When it comes to India’s premier law universities — the National Law Universities (NLUs) — cracking the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is just the beginning. What many aspirants overlook is that their category and reservation eligibility can significantly influence their chances of securing a seat.
Each NLU follows a unique reservation policy, guided by both national constitutional mandates and state-specific requirements. Whether you belong to a reserved category like SC, ST, OBC, or EWS, or you’re applying under NRI/NRI Sponsored or Domicile quotas, knowing the CLAT reservation criteria inside out is critical.
But here’s the catch — there’s no one-size-fits-all.
From supernumerary NRI seats to domicile advantages in NLUs like MNLU Mumbai or NLU Odisha, the rules vary widely. Plus, some NLUs offer reservations to special categories like PwD (Persons with Disability), Kashmiri Migrants, or even children of defence personnel.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Detailed category-wise reservation across NLUs
- State-wise domicile reservations
- NRI and NRI-sponsored seat policies
- Foreign National admission criteria
- PG-level reservation differences
- Complete NLU-wise reservation tables
Whether you’re applying for CLAT UG or PG, this guide will help you understand how seats are distributed — and more importantly, where you stand.
CLAT 2026 Reservation Criteria – Overview
The reservation policy in CLAT serves a dual purpose — promoting social justice and ensuring regional representation across National Law Universities (NLUs). These policies are not uniform; they vary based on individual NLU Acts, state mandates, and university-specific decisions.
Let’s first understand the broad categories under which a reservation is granted.
Broad Types of Reservation in CLAT:
| Reservation Type | Applies To | Key Details |
| National-Level Reservation | All NLUs (mostly) | SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD categories — based on central government norms |
| Domicile / State Quota | Select NLUs (e.g., MNLU, NLUO, NLUJA, etc.) | A certain % of seats reserved for residents of the state where the NLU is located |
| NRI / NRI Sponsored | Specific NLUs only | Reserved for candidates residing abroad or sponsored by NRIs |
| Foreign Nationals | Select NLUs (supernumerary seats) | Admission typically outside CLAT; based on academic merit & English proficiency |
| Special Categories | Varies by NLU | Kashmiri Migrants, Wards of Defence Personnel, Transgender, etc. |
Important Notes:
- Valid documentary proof is mandatory at the time of counselling/admission to claim any reservation.
- Certificates must be in the prescribed format (especially for categories like EWS, PwD).
- There is no interchangeability allowed between different categories (e.g., claiming both SC and EWS).
- Horizontal reservations (e.g., for PwD, Female, Freedom Fighter Dependants) apply across all categories.
Example Categories Seen Across NLUs
- Vertical Reservations: SC, ST, OBC, EWS
- Horizontal Reservations: Female, PwD, Wards of Defence Personnel
- Supernumerary Seats: NRI, Foreign Nationals, Kashmiri Migrants, North-East Candidates, Orphans
Knowing where you fit in this structure is key to optimising your choices during CLAT Counselling.
CLAT 2026 Category-Wise Reservation (General Pattern Across Most NLUs)
Although every NLU follows its own reservation policy, many institutions follow a general reservation framework aligned with central government norms. This section provides a snapshot of the typical reservation percentages applied to All India seats. However, the exact figures may vary slightly across universities.
Indicative CLAT 2026 Reservation Percentages (All India Quota)
| Category | Typical Reservation (%) |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) – NCL* | Up to 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD / SAP) | 5% (Horizontal) |
| Female Candidates | 30% (Horizontal)** |
| Kashmiri Migrants / J&K Residents | Supernumerary Quota |
| NRI / NRI Sponsored / Foreign Nationals | Supernumerary Quota |
- Not all NLUs offer OBC-NCL reservations. It is present mainly in state-funded NLUs like RMNLU Lucknow, CNLU Patna, HNLU Raipur, and others.
- Horizontal reservation for female candidates is available in several NLUs like NLIU Bhopal, GNLU, HNLU, RMLNLU, and more.
How Does This Affect CLAT Cutoffs?
The cutoff ranks for reserved categories are significantly lower than for General category students. Here’s a simplified example based on trends from previous years:
| Category | Approx. Rank for Top NLUs (e.g., NLSIU, NALSAR) |
| General | Under 100 |
| SC | 2500–3500 |
| ST | 4000–5000 |
| OBC (where applicable) | 1000–2000 |
| EWS | 800–1200 |
| PwD | 3000–4000 |
These ranks are indicative and vary by NLU and year. Always check the official CLAT counselling cutoff data for accuracy.
Example: All India Quota Split at a Glance (Based on NALSAR, NLIU, GNLU Policies)
| Category | Typical Intake in 120-Seat NLU |
| General | 51–55 |
| SC | 15–18 |
| ST | 7–9 |
| OBC (if applicable) | 15–20 |
| EWS | 10–12 |
| SAP / PwD | 5% (Horizontal) |
| Female (where applied) | ~36 (within each category) |
Key Takeaways:
- Every NLU publishes its own seat matrix — don’t assume the same pattern applies everywhere.
- Categories like Female, PwD, Freedom Fighters’ wards, etc., are usually horizontal reservations and apply within all vertical categories.
- Supernumerary seats like NRI, Foreign Nationals, and J&K residents do not reduce the general intake — they are additional.
Make sure to apply under the correct category and double-check certificate requirements. Any mismatch or misrepresentation can lead to the cancellation of candidature during counselling.
Domicile-Based Reservation in NLUs (CLAT 2026)
One of the most decisive factors that can significantly influence your chances of admission into an NLU is the domicile or state quota reservation. Several National Law Universities (NLUs) reserve a substantial percentage of seats for candidates who are residents of the state where the university is located.
This reservation not only boosts admission chances for local candidates but also reflects the NLUs’ efforts to maintain regional diversity and encourage state representation.
What Is Domicile Reservation?
Domicile reservation allows a student who is a resident of a particular state to claim a state-reserved seat in the NLU situated within that state. The eligibility is verified through official documents like domicile certificates, state-issued IDs, or school-leaving certificates from institutions within the state.
