CLAT 2026: Exam Date, Registration, Notification (All Details)
“The journey to success begins with a single step, and your determination defines the path.”
The CLAT 2026 is a crucial exam for students aiming to study law at prestigious NLUs in India. With the CLAT 2026 exam date expected to be announced in a few months, it’s important for aspirants to start preparing early.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything about the CLAT 2026 exam – from eligibility and syllabus to key preparation strategies and important dates. Whether you’re just beginning your preparation or retaking the exam, this guide will help you stay on track and achieve success.
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What is CLAT?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level law entrance exam in India for admission to law programs or courses at 25 National Law Universities (NLUs).
It tests candidates in subjects like English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques. The CLAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper format. It is open to students who have completed or are appearing for their Class 12 exams.
CLAT scores are also accepted by several other private law colleges and universities for admission into their law programs.
For those who are looking to pursue LLM from NLUs, the CLAT PG exam is the way to go.
Know more about the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
CLAT 2026: Key Highlights
Feature | Detail |
Exam Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
CLAT 2026 Exam Date | 1st Week of December 2025 (Expected) |
Exam Level | National-level exam |
Exam Purpose | Admission to UG and PG law courses |
Total NLUs Participating | 25 |
CLAT 2026 Application Mode | Online |
CLAT Application Fee | INR 4,000 (General/OBC), INR 3,500 (Reserved) |
Mode of Exam | Pen-and-paper (offline) |
Question Paper Language | English |
Total Questions | 120 |
Duration of Exam | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate (BA LLB) and Postgraduate (LLM) Law Programs |
Official Website |
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CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Check the latest CLAT eligibility criteria for UG and PG below:
1. CLAT 2026 Eligibility for UG
Aspect | Eligibility Criteria |
Age Limit | No upper or lower age limit |
CLAT Educational Qualification | Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination (12th appearing students can apply for CLAT 2026) |
General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI: 45% or equivalent grade | |
SC/ST/PWD: 40% or equivalent grade | |
Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing for their qualifying examination in March/April 2026 are also eligible |
CLAT 2026 Tie Breaker Rule | – Higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section |
– Higher age | |
– Computerized draw of lots |
2. CLAT 2026 Eligibility for PG
Aspect | Eligibility |
Age Limit | No upper age limit for candidates appearing for PG program through CLAT 2026 |
Educational Qualification | Must have an LLB degree or equivalent examination |
Minimum Marks | General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI: 50% or equivalent grade |
SC/ST/PWD: 45% or equivalent grade | |
Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing for their qualifying examination in April/May 2026 are also eligible |
Tie Breaker | – Higher age |
– Computerized draw of lots |
Key Points:
- No lower or upper age limit for CLAT 2026. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the educational qualifications.
- No specific subject or stream requirements (Science, Commerce, Arts, etc.).
- Students appearing for 10+2 in March/April 2026 can apply but must provide passing evidence during admission.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- The CLAT exam pattern consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with each question carrying 1 mark.
- The total duration of the exam is 2 hours. For every correct answer, 1 mark is awarded, and for each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted as negative marking.
- The test is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode).
Particulars | Details |
Mode of CLAT 2026 Exam | Offline (Pen and paper) |
CLAT 2026 Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
CLAT UG Subjects | 5 Sections: – English Language – Current Affairs, including General Knowledge – Legal Reasoning – Logical Reasoning – Quantitative Techniques |
CLAT PG Subjects | 2 Sections: – Constitutional Law – Other law subjects (Administrative Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Jurisprudence, Labour Law, Industrial Law, Family Law, Law of Contract, Criminal Law, Torts, Property Law, Company Law, and Public International Law) |
Language | English |
Type of Questions | Multiple-choice Questions |
Total Marks in CLAT | – 120 for UG – 120 for PG |
+1 marks for every correct answer -0.25 marks for every wrong answer |
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CLAT 2026 Exam Date
Event | Official Date | Expected Date |
CLAT 2026 Notification Release Date | To be announced | July 2025 |
CLAT 2026 Registration Start Date | To be announced | Mid July 2025 |
CLAT 2026 Registration Last Date | To be announced | October 2025 |
CLAT 2026 Admit Card Release | To be announced | November 2025 |
CLAT 2026 Exam Date | To be announced | 1 December 2025 |
CLAT 2026 Answer Key Release Date | Yet to be announced | December 2025 |
CLAT 2026 Result Declaration | To be announced | December 2025 |
CLAT 2026 Counselling Start Date | Yet to be announced | December/January 2026 |
CLAT 2026 Registration: How to Apply?
