CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

New CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 (Both UG & PG)

The Consortium of NLUs has officially announced the eligibility criteria for CLAT 2025 exam. 

Understanding the CLAT eligibility is important for students planning to take the exam. Here, we are covering the detailed CLAT exam eligibility, including age limit, qualifications, and minimum marks required for both UG and PG programs. 

Whether you are a general category candidate or belong to a reserved category, this guide will help you understand if you meet the requirements to appear for the CLAT 2025. 

Upcoming CLAT Exams:

The CLAT exam, or Common Law Admission Test, is a national entrance exam for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. 

This law entrance test assesses candidates in English, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. 

The purpose of the CLAT is to ensure a standardized evaluation for law school admissions, determining if candidates have the essential skills and knowledge for a career in law. 

For more details, check our full post on what is CLAT.

Here is a quick overview of the eligibility for CLAT 2025:

Eligibility for CLAT UG

CLAT UG exam is for students in the 12th and 12th pass-out classes. It is the entrance exam for undergraduate law programs. 

AspectCLAT Eligibility
CLAT UG Age LimitNo upper or lower age limit 
CLAT Educational QualificationMust be in 10+2 or have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination
12th Marks Criteria for CLATGeneral/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI: 45% or equivalent grade
SC/ST/PWD: 40% or equivalent grade
Appearing CandidatesCandidates appearing for their qualifying examination in March/April 2025 are also eligible
CLAT Tie Breaker– Higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section
– Higher age
– Computerized draw of lots

Eligibility for CLAT PG

CLAT PG is for students who have already graduated with an LLB degree or are in the final year of their LLB program.

AspectCLAT Eligibility
CLAT PG Age LimitNo upper age limit for candidates appearing for PG program through CLAT 2025
Educational QualificationMust have an LLB degree or equivalent examination
Minimum MarksGeneral/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI: 50% or equivalent grade
SC/ST/PWD: 45% or equivalent grade
Appearing CandidatesCandidates appearing for their qualifying examination in April/May 2025 are also eligible
Tie Breaker– Higher age
– Computerized draw of lots

Let’s discuss the eligibility for CLAT 2025 UG exam:

CLAT Age Limit UG (Minimum and Maximum)

There is no lower or upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT UG program in 2025. This means that students of any age can apply for the undergraduate law program as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria of CLAT.

Educational Qualifications for CLAT

  • Required Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution. This is a crucial form requirement to ensure eligibility for the CLAT exam.
  • Accepted Educational Boards: Accepted boards include CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and other recognized boards. This ensures that students from various educational backgrounds can apply.
  • CLAT Subject Requirements: There are no specific subject or stream requirements for appearing in the CLAT exam. Students from any stream, be it Science, Commerce, or Arts, are eligible.

Minimum Marks or Percentage for CLAT

  • General Category: Candidates belonging to the General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI categories must secure at least 45% marks or an equivalent grade in their 10+2 or equivalent exam.
  • Reserved Category: Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD categories must secure at least 40% marks or an equivalent grade. This relaxation in marks is provided to ensure inclusivity and broader access to legal education.

Important Points for Class 12th Students Related to CLAT Eligibility

  • Students of Class 12th: Students who are appearing for their 10+2 or equivalent examination in March/April 2025 are also eligible to apply for CLAT 2025. However, they must provide evidence of passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission.
  • Result Submission: The result of the class 12th must be submitted at the time of admission. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the admission process.

CLAT UG Eligibility: Tie-Breaker Score

If 2 or more candidates get the same score in the CLAT UG 2025, the break of the tie shall be by the following procedure and order:

  • Higher marks in the component/section on Legal Aptitude in the CLAT 2025 exam;
  • Higher age;
  • Computerised draw of lots.

Also Read: Difference Between CLAT UG vs CLAT PG

Now, let’s discuss the eligibility for CLAT 2025 PG exam:

CLAT Age Limit PG

There is no lower or upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT PG program in 2025. This allows candidates of any age to apply for the postgraduate law program as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.

CLAT PG Educational Qualifications

  • Required Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have an LLB degree or an equivalent examination from a recognized university or institution. This is a critical form requirement to ensure eligibility for CLAT 2025.
  • Accepted Universities: Degrees must be from recognized universities and institutions, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet the necessary standards.

Minimum Marks or Percentage for CLAT PG

  • General Category: Candidates belonging to the General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI categories must secure at least 50% marks or an equivalent grade in their LLB or equivalent examination.
  • Reserved Category Requirements: Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD categories must secure at least 45% marks or an equivalent grade. This relaxation in marks ensures wider accessibility to legal education.