NLUs Offering Domicile-Based Reservation (UG Seats)
Here’s a sample of key NLUs offering domicile quotas along with the approximate number of reserved seats for state residents:
| NLU | State | Total UG Seats | Seats Reserved for Domicile Candidates | Approx. % |
| MNLU Mumbai | Maharashtra | 100 | 63 | 63% |
| NLU Odisha (NLUO) | Odisha | 180 | 60 | 33% |
| HNLU Raipur | Chhattisgarh | 170 | 85 | 50% |
| NUSRL Ranchi | Jharkhand | 120 | 60 (across categories) | 50% |
| RMNLU Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 187 | 127 (all reserved categories under UP) | ~68% |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | West Bengal | 132 | 42 | ~32% |
| DSNLU Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | 120 | 60 | 50% |
| MNLU Aurangabad | Maharashtra | 120 (combined) | 84 | 70% |
| MNLU Nagpur | Maharashtra | 120 (combined) | 84 | 70% |
| HPNLU Shimla | Himachal Pradesh | 120 | 30 | 25% |
| TNNLU Tiruchirapalli | Tamil Nadu | 120 | Varies by subcategory | ~50% |
| NLUJA Assam | Assam | 60 | 5 seats reserved horizontally | ~8% |
Note: Some NLUs have horizontal domicile quotas, where a set % of seats across categories (General, SC, ST, etc.) are reserved for local students. Others have vertical domicile quotas with specific category-wise splits.
Eligibility Criteria for Domicile Reservation
To claim domicile quota in any NLU, a candidate must:
- Hold a valid domicile/residence certificate from the respective state
- In some cases, have completed schooling (Class 10/12) in that state
- Belong to a specific social category defined by the state (e.g., SC/ST/OBC of UP or Maharashtra)
Example: Domicile Reservation at HNLU Raipur
| Category | All India Seats | Chhattisgarh Domicile Seats |
| General | 55 | 42 |
| SC | 13 | 14 |
| ST | 6 | 17 |
| OBC | 11 | 12 |
Required Documents
- State Domicile Certificate (issued by the competent authority)
- School Leaving Certificate (if applicable)
- State-issued identity proofs (Aadhaar, Ration Card, etc.)
Important Notes
- Some NLUs require separate registration or documentation upload for domicile verification (especially MNLUs).
- Documents must be valid as of the date of CLAT counselling.
- Misrepresentation or incomplete documents can lead to rejection of the claim during admission.
If you’re a resident of a state that has an NLU, even a mid-range CLAT score could fetch you a top law school seat through the domicile quota. Don’t ignore this advantage.
Special Reservation Categories in CLAT 2026
Apart from vertical and domicile-based reservations, several NLUs provide horizontal or supernumerary reservations for candidates from specific backgrounds or circumstances. These include categories like Persons with Disabilities (PwD/SAP), Kashmiri Migrants, Wards of Defence Personnel, Transgender candidates, and more.
These reservations are often horizontal, meaning they apply within all vertical categories (General, SC, ST, etc.), or supernumerary, i.e., over and above the regular seat intake.
Key Special Categories and Their Eligibility
| Special Category | Type | Reservation Range | Eligibility & Documents Required |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD / SAP) | Horizontal | 3% – 5% (most NLUs) | Disability certificate (minimum 40% disability) |
| Kashmiri Migrants / Pandits | Supernumerary | 2–5 seats in select NLUs | Migration certificate issued by competent authority |
| J&K Residents | Supernumerary | 2–3 seats in select NLUs | Proof of domicile and residence in J&K |
| Wards of Defence Personnel | Horizontal | 5% in some NLUs (e.g., MNLU) | Defence ID card, service certificate |
| Children of Freedom Fighters | Horizontal | 2–5% (e.g., RMLNLU, HNLU) | Certificate from state government |
| Female Candidates | Horizontal | 20% – 30% (varies widely) | Automatically applied based on gender; no documents needed |
| Transgender Candidates | Supernumerary | Limited (e.g., NUALS, TNNLU) | ID proof and medical/govt certificate (where required) |
| Eminent Sports Persons (State Quota) | Horizontal | <1% (rare, e.g., DSNLU, TNNLU) | Sports achievements & recognition by state/national bodies |
| Orphan / Single Parent Quota | Supernumerary | 1% in few NLUs (e.g., MNLU Nagpur) | Death certificate(s) and affidavit |
Example: PwD (SAP) Reservation
Almost all NLUs offer 5% horizontal reservation for PwD candidates.
For example, at NALSAR Hyderabad:
- 5% of total UG and PG seats are horizontally reserved for SAP candidates (approx. 6 seats in UG, 3 in PG).
- Document required: Medical certificate from a recognised authority showing minimum 40% permanent disability.
Female Reservation – Widely Adopted
Many NLUs, including NLIU Bhopal, GNLU, RMLNLU, and TNNLU, provide 20%–30% reservation for female candidates within each category. This is often applied automatically during counselling.
Example: RMLNLU Lucknow reserves 20% of its UG seats horizontally for females, across all categories.
Supernumerary vs Horizontal: Quick Difference
| Aspect | Horizontal Reservation | Supernumerary Quota |
| Seat Count | Comes from within existing seat matrix | Seats added over and above regular intake |
| Examples | PwD, Female, Defence Personnel | NRI, Foreign Nationals, Kashmiri Migrants |
| CLAT Score Required? | Yes | Sometimes No (depends on NLU & category) |
| Applied On | All vertical categories | Mostly General category or NRI/International pools |
Special categories are an important part of CLAT seat allocation. If you’re eligible, make sure to claim your rightful seat by submitting proper documentation at the time of counselling.
CLAT NRI/NRI Sponsored Seats – Policy & Eligibility
Many NLUs in India reserve a fixed number of seats for NRI (Non-Resident Indian) and NRI-sponsored candidates. These seats fall under the supernumerary category, meaning they are over and above the regular seat intake and are often associated with higher tuition fees.
However, the admission process for these seats varies from one NLU to another — some accept CLAT scores. In contrast, others allow direct Admission based on academic records and eligibility documents.
Who Is Eligible Under NRI / NRI Sponsored Quota?
NRI Candidates:
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen residing abroad for at least 5 years OR
- A child of an Indian citizen or person of Indian origin (PIO)/OCI, living abroad
NRI Sponsored Candidates:
- Candidate is sponsored by a first-degree relative (Parent, Sibling, Uncle, Aunt) who is an NRI
- Sponsor must commit financial responsibility through a sworn affidavit
- The candidate is usually required to appear for CLAT
Always refer to the individual NLU’s admission brochure to confirm eligibility and requirements.
