CLAT 2026: Common Law Admission Test
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 is one of the most prestigious national-level law entrance exams in India. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) for admission into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 24 NLUs across the country.
If you are aiming for a career in law, then CLAT 2026 is your gateway to top NLUs and many other private and government law colleges that accept CLAT scores. Below, you’ll find all the important details about CLAT 2026 exam dates, eligibility, application form, exam pattern, syllabus, and counselling process.
✅ CLAT 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper Based) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions (UG) | 120 (Expected) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Courses Offered | BA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.), LLM |
| Accepting Institutes | 24 NLUs + 60+ affiliated private law schools |
| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
📅 CLAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Dates (Expected) |
|---|---|
| CLAT 2026 Notification Release | July 2025 |
| Application Form Start Date | August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | November 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | December 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Result Declaration | January 2026 |
| Counselling Process Begins | January 2026 |
🎓 CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
For UG (BA LLB / BBA LLB)
- Educational Qualification: Passed 10+2 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (General/OBC) and 40% marks (SC/ST).
- Age Limit: No upper age limit for CLAT 2026 UG program.
For PG (LLM)
- Educational Qualification: Completed LLB (3-year or 5-year) with minimum 50% marks (General/OBC) and 45% marks (SC/ST).
- Age Limit: No upper age limit.
📝 CLAT 2026 Application Process
- Visit the official website – consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in details – personal, academic, and communication information.
- Upload documents – photograph, signature, and certificates.
- Pay application fee – online via net banking/credit card/debit card.
- Download confirmation page for reference.
💰 CLAT 2026 Application Fees (Expected)
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / PwD / NRI | ₹4,000 |
| SC / ST / BPL | ₹3,500 |
📘 CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
For UG (BA LLB / BBA LLB)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Number of Questions | 120 (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong |
| Sections | English, Current Affairs (GK), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques |
For PG (LLM)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Number of Questions | 120 (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Subjects | Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Other Law Subjects |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong |
📚 CLAT 2026 Syllabus
UG Syllabus
- English Language – Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension.
- Current Affairs including GK – National & International Events, Awards, Sports, Important Dates.
- Legal Reasoning – Legal principles, laws, case studies.
- Logical Reasoning – Puzzles, Statements & Assumptions, Critical Reasoning.
- Quantitative Techniques – Basic mathematics, percentages, profit & loss, ratios.
PG Syllabus
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Family Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Public International Law, Property Law, Company Law, Environmental Law
📊 CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Section | Marks (UG) |
|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 |
| Current Affairs & GK | 28-32 |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 |
| Total | 120 |
👉 Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies.
🏫 Top NLUs Participating in CLAT 2026
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University, Delhi* (Note: NLU Delhi accepts AILET, not CLAT)
- National Law University, Jodhpur
- West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
- Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab
- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow
🎯 CLAT 2026 Counselling Process
- Conducted by Consortium of NLUs.
- Online centralized counselling based on CLAT 2026 scores.
- Steps include:
- Registration for counselling.
- Choice filling for preferred NLUs.
- Seat allotment based on merit and category.
- Payment of seat confirmation fee.
- Reporting to the allotted NLU.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CLAT 2026
Q1. Who conducts CLAT 2026?
- The Consortium of NLUs conducts the exam.
Q2. What is the exam mode for CLAT 2026?
- It will be held offline (pen and paper based).
Q3. Is there negative marking in CLAT 2026?
- Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Q4. How many NLUs participate in CLAT 2026?
- 24 NLUs (except NLU Delhi) will accept CLAT scores.
Q5. Can I apply for both UG and PG CLAT 2026 exams?
- Yes, if you meet the respective eligibility criteria, you can apply for both.
🔑 Conclusion
The CLAT 2026 exam is the key to securing admission into India’s top National Law Universities and building a strong foundation in law. With high competition and limited seats, candidates must start preparing early with a focus on legal reasoning, logical thinking, reading comprehension, and current affairs.
By keeping track of the CLAT 2026 important dates, eligibility, application process, syllabus, and exam pattern, aspirants can plan strategically and aim for top ranks to secure admission into their dream NLU.