Introduction:The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam for students who want to study law at top universities in India. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) for admission to 5-year integrated undergraduate law programs (UG) and one-year postgraduate law programs (PG) like LLM. A total of 24 NLUs offer UG courses and 21 NLUs offer PG courses through CLAT. In addition to these, 61 private colleges and several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as ONGC, Coal India, BHEL, and the Indian Army also accept CLAT scores.CLAT was started in 2008 to provide a common entrance test for law admissions in India. However, NLU Delhi and NLU Meghalaya conduct their own exams — AILET and MEG UAT. These may also be merged with CLAT in the future. Students can appear for CLAT after completing their 12th grade for UG programs or after graduation for PG programs. Known for its high level of competition, CLAT is considered among the top 10 toughest entrance exams in India, with an acceptance rate of only around 3%.Clat Exam Pattern:The CLAT exam has a total of 150 multiple-choice questions. You get 2 hours to complete the test. For every correct answer, you earn 1 mark, and for every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. The questions are asked from five sections: English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.About CLAT 2026:CLAT Exam 2026 will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode. CLAT Exam Date 2026 has not been announced yet. However, it is expected that CLAT 2026 Exam will be held on December 7, 2025. Here’s a detailed analysis:DatesUpcoming Exam DatesTo Be NotifiedCLAT 2026 Application Correction WindowTo Be NotifiedCLAT 2026 Admit Card (Tentative)09 Dec ' 25CLAT 2026 Counselling RegistrationTo Be NotifiedCLAT Provisional Answer Key 2026 (Tentative)To Be NotifiedCLAT 2026 exam date (Tentative)To Be NotifiedCLAT 2026 Objection Window (Tentative)To Be NotifiedCLAT 2026 Result (Tentative)To Be NotifiedCLAT 2026 Final Answer Key (Tentative)To Be NotifiedCLAT 2026 Counselling Registration (Begins)Eligibility Criteria:Candidates who wish to appear for CLAT 2026 must meet the eligibility conditions set by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). The eligibility requirements for admission to 5-year LLB and LLM programs will also be available on the official website.Make sure to submit your CLAT 2026 application form before the deadline.CLAT UG (5-year LLB) Eligibility Criteria 2026Educational Qualification:Passed Class 12 or equivalent examGeneral Category: Minimum 45% marksSC/ST Category: Minimum 40% marksAge Limit:No age limitNumber of Attempts:No limit (You can appear even if you appeared for CLAT 2025)CLAT PG (LLM) Eligibility Criteria 2026Educational Qualification:Passed 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB programMinimum Marks Required:General Category: Minimum 50% marksSC/ST Category: Minimum 45% marksAge Limit:No age limitNumber of Attempts:No limit (You can appear even if you appeared for CLAT 2025)Note: Eligibility criteria may vary for different colleges participating in CLAT. It is advised to visit the official website of the respective college for the latest information.Admission Process:Registration Start Date: Likely to begin on July 15, 2025 (Official date to be notified)Mode of Application: Online onlyImportant: Candidates must have a valid email ID and phone number to apply.Steps to Fill CLAT 2026 Application FormRegistrationEnter your name, mobile number, and email ID.Choose and confirm a password for your account.LoginLog in using your registered details to access the application form.Select Program of StudyChoose either:5-year LLB or1-year LLMFill the Application FormEnter your personal details, contact information, and education details.Choose up to three exam centre preferences in order of your choice.Select applicable reservation categories (if any).Upload required documents in the correct format and size.CLAT NLU Preference List 2026It is mandatory to select your NLU preferences while filling the form.Only those NLUs you mention will be considered during seat allotment, so choose carefully.Submit the FormCheck all details carefully.Agree to the declaration and submit the form.Pay the Application FeePay the fee online using credit card, debit card, or net banking.Additional INR 500 is charged if you want to get previous years' question papers.Application Correction Window: What Can Be Edited?Candidates can edit certain details in their CLAT application by following these simple steps:Steps to Edit CLAT Application Form:Click on the application correction link provided on the official website.Login using your registered mobile number and password.Click on the Edit Application button.You can make changes in the following sections:Category and Seat Reservation (for NLU preferences)Personal Details Tab (to update OBC category status - Non-Creamy Layer or Creamy Layer) Make the required changes and click on the Next button. Tick the declaration checkbox and click Save to submit your changes.CLAT Syllabus 2026The CLAT exam tests your understanding and reasoning skills through the following sections:English LanguageReading passagesGrammar and vocabulary-based questionsCurrent Affairs, including General KnowledgeRecent events (national & international)Static GK related to current eventsLegal ReasoningLegal principlesSituational problem-solvingLogical ReasoningPuzzles and argumentsCritical thinking and reasoning questionsQuantitative TechniquesBasic maths (up to Class 10 level)Graphs, charts, and numerical data interpretationThe exam focuses on understanding, logic, and quick thinking rather than memorization.Participating NLUs in CLAT 2026Apparently, 24 NLUs are participating in CLAT. While all the participating NLUs offer the 5-year LLB programme, there are a few NLUs that don't offer the LLM programme or do not admit students into LLM through CLAT. The complete list is given below:NLUCourses OfferedUG Seat IntakeLLM Seat IntakeNLSIU BengaluruBA LLB (Hons)300120NALSAR HyderabadBA LLB (Hons)13266WBNUJS KolkataBA LLB (Hons)132100NLIU BhopalBA LLB (Hons), B.Sc LLB, LLM202 (134 + 68)60NLU JodhpurBA LLB (Hons)12050HNLU RaipurBA LLB (Hons)18090GNLU GandhinagarBA/BCom/BSc/BBA/BSW LLB (Hons)172 (total)57GNLU Silvassa CampusBA LLB (Hons)6633RMLNLU LucknowBA LLB (Hons)16948RGNUL PatialaBA LLB (Hons)18060CNLU PatnaBA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)138 (69 each)-NUALS KochiBA LLB (Hons)6060NLUO CuttackBA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)180 (120 + 60)50NUSRL RanchiBA LLB (Hons)13460NLUJA AssamBA LLB (Hons)6040DSNLU VisakhapatnamBA LLB (Hons)13869TNNLU TiruchirappalliBA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons)120 (60 + 60)60MNLU MumbaiBA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)10050MNLU NagpurBA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)120 (60 + 60)60MNLU AurangabadBA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)120 (60 + 60)60HPNLU ShimlaBA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)120 (60 + 60)80DNLU JabalpurBA LLB (Hons)12050DBRANLU SonipatBA LLB (Hons)120-NLUT AgartalaBA LLB (Hons)6050RPNLU PrayagrajBA LLB (Hons)6010IIULER GoaBA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)180 (120 + 60)40How to Get Started with CLAT Preparation1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam PatternThe first step is to know the syllabus and exam pattern properly.This will help you plan your preparation in the right direction.2. Make a Study PlanCreate a realistic study schedule that fits your routine.Give enough time to each subject and topic.Stay consistent with your study plan.3. Practice with Sample PapersSolve sample papers regularly to check your preparation level.It helps you understand your strengths and areas that need improvement.4. Take Mock TestsAppear for mock tests to get a feel of the actual exam environment.It will also help improve your speed and time management skills.5. Stay UpdatedKeep yourself updated with current affairs and legal news.This is especially important for sections like Legal Reasoning and General Knowledge.In conclusion, CLAT is a competitive exam that needs proper planning, regular practice, and hard work. Follow these simple tips, stay consistent, and keep a positive attitude. With the right preparation, you can increase your chances of success. Good luck!For more such information, visit unilist.in