Documents Required (General List)
- Copy of the passport and visa of the NRI
- Affidavit of Sponsorship (for NRI Sponsored)
- Candidate’s birth certificate
- Residential proof of the sponsor
- CLAT Scorecard (if required by NLU)
Admission Process for NRI/NRI Sponsored Seats
| Admission Type | Applies To | Criteria |
| Through CLAT Score | NRI Sponsored | Must register and appear for CLAT |
| Direct Admission | NRI/Foreign Nationals | Based on academic merit (12th scores) |
| Separate Application | Some NLUs | Additional form + document submission |
NRI Seat Intake at Top NLUs (UG Courses)
| NLU | NRI/NRI Sponsored Seats | Admission Mode |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 20 (UG) | CLAT-based (NRI Sponsored) |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 15 (UG) | Direct admission (NRI) |
| NLU Jodhpur | 16 (UG) | CLAT-based |
| MNLU Mumbai | 20 (UG) | Direct/NRI Sponsored via CLAT |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 16 (UG) | CLAT-based |
| RGNUL Patiala | 5 (UG) | CLAT-based |
| DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 12 (UG) | Direct/HR basis |
| TNNLU Tiruchirapalli | 3 (UG) | NRI Parent/Guardian required |
Some NLUs charge NRI fees in USD (ranging from $10,000–$25,000 per annum) and require hostel accommodation as part of the mandatory package.
Key Points to Note
- NRI Sponsored = CLAT Mandatory in most NLUs
- NRI = May be exempt from CLAT, but must apply separately
- These seats do not affect general category ranks or cutoffs
- Candidates must upload valid documents before the counselling deadlines
If you’re an NRI or have an eligible sponsor, this route offers access to NLUs at lower CLAT ranks — provided you can meet the financial and documentary criteria.
Foreign National Candidates – Admission Policy (CLAT 2026)
Several NLUs reserve a small number of supernumerary seats for foreign national candidates, who are typically exempt from appearing for the CLAT exam. These seats are meant to promote international diversity. They are filled based on the candidate’s academic merit, English proficiency, and submission of required documentation.
Who Is Considered a Foreign National Candidate?
A Foreign National refers to:
- A citizen of a country other than India, and
- A candidate who does not hold OCI/PIO or NRI status
OCI/PIO cardholders may be considered under NRI Sponsored or General categories, depending on the NLU’s policy.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have completed 10+2 (for UG) or LLB (for PG) or equivalent qualifications from a recognised board/university
- Must demonstrate English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL preferred)
- Must have a minimum of 45%–50% marks (varies by NLU)
Documents Required for Admission
- Valid passport and visa
- Academic transcripts (10th, 12th / UG degree)
- Character certificate from last last-attended institution
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical certificate (some NLUs may require this)
NLUs Offering Seats to Foreign Nationals
| NLU | Foreign National Seats (UG) | Admission Mode |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 15 (UG) | Direct (7 SAARC + 8 non-SAARC) |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 2 (UG) | Direct Admission |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 5 (UG) | Direct Admission |
| HNLU Raipur | 2 (UG) | Direct Admission |
| RGNUL Patiala | 5 (UG) | Direct Admission |
| DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 12 (UG – merged with NRI) | Horizontal Reservation |
| NLU Tripura | 4 (UG) | Direct Admission |
| HPNLU Shimla | 15% of total seats | Direct Admission |
Foreign National candidates do not participate in the CLAT counselling process. They must apply directly to individual NLUs through their official admission portals.
Fee Structure for Foreign Nationals
The tuition fee for foreign nationals is generally higher than the domestic fee and is payable in USD. It may include:
- Tuition fees ($5,000–$15,000 per year)
- Accommodation & mess charges
- Miscellaneous campus fees
Exact fee details are published in each NLU’s prospectus annually.
Important Notes
- Seat intake is limited (2–15 per university) and highly competitive.
- Some NLUs reserve a fixed number of seats for SAARC vs non-SAARC candidates.
- You must check for specific deadlines, which may differ from the CLAT schedule.
If you’re a foreign national planning to study law in India, NLUs provide a world-class legal education — but ensure you meet all eligibility and visa formalities well in advance.
CLAT 2026 Seat Intake
The seat intake for all National Law Universities (NLUs) participating in CLAT 2026 is as follows:
| Name of the College | UG Seat Intake | PG Seat Intake |
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru | 310 seats | 100 seats |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata | 132 seats | 100 seats |
| National Law University, Jodhpur | 120 seats | 50 seats |
| Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar | 172 seats | 57 seats |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNLU), Patiala | 180 seats | 60 seats |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi | 60 seats | 60 seats |
| National University of Study & Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi | 120 seats | 50 seats |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam | 120 seats | 60 seats |
| Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai | 100 seats | 50 seats |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad | 60 seats | 60 seats |
| Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur | 120 seats | 50 seats |
| National Academy of Legal Study & Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad | 132 seats | 66 seats |
| National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal | 134 seats for BA LLB68 seats for BSc LLB | 60 seats |
| Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur | 170 seats | 90 seats |
| Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow | 187 seats | 31 seats |
| Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna | 69 seats for BA LLB69 seats for BBA LLB | — |
| National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack | 180 seats | 46 seats |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam | 60 seats | 40 seats |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli | 114 seats | 18 seats |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur | 120 seats | 60 seats |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla | 60 seats for BBA LLB | 80 seats |
| Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonipat, Haryana | 120 seats | – |
| National Law University, Tripura | 120 seats | 50 seats |
| GNLU Silvassa Campus | 172 seats | 57 seats |
| Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj | 60 seats | – |
| Total (excluding supernumerary, NRI, extra, and FN seats) | 3,511 seats | 1,271 seats |
Candidates listed in the CLAT 2026 invite list will have the opportunity to register for counselling through the official portal at consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Applicants are advised to carefully verify their roll numbers in the merit list before proceeding.
CLAT 2026 Reservation: Seat Allocation at NLUs
The reservation policies and seat allocation details for all participating NLUs are outlined below:
NLSIU Bangalore Reservation Policy
The reservation criteria for NLSIU Bangalore are provided below for reference:
| Category | Percentage of Seats | Total UG Seats | Total PG Seats |
| General | None | 115 | 46 |
| Scheduled Caste | 15.0% | 36 | 15 |
| Scheduled Tribe | 7.5% | 18 | 8 |
| Other Backward Classes NCL | 21.6% | 52 | 23 |
| Economically Weaker Section | 8.0% | 19 | 8 |
| Total | – | 240 | 100 |
Important Information:
- 5% of the total intake, equivalent to 2 seats in Business Law and 1 seat in Human Rights, is horizontally reserved for PwD candidates.
- Approximately 25% of seats in each vertical category, with a maximum of 13 students, are allocated under the horizontal preference for ‘Karnataka Students.’
