10+2 accepted if UGC/government recognized
International board students (IB, Cambridge, etc.) must have equivalence certificate from AIU
Keep original documents ready for verification at NLU during admission

Critical Eligibility Points:

12th appearing students can apply but must pass with 45% for final admission
All original documents verified during NLU admission - no fake certificates
Each NLU may have additional domicile/category-specific criteria
Check individual NLU prospectus for state quota and reservation details
No age barrier makes CLAT accessible to candidates of all ages

CLAT 2026 Important Dates - Complete Timeline

Event / Milestone	Date / Status
CLAT 2026 Notification Release	July 20, 2025
Registration Opens	August 1, 2025 (Thursday)
Last Date for Registration	October 31, 2025 (Friday)
Last Date for Fee Payment	To be notified (usually same as registration deadline)
Correction Window	To be announced (if provided)
Admit Card Release	November 2025 (tentative)
CLAT 2026 Exam Date	December 7, 2025 (Sunday)
Exam Timing	2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (2 hours)
Provisional Answer Key Release	Within 7-10 days of exam
Objection Window for Answer Key	2-3 days after answer key release
Final Answer Key Upload	December 2025 (tentative)
CLAT 2026 Result Declaration	To be notified (Late December 2025)
Counselling Process Begins	To be notified (Individual NLUs conduct)
Seat Allotment & Admission	To be notified (Multiple rounds)
Classes Commencement	July/August 2026 (Academic Year 2026-27)

⏰ IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Registration opens August 1, 2025 - don't wait for last date
Registration closes October 31, 2025 - NO extensions typically given
Exam on December 7, 2025 - Mark your calendar!
Multiple counseling rounds by individual NLUs after result

Stay Updated:

Regularly check official website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
Register early to avoid last-minute technical issues
Keep email and phone number updated for official communications
Download admit card as soon as available (usually 2 weeks before exam)
Check test center city allocation on admit card
Follow CLAT official social media for real-time updates

26 National Law Universities (NLUs) Participating in CLAT 2026

CLAT 2026 scores are accepted by 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India for admission to BA LLB (Hons.) and LLM programs. These are India's premier law institutions offering world-class legal education.

Complete List of CLAT 2026 Participating NLUs

📌 Important Note:

NLU Delhi (NLUD) does NOT participate in CLAT - conducts own entrance exam AILET
So effectively 26 NLUs accept CLAT scores (including GNLU Silvassa campus)
Each NLU has different seat capacity, state quota, and cutoff scores

NLSIU Bangalore - National Law School of India University, Bangalore (120 seats)
NALSAR Hyderabad - National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad (120 seats)
NLIU Bhopal - National Law Institute University, Bhopal (102 seats)
WBNUJS Kolkata - West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata (105 seats)
NLU Jodhpur - National Law University, Jodhpur (104 seats)
HNLU Raipur - Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur (160 seats)
GNLU Gandhinagar - Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar (174 seats)
GNLU Silvassa - Gujarat National Law University, Silvassa Campus (66 seats)
RMLNLU Lucknow - Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow (169 seats)
RGNUL Patiala - Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala (175 seats)
CNLU Patna - Chanakya National Law University, Patna (120 seats)
NUALS Kochi - National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi (60 seats)
NLUO Cuttack - National Law University Odisha, Cuttack (159 seats)

NUSRL Ranchi - National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi (120 seats)
NLUJA Guwahati - National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, Guwahati (60 seats)
DSNLU Visakhapatnam - Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam (120 seats)
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli - Tamil Nadu National Law University, Tiruchirappalli (114 seats)
MNLU Mumbai - Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai (100 seats)
MNLU Nagpur - Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur (120 seats)
MNLU Aurangabad - Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (60 seats)
HPNLU Shimla - Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla (120 seats)
DNLU Jabalpur - Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur (120 seats)
DBRANLU Sonepat - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat (120 seats)
RPNLU Prayagraj - Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (120 seats)
IIULER Goa - India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa (60 seats)
NLU Tripura - National Law University, Tripura (60 seats)

Total Approximate Seats: 26 NLUs offer approximately 3,000+ BA LLB seats through CLAT 2026 (including state quota and all categories).