1. Visit the Official Website
Go to the official website of the Consortium of NLUs – consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
2. Registration
- Click on the ‘Register’ button.
- Enter your name, mobile number, email ID, and create a password.
- An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Verify the OTP to complete the registration.
3. Fill the Application Form
- Log in with your credentials and fill in your personal, academic, and contact details.
- Choose your preferred test centers.
4. Upload Documents
Upload the required documents, including a passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable), in the specified format.
5. Select NLU Preferences
You will be asked to select the order of your preference for NLUs based on where you want to study.
6. Pay the Application Fee
Pay the application fee online using a debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
7. Submit the Form
Review your application, ensure all details are correct, and then submit the form.
After successful submission, download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
By following these steps, you can successfully register for CLAT 2026 once the application window opens.
How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 Exam? Expert Strategy
1. Understand Exam Structure
Before jumping into preparation, analyze the CLAT 2026 exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. Know the weightage of each section. This gives you a roadmap to allocate time and resources effectively.
2. Build a Strong Reading Habit
Since CLAT 2026 is a comprehension-based test, reading will be your strongest weapon. Read newspapers for CLAT, like The Hindu or Indian Express daily to enhance your reading speed and comprehension, especially in the editorial and opinion sections.
Also, diversify your reading to include fiction, legal essays, and landmark judgments to understand complex arguments better.
Know about: Best novels for law students
3. Focus on Quality over Quantity in Legal Reasoning
Don’t just solve a bulk of questions. Focus on the quality of practice. For CLAT Legal Reasoning, start by understanding the principles behind concepts, then apply them to passages and questions.
Practice by using previous years’ papers and legal reasoning exercises for comprehension-based formats. Focus on understanding how legal principles interact with facts.
Check:
4. Learn Current Affairs with a Legal Perspective
Preparation for CLAT Current Affairs should go beyond memorizing dates and events. Focus on understanding the significance of events, especially those related to legal developments, the Constitution, and international relations.
Follow monthly current affairs magazines like CLAT Express, but more importantly, link news to legal implications, policies, and governance to sharpen your analysis for this section.
5. Master Logical Reasoning with Real-World Scenarios
Logical Reasoning in CLAT is about identifying patterns, arguments, and logical structures in given information. Practice problem-solving using real-world scenarios and case studies.
This not only enhances your reasoning skills but also helps you connect dots faster in exam conditions.
6. Practice Quantitative Techniques to Build Problem-Solving Skills
Focus on problem-solving skills for the CLAT Quantitative Techniques section. The questions in CLAT are basic but require clarity in concepts like percentages, ratios, averages, and time-speed-distance.
Don’t just memorize formulas—practice applying them through data interpretation, graphs, and word problems. The goal is to solve with accuracy and speed under exam conditions.
7. Take Full-Length Mock Tests Strategically
CLAT mock tests are crucial, but don’t just take them for the sake of practice. After every mock test, analyze your performance section by section.
Understand your weak areas and work specifically on improving them. Pay attention to time management and the balance between accuracy and speed. Aim to simulate exam conditions to prepare your mind for the real pressure.
8. Consistent Revision and Retrospection
During your CLAT 2026 preparation, make time for consistent revision.
Use spaced repetition techniques to ensure that you retain what you learn. Every week, take out time to reflect on what you’ve learned and where you need improvement.
Check CLAT Revision Tips.
9. Join a Focused Study Group or Get Expert Guidance
While self-study is essential, discussing concepts with peers or mentors can open new perspectives.
Enroll in focused CLAT coaching online or offline for structured guidance, mentorship, and regular practice with expert inputs.
10. Stay Mentally Prepared
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CLAT 2026 Subjects
Subject Area | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 | 25% |
Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
CLAT 2026 Syllabus
Know the syllabus of CLAT 2026:
Subject | Topics Covered |
English | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Root words, Synonyms and antonyms, Homophones and homonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms, Analogies, Para jumbles, Literary devices, Parts of speech (Nouns, Pronouns, Adjective, Verbs, Tenses, Adverbs, Conjunctions, Preposition, Determiners) |
GK and Current Affairs | Constitution of India, Judiciary system, Election system, International Relations, Important International Bodies, Major World Disputes, Economics and Indian Economy, Union budget, Important current events (environment, science, technology, government schemes, reports), Current affairs related to history, art, and culture |
Logical Reasoning | Critical reasoning, Arguments (Evaluation, Strengthening, Weakening), Premise, Evidence, Assumptions, Inference, Paradox, Flaw in reasoning, Analytics Reasoning: Blood relation, Syllogism, Coding and decoding, Order ranking, Sitting arrangement, Calendar, Clocks |
Legal Reasoning | Citizenship, Supreme Court and its provisions, Contracts in law, Torts, Criminal laws, Family law, CPC, Evidence Act, Domestic violence act, Indecent representation of women’s act, Pocso and posh act, Basics of international law, Current legal issues |
Quantitative Techniques | Square, Square roots, Cube and cube roots, Fraction, Rules of divisibility, Digit sum and unit digit, Percentage, Venn diagram, Caselets, Data interpretation, Profit and loss, Discount, Simple interest, Compound interest, Time and work, Pipes and cistern, Time speed and distance, Ratio and proportion, Mensuration, Permutation and combination, Probability |
Download the Complete CLAT Syllabus PDF!