Important Points for Final Year Students Related to CLAT PG Eligibility

  • Students who are appearing for their LLB or equivalent examination in April/May 2025 are also eligible to apply for CLAT 2025. They must provide evidence of passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission.
  • The result of the qualifying examination (i.e., LLB) must be submitted at the time of admission. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the admission process.

Tie Breaker Rule for CLAT PG

  • Higher Age: If two or more candidates secure equal marks, the older candidate will be given preference.
  • Computerized Draw of Lots: If the tie still persists, a computerized draw of lots will be used to determine the rank.

Must Know: CLAT Mock Test Strategy

To apply for CLAT, you must have the following documents:

DocumentDetails
PhotographFront-facing passport-size recent photograph with a plain background
SignatureSignature of the candidate
Category CertificateCertificate if applying under SC/ST/OBC categories
Disability CertificateRelevant certificate issued by a competent authority if the candidate is PWD
BPL CertificateRelevant certificate issued by a competent authority if the candidate is under the BPL category

Submission Notes:

  • Original certificates/documents issued by competent authorities to be submitted at the time of admission.
  • Photograph and signature need not be attested when submitting the online application form.
  • All documents/certificates should be uploaded in PDF format only.

Know the Best Books for CLAT Preparation.

Check the CLAT fee structure for application:

CategoryApplication FeeAdditional Information
General/OBC/NRI CandidatesRs. 4,000/-Application fees can be paid online only
SC/ST/BPL/PWD Category CandidatesRs. 3,500/-Application fees can be paid online only

Note:

If you want to previous years’ question papers, the Consortium of NLUs charges INR 500 extra. 

Get the CLAT previous year papers for Free by Law Prep Tutorial.

The CLAT exam eligibility criteria ensure that only candidates who meet specific academic and category-based requirements can apply, which helps maintain the exam’s standard and integrity. Knowing these criteria in advance can save candidates from the disappointment of finding out they are ineligible after putting in significant preparation efforts.

For instance, UG candidates must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with at least 45% marks for general categories and 40% for SC/ST/PWD categories. PG candidates need an LLB degree with at least 50% marks for general categories and 45% for reserved categories. 

Being aware of these CLAT eligibility criteria helps candidates plan their studies accordingly and focus on meeting these benchmarks.

Additionally, understanding the CLAT exam eligibility criteria helps candidates prepare the necessary documentation, avoiding last-minute issues during the application process. 

It also informs them about any tie-breaker rules or special provisions, ensuring they are fully prepared for all aspects of the examination process. This preparation is key to a smooth and successful application experience.

Relevant Resources for You:

How to Prepare for CLAT With Class 12th Boards
How to Prepare for CLAT from Class 11th
What is the age limit for CLAT 2025?

There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for CLAT.

What is the minimum percentage required for general category candidates in CLAT?

General category candidates need at least 45% marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.


What is the minimum percentage required for SC/ST/PWD candidates in CLAT?

SC/ST/PWD category candidates need at least 40% marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.

Can students of Class 12th apply for CLAT 2025?

Yes, students appearing for their 10+2 exams in March/April 2025 are eligible to apply.

Is there an upper age limit for CLAT PG?

No, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT PG program.

Can final-year LLB students apply for CLAT PG?

Yes, students appearing for their LLB exams in April/May 2025 are eligible to apply.

What is the tie-breaker rule for CLAT UG?

In case of a tie, higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section, higher age, and computerized draw of lots are used in that order.

Can candidates from any stream apply for CLAT?

Yes, candidates from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) can apply for CLAT UG as long as they meet the educational qualification requirements.

What format should the documents be uploaded in for the CLAT application?

All documents should be uploaded in PDF format only.

Is the application fee for CLAT refundable?

No, the application fee for CLAT is non-refundable.

Is CLAT required for a 3-year LLB?

No, CLAT is not required for admission to 3-year LLB programs. CLAT is specifically for 5-year integrated LLB and LLM programs.

Does CLAT offer a 3-year LLB program?

No, CLAT does not offer admission to 3-year LLB programs. It is used for 5-year integrated undergraduate and postgraduate law programs.

What is the CLAT eligibility after 12th?

Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks for general categories and 40% for SC/ST/PWD categories.

What is the CLAT eligibility for OBC?

OBC candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks for UG programs and 50% marks in their LLB degree for PG programs.

What is the CLAT eligibility after 12th Science?

Candidates from any stream, including Science, who have completed their 10+2 with a minimum of 45% marks for general categories and 40% for SC/ST/PWD categories, are eligible for CLAT UG.

What is the CLAT eligibility after 10th?

Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination. Students who have only completed 10th are not eligible to apply for CLAT UG.

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