Planning to pursue Law from a top National Law University (NLU) in India? Then the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is your gateway. Organized by the Consortium of NLUs, CLAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 24+ NLUs and other affiliated institutions.
For aspirants targeting CLAT 2026, here’s an important update:
The official CLAT 2026 notification is expected to be released in June 2025. The exam is most likely to be held in December 2025, continuing the trend from the last two years, where the CLAT exam cycle was advanced to avoid clashes with board exams.
This blog brings you the complete exam schedule, including:
- Tentative exam date for CLAT UG and PG
- Registration timeline
- Admit card and answer key dates
- Result and counselling schedule
- FAQs and tips to stay ahead
Stay updated, stay prepared. Bookmark this page — we’ll update it with official dates as soon as they’re out.
Let’s dive in.
CLAT 2026 – Quick Highlights
Here’s a snapshot of the most important details about the CLAT 2026 exam at a glance:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) |
| Exam Level | National-level Entrance Test |
| Purpose | Admission to 5-year Integrated LLB and 1-year LLM programs |
| Courses Offered | CLAT UG (LLB), CLAT PG (LLM) |
| Participating Institutes | 24 NLUs (24 for UG, 20 for PG), and 60+ affiliated universities |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-paper based) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Official Website | https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| Expected Exam Date | December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Medium of Exam | English only |
CLAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
Here is a tentative schedule for the CLAT 2026 exam cycle. These dates are based on recent trends and are subject to confirmation by the Consortium of NLUs. We’ll update this table as soon as the official notification is released.
| Event | Dates |
| CLAT 2026 Notification | June 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 application form release date | July 2025 |
| Last date to fill CLAT 2026 Application form | October 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Application Correction Window | October 2025 |
| CLAT Admit Card | November 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 exam day | 14-Dec-2025 (Tentatively) |
| CLAT Answer Key | To be announced |
| Release of CLAT final answer key 2026 | To be announced |
| CLAT results | To be announced |
Note: The Consortium usually follows a tight timeline, so it’s advisable to keep an eye on official announcements at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
CLAT 2026 Registration Timeline
The registration process for CLAT 2026 will be conducted entirely online via the official website of the Consortium of NLUs – consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Below is the complete registration timeline as per the most recent updates:
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Release of CLAT 2026 Notification | June 2025 |
| Application Form Release Date | July 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | October 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | November 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | 14th December 2025 (Tentative) |
Application Process Overview:
- Registration: Create an account on the CLAT portal.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload Documents: Photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable).
- Select NLUs & Preferences: Choose participating NLUs in priority order.
- Pay the Application Fee:
- General/OBC/PwD/NRI: ₹4,000
- SC/ST/BPL: ₹3,500
Pro Tip: Complete your registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute server issues.
Application Correction:
- The Consortium may open a short correction window in October 2025 for rectifying minor errors in the form.
- No edits are allowed in fields like email ID, mobile number, and category after submission.
CLAT UG 2026 Exam Date and Schedule
The CLAT UG 2026 exam is expected to be conducted on 14th December 2025 (tentative), as per the latest update from the Consortium of NLUs. This shift to a December cycle—started in CLAT 2023—is designed to avoid clashes with board exams and give students more clarity on their admission timelines.
CLAT UG 2026 Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Date | 14th December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Mode | Offline (Pen-and-paper based) |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 120 marks |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong answer |
| Medium of Exam | English |
Section-wise CLAT UG 2026 Paper Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Weightage |
| English Language | 22–26 | 20% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs (including GK) | 28–32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 | 25% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–14 | 10% |
All questions will be comprehension-based and multiple-choice in format.
Additional Points to Note:
- Reporting Time: Candidates should reach their exam centre at least 60–90 minutes prior to the exam start time.
- ID Proof Required: Along with the admit card, carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
- Stationery: Only black or blue ballpoint pens are allowed for OMR marking.
CLAT PG 2026 Exam Date and Schedule
The CLAT PG 2026 exam is also expected to be conducted on the same day as the UG exam — 14th December 2025 (tentative). This exam is primarily for candidates seeking admission to 1-year LLM programs offered by NLUs and other affiliated institutions.
CLAT PG 2026 Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Date | 14th December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Mode | Offline (Pen-and-paper based) |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 120 marks |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong answer |
| Medium of Exam | English |
CLAT PG 2026 Exam Overview
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Section A – Constitutional Law | Federalism, judiciary, emergency provisions, freedoms |
| Section B – Core Law Subjects | Contracts, torts, criminal law, international law, jurisprudence |
| Section C – Contemporary Issues | Recent case laws, legal amendments, current topics |
Subject Areas Covered
The CLAT PG paper will primarily focus on the core subjects of the LLB curriculum:
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Administrative Law
- Law of Contract
- Torts
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
- Property Law
- Company Law
- Public International Law
- Tax Law
- Environmental Law
- Labour & Industrial Law
Note: The PG paper comprises only objective-type MCQs. The essay-based subjective section has been discontinued as per the revised pattern.
Important Instructions:
- Only candidates with an LLB degree (or in the final year of LLB) are eligible.
- Candidates must mark answers on an OMR sheet using a black/blue pen.
- Carry your admit card and original ID proof to the exam hall.
CLAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date
The CLAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released in November 2025, a few weeks before the exam scheduled on 14th December 2025 (tentative).
The admit card will be made available on the official website of the Consortium of NLUs. It can be downloaded by logging in using the registered mobile number and password.
Important Details about the CLAT 2026 Admit Card
| Particulars | Details |
| Admit Card Release Date | November 2025 (Tentative) |
| Mode of Availability | Online download from official website |
| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| Credentials Required | Registered Mobile Number & Password |
What Will the CLAT Admit Card Contain?
Make sure to verify the following details printed on your admit card:
- Candidate’s name
- CLAT 2026 roll number
- Date of birth
- Category (General/SC/ST/OBC/PwD)
- Exam date and time
- Exam centre name and address
- Reporting time
- Instructions for exam day
In case of any discrepancies, contact the Consortium immediately before the exam day.
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
You must carry the following items to the CLAT exam centre:
- CLAT 2026 Admit Card (printed copy)
- Valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
- Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen
Electronic gadgets, calculators, papers, or any unauthorised materials are strictly prohibited.
CLAT 2026 Answer Key Dates
After the CLAT 2026 exam is conducted on 14th December 2025 (tentative), the Consortium of NLUs will release the provisional answer key within 1–2 days of the exam. This is followed by a short objection window, during which candidates can raise queries or challenge any discrepancies.
Once all objections are reviewed, the final answer key will be released, which will be used for result calculation.
CLAT 2026 Answer Key Schedule (Tentative)
| Event | Tentative Date |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | 14th December 2025 |
| Release of Provisional Answer Key | Within 1–2 days after the exam |
| Last Date to File Objections | Within 2–3 days of key release |
| Release of Final Answer Key | Mid to Late December 2025 |
How to Download the CLAT 2026 Answer Key?
- Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in
- Log in using your registered credentials
- Click on the link for “Provisional Answer Key – CLAT 2026”
- Download the answer key PDF (UG or PG as applicable)
- Cross-check your answers and calculate your probable score
Use the marking scheme: +1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer.
How to Raise Objections (If Needed)?
- Log in to the portal and access the “Raise Objection” section
- Submit your objection with a proper explanation and source/reference
- Pay a nominal fee (if applicable) per question challenged
- Only valid and well-supported objections will be considered
CLAT 2026 Result Announcement Date
The CLAT 2026 result is expected to be declared in mid to late December 2025, shortly after the release of the final answer key. The result will be published on the official website of the Consortium of NLUs. It will be available in the form of a scorecard along with the All India Rank (AIR).
This scorecard will be used for admission to 24 NLUs (UG/PG) and several affiliated universities.
CLAT 2026 Result Timeline (Tentative)
| Event | Tentative Date |
| CLAT Exam Date | 14th December 2025 |
| Final Answer Key Release | Mid-December 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Result | Mid to Late December 2025 |
| Counselling Registration Starts | January 2026 |
What Will the CLAT 2026 Result Include?
Your result will display the following:
- Candidate’s name and roll number
- All India Rank (AIR)
- Score out of 120
- Category rank (if applicable)
- NLU preference list (as submitted during registration)
- Qualification status
Tie-Breaking Criteria (If Two Students Score the Same Marks)
For UG CLAT:
- Higher marks in the Legal Reasoning section
- Higher age
- Computerised draw of lots
For PG CLAT:
- Higher age
- Computerised draw of lots
Candidates are advised to download and save their scorecard for future reference during counselling and admissions.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Timeline
Once the CLAT 2026 result is declared (tentatively in December 2025), the next critical phase is the counselling process. Managed centrally by the Consortium of NLUs, this process will determine seat allotment in 24 participating NLUs for both UG (5-Year LLB) and PG (LL.M.) programs.
Key Highlights of CLAT 2026 Counselling
| Feature | Details |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) |
| Mode | Online (Centralized) |
| For | CLAT UG (5-Year LLB) and CLAT PG (LL.M.) |
| Total Rounds | 3 Rounds (tentative, reduced from previous 5-round format) |
| Counselling Fee | ₹30,000 (General/OBC) / ₹20,000 (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Seat Allotment Basis | CLAT Rank + Category + NLU Preferences |
| Options After Allotment | Freeze, Float, or Exit |
Tentative CLAT 2026 Counselling Schedule
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
| Counselling Registration Begins | December 2025 (Post Result) |
| Last Date for Counselling Registration | December 2025 |
| First Allotment List | Late December 2025 |
| Confirmation Fee Payment (1st List) | December 2025 |
| Second Allotment List | January 2026 |
| Confirmation Fee Payment (2nd List) | January 2026 |
| Final (3rd) Allotment List | January 2026 |
| Final Admission Deadline | January/February 2026 |
Candidates must act promptly within each deadline to avoid disqualification.
Step-by-Step CLAT Counselling Process
- Check Result → View your AIR and scorecard
- Register for Counselling → Log in and pay the registration fee
- Submit NLU Preferences → Arrange your order of choice among 24 NLUs
- Wait for Allotment List → Based on rank, preference & category
- Choose an Option:
- Freeze: Accept allotted seat, no further upgrades
- Float: Wait for a higher preference in the next round
- Exit: Withdraw from the process completely
- Upload Documents → Scan and upload all required admission docs
- Pay Balance Fee → Confirm final admission at the allotted NLU
Documents Required for CLAT 2026 Counselling
For UG (5-Year LLB):
- CLAT 2026 Scorecard
- Class 10 & 12 Marksheets
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
- Caste/Category/PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Character/Migration/Transfer Certificate
- Passport-size Photographs
For PG (LL.M.):
- CLAT PG Scorecard
- LLB Degree or Provisional Certificate
- All Semester Marksheets
- Other applicable certificates as listed above
Failure to upload required documents within deadlines may lead to cancellation of seat allotment.
What After CLAT 2026?
Once you’ve cleared CLAT 2026 and secured a rank, your journey to law school enters its most crucial stage — counselling and admission.
Here’s What Happens After the Exam:
1. Download and Review Your Scorecard
Log in to the CLAT portal and carefully check your:
- Marks out of 120
- All India Rank (AIR)
- Category rank (if applicable)
2. Register for Counselling
If you’re eligible, register and pay the counselling fee through the official portal. This will make you part of the centralised NLU seat allocation process.
3. Submit Your NLU Preferences
Prioritise your preferred NLUs. These preferences matter a lot—they directly impact which college you may be allotted based on your rank and category.
4. Participate in Allotment Rounds
- Follow each round’s deadlines.
- Choose to Freeze, Float, or Exit after each round.
- If allotted a seat, upload documents and pay the university fee.
Admission to NLUs and Beyond
- 24 NLUs will accept CLAT 2026 UG scores
- 20+ NLUs offer PG LL.M. seats
- 60+ other private and state universities also accept CLAT scores—keep an eye out for their admission notifications
You do not need to apply separately to each NLU. One counselling portal handles it all.
What If You Don’t Get a Seat?