Top NLUs by NIRF Ranking & Reputation

NLU	Reputation	Expected General Category Rank
NLSIU Bangalore	India's #1 Law School, Highest placement	Rank 1-100
NALSAR Hyderabad	Top 3, Excellent infrastructure	Rank 100-300
NLIU Bhopal	Top 5, Strong academics	Rank 300-600
WBNUJS Kolkata	Top 5, Excellent faculty	Rank 300-700
NLU Jodhpur	Top 10, Beautiful campus	Rank 500-1000

Other Universities Accepting CLAT 2026 Scores

Beyond the 26 NLUs, CLAT scores are now accepted by several prestigious private and public universities for admission to their law programs. This gives CLAT candidates more options for quality legal education.

Major Universities Accepting CLAT Scores:

Alliance University, Bangalore - BA LLB, BBA LLB programs
Nirma University, Ahmedabad - BA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.)
UPES Dehradun - University of Petroleum and Energy Studies - BA LLB
ICFAI Law School - Multiple campuses across India
Bennett University, Greater Noida - BA LLB (Hons.)

OP Jindal Global University - Accepts CLAT for some programs
Amity Law Schools - Multiple campuses nationwide
Christ University, Bangalore - BA LLB programs
JSS Law College, Mysore - BA LLB, BBA LLB
Several other state universities and private institutions

Important Points About Non-NLU Admissions:

Each university has its own admission process and cutoff
Some may conduct additional rounds (PI/WAT) besides CLAT scores
Fee structure varies significantly - check individual university websites
Verify BCI recognition and NAAC accreditation before admission
CLAT score validity and weightage differs across institutions
Check if university accepts CLAT as primary or supplementary criteria

💡 Pro Tip: While NLUs remain the most prestigious, these other universities offer additional backup options for CLAT candidates. Always verify current admission policies from official university websites before applying.

CLAT 2026 Syllabus Overview

The CLAT 2026 syllabus covers five sections through passage-based questions. All questions test comprehension, analysis, and application of concepts rather than rote memorization.

English Language (22-26 Q)

Reading comprehension passages
Grammar & correct usage
Vocabulary in context
Meaning of words & phrases
Main idea & inferences
Author's tone & purpose
Passage from fiction/non-fiction

Current Affairs & GK (28-32 Q)

Contemporary national events
International current affairs
Historical events with significance
Indian polity & governance
Economy & business news
Arts, culture & sports
Science & technology updates

Legal Reasoning (28-32 Q)

Legal principles & propositions
Constitutional law concepts
Application to fact situations
Legal problem solving
Understanding legal rules
Recent legal developments

Logical Reasoning (22-26 Q)

Critical reasoning
Arguments & assumptions
Inferences & conclusions
Analogies & patterns
Logical sequences
Strengthen/weaken arguments

Quantitative Techniques (10-14 Q)

Class 10 level mathematics
Ratios & proportions
Percentages & averages
Profit & loss
Simple & compound interest
Data interpretation

Complete topic breakdown with preparation tips

The CLAT 2026 syllabus comprises five sections tested through passage-based questions. Each passage (300-450 words) is followed by 4-5 questions testing comprehension, analysis, and application skills.

Section-Wise Detailed Syllabus

1. English Language (22-26 questions)

Reading Comprehension: Passages from contemporary or historically significant fiction and non-fiction writing
Main Themes: Identifying central ideas, arguments, and purpose of passages
Inferences: Drawing logical conclusions from stated and unstated information
Grammar & Usage: Correct use of grammar, sentence structure, and syntax in context
Vocabulary: Meaning of words and phrases used in passage context
Critical Analysis: Evaluating arguments, perspectives, and viewpoints
Author's Tone: Understanding attitude - critical, supportive, neutral, sarcastic, etc.