NALSAR Hyderabad Reservation Policy
The reservation policy at NALSAR Hyderabad is as follows:
| Category | Reservation (Residents of Telangana) | All India Quota Reservation | Total UG Seats | Total PG Seats |
| General | None (15 seats and 08 for LLM course) | None (51 seats for BA LLB and 25 for LLM) | 66 | 33 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% (05 seats for BA LLB and 02 for LLM) | 15% (14 seats for BA LLB and 07 seats for LLM) | 19 | 09 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 6% (01 seat for BA LLB and 01 for LLM) | 7.5% (07 seats for BA LLB and 03 seats for LLM) | 08 | 04 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 29% (09 seats for BA LLB and 04 seats for LLM) | 18% (17 seats for BA LLB)20% (10 seats for LLM) | 26 | 14 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% (03 seats) | 10% (10 seats for BA LLB and 05 seats for LLM) | 13 | 06 |
| Horizontal Reservation for Female | – | 30% | 39 seats | 19 seats |
| Horizontal Reservation for PWD (BM) | – | 05% | 06 seats | 03 seats |
| Total Seats | – | – | 132 | 66 |
Key Highlights:
- A 5% horizontal reservation is provided for candidates under the Specially Abled Persons (SAP) category, amounting to 5 seats in the LLB program and 3 seats in the LLM program.
- For foreign nationals, 15 seats are allocated in LLB programs, with 7 seats reserved for SAARC country candidates and 8 seats for those from non-SAARC countries.
- In addition, 10 seats in LLM programs are reserved for foreign nationals, equally divided between 5 seats for SAARC candidates and 5 for non-SAARC candidates.
NLIU Bhopal Reservation Policy
Candidates can review the reservation policy for NLIU Bhopal as outlined below:
| Category | Percentage of Seats | Total BA LLB Seats | Total BSc LLB Seats | Total LLM Seats |
| General | None | 52 | 26 | 30 |
| SC | 16.0% | 16 | 08 | 10 |
| ST | 20% | 20 | 10 | 12 |
| OBC | 14% | 14 | 07 | 08 |
| EWS | Supernumerary reservation | 12 | 06 | – |
| J & K candidates | Supernumerary reservation | 02 | 02 | – |
| NRI/NRI Sponsored | – | 18 | 09 | – |
| Women candidates | Horizontally reserved (excluding NRI/NRI Sponsored and Supernumerary) | 30 | 15 | 18 |
| PWD | Horizontally reserved (excluding NRI/NRI Sponsored and Supernumerary) | 04 | 03 | 03 |
| Domicile of MP | 50% Horizontally reserved (excluding NRI/NRI Sponsored and Supernumerary) | – | – | – |
| Total | – | 134 seats | 68 seats | 60 seats |
Note: In addition to the seats mentioned above, five seats are allocated for foreign nationals who can secure direct admission without appearing for the CLAT examination, as per the notification from NLIU Bhopal.
Reservation Policy of WBNUJS Kolkata
The reservation policy for WBNUJS Kolkata can be reviewed below::
| Category | All India Seats | WB Domicile Quota | Total BA LLB/ BSc LLB Seats | Total LLM Seats |
| General | 51 seats for UG and 54 seats for PG | 22 seats for UG and 15 seats for PG | 73 | 69 |
| SC | 10 seats for UG and 11 seats for PG | 10 seats for UG and 07 seats for PG | 20 | 18 |
| ST | 06 seats for UG and 05 seats for PG | 02 seats for UG and 02 seats for PG | 08 | 07 |
| OBC | — | 07 seats for UG and 06 seats for PG | 07 | 06 |
| Foreign Nationals | 02 seats for UG | – | 02 | – |
| NRI/ NRI Sponsored | 20 seats for UG | – | 20 | – |
| PWD Horizontal | 03 seats for UG and 03 seats for PG | 01 seat for UG and 02 seats for PG | 04 | 05 |
| J&K Supernumerary | 02 seats for UG | – | 02 | 02 |
| Total seats | – | – | 132 | 100 |
NLU Jodhpur Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | UG Seats | PG Seats |
| General | – | 76 | 36 |
| SC | 15% | 15 | 07 |
| ST | 7.5% | 08 | 04 |
| Specially Abled Persons | 5% | 05 | 03 |
| NRI/ NRI Sponsored | – | 16 seats | – |
| Total seats | – | 120 | 50 seats |
HNLU Raipur Reservation Policy
The reservation policy for HNLU Raipur is outlined below for candidates’ reference:
| Category | All India Seats | Chhattisgarh Domicile Quota | Total BA LLB/BSc LLB Seats | Total LLM Seats |
| General | 55 seats for UG and 45 seats for PG | 42 seats for UG | 97 | 45 |
| SC | 13 seats for UG and 14 seats for PG | 14 seats for UG | 27 | 14 |
| ST | 06 seats for UG and 07 seats for PG | 17 seats for UG | 23 | 07 |
| OBC | 11 seats for UG and 24 seats for PG | 12 seats for UG | 23 | 24 |
| Foreign Nationals | 02 seats for UG | – | 02 | – |
| NRI/ NRI Sponsored | 08 seats for UG | – | 08 | – |
| SAP Horizontal Reservation | – | 5% seats | – | – |
| Dependant of Freedom Fighters Horizontal Reservation | — | 5% seats | – | – |
| Female Horizontal Reservation | – | 30% seats | – | – |
| Kashmiri Migrants Supernumerary | 05 seats for UG and 02 seats for PG | – | 05 | 02 |
| J&K Supernumerary | 02 seats for UG and 02 seats for PG | – | 02 | 02 |
| Total Seats | – | – | 170 | 90 |
GNLU Gandhinagar Reservation Policy
The reservation policy for GNLU Gandhinagar is outlined below for candidates’ reference:
| Category | Reservation Policy | UG Seats | PG Seats |
| General | — | 79 | 26 |
| SC | 15% | 23 | 08 |
| ST | 7.5% | 12 | 04 |
| OBC | 27% | 42 | 14 |
| Female | 30% of seats reserved horizontally | – | – |
| SAP/ PWD | 4% of seats reserved horizontally | – | – |
| Sports Quota | Supernumerary quota | 04 | 00 |
| EWS | 10% | — | — |
| NRI/ NRI Sponsored | Supernumerary quota | 16 | 05 |
| Foreign National | Supernumerary quota | 05 | 02 |
| J&K | Supernumerary quota | 02 | 01 |
| North-East Indian | Supernumerary quota | 04 | 02 |
| Total Seats | – | 172 | 57 |
Note: The reservation policy for GNLU Silvassa is identical to that of GNLU Gandhinagar.