Best Books for CLAT 2026 Preparation
Subject Area | Book Name | Author Name |
English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Norman Lewis | |
High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin | |
English is Easy | Chetan Anand Singh | |
General Knowledge | Pratiyogita Darpan | – |
Manorama Year Book | – | |
Pearson’s Concise GK Manual | – | |
Lucent’s General Knowledge | – | |
Competition Review Yearbook | – | |
CLAT Express | Law Prep Tutorial | |
Quantitative Techniques | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | RS Aggarwal |
Data Interpretation | BSC Publications | |
Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M Tyra | |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Pearson | |
Logical Reasoning | Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
GMAT Official Guide | – | |
Legal Reasoning | Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning | Pearson |
Important Judgements That Transformed India | Alex Andrews George | |
The Pearson Guide to the CLAT | Harsh Gagrani |
Know details of Best Books for CLAT.
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Mock Tests for CLAT 2026: Why They Are So Important?
- Get used to and familiar with question types and manage time effectively
- Improve time management during exam
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Build mental and physical endurance
- Understand and avoid errors in the actual exam
- Boost your confidence for the real exam
➡️Attempt Free CLAT Mock Test!
Previous Year Papers for CLAT 2026 Preparation
Year | PDF Link |
CLAT 2024 Question Paper | |
CLAT 2023 Question Paper | |
CLAT 2022 Question Paper | |
CLAT 2021 Question Paper | |
CLAT 2020 Question Paper |
Sample Papers to Prepare for CLAT 2026
| CLAT 2025 Sample Paper-I | Download |
| CLAT 2025 Sample Paper-II | |
| CLAT 2024 Sample Paper-I | |
| CLAT 2024 Sample Paper-II | |
| CLAT 2024 Sample Paper-III | |
| CLAT 2024 Sample Paper-IV |
Browse all CLAT sample papers.
Best Coaching for CLAT 2026
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CLAT 2026 for Droppers: Should You Take a Drop?
Taking a drop for CLAT 2026 can be a smart decision if you are committed to improving your score and securing a seat in a top NLU. Dropping a year allows you to focus solely on preparation, giving you more time to strengthen your weak areas, practice mock tests, and refine your exam strategy.
However, it requires discipline and dedication. If you’re confident in your potential, taking a drop could significantly boost your chances.
For droppers, Law Prep Tutorial offers personalized droppers batches with tailored strategies designed specifically for repeaters.
Learn more: Should I Take a Drop Year for CLAT?
FAQs About CLAT 2026 Exam
What is the CLAT 2026 exam date?
The CLAT 2026 exam is expected to be held in the first week of December 2025.
When will the CLAT 2026 notification be released?
The official CLAT 2026 notification will likely be released in the first week of July 2025.
When does CLAT 2026 registration start?
CLAT 2026 registration is expected to start in the second week of July 2025.
What is the last date to apply for CLAT 2026?
The registration window will likely close by mid-October 2025.
Is there an age limit for CLAT 2026?
No, there is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in CLAT 2026.
What are the educational qualifications for CLAT 2026?
Candidates must have completed or be appearing for their Class 12 or equivalent examination.
Is coaching necessary to crack CLAT 2026?
Coaching is not mandatory but can provide structured guidance and mock test practice for CLAT 2026.
How many times can I attempt the CLAT exam?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the CLAT exam.
Can I appear for CLAT 2026 if I am in Class 12?
Yes, students appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2025 can apply for CLAT 2026.
What is the selection process for CLAT 2026?
The selection process is based on merit; candidates are allotted seats in NLUs based on their CLAT score and preferences.
Can I choose my preferred NLU in CLAT 2026?
Yes, during the application process, you can list your preferred NLUs, and seats will be allotted based on your score and rank.
How many NLUs participate in CLAT 2026?
A total of 25 NLUs participate in CLAT 2026 for admissions.