What is CLAT exam?
CLAT, or the Common Law Admission Test, is a nationwide entrance exam conducted for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate law courses offered by 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) and more than 60 other participating institutions across India. Organized by the Consortium of National Law Universities, the test serves as the primary gateway for securing seats in 5-year integrated LLB and 1-year LLM programs.
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
The test is primarily open to Indian citizens and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Foreign nationals interested in applying to any participating law university must contact the respective institution directly to understand the available international student quotas. The Consortium of National Law Universities provides detailed CLAT eligibility criteria, including educational requirements, minimum marks, and age-related conditions.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:
Undergraduate Courses
- Candidates must have completed their Senior Secondary (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- A minimum aggregate score of 45% is required (relaxed to 40% for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates).
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in the exam.
Postgraduate Courses
- Applicants must hold an LL.B degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
- A minimum aggregate score of 50% is required (relaxed to 45% for SC/ST candidates).
- Candidates who have completed their qualifying degree through supplementary, compartment, or repeat attempts are also eligible, provided they can submit proof of achieving the required marks by the admission deadline or within the timeframe specified by the respective university.
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
This national-level law entrance exam is conducted over a span of two hours. The CLAT question paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), organized into five key sections:
- English, including Comprehension
- Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques (Mathematics)
Since 2020, the exam has adopted a paragraph-based format, where each passage is followed by around 5 to 6 questions. The marks are generally distributed across these sections in the following manner:
| Subjects | Number of Questions | Marks |
| English Language | 22-26 questions | 22 - 26 |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 questions | 28 - 32 |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 questions | 28 - 32 |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 questions | 22 - 26 |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 questions | 10 - 14 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
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
The preparation approach for this highly competitive exam typically falls into two main categories:
offline learning through traditional classroom coaching and online preparation using digital tools. While classroom-based coaching has long been the preferred method, online learning has seen a sharp rise since 2020. Aspirants now rely on digital platforms in several effective ways:
- Free study material: Candidates can access complimentary PDFs, including section-wise question banks, previous years’ papers with detailed solutions, and free mock tests. Online videos also play a key role in simplifying difficult concepts.
- Structured virtual learning: Although self-study is useful, guidance from expert faculty helps build a strong edge. Online coaching platforms offer organized lessons, doubt-solving sessions, extensive practice sets, and proven time-management strategies—crucial for an exam with strict time limits.
- Mock tests and quizzes: Regular practice is essential. Online portals allow students to take sectional tests or full-length mocks that closely replicate the real exam, helping them improve speed, accuracy, and overall exam strategy.
- Current affairs updates: Reading a reputed national newspaper remains valuable, but for quick revision, many candidates prefer crisp, curated summaries available online, offering the most relevant national and international events.
- Official preparation material: After completing registration, candidates can access authorized study resources uploaded by the Consortium directly on their personal dashboard.
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.