RMNLU Lucknow Reservation Policy
The reservation policy for RMNLU Lucknow is provided below for candidates’ reference:
| Category | Reservation Policy | UG Seats | PG Seats |
| General | — | 80 | 10 |
| SC of UP | 21% | 34 | 05 |
| ST of UP | 2% | 03 | 01 |
| OBC of UP | 27% | 43 | 06 |
| Female | 20% of seats reserved horizontally | 32 | 05 |
| SAP | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | 08 | 01 |
| Dependants of Freedom Fighters of UP | 2% of seats reserved horizontally | 03 | 00 |
| Wards of Defence Personnel | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | 08 | 01 |
| EWS of UP | 10% | 09 | 02 |
| NRI/ NRI Sponsored/ Foreign National | Supernumerary quota | 16 | 05 |
| Wards of KM/ Hindu/ Pandits/ Non-Migrant Families | Supernumerary quota | 02 | 02 |
| Total seats | – | 213 | 31 |
RGNUL Punjab Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | UG Seats | PG Seats |
| General | — | 134 | 44 |
| SC | 15% | 27 | 09 |
| ST | 7.5% | 14 | 05 |
| OBC | 10% of seats reserved horizontally | 02 | – |
| Punjab Domicile Quota | Horizontally reserved | 18 | – |
| Ancestral Resident of Village Sidhuwal | Reserved horizontally | 01 | – |
| SAP/ PWD | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | 09 | 03 |
| EWS | 10% Supernumerary quota | 18 | 06 |
| NRI/ NRI Sponsored | Supernumerary quota | 05 | – |
| Foreign National | Supernumerary quota | 05 | 02 |
| Wards of KM | Supernumerary quota | 09 | 03 |
| J&K | Supernumerary quota | 02 | 02 |
| Total Seats | – | 180 | 60 |
CNLU Patna Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | UG Reservation |
| Unreserved | 40% | 55 |
| EWS of UR | 10% | 14 |
| SC of Bihar | 16% | 22 |
| ST of Bihar | 01% | 01 |
| EBC of Bihar | 18% | 25 |
| BC of Bihar | 12% | 17 |
| Women of Bihar | 03% | 04 |
| PWD | 05% Horizontal reservation | 07 seats |
| Total Seats | – | 138 seats |
NUALS Kochi Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | All India Quota | State Domicile Reservation Quota |
| Unreserved | 51% | 61 seats for UG and 31 seats for PG | – |
| State Merit of Kerala | 9% | – | 11 seats for UG and 5 seats for PG |
| SC of Kerala | 8% | – | 10 seats for UG and 5 seats for PG |
| ST of Kerala | 2% | – | 02 seats for UG and 1 seat for PG |
| SEBC of Kerala | 30% | – | 36 seats for UG and 18 seats for PG |
| SAP of Kerala | 5% horizontally reserved | – | – |
| EWS General of Kerala | Supernumerary Quota | – | 12 seats for UG and 6 seats for PG |
| Transgenders of Kerala | Supernumerary Quota | – | 02 seats for UG and 02 seats for PG |
| J&K Migrants | Supernumerary Quota | – | 02 seats for UG and 02 seats for PG |
| Total | – | 61 UG Seats and 31 PG seats | 63 UG seats and 70 seats for PG |
NLU Odisha Reservation Policy
| Category | All India Quota | Odisha Domicile | Total BA LLB Seats | Total BBA LLB Seats |
| General | 61 for BA LLB and 31 for BBA LLB | 20 for BA LLB and 10 for BBA LLB | 85 | 43 |
| SC | 09 for BA LLB and 04 for BBA LLB | 03 for BA LLB and 02 for BBA LLB | 13 | 06 |
| ST | 05 for BA LLB and 03 for BBA LLB | 02 for BA LLB and 01 for BBA LLB | 08 | 04 |
| NRI/NRIS/PIO/OCI | 10 for BA LLB and 05 for BBA LLB | – | 10 | 05 |
| Foreign National | 04 for BA LLB and 02 for BBA LLB | – | 04 | 02 |
| SAP | 05 for BA LLB and 01 for BBA LLB | 01 for BA LLB and 01 for BBA LLB | 06 | 02 |
| Total Seats | – | – | 120 seats | 60 seats |
NUSRL Ranchi Reservation Policy
| Category | Jharkhand UG Seats | Other State UG Seats | Jharkhand PG Seats | Other State PG Seats |
| Gen | 27 | 27 | 09 | 09 |
| EWS | 03 | 03 | 01 | 01 |
| ST | 16 | 05 | 04 | 02 |
| SC | 06 | 09 | 02 | 02 |
| EBC | 05 | 16 | 02 | 06 |
| BC | 03 | – | 02 | – |
| SAP | 03 | 03 | 02 | 02 |
| J&K | 02 Supernumerary seats | – | 01 Supernumerary seat | – |
| Total Seats | 120 seats + 20 special category seats | – | 40 seats + 10 Special category seats | – |
NLUJA Assam Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | UG Seats | PG Seats |
| SC of Assam | 7% | 04 | 03 |
| ST of Assam (Plains) | 10% | 06 | 04 |
| ST of Assam (Hills) | 5% | 03 | 02 |
| OBC(NCL)/MOBC(NCL) of Assam | 2% | 16 | 11 |
| All India Unreserved | — | 31 | 20 |
| SAP | 5% of the total seats is reserved horizontally | 03 | 02 |
| Domicile/ PR of Assam | 5 out of the seats available for the All India UR is reserved horizontally | 05 | 05 |
| Total Seats | – | 60 seats | 40 seats |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | UG Seats (All India) | UG Seats (State Domicile) | PG Seats (All India) | PG Seats (State Domicile) |
| Unreserved | — | 48 | 30 | 24 | 15 |
| SC | 15% | – | 09 | – | 05 |
| ST | 6% | – | 04 | – | 02 |
| BC – A | 7% | – | 04 | – | 02 |
| BC – B | 10% | – | 06 | – | 03 |
| BC – C | 7% | – | 01 | – | – |
| BC – D | 1% | – | 04 | – | 02 |
| BC – E | 4% | – | 02 | – | 01 |
| EWS | 10% Supernumerary Quota | 06 | 06 | 03 | 03 |
| Foreign Citizens/NRIs/NRI Sponsored | Horizontal Reservation (HR) Unreserved | 12 | – | 06 | – |
| Wards of Kashmiri Migrants/Kashmiri Pandits/Kashmiri Hindu Families (NM) | 5% Supernumerary Quota | 06 | – | 03 | – |
| SAP | 5% HR | – | – | – | – |
| Wards of Armed Personnel of AP | 2% HR | – | – | – | – |
| NCC AP | 1% HR | – | – | – | – |
| Eminent Sports Persons of AP | 0.5% HR | – | – | – | – |
| Total Seats | – | 138 seats | 60 seats |
TNNLU Tiruchirapalli Reservation Policy
| Category | BA LLB Seat | BCom LLB Seat | LLM Seat CSL | LLM Seat IPR | LLM Seat NRL |
| All India – General | 09 | 09 | 03 | 03 | 03 |
| AI – SC | 05 | 05+01 | 01+01 | 01+01 | 01+01 |
| AI – ST | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Wards of Kashmiri Migrants/Pandits/Kashmiri Hindu Families (Non-M) | 00 | 01 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| AI – OBC | 14+1 | 14 | 05 | 05 | 05 |
| Tamil Nadu – General (GSSQ) | 01 | 08 | – | – | – |
| TN – Unreserved (UR) | 08 | 00 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| TN – SC(A) | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 | 01 |
| TN – ST | 01 | 00 | 01 | 01 | 01 |
| TN – SC (O) | 04 | 04 | 01 | 01 | 01+01 |
| TN – GSSQ – SC(A) | 00 | 01 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| TN – MBC & DNC | 05 | 05+01 | 02 | 02 | 02 |
| TN – BC(M) | 01 | 01 | – | – | – |
| TN – GSSQ – BC (M) | 00 | 01 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| TN – BC | 01 | 01 | 02 | 02+01* | 02+01* |
| TN – GSSQ – B.C (M) | 00 | 01 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| TN – BC (O) | 06 | 06+01 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| TN – GSSQ – B.C (O) | 01 | 03 | – | – | – |
| NRI Parent/Guardian / OCI Parent/Guardian | 03 | 03 | – | – | – |
| TN SAP | 01+01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| AI SAP | 01 | 01+01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| Eminent Sports Persons under T.N. Quota | – | 01 | – | – | – |
| Sons/daughters of Ex-Servicemen under T.N. Quota | – | 01 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Total Seats:
- BA LLB: 60 seats
- BCom LLB: 60 seats
- LLM CSL: 20 seats
- LLM IPR: 20 seats
- LLM NRL: 20 seats
MNLU Mumbai Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | UG Seats | PG Seats |
| All India General Category – [A] | — | 37 | 17 |
| Maharashtra State Reserved Category – [B] | — | 63 | 33 |
| Maharashtra State – Schedule Caste | 13% | 13 | 07 |
| Maharashtra State – Schedule Tribe | 7% | 07 | 04 |
| Maharashtra State | |||
| Denotified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis) (A) | 3% | 03 | 02 |
| Nomadic Tribes (B) | 2.5% | 03 | 02 |
| Nomadic Tribes (C) | 3.5% | 04 | 02 |
| Nomadic Tribes (D) | 2% | 02 | 01 |
| MH – Specially Backward Class | 2% | 02 | 01 |
| MH – Other Backward Class | 19% | 19 | 10 |
| MH – Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% | 10 | 05 |
| SAP | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | – | – |
| Ex-Servicemen/Defence Personnel | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | – | – |
| Female | 30% of seats reserved horizontally | – | – |
| NRI/NRI Sponsored/Foreign National | Supernumerary quota | 20 | 10 |
| J&K | Supernumerary quota | 02 | 02 |
| Total Seats | – | 100 | 50 |
MNLU Aurangabad Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | BA LLB Seats | BBA LLB Seats | LLM Seats |
| Scheduled Castes of Maharashtra | 13% | 08 | 08 | 06 |
| Scheduled Tribes of Maharashtra | 7% | 04 | 04 | 03 |
| De-notified Tribes (A) of Maharashtra | 3% | 02 | 02 | 01 |
| Nomadic Tribes (B) of Maharashtra | 2.5% | 02 | 02 | 01 |
| Nomadic Tribes (C) of Maharashtra | 3.5% | 02 | 02 | 02 |
| Nomadic Tribes (D) of Maharashtra | 2% | 01 | 01 | 00 |
| Special Backward Class of Maharashtra | 2% | 01 | 01 | 00 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) of Maharashtra | 19% | 11 | 11 | 09 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of Maharashtra | 10% | 06 | 06 | 05 |
| Unreserved Seats | — | 23 | 23 | 18 |
| SAP | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | 03 | 03 | 03 |
| Total Seats | — | 60 | 60 | 45 |
MNLU Nagpur Reservation Policy
| Category | Policy | BA LLB Seats | BBA LLB Seats | PG Seats |
| All India General Category | 38% | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Maharashtra State | ||||
| Maharashtra State – Schedule Caste | 13% | 08 | 08 | 08 |
| Maharashtra State – Schedule Tribe | 7% | 04 | 04 | 04 |
| Denotified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis) (A) | 3% | 02 | 02 | 02 |
| Nomadic Tribes (B) | 2.5% | 02 | 02 | 02 |
| Nomadic Tribes (C) | 3.5% | 02 | 02 | 01 |
| Nomadic Tribes (D) | 2% | 06 | 06 | 06 |
| MH – Specially Backward Class | 2% | 01 | 01 | 01 |
| MH – Other Backward Class | 19% | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| MH – Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% | 06 | 06 | 06 |
| SAP | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | – | – | – |
| Ex Servicemen/ Defence Personnel | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | – | – | – |
| Female | 30% of seats reserved horizontally | – | – | – |
| Orphan (MH) candidates | 1% of seats in UR category | – | – | – |
| Total Seats | – | 60 | 60 | 60 |
HPNLU Shimla Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | BA LLB Seats | BBA LLB Seats | LLM Seats |
| General | — | 93 | 45 | 62 |
| SC | 15% | 18 | 09 | 12 |
| ST | 7.5% | 09 | 05 | 06 |
| Horizontal Reservation | ||||
| PwD | 5% | 06 | 03 | 04 |
| Wards of Serving/Retired/Defence Personnel | 5% | 06 | 03 | 04 |
| Himachal Pradesh Domiciled Candidates | 25% | 30 | 15 | 20 |
| Women | 20% | – | – | 20 |
| Supernumerary Seats | ||||
| Kashmiri Migrants | 5% | 06 | 03 | 04 |
| Residents of J&K | — | 02 | 02 | 02 |
| NRI & Foreign Nationals | 15% | 18 | 09 | 12 |
| BC/OBC | 27% | – | – | 22 |
| EWS | 10% | – | – | 08 |
| Total Seats | — | 120 | 60 | 80 |
DNLU Jabalpur Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation Policy | BA LLB Seats | LLM Seats |
| General | – | 60 | 25 |
| SC | 16% | 20 | 08 |
| ST | 20% | 24 | 10 |
| OBC | 14% | 16 | 07 |
| J&K | Supernumerary Quota | 02 | 02 |
| EWS | 10% Supernumerary Quota | 12 | 05 |
| Domicile Quota for MP state | 50% of seats reserved horizontally | — | – |
| Women | 30% of seats reserved horizontally | — | – |
| SAP/PWD | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | — | – |
| Son/grandson/daughter/granddaughter of Freedom Fighter, and wards of War Martyr, etc. (MP Domicile) | 5% of seats reserved horizontally | — | – |
| Total Seats | — | 120 + 14 (Supernumerary Seats) | 50 + 07 (Supernumerary Seats) |
NLU Tripura Reservation Policy
| Category | BA LLB Seats | LLM Seats |
| General | 55 | 23 |
| Foreign | 04 | 02 |
| Scheduled Caste | 18 | 14 |
| Scheduled Tribes | 33 | 07 |
| NRI/ NRIS | 10 | 04 |
| SAP (0.5% seats reserved horizontally) | – | – |
| Total | 120 seats | 50 seats |
NLU-Wise Reservation Matrix for CLAT 2026 (UG Programmes)
Each NLU follows a distinct reservation structure based on its state policy, Act of establishment, and institutional regulations. While some provide heavy state domicile quotas, others allocate significant seats to NRI/foreign nationals or apply detailed vertical and horizontal splits (e.g., gender, PwD, ex-servicemen, etc.).
Below is a snapshot of reservation policies at some of the major NLUs for CLAT UG 2026:
Top NLUs – Seat Distribution Highlights (UG)
| NLU | Total UG Seats | Domicile Quota | SC/ST/OBC | NRI / FN Seats | PwD/SAP / Female / Others |
| NLSIU Bangalore | 240 | 25% for Karnataka | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC 21.6% | – | 5% PwD, Female (not specified) |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 132 | Telangana quota | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC up to 29% | 15 (UG FN) | 30% Female, 5% SAP |
| NLU Jodhpur | 120 | No domicile | SC 15%, ST 7.5% | 16 NRI | 5% PwD |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 172 | No domicile | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC 27% | 16 NRI + 5 FN | 30% Female, 4% PwD, Sports quota |
| HNLU Raipur | 170 | 50% for CG domicile | State-wise SC/ST/OBC | 8 NRI, 2 FN | 30% Female, 5% SAP, 5% FF dependents |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 187 | For UP residents | SC 21%, ST 2%, OBC 27% (all of UP) | 16 NRI/FN | 20% Female, 5% PwD, 2% FF, 5% Defence |
| NLU Odisha (NLUO) | 180 | 33% for Odisha | SC/ST (state-wise), EWS | 10 NRI, 4 FN | 5% SAP |
| NUSRL Ranchi | 120 (+20 Special) | 50% for Jharkhand | ST 16, SC 6, BC/EBC quotas | 2 J&K seats | 5% SAP |
| MNLU Mumbai | 100 | 63% for Maharashtra | SC/ST/OBC/NTs/SBC (state-wise) | 20 NRI/FN | 30% Female, 5% Ex-Servicemen, 5% SAP |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 132 | 32% for WB | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC (WB) | 20 NRI, 2 FN | 30% Female, 5% PwD |
| RGNUL Patiala | 180 | Punjab domicile | SC 15%, ST 7.5% | 5 NRI, 5 FN | 5% PwD, 10% EWS, Ancestral quota (1 seat) |
Many NLUs also offer additional supernumerary seats for categories like Kashmiri Migrants, J&K Residents, North-East Candidates, and Transgender persons. Always refer to each NLU’s official prospectus during counselling.
Other Noteworthy NLU Seat Structures
- DSNLU Visakhapatnam: 50% domicile quota for Andhra Pradesh + reservation for 5+ BC categories
- TNNLU Tiruchirapalli: Tamil Nadu-specific sub-quotas like SC (A), MBC & DNC, BC(M), GSSQ, etc.
- MNLU Nagpur & Aurangabad: Follow Maharashtra’s complex quota breakdown (NTs, SBCs, EWS, Orphan quota)
- HPNLU Shimla: 25% for Himachal residents, 5% each for PwD and Defence Personnel
- DNLU Jabalpur: 50% domicile for MP, SC 16%, ST 20%, OBC 14% + women, PwD and FF dependents
How to Use This Table During CLAT Counselling
- Filter NLUs by your domicile and see where you have higher reservation leverage
- Check category-specific seat count before filling preferences
- Download the official counselling brochure for year-wise seat updates
Many aspirants miss out on opportunities due to a lack of awareness about state-specific reservations. If you’re eligible under a domicile or supernumerary quota, claim it with proper documents during CLAT counselling.
CLAT PG 2026 – Reservation Policies
While CLAT UG attracts widespread attention, the CLAT PG exam also follows a well-defined reservation policy for admission to LL.M. programmes across various NLUs. However, the number of seats is comparatively limited, and not all NLUs offer PG-level reservations in every category.
Understanding the seat structure, category-wise breakdown, and differences from UG policies is crucial for candidates targeting LL.M. programs through CLAT 2026.
General Reservation Structure for CLAT PG
| Category | Reservation Type | Typical Range |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | Vertical | 15%–21% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Vertical | 7.5%–20% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Vertical | Up to 27% (state-dependent) |
| Economically Weaker Section | Vertical / Supernumerary | Up to 10% |
| PwD/SAP | Horizontal | 3%–5% across categories |
| Female Candidates | Horizontal | 20%–30% (in some NLUs) |
| Domicile Quota | Horizontal / Vertical | 25%–50% in state NLUs |
| NRI / Foreign Nationals | Supernumerary | 2–10 seats (varies by NLU) |
| Kashmiri Migrants / J&K | Supernumerary | 1–2 seats (few NLUs) |
Sample NLU-Wise PG Reservation Snapshots
| NLU | Total PG Seats | Notable Reservations |
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 100 | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC 21.6%, EWS 8%, 5% PwD, 25% Karnataka students (horizontal) |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 66 | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC up to 29%, EWS 10%, 5% SAP, 30% Female, 10 seats for foreign nationals (5 SAARC + 5 non-SAARC) |
| NLU Jodhpur | 50 | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, 5% SAP |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 31 | SC 21%, ST 2%, OBC 27% (all of UP), 20% Female, 5% SAP, 5% Defence, 2% FF |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 57 | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC 27%, 5% SAP, Female (unlisted), Sports quota, 5 NRI, 2 FN, 2 J&K |
| DSNLU Vizag | 60 | 50% AP domicile, sub-reservations for BC-A to BC-E, SAP, EWS, Armed Forces, Kashmiri Pandits, and eminent sports candidates |
| RGNUL Patiala | 60 | SC 15%, ST 7.5%, 5% SAP, Punjab Domicile (horizontal), EWS (10%), 2 FN |
| HPNLU Shimla | 80 | 25% Himachal quota, SC 15%, ST 7.5%, PwD, Defence Personnel, Women (20%), 15% NRI & FN |
| TNNLU Tiruchirappalli | 60 (3 streams) | TN-specific subcategories (SC, MBC, BC, GSSQ), NRI (3 seats), Female, SAP |
Documents Required to Claim Reservation – CLAT 2026
To avail of reservation benefits in CLAT UG or PG 2026, candidates must provide valid, original documents at the time of counselling and admission. These documents prove eligibility under various reserved categories such as SC/ST/OBC, EWS, PwD/SAP, Domicile, NRI/NRI Sponsored, and Special quotas.
