Understanding the CLAT age limit is important for anyone planning to take the exam. The age limit for CLAT has been a topic of interest for many candidates.
Here, we will clearly explain the age limit for CLAT 2026, both for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs.
Whether you are a school student or an LLB student, knowing the age limit for CLAT will help you prepare better.
Age Limit for CLAT 2026: Overview
There is no minimum or upper age limit for CLAT exam. Anyone who meets the CLAT eligibility criteria can apply for the exam, regardless of age.
| Program | Upper Age Limit | Lower Age Limit |
| CLAT UG | No upper age limit | No lower age limit |
| CLAT PG | No upper age limit | No lower age limit |
What is CLAT?
The full form of CLAT is the Common Law Admission Test. It is a national entrance exam for admission to UG and PG law programs at 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.
The exam assesses candidates in subjects like English, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The purpose of the CLAT is to provide a standardized assessment for law school admissions, ensuring candidates have the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in law.
For more details, visit our detailed post on what is CLAT.
| Feature | Detail |
| Exam Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Level | National-level exam |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to UG and PG law courses |
| CLAT Application Fee | INR 4,000 INR 3,500 (SC, ST, PwD, and BPL) |
| Mode of Exam | Pen-and-paper (offline) |
| Question Paper Language | English |
| Duration of Exam | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
Age Limit for CLAT UG
Find details of CLAT UG age limit:
CLAT UG Upper Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for CLAT UG.
This means candidates of any age can apply for the undergraduate law program, making the exam accessible to a broader range of applicants.
This inclusive CLAT age eligibility allows individuals who may have taken a break in their education or are looking to change their career paths to pursue legal studies without age restrictions.
CLAT UG Minimum Age Limit
There is no specific lower age limit set for UG exam CLAT 2026.
However, candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Typically, students who have completed their higher secondary education are around 17-18 years old. This ensures that all applicants meet the necessary educational qualifications while allowing flexibility in terms of age.
Suggested for You: Difference Between CLAT UG vs CLAT PG
Age Limit for CLAT PG
Find details of CLAT PG age limit:
CLAT PG Upper Age
There is no upper age limit for CLAT PG.
This policy allows candidates of any age to apply for the postgraduate law program, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that individuals who wish to further their legal education, irrespective of their age, can pursue their goals.
This benefits those who may have had career breaks or wish to specialize in law later in their professional journey.
CLAT PG Minimum Age
There is no specific lower age limit set for CLAT PG.
However, candidates must have completed an LLB degree or an equivalent examination from a recognized university.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria: Overview
Eligibility for CLAT UG
| Aspect | CLAT Eligibility |
| CLAT UG Age Limit | No upper or lower age limit |
| CLAT Educational Qualification | Must be in 10+2 or have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination |
| Minimum Marks | 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 Tie Breaker | – Higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section |
| – Higher age | |
| – Computerized draw of lots |
Eligibility for CLAT PG
| Aspect | CLAT Eligibility |
| CLAT PG 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 |
CLAT 2026 Exam (Important Dates)
| Event | Date |
| CLAT 2026 Notification Announcement | Expected in July 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Registration Date (Start) | Expected in July 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Registration Last Date | Expected in October 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | Expected in December 2025 |
Relevant Resources for You:
Role of CLAT Age Limit in Tie Breaker Rule
In the CLAT exam, age plays a crucial role in the tie-breaker rule. When two or more candidates secure the same score, the tie-breaker mechanism is used to determine their ranks.
Here’s how age factors into this process:
- For CLAT UG, the candidate with higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section will be given preference.
- If candidates have the same overall score and equal marks in the relevant sections, the candidate who is older in age will be given preference.
- If the tie still remains unresolved after considering the above criteria, a computerized draw of lots is used as the final tie-breaker.
Implications of No Age Limit in CLAT
For Aspirants
The removal of the age limit for CLAT, both for UG and PG programs, offers significant advantages to candidates. It provides an opportunity for individuals who may have taken breaks in their education or those considering a career change to pursue legal studies without age restrictions.
This inclusivity ensures that people of all ages can access legal education, fostering a diverse learning environment. Older candidates bring varied life experiences and perspectives, enriching classroom discussions and peer interactions.
For Law Universities
The absence of an upper age limit for CLAT impacts law universities positively by promoting diversity within their student body. A mix of younger students and older candidates with professional or life experiences enhances the learning atmosphere, providing a broader range of viewpoints and fostering a richer educational experience.
This diversity prepares students for real-world legal practices, where they will interact with people from different backgrounds and ages.
For Legal Education
Allowing candidates of any age to take CLAT emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in the legal profession. It encourages continuous professional development and ensures that the legal field remains dynamic and inclusive.
This policy aligns with global trends in higher education, where age is becoming less of a barrier to accessing advanced education and training.
CLAT Previous Year Papers
To help you prepare effectively and be ready for exam, we have shared the collection of CLAT previous year papers. These papers provide valuable insights into the exam format and types of questions asked, helping you refine your study strategy.
Checkout CLAT previous Year papers of 18 years.
FAQs About CLAT Age Eligibility
No, there is no age limit for CLAT.
The absence of an upper age limit promotes inclusivity and allows candidates of all ages to pursue legal education.
It promotes a diverse and inclusive environment, enhancing the overall learning experience.
General category candidates need at least 45% marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.
SC/ST/PWD category candidates need at least 40% marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.
Yes, students appearing for their 10+2 exams in March/April 2026 are eligible to apply.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
Free CLAT Study Material for You:
| CLAT Previous Year Papers PDF | CLAT Sample Papers |
| CLAT Syllabus PDF | Free CLAT Coaching |
| CLAT Current Affairs | CLAT Topper Interviews |
| CLAT Videos | CLAT Mock Tests |
Must Know for Every CLAT Aspirant: