The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 registration window opens today, August 1, 2025, offering aspiring lawyers a chance to secure admission to 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. Conducted by the Consortium of NLUs, CLAT 2026 is the gateway to 5-year integrated LLB (Undergraduate) and one-year LLM (Postgraduate) programs. With the exam scheduled for December 7, 2025, candidates can apply online at consortiumofnlus.ac.in until October 31, 2025. This guide provides all the essential details to help you navigate the registration process and prepare effectively.
Key Points:
- CLAT 2026 registration begins August 1, 2025, and ends October 31, 2025.
- Exam date: December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM.
- Admission to 24 NLUs for LLB and LLM programs.
CLAT 2026: Important Dates and Deadlines
The Consortium of NLUs released the official CLAT 2026 notification on July 20, 2025, outlining key dates. Staying on top of these deadlines is crucial for a smooth application process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 20, 2025 |
| Registration Opens | August 1, 2025 |
| Registration Closes | October 31, 2025 |
| Exam Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Result Announcement | December 2025 (TBD) |
Key Points:
- Registration is open from August 1 to October 31, 2025.
- CLAT 2026 exam will be held in a single shift (2 PM–4 PM).
- Results expected by late December 2025.
How to Register for CLAT 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
The CLAT 2026 application process is entirely online and must be completed on the official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Follow these steps to register:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Access CLAT 2026 Registration: Click on the “CLAT 2026 Registration” link on the homepage.
- Create an Account: Register using your email ID and mobile number. An OTP will be sent for verification.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal details (name, date of birth, gender, category), educational qualifications, and test center preferences.
- Upload Documents: Submit a recent passport-size photograph, scanned signature, and other required documents (e.g., category certificates if applicable).
- Pay Application Fee: General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates pay ₹4,000; SC/ST/BPL candidates pay ₹3,500. Additional bank transaction charges may apply.
- Submit and Download: Review the form, submit it, and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Key Points:
- Application form is available only online.
- Preserve login credentials for admit card download and counseling.
- Non-refundable application fees: ₹4,000 (General), ₹3,500 (SC/ST/BPL).
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for CLAT 2026?
The Consortium of NLUs has outlined specific eligibility criteria for CLAT 2026. Candidates must meet these requirements to avoid disqualification during the admission process.
- CLAT UG (5-Year LLB):
- Educational Qualification: Passed or appearing for Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
- Minimum Marks: 45% for General/OBC/Specially-abled persons; 40% for SC/ST candidates.
- Age Limit: No upper age restriction.
- CLAT PG (LLM):
- Educational Qualification: Completed LLB (or equivalent) from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India.
- Minimum Marks: 50% for General/OBC/Specially-abled persons; 45% for SC/ST candidates.
- Age Limit: No upper age restriction.
Key Points:
- Candidates appearing for Class 12/LLB exams in March/April 2026 are eligible but must provide proof of passing at admission.
- Foreign nationals must contact individual NLUs directly for admission.
- Accurate details in the application are critical to avoid disqualification.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: What to Expect
The CLAT 2026 exam is a 2-hour, offline, pen-and-paper test with 120 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark and a negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answers. The exam structure varies for UG and PG programs.
- CLAT UG Syllabus:
- English Language
- Current Affairs & General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
- CLAT PG Syllabus:
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
- Property Law
- Administrative Law
- Law of Contract
- Torts
- Company Law
- Public International Law
- Environmental Law
- Labour and Industrial Law
- Tax Law
Key Points:
- UG exam focuses on aptitude and reasoning; PG tests legal knowledge.
- 120 questions in 120 minutes with +1/-0.25 marking scheme.
- Questions are paragraph-based, requiring strong reading and analytical skills.
Participating NLUs: Your Dream Law Schools
CLAT 2026 scores are accepted by 24 NLUs for UG programs and 21 for PG programs, along with over 60 private law colleges. Below is the list of participating NLUs:
- NLSIU Bengaluru
- NALSAR Hyderabad
- NLIU Bhopal
- WBNUJS Kolkata
- NLU Jodhpur
- HNLU Raipur
- GNLU Gandhinagar
- GNLU Silvassa Campus
- RMLNLU Lucknow
- RGNUL Punjab
- CNLU Patna
- NUALS Kochi
- NLUO Odisha
- NUSRL Ranchi
- NLUJA Assam
- DSNLU Visakhapatnam
- TNNLU Tiruchirappalli
- MNLU Mumbai
- MNLU Nagpur
- MNLU Aurangabad
- HPNLU Shimla
- DNLU Jabalpur
- DBRANLU Haryana
- NLUT Agartala
Key Points:
- 24 NLUs accept CLAT UG scores; 21 accept CLAT PG scores.
- CNLU Patna conducts its own PG entrance test; DBRANLU does not offer LLM.
- NLU Delhi and NLU Meghalaya use separate entrance exams (AILET and MEG UAT).
Preparation Tips: Ace CLAT 2026
To excel in CLAT 2026, candidates should adopt a strategic preparation plan:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with UG/PG syllabus and focus on weaker areas.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regular mock tests improve time management and accuracy.
- Read Newspapers: Stay updated on current affairs for the General Knowledge section.
- Strengthen Legal Knowledge: Study basic legal concepts for the Legal Reasoning section (UG) and core law subjects (PG).
- Use Quality Resources: Refer to books like “Word Power Made Easy” for English and practice previous years’ papers.
Key Points:
- Regular mock tests enhance exam readiness.
- Current affairs and legal knowledge are critical for high scores.
- Time management is key to tackling 120 questions in 2 hours.
Conclusion: Seize Your Opportunity with CLAT 2026
The CLAT 2026 registration opening today marks the start of an exciting journey toward a legal career at India’s top National Law Universities. With a clear exam structure, accessible application process, and a network of 24 prestigious NLUs, CLAT 2026 offers unparalleled opportunities. Start preparing early, register before October 31, 2025, and leverage the sample papers and syllabus to secure your spot in a top law school.
Key Points:
- Apply online at consortiumofnlus.ac.in by October 31, 2025.
- Exam on December 7, 2025, for UG and PG programs.
- Strategic preparation is essential for success in CLAT 2026.
