The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam that helps aspirants secure admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law courses at India's National Law Universities and many other law colleges that accept CLAT scores.
The exam was conducted on a rotational basis until 2018. Since 2019, it has been run by a permanent body, the Consortium of National Law Universities, whose headquarters is located at the NLSIU in Bengaluru.
- CLAT 2026 was held offline on 7 December 2025 and is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities
- The two-hour paper has 120 multiple-choice questions
- A record 92,344 candidates registered, and admission is offered across 24 National Law Universities plus over 60 affiliated colleges.
What Is CLAT and Who Conducts It?
CLAT, the Common Law Admission Test, is a national-level entrance exam for undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes at India's National Law Universities. Since 2019 it is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, a permanent body headquartered at NLSIU Bengaluru, replacing the earlier rotational system among participating universities each year.
The Consortium was established in 2017 to standardise and improve the conduct of the exam. It manages registration, the question paper, results and counselling for the participating universities through its official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
What Are the CLAT 2026 Highlights?
CLAT 2026 was a two-hour offline exam held once in the year on 7 December 2025. It carried 120 questions with negative marking, and registration ran from 1 August to 31 October 2025. Scores are used for admission to 24 National Law Universities and more than 60 affiliated law colleges across India.
| CLAT 2026 Highlight | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLSIU Bengaluru) |
| Exam mode | Offline, pen and paper |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Total questions | 120 multiple-choice questions |
| Marking | +1 per correct answer, -0.25 per wrong answer |
| Candidates 2026 | 92,344 registered; 88,657 appeared |
| Participating universities | 24 NLUs plus other institutes; 60+ affiliated colleges |
| Official website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
What Is the CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern?
CLAT 2026 is a two-hour offline, pen-and-paper test of 120 multiple-choice questions. The undergraduate paper spans five sections: English, Current Affairs and General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Each correct answer earns one mark, with 0.25 deducted for every wrong answer. The postgraduate paper also has 120 questions.
| CLAT 2026 UG Section | Approximate Questions |
|---|---|
| English Language | 22-26 |
| Current Affairs and General Knowledge | 28-32 |
| Legal Reasoning | 28-32 |
| Logical Reasoning | 22-26 |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 |
What Are the CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria?
For the undergraduate programme, candidates need Class 12 with at least 45 percent marks (40 percent for SC and ST), and there is no upper age limit. For the LLM programme, an LLB degree with 50 percent marks is required (45 percent for SC, ST, and PwD candidates). Final-year students may apply conditionally.
Undergraduate eligibility
- Minimum 45 percent marks in Class 12 for General, OBC, PwD, NRI, OCI and PIO categories.
- Minimum 40 percent marks in Class 12 for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories.
- Candidates appearing for their Class 12 board exams in 2026 may apply, but must submit proof of passing at admission.
- There is no upper age limit to appear for the undergraduate programme.
Postgraduate (LLM) eligibility
- An LLB degree or equivalent with a minimum of 50 percent marks for General and OBC candidates.
- A minimum of 45 percent marks for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and PwD candidates.
- Final-year LLB students may apply, subject to producing proof of passing at the time of admission.
- There is no upper age limit to appear for the postgraduate programme.
Which Universities Accept CLAT Scores?
CLAT 2026 scores are used for admission to 24 National Law Universities along with other participating institutes such as IIULER Goa. In addition, more than 60 affiliated private law colleges across India accept CLAT scores. NLU Delhi is the notable exception, as it conducts its own separate entrance test, AILET, instead of using CLAT.
- National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
- National Law Institute University, Bhopal
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
- National Law University, Jodhpur
- Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
- Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow
- Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala
- Chanakya National Law University, Patna
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
- National Law University Odisha, Cuttack
- National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi
- National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam
- Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam
- The Tamil Nadu National Law University, Tiruchirappalli
- Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
- Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
- Maharashtra National Law University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
- Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat
- National Law University, Tripura, Agartala
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj
What Courses Can You Pursue Through CLAT?
Through CLAT, undergraduate aspirants can join five-year integrated law degrees such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, and BSW LLB. Postgraduate candidates use CLAT scores for admission to the LLM programme. These courses are offered by the National Law Universities and many affiliated private institutions accepting CLAT scores.
- BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts LLB)
- BSc LLB (Bachelor of Science LLB)
- BCom LLB (Bachelor of Commerce LLB)
- BBA LLB (Bachelor of Business Administration LLB)
- BSW LLB (Bachelor of Social Work LLB)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
How Many Students Appear for CLAT?
CLAT 2026 drew a record 92,344 registrations, of which 88,657 candidates actually appeared, an attendance rate near 96 percent. The undergraduate test saw 72,631 candidates appear out of 75,009 registered, while the postgraduate test had 16,026 appear from 17,335 registered. Applications grew roughly 17 percent over the previous year.
How Should You Prepare for CLAT Exam Day?
On exam day, reach your allotted test centre at least an hour early and carry your admit card, a photo ID, a passport-size photograph, an HB pencil, and two black or blue ballpoint pens. Study material, mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, tablets, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
- Report to the allotted test centre at least one hour before the exam timing.
- Must carry: admit card, photo ID proof, passport-size photograph, one HB pencil, and two ballpoint pens in black or blue ink.
- Must not carry: any study material, electronic device, mobile phone, smartwatch, calculator, or tablet.