CLAT 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, and Preparation Tips

CLAT 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of NLUs for admission to UG and PG law programs at 22 prestigious National Law Universities in India.

This article covers all essential details including tentative dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, application process, participating NLUs, counseling procedures, and expert preparation tips.

Aspiring law students aiming for the 2026 academic session will find this article a valuable resource for navigating the CLAT journey strategically and successfully.

CLAT 2026: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Common Law Admission Test

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) stands as the gateway to some of the most prestigious law schools in India. Administered by the Consortium of National Law Universities, CLAT serves as the central examination for admissions to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs).

Important Dates for CLAT 2026

Note from AUBSP: Please keep checking the official website regularly for updates or changes in the schedule.

Eligibility Criteria

For UG Programs (5-year Integrated LL.B.)

• Education: Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Minimum Marks:
  • General/OBC/NRI/PWD/PIO/OCI: 45%
  • SC/ST: 40%
• Age Limit: No upper age limit.
• Appearing Students: Eligible if appearing in Class 12 exams in 2026.

For PG Program (LL.M.)

• Education: LL.B. (3-year/5-year) from a BCI-recognized university.
• Minimum Marks:
  • General/OBC/NRI/PWD/PIO/OCI: 50%
  • SC/ST: 45%
• Age Limit: No upper age limit.
• Appearing Students: Eligible with provisional admission subject to submission of final marks.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to apply for CLAT 2026, simplified by AUBSP:

1. Register Online
   Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in, create your account with a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Fill in the Application Form
   Enter personal, academic, and contact details carefully.
3. Upload Documents
   • Photograph (jpg/jpeg, ≤500 KB)
   • Signature (jpg/jpeg, ≤100 KB)
   • Category/Domicile Certificate (PDF, ≤2 MB)
4. Choose Preferences
   • Select 3 exam centers.
   • Rank NLUs in order of preference.
5. Pay Application Fee
   • General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI: ₹4,000 (₹4,500 with question papers)
   • SC/ST/BPL: ₹3,500 (₹4,000 with question papers)
6. Submit Form
   Double-check all details before submission.

Exam Pattern

For UG Programs

Sections:

• English Language (28–32 Qs)
• Current Affairs & GK (35–39 Qs)
• Legal Reasoning (35–39 Qs)
• Logical Reasoning (28–32 Qs)
• Quantitative Techniques (13–17 Qs)

For PG (LL.M.)

Topics:

1. Constitutional Law
2. Jurisprudence
3. Other law subjects (Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, etc.)

Note: No descriptive section in PG exam since 2021.

Detailed Syllabus

English Language

• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)
• Grammar (Error spotting, Sentence Correction)

Current Affairs & GK

• National & International Events
• Awards, Sports, Science
• Static GK (Polity, History, Geography – less emphasis)

Legal Reasoning

• Principles of Law (Contract, Tort, etc.)
• Hypothetical legal scenarios
• Legal maxims, judgments

Logical Reasoning

• Argument Analysis, Assumptions, Inferences
• Syllogisms, Puzzles, Series

Quantitative Techniques

• Class 10-level Arithmetic
• Data Interpretation (Graphs, Tables, Pie Charts)

Participating NLUs (2026 Admissions)

CLAT scores will be accepted by 22 NLUs, including:

• NLSIU Bengaluru
• NALSAR Hyderabad
• NLIU Bhopal
• WBNUJS Kolkata
• NLU Jodhpur
• HNLU Raipur
• GNLU Gandhinagar
• RMLNLU Lucknow
• RGNUL Patiala
• CNLU Patna
• NUALS Kochi
• NLU Odisha
• NUSRL Ranchi
• NLUJA Assam
• DSNLU Visakhapatnam
• TNNLU Tiruchirappalli
• MNLU Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad
• HPNLU Shimla
• DNLU Jabalpur
• DBRANLU Sonipat
• NLUT Agartala
• RPNLUP Prayagraj (Provisional)
• IIULER Goa (Provisional)

Note by AUBSP: Several private law colleges also accept CLAT scores for admission.

Counseling and Seat Allotment Process

Conducted by the Consortium of NLUs post result declaration.

Steps:

1. Merit List Publication
2. Registration for Counseling
3. Provisional Allotment Rounds
4. Choice Options:
   • Accept (Freeze)
   • Float (Wait for Upgrade)
   • Exit
5. Document Verification & Admission Fee Payment

Preparation Tips by AUBSP

1. Master the Pattern: Study each section’s format thoroughly.

2. Time Management: Develop reading speed; solve practice papers under timed conditions.

3. Stay Updated: Read The Hindu, Indian Express, and legal journals.

4. Practice Legal Reasoning: Work on applying principles to practical cases. Read landmark judgments.

5. Strengthen Logical & English Skills: Practice daily using standard books.

6. Revise Quant Basics: Revisit Class 10 arithmetic and focus on data interpretation.

7. Attempt Mock Tests Regularly: Simulate exam conditions, identify weak areas.

8. Use Quality Study Material:

FAQs on CLAT 2026

What is CLAT 2026?
CLAT 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Consortium of NLUs for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs offered by 22 National Law Universities in India.

