The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has released the official CLAT 2026 notification, detailing the admission process for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026, scheduled for December 7, 2025, is the gateway to 24 NLUs and over 60 affiliated colleges. Applications open on August 1, 2025, and close on October 31, 2025, via consortiumofnlus.ac.in. This article covers eligibility, application fees, and key steps to apply.
Key Points:
- CLAT 2026 exam date: December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM (pen-and-paper format).
- Applications open August 1, 2025, and close October 31, 2025.
- Conducted for admission to 5-year integrated LLB (UG) and 1-year LLM (PG) programs.
CLAT 2026 Exam Schedule
The Consortium has outlined the key dates for CLAT 2026 to help candidates plan effectively.
| Events | Date |
|---|---|
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Applications Begin | August 1, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 31, 2025 |
Key Points:
- Exam conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode across 130+ centers.
- Application process is fully online at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Early application recommended to secure preferred exam center.
Eligibility for CLAT 2026 UG Programs
Candidates applying for the 5-year integrated LLB program must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
- Minimum Marks: 45% for General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories; 40% for SC/ST categories.
- Appearing Candidates: Those appearing for Class 12 in March/April 2026 are eligible, provided they submit proof of passing at the time of admission.
- Age Limit: No upper age restriction.
Key Points:
- Eligibility aligns with NLU admission criteria.
- Candidates failing to provide proof of passing lose admission eligibility.
- Applicable to 24 NLUs and 60+ private colleges accepting CLAT scores.
Eligibility for CLAT 2026 PG Programs
For the 1-year LLM program, candidates must meet these requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Completed LLB or equivalent degree from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India.
- Minimum Marks: 50% for General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories; 45% for SC/ST categories.
- Appearing Candidates: Those appearing for their LLB in April/May 2026 are eligible, subject to proof of passing at admission.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit.
Key Points:
- PG CLAT covers subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and Torts.
- Accepted by 21 NLUs and public sector undertakings like ONGC and BHEL.
- Candidates must verify specific NLU requirements for PG admissions.
CLAT 2026 Application Fee
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online during form submission.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI | ₹4,000 |
| SC/ST | ₹3,500 |
Additional Costs:
- Previous years’ question papers: ₹500 (separate from application fee).
- Bank transaction charges apply, displayed during payment.
Key Points:
- Payment via credit card, debit card, or net banking only.
- Incomplete forms or unpaid fees result in rejection.
- Save application number and date of birth for future reference (e.g., admit card download).
How to Apply for CLAT 2026
The application process is entirely online and involves the following steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Register: Click “New Registration,” enter name, mobile number, email ID, and create a strong password (minimum 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, number, and symbol).
- Verify: Activate your account using the OTP sent to your mobile.
- Log In: Use your registered mobile number and password to access the application form.
- Fill Details: Provide personal information, educational qualifications, communication details, and test center preferences (select three cities in order of preference).
- Upload Documents: Submit a recent passport-size photograph (plain background), signature, and other required documents (e.g., SC/ST/PwD certificate, domicile certificate if applicable).
- Pay Fee: Complete payment via the online gateway.
- Submit: Review and submit the form before October 31, 2025. Save the application number for future use.
Key Points:
- Forms can be saved and completed in phases, but payment and submission must be done by the deadline.
- Exam centers allocated based on preference and availability (first-apply-first-allot basis).
- No changes to program, category, or BPL field allowed after submission.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
CLAT 2026 is a 2-hour, offline exam with 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each carrying 1 mark and a 0.25-mark penalty for incorrect answers. The UG exam covers:
- English Language
- Current Affairs & General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
The PG exam focuses on Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Torts, IPC, CrPC, CPC, Family Law, and Intellectual Property Rights.
Key Points:
- UG exam serves 3,000+ seats across 24 NLUs; PG exam serves ~1,000 seats.
- Candidates should practice mock tests and previous papers for preparation.
- Syllabus details available at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
Why CLAT 2026 Matters
CLAT is a highly competitive exam offering access to prestigious NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and NLU Jodhpur, as well as 60+ private colleges and PSUs. A score of 100–105 is typically required for top NLUs.
Key Points:
- Over 60,000 candidates expected for UG and 11,000 for PG.
- Offers careers in judicial services, legal practice, civil services, and more.
- Check individual NLU websites for seat intake, reservation policies, and fee structures.
Conclusion: Seize Your Chance with CLAT 2026
The CLAT 2026 notification marks the start of a critical journey for law aspirants. With applications opening on August 1, 2025, and the exam on December 7, 2025, candidates have a clear timeline to prepare. Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in to apply, check eligibility, and access resources. Early preparation and adherence to deadlines are key to securing admission to top NLUs.
Key Points:
- Apply by October 31, 2025, to avoid last-minute issues.
- Regularly check consortiumofnlus.ac.in for updates on admit cards, results, and counseling.
- Leverage CLAT scores for admission to 24 NLUs and career opportunities in law.