2. Current Affairs including General Knowledge (28-32 questions)

Contemporary Events: Major national and international news (focus on last 12 months)
Indian Polity: Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, President, Prime Minister, Elections
International Affairs: Global events, International organizations (UN, WHO, WTO, etc.)
Historical Events: Events with contemporary significance, Historical developments
Economics: Economic policies, Budget, Banking, Foreign trade, International economics
Arts & Culture: Literature, Music, Dance, Theatre, Indian heritage, Cultural developments
Science & Technology: Scientific discoveries, Space missions, Technology innovations
Sports: Major tournaments, Champions, Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Records
Awards & Honors: Nobel Prize, Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, International awards

3. Legal Reasoning (28-32 questions)

Legal Principles: Application of legal propositions and rules to fact situations
Constitutional Law: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Constitutional bodies
Public Interest Issues: Legal aspects of contemporary social, political, economic issues
Legal Problem Solving: Analyzing legal scenarios and applying principles
Understanding Legal Rules: Interpretation and application of legal maxims
Recent Legal Developments: Important judgments, Legal reforms, New legislations
No Prior Legal Knowledge Required: Tests aptitude, not existing legal knowledge

4. Logical Reasoning (22-26 questions)

Critical Reasoning: Evaluating and completing arguments
Identifying Arguments: Distinguishing facts from opinions
Inferences & Conclusions: Drawing valid logical conclusions
Assumptions: Identifying stated and unstated assumptions
Strengthen/Weaken: Arguments that support or undermine given statements
Analogies: Identifying similar patterns and relationships
Logical Sequences: Ordering of statements, Time sequences
Passage-based Reasoning: All questions based on passages, not standalone

5. Quantitative Techniques (10-14 questions)

Level: Class 10 (Secondary School) mathematics
Number Systems: Real numbers, Integers, Rational/Irrational numbers
Algebra: Simple equations, Quadratic equations, Polynomials
Ratios & Proportions: Direct proportion, Inverse proportion, Partnerships
Percentages: Percentage calculations, Applications in real-life problems
Averages: Mean, Median, Mode calculations
Profit & Loss: Cost price, Selling price, Discount calculations
Interest: Simple interest, Compound interest
Time & Work: Efficiency, Combined work problems
Speed, Distance & Time: Average speed, Relative speed
Data Interpretation: Tables, Charts, Graphs, Data analysis
Geometry: Basic concepts (if passage-based)

Passage-Based Format Explanation

IMPORTANT: CLAT follows a unique format where all sections are tested through passages:

Each section contains multiple passages (300-450 words each)
Each passage followed by 4-5 questions
Questions test comprehension, analysis, and application
No standalone questions - all are passage-based
Even Maths questions may be in passage/scenario format

Preparation Tips for Each Section

English: Read newspapers, editorials, novels regularly. Practice comprehension speed.
Current Affairs: Follow news daily. Cover last 12 months extensively. Make current affairs notes.
Legal Reasoning: Practice applying principles to facts. Read about basic constitutional concepts.
Logical Reasoning: Practice critical reasoning from LSAT/GMAT materials. Analyze arguments daily.
Quantitative: Revise Class 10 NCERT Maths. Practice speed calculations. Focus on accuracy.

💡 Need Complete Study Material?
Get detailed chapter-wise syllabus, section-wise preparation strategy, previous year passages, current affairs compilation, and CLAT-specific study material on WhatsApp.

CLAT 2026 Registration Process - Step by Step

How to Register for CLAT 2026 Online

The CLAT 2026 registration is conducted entirely online through the official website consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Registration opens on August 1, 2025 and closes on October 31, 2025. Follow these steps:

Visit Official Website: Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in (official CLAT 2026 website)
Click on Register: Click on "CLAT 2026 Registration" or "Apply Now" button
Create Account: Fill in basic details to create your account:
- Full name (as per Class 10/12 certificate)
- Valid email ID (active and regularly checked)
- Mobile number (active for OTP verification)
- Create strong password
Email/Mobile Verification: Verify your email ID and mobile number through OTP
Login to Application Portal: Login with registered credentials
Fill Application Form: Complete all sections of online form accurately:
- Personal details (name, DOB, gender, category, nationality, domicile)
- Contact details (email, phone, permanent address, correspondence address)
- Educational qualifications (Class 10 and 12 details with board, year, percentage)
- Category details (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD - upload certificate if applicable)
- Test city preferences (choose 3-4 cities in order of preference)
Upload Documents: Scan and upload required documents in specified format:
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, max 100 KB, white background)
- Signature (JPEG, max 30 KB, black ink on white paper)
- Class 10 certificate (for DOB proof)
- Class 12 mark sheet or school certificate (appearing candidates)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD - if applicable)
Preview Application: Review all entered information carefully before proceeding
Pay Application Fee: Complete fee payment through available modes:
- General / OBC / EWS / PwD: ₹4,000
- SC / ST / BPL: ₹3,500
- Payment modes: Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, UPI
- Fee is non-refundable
Submit Application: Click "Submit" after fee payment - NO changes allowed after submission
Download Confirmation: Download and print confirmation page showing:
- Application number / Registration ID
- Payment receipt
- Complete application details
Save Application Number: Note down your application number for admit card download and future reference