Who conducts the CLAT exam?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), headquartered at NLSIU Bengaluru.

When will the CLAT 2026 application form be released?
The CLAT 2026 application form is expected to be released in July 2025, based on previous trends.

What is the expected date of the CLAT 2026 exam?
CLAT 2026 is expected to be held on December 7, 2025.

What is the official website for CLAT 2026 updates?
The official website for CLAT is consortiumofnlus.ac.in.

What are the eligibility criteria for CLAT UG 2026?
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). There is no age limit.

What are the eligibility criteria for CLAT PG 2026?
Candidates must hold an LL.B. degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). Final-year students are also eligible.

Is there an age limit to appear for CLAT 2026?
No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in either CLAT UG or PG.

Can a student appearing in Class 12 in 2026 apply for CLAT 2026?
Yes, students appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2026 are eligible to apply, provided they meet the minimum marks criteria at the time of admission.

How can I apply for CLAT 2026?
Applications must be submitted online through the official website. Candidates must register, fill out the form, upload documents, select preferences, and pay the fee.

What is the CLAT 2026 application fee?
INR 4,000 for General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI (INR 4,500 with question papers) and INR 3,500 for SC/ST/BPL (INR 4,000 with question papers).

What is the mode of the CLAT 2026 exam?
CLAT 2026 will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.

What is the duration of the CLAT 2026 exam?
The exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes) for both UG and PG levels.

How many questions will be there in CLAT UG 2026?
There will be 120 multiple-choice questions in CLAT UG 2026.

What is the marking scheme for CLAT 2026?
Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

What are the sections in CLAT UG 2026?
The five sections are: English Language, Current Affairs (including GK), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.

Has the descriptive section been removed from CLAT PG?
Yes, the descriptive section was removed in 2021. CLAT PG is now entirely multiple-choice based.

Which subjects are covered in CLAT PG 2026?
Major subjects include Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Administrative Law, and other core law areas.

How can I select my preferred NLUs while applying?
During the application process, candidates must rank their preferred NLUs. Seat allotment is based on these preferences and CLAT scores.

What are the participating NLUs in CLAT 2026?
22 NLUs including NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar, WBNUJS Kolkata, and many more participate in CLAT.

Can I change my application details after submission?
The Consortium may open a correction window for limited changes. However, details like name and email ID are usually non-editable.

What documents are required during CLAT 2026 application?
Scanned passport-size photo, signature, domicile certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and educational certificates.

How is CLAT UG different from CLAT PG?
CLAT UG is for admission to integrated law programs after Class 12, while CLAT PG is for LL.M. programs after an LL.B. degree.

What is the CLAT 2026 counseling process?
Counseling is conducted online. Candidates must register, fill in preferences, and participate in allotment rounds based on their ranks.

Is there a reservation policy in CLAT 2026?
Yes, reservations are applicable as per the policies of individual NLUs, including categories like SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and state domicile.

How can I prepare for CLAT 2026 effectively?
Understand the pattern, practice previous papers, take mock tests, read newspapers regularly, and refer to standard books and study materials.

Are CLAT scores accepted by private law colleges?
Yes, several private and government law colleges also accept CLAT scores for admission.

Can I get admission to an NLU without appearing for CLAT?
No, CLAT is the only entrance exam accepted by the 22 NLUs (except NLU Delhi, which conducts AILET separately).

What is the validity of CLAT scores?
CLAT scores are valid only for the admission year in which the exam is taken.

Are calculators allowed in the CLAT 2026 exam?
No, electronic devices including calculators are not allowed in the CLAT exam hall.

What happens if I miss the CLAT exam?
If you miss the exam, you will not be able to participate in the admission process for that year.

Is there a dress code for CLAT 2026?
There is no official dress code, but students are advised to wear simple, comfortable clothes and avoid items that may cause security concerns.

Can I change my test center after submitting the form?
Changes to test centers are not usually permitted once selected, so choose carefully during application.

Will CLAT 2026 be held in multiple languages?
As of now, CLAT is conducted only in English.

Can NRI or foreign nationals apply for CLAT?
Yes, NRI/PIO/OCI candidates can apply. Some NLUs also have separate admission processes for them.

What if I forget my CLAT login credentials?
You can retrieve your login credentials using the “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Username” option on the official website.

Will there be a re-exam if I face technical issues during CLAT 2026?
Since CLAT is a pen-and-paper exam, technical issues are minimal. However, re-exam decisions lie solely with the Consortium.

What books should I refer to for CLAT 2026 preparation?
Standard books include Word Power Made Easy (English), R.S. Aggarwal (Math & Logical Reasoning), and A.P. Bhardwaj (Legal Aptitude).

Can I attempt CLAT multiple times?
Yes, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for CLAT.

CLAT 2026 is not just an exam—it’s your gateway to India’s top legal institutions and a prestigious legal career. With consistency, the right resources, and disciplined preparation, you can make it to your dream NLU.

Keep visiting AUBSP.com and the official CLAT website for updates, strategy articles, and expert tips. Let this guide be your roadmap, and may your law journey begin with confidence and clarity.