Don’t panic. Here are a few smart next steps:
- Apply to other universities accepting CLAT scores
- Consider reattempting CLAT with a structured prep plan
- Explore alternate law entrance exams (SLAT, AILET, LSAT—India)
Final Advice from Team Tarkashastra
Getting a rank is only half the journey — the other half is making informed decisions during counselling.
- Be vigilant
- Understand your options
- Never miss a deadline
Your law career depends as much on strategic thinking after the result as it does during the preparation.
CLAT 2026 FAQs
Exam & Dates
1. When will the CLAT 2026 exam be conducted?
The CLAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for 14th December 2025, continuing the December trend from the past few years. The final date will be confirmed in the official notification.
2. When will the CLAT 2026 notification be released?
The official notification for CLAT 2026 is expected in June 2025. It will include complete details on eligibility, application process, syllabus, and exam schedule.
3. Is CLAT 2026 the same for UG and PG aspirants?
No. CLAT UG is for admission to 5-year integrated LLB programs, while CLAT PG is for 1-year LLM courses. Both exams are held on the same day but have different syllabi and paper patterns.
4. What is the marking scheme in CLAT 2026?
Candidates will get +1 for every correct answer, and 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Registration & Eligibility
5. When will CLAT 2026 applications begin?
CLAT 2026 application forms will be released in July 2025, and the last date to apply will be in October 2025, as per the tentative timeline shared by the Consortium.
6. Who is eligible to apply for CLAT UG 2026?
Candidates appearing in or having passed Class 12 with 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) are eligible. There is no stream restriction — students from any background can apply.
7. Can I apply for both CLAT UG and PG?
Yes, candidates eligible for both exams can apply separately for CLAT UG and CLAT PG. However, they must fill out separate forms and pay fees for each.
8. Is there an age limit for CLAT 2026?
No, there is no upper age limit for CLAT UG or PG. Candidates only need to meet the minimum educational qualification and percentage criteria.
Admit Card, Answer Key & Result
9. When will the CLAT 2026 admit card be released?
CLAT 2026 admit cards will likely be released in November 2025, around 2–3 weeks before the exam. Candidates must download it from the official website.
10. Can I challenge the CLAT answer key?
Yes. After the provisional answer key is released, you can file objections within the specified window by paying a nominal fee and providing valid proof.
11. When will CLAT 2026 results be declared?
The result for CLAT 2026 is expected in mid to late December 2025. It will include your score, All India Rank (AIR), and category rank (if applicable).
12. How can I check my CLAT 2026 result?
Visit the official website, log in using your mobile number and password, and download your scorecard. All important announcements will also be sent via email/SMS.
Counselling & Admission
13. When does CLAT 2026 counselling start?
CLAT 2026 counselling will begin in December 2025 (UG) and January 2026 (PG). The process includes registration, preference filling, and three rounds of allotment.
14. What is the counselling registration fee?
The counselling fee is ₹30,000 for General/OBC and ₹20,000 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. It must be paid online to confirm your intent to participate.
15. Can I get a refund if I don’t take admission?
Yes. If you don’t get a seat or choose to exit before the specified deadline, your counselling registration fee is eligible for a full refund (confirmation fee is non-refundable).
16. How many rounds of counselling are there?
As per the updated process, there will be three rounds of seat allotment in CLAT 2026, replacing the earlier five-round format for a quicker process.
Preferences & Allotment
17. How important is the NLU preference list?
Extremely important. Your seat is allotted not just based on your rank, but also on how you prioritise NLUs during counselling registration. Always fill in maximum preferences.
18. What is the difference between Freeze, Float, and Exit?
Freeze locks your current seat. Float lets you wait for a higher-preference NLU while keeping your current seat. Exit means you’re withdrawing from the process.
19. What if I don’t respond after seat allotment?
If no option is selected by the deadline, the seat will be automatically frozen. You’ll lose the chance for upgrades and be considered to have accepted the allotted NLU.
20. Do I need to apply separately to each NLU?
No. The CLAT counselling is centralised. You only need to register once on the Consortium portal, and seats across all participating NLUs are allotted from there.