⚠️ CRITICAL REGISTRATION WARNINGS

NO changes permitted after final submission - verify everything carefully
Application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances
Ensure you meet eligibility criteria before paying fees
Registration closes October 31, 2025 - NO extensions typically given
Use only ONE email ID and mobile number per candidate
Keep transaction ID and payment receipt safe

Important Registration Tips:

Register early - don't wait for last date (Oct 31)
Keep scanned documents ready before starting application
Use valid, active email ID - all communications sent via email
Choose test cities wisely - you'll be allotted one of your preferences
Double-check Class 12 percentage - affects eligibility
Take multiple screenshots/printouts of confirmation page
Check spam/junk folder regularly for CLAT emails
Do NOT share login credentials with anyone

Admit Card & Test Center Allocation

Admit Card Release: November 2025 (approximately 2 weeks before exam)
Download from: consortiumofnlus.ac.in using login credentials
Contains: Exam date, timing, test center address, candidate details, instructions
Carry to Exam: Printed admit card + Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
Test Center: Allocated based on your city preferences and availability
Important: No admit card = No entry to examination hall

CLAT vs Other Law Entrance Exams - Comparison

Aspect	CLAT 2026	AILET 2026	SLAT 2026	PU CET Law 2026
Conducting Body	Consortium of NLUs	NLU Delhi	Symbiosis	Panjab University
Exam Date	Dec 7, 2025	Dec 14, 2025	Dec 20 & 28, 2025	Jan 4, 2026
Questions	120 MCQs	150 MCQs	60 MCQs	100 MCQs
Duration	120 minutes	120 minutes	60 minutes	90 minutes
Negative Marking	Yes (-0.25)	Yes (-0.25)	No	Yes (-0.25)
Exam Mode	Offline	Offline	Online (CBT)	Offline
Question Format	Passage-based	Direct MCQs	Direct MCQs	Direct MCQs
Eligibility	10+2 with 45%	10+2 with 50%	10+2 with 45%	10+2 with 50%
For Admission To	26 NLUs + others	NLU Delhi only	4 SLS campuses	PU Chandigarh
Registration Fee	₹4,000 / ₹3,500	Approx. ₹3,500	₹2,250 + ₹1,000	Approx. ₹1,500

Which Exam Should You Choose?

CLAT: Must-appear for admission to 26 NLUs. Largest opportunity with single exam.
AILET: Appear if interested in NLU Delhi specifically (prestigious but doesn't accept CLAT)
SLAT: Good backup option for Symbiosis law schools. No negative marking advantage.
PU CET: For admission to Panjab University law programs
Recommendation: Prepare for CLAT as primary, appear for others as backup/additional options

Why Choose CLAT & National Law Universities?

Advantages of Cracking CLAT

26 NLUs in One Exam: Single exam opens doors to 26 premier law universities across India with one score
India's Best Law Education: NLUs are top-ranked institutions offering world-class legal education and infrastructure
Excellent Placement Records: Top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad have 100% placement with high packages (₹12-25 LPA average)
Diverse Career Opportunities:
- Corporate law (Big law firms, MNCs, Investment banks)
- Litigation (Supreme Court, High Courts, Trial Courts)
- Judiciary (Judicial Services exams)
- Civil Services (IAS, IPS through UPSC)
- Academia & Research (Teaching, Legal research)
- International organizations (UN, World Bank, etc.)
Strong Alumni Network: NLU graduates hold top positions in judiciary, law firms, government, corporate sector
Competitive Peer Group: Study with India's brightest law aspirants from across the country
Research & Publications: Opportunities for legal research, journals, moot courts, competitions
Holistic Development: Focus on critical thinking, analytical skills, public speaking, leadership
National Recognition: NLU degree recognized and valued by all courts, firms, and organizations
Affordable Education: Compared to private colleges, NLUs offer quality education at reasonable fees

What NLUs Offer

Infrastructure: World-class libraries, moot courts, computer labs, sports facilities, hostels
Faculty: Experienced professors, visiting faculty from Supreme Court, High Courts, renowned lawyers
Pedagogy: Case study method, Socratic method, Interactive learning, Practical training
Internships: Opportunities with Supreme Court judges, top law firms, corporate legal teams, NGOs
Moot Courts: Participate in national and international moot court competitions
Extra-curricular: Debates, quizzes, cultural fests, sports meets, legal aid clinics
Global Exposure: Student exchange programs, international conferences, foreign university collaborations

CLAT 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When is CLAT 2026 exam?

