The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam for admission into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programmes at National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. The 2026 exam, scheduled for December 7, is crucial for aspirants seeking legal education at premier institutions.
CLAT 2026 highlights
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Exam date | December 7, 2026 |
| Exam mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Levels | UG and PG |
| Syllabus areas (UG) | English, Logical Reasoning, GK, etc. |
| Syllabus areas (PG) | Law Subjects, Jurisprudence etc. |
What is CLAT exam?
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a standardised test conducted by the Consortium of NLUs. It assesses candidates’ legal aptitude, reasoning, and comprehension skills to select students for undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes.
Purpose of CLAT exam
- To evaluate aspirants’ aptitude for legal studies
- To ensure fair and merit-based admission into NLUs
- To maintain uniform standards across law education institutions
Levels in CLAT exam
- UG level: For admission to integrated law programmes (e.g., BA LLB)
- PG level: For Master of Laws (LLM) programmes
| Level | Programmes covered |
|---|
| UG | 5-year integrated LLB |
| PG | LLM |
CLAT exam dates and schedule 2026
| Activity | Tentative date |
|---|
| Release of notification | August/September 2026 |
| Start of registration | September 2026 |
| Last date to apply | October 2026 |
| Admit card release | Late November 2026 |
| Exam date | December 7, 2026 |
| Result announcement | January 2027 |
CLAT 2026 application process
- Register on the Consortium website
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details
- Select test centre preferences
- Upload required documents
- Pay application fee online
Document required for CLAT 2026
| Document type | Purpose |
|---|
| Photograph and signature | Identity verification |
| Class 10th and 12th marksheets | Academic eligibility |
| Graduation degree/PG mark sheet | For PG applicants |
| Proof of identity (Aadhaar, etc.) | Verification |
CLAT eligibility criteria
Candidates must meet eligibility norms set by the CLAT Consortium to apply. The requirements differ for UG and PG levels.
CLAT UG eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|
| Age | Minimum as specified by consortium |
| Educational qualification | 10+2 with required percentage |
| Subjects required | English and other core subjects |
CLAT PG eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|
| Degree | LLB/Equivalent law degree |
| Minimum marks | Specified by consortium (e.g. 55% or as defined) |
| Additional requirements | As per NLU or Consortium rules |
CLAT syllabus
| Section | Topics covered |
|---|
| English Language and Comprehension | Vocabulary, reading comprehension |
| Current Affairs and General Knowledge | National and international affairs |
| Legal Reasoning/Aptitude | Legal propositions, case-based reasoning |
| Logical Reasoning/Analytical Ability | Sequences, patterns, arguments |
CLAT LLM syllabus
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Criminal Law
- Administrative Law
- International Law
- Legal Theory & Interpretation
CLAT exam pattern 2026
| Level | Number of questions | Total marks | Duration |
|---|
| UG | ~150 | 150 or as per scheme | 2 hours |
| PG | ~120 | As per scheme | 1½–2 hours |
Includes multiple-choice questions, negative marking scheme, and sectional time limits where applicable.
CLAT admit card 2026
- Issued via the official Consortium portal
- Downloadable using registration credentials
- Contains exam date, centre details, and candidate information
- Mandatory to carry with valid ID proof
CLAT result
- Published online on the Consortium’s website
- Includes scorecard and rank
- Qualified candidates proceed to counselling and seat allotment
CLAT 2026 cutoff
- Varies by NLU, category, and course
- Dependent on seat availability, difficulty level, and applicant count
- Released after final results
Books for CLAT preparation
| Book/Author | Subject focus |
|---|
| Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning | Legal reasoning, case studies |
| Word Power Made Easy | Vocabulary building |
| Manorama Yearbook | General knowledge & current affairs |
| Legal subject textbooks | For deeper conceptual clarity |
CLAT PG preparation tips
- Read landmark judgments and commentaries
- Practice past-year LLM papers
- Focus on writing and argument framing
- Time your preparations with mock tests
Career opportunities after CLAT
| Qualification | Career paths |
|---|
| UG/LLB | Advocate, Judicial Services, Corporate Counsel |
| PG/LLM | Legal researcher, Law faculty, Policy roles |
Lawyer loan options for CLAT PG aspirants
Explore financial support options if you need funding for law education or related expenses. You can also lawyer loan to help with tuition, coaching, or exam prep.
Conclusion
CLAT 2026 offers a key pathway into premier law institutions in India. Knowing its date, registration procedures, eligibility, syllabus, and exam structure is crucial for aspirants. After securing admission, you may also consider a professional loan to support your academic or career growth.