CLAT 2026 exam will be held on December 7, 2025 (Sunday) from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in offline pen-and-paper mode at designated test centers across India in 140 cities across 22 states.

2. How many NLUs participate in CLAT 2026?

26 National Law Universities (NLUs) participate in CLAT 2026, including GNLU Silvassa campus. NLU Delhi does NOT participate as it conducts its own entrance exam called AILET. Additionally, several private universities like Alliance University, Nirma University, and UPES also accept CLAT scores for their law programs.

3. What is the CLAT 2026 exam pattern?

CLAT 2026 UG consists of 120 multiple-choice questions carrying 120 marks, to be completed in 120 minutes (2 hours). The exam is passage-based with 4-5 questions per passage covering 5 sections: English Language (22-26 Q), Current Affairs & GK (28-32 Q), Legal Reasoning (28-32 Q), Logical Reasoning (22-26 Q), and Quantitative Techniques (10-14 Q). Negative marking: -0.25 per wrong answer.

4. What is the last date for CLAT 2026 registration?

The last date for CLAT 2026 registration is October 31, 2025 (Friday). Applications open on August 1, 2025 through the official website consortiumofnlus.ac.in. NO late applications are accepted, so register well before the deadline.

5. What is the eligibility criteria for CLAT 2026?

For CLAT 2026 UG, candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with minimum 45% aggregate marks from any recognized board. Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) can apply. There is NO upper age limit as per BCI guidelines. 12th appearing students can also apply provisionally.

6. What is CLAT application fee?

The CLAT 2026 application fee is ₹4,000 for General, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates, and ₹3,500 for SC, ST, and BPL candidates. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.

7. Is CLAT exam offline or online?

CLAT 2026 will be conducted in offline mode as a pen-and-paper-based test at designated examination centers across 140 cities in India. Candidates will receive an OMR sheet to mark their answers. The exam is NOT conducted online.

8. Can 12th appearing students apply for CLAT 2026?

Yes, students appearing in 12th class final examinations can apply for CLAT 2026 provisionally. However, they must produce their passing certificates showing minimum 45% marks at the time of admission to NLU. Failure to meet the percentage criteria will result in cancellation of admission.

9. What is passage-based format in CLAT?

CLAT follows a unique passage-based format where all questions are based on comprehension of passages. Each section contains multiple passages (300-450 words each), and each passage is followed by 4-5 questions. This format tests comprehension, analysis, and application skills rather than rote memorization. Even Quantitative Techniques questions may be presented in passage/scenario format.

10. Which is the best NLU in India?

NLSIU Bangalore (National Law School of India University, Bangalore) is consistently ranked as India's #1 law school with highest CLAT cutoffs (Rank 1-100 for General category), best placement records (100% placement with average packages ₹12-25 LPA), excellent infrastructure, renowned faculty, and strong alumni network. NALSAR Hyderabad, NLIU Bhopal, and WBNUJS Kolkata are also among top 5 NLUs.

11. Can I appear for CLAT multiple times?

Yes, there is NO restriction on the number of attempts for CLAT. Candidates can appear for the examination any number of times as long as they meet the eligibility criteria (10+2 with 45% marks). With no upper age limit as per BCI norms, CLAT is accessible to candidates of all ages for multiple attempts.

12. How is CLAT different from other law entrance exams?

CLAT is unique because: (1) Passage-based format - all questions based on comprehension of passages unlike direct MCQs in other exams, (2) 26 NLUs acceptance - single exam for admission to maximum premier law universities, (3) Tests analytical skills not rote learning, (4) Conducted by Consortium of NLUs ensuring standardization, (5) Most competitive law entrance exam in India with 75,000+ candidates competing for 3,000+ seats.

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