Failure to submit accurate or timely documents can result in disqualification from reserved seats or cancellation of admission during verification.
For UG Candidates
| Purpose | Required Document(s) |
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card / Passport / School ID / PAN (any government-issued ID) |
| Class 10th & 12th Qualification | Mark sheets and passing certificates |
| Character Certificate | From the head of the last-attended institution |
| Transfer/Migration Certificate | Issued by school/board after Class 12 |
| Caste Category (SC/ST/OBC) | Government-issued certificate with recent issue date |
| EWS Certificate | Certificate in the prescribed central government format |
| PwD/SAP Certificate | Disability certificate showing minimum 40% disability, issued by competent medical board |
| Domicile Certificate | Issued by the relevant state authority |
| Kashmiri Migrant/J&K Resident | Registration Certificate or Migration/Domicile proof |
| Defence/Ex-Servicemen Quota | Service certificate, dependency proof |
| NRI/NRI Sponsored | Sponsor affidavit, passport, visa, proof of relationship, residential proof |
Key Guidelines
- All documents must be in English or translated officially if issued in regional languages.
- Validity and issue date of certificates (especially EWS, OBC-NCL, domicile) must be as per the CLAT counselling year.
- Candidates must upload scanned copies during counselling registration and carry originals for verification.
Proactive preparation of your reservation documents — before counselling — helps avoid last-minute disqualification or loss of category-specific seats.
Final Tips for CLAT Aspirants on Reservation Criteria
Understanding and strategically applying under the right reservation category can significantly boost your chances of getting into a top NLU. Whether you’re aiming for a general seat, a state domicile advantage, or a special category quota, awareness and preparation are key.
Here are some final tips to ensure you don’t miss out on your rightful opportunity:
1. Know Your Category Clearly
- Don’t guess. Confirm whether you fall under SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, or General.
- Ensure that the category is recognised by the central government or by the specific state NLU, as applicable.
2. Keep Your Certificates Updated
- Most category certificates (EWS, OBC-NCL, Domicile) must be issued within a year of counselling.
- Get them issued early to avoid delays during counselling.
3. Use Domicile Advantage Wisely
- If your state has an NLU (like Maharashtra, UP, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, etc.), target it even if your CLAT rank is average.
- Domicile quotas often come with lower cutoffs.
4. Prepare a Checklist for Counselling
- Category certificate
- Domicile certificate
- Academic marksheets
- Migration/Transfer certificates
- Sponsor affidavit (if NRI Sponsored)
- Proof of PwD or SAP (if applicable)
Being organised can save your seat.
5. Read NLU Brochures Carefully
- Many NLUs have unique rules and sub-quotas (like Orphan, Ex-Servicemen, Sports).
- Visit the official websites and download their prospectus before CLAT counselling.
6. Supernumerary ≠ Easy Admission
- NRI and Foreign National seats often come with high fees. They are not “backup” options unless you’re prepared for the cost and eligibility.
7. Double-Check Documents Before Upload
- CLAT counselling allows only one-time upload of documents — there’s no second chance.
- Cross-verify format, issuing authority, and validity.
In CLAT, every seat counts. Strategic planning based on your category, domicile, and documentation can give you a real edge over competitors.
FAQs – CLAT 2026 Reservation Criteria
1. Is the reservation policy the same across all NLUs?
No. Each NLU sets its own reservation policy based on state laws, institutional statutes, and the NLU Act. Always check the specific NLU’s seat matrix before applying.
2. Do I need to appear for CLAT to get admission under the NRI or foreign national quota?
For most NLUs, NRI-sponsored candidates must appear for CLAT. At the same time, Foreign Nationals may be exempt and can apply directly based on academic merit.
3. How many NLUs offer domicile-based reservation?
Over 12 NLUs offer domicile or state quota, including MNLUs, HNLU, NLUO, RMLNLU, NUSRL, DSNLU, and others. The percentage varies from 25% to over 60%.
4. Can I claim both EWS and OBC reservation?
No. You can only claim one reservation category. EWS is meant for General category candidates who do not fall under SC, ST, or OBC categories.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for claiming EWS reservation in CLAT?
You must belong to the General category and have a family income of less than ₹8 lakh per annum. A valid EWS certificate in central government format is mandatory.
6. Are PwD/SAP candidates eligible for horizontal reservation across all categories?
Yes. Most NLUs offer 3%–5% horizontal reservation for PwD/SAP candidates across all categories. A minimum 40% disability is required.
7. Is female reservation available in CLAT 2026?
Yes. Several NLUs, including GNLU, NALSAR, RMLNLU, and HPNLU, offer 20%–30% horizontal reservation for female candidates in each category.
8. Are NRI seats costlier than general category seats?
Yes. NRI and NRI-sponsored seats often have significantly higher tuition fees (ranging from ₹10–25 lakhs per year), and fees may be payable in foreign currency.
9. What documents are required for the domicile quota?
A valid state-issued domicile/residence certificate is mandatory. Some NLUs also require proof of schooling (10th or 12th) in the same state.
10. Do all NLUs offer PG-level (LL.M.) reservation?
No. Some NLUs have limited PG seats and do not offer all reservation categories. Reservation structures at the PG level differ from UG.
11. How many seats are typically reserved for foreign nationals?
Most NLUs offer 2 to 15 supernumerary seats for foreign nationals. These seats are outside CLAT and filled via direct application.
12. Is there any reservation for Kashmiri Migrants or J&K Residents?
Yes. Many NLUs provide 1–2 supernumerary seats for Kashmiri Migrants or residents of Jammu & Kashmir. Valid documents are required.
13. Can a candidate from Bihar claim OBC reservation in another state NLU?
Only if the NLU follows the central OBC list. State OBC status may not be valid outside your home state unless the NLU follows central norms.
14. How are horizontal and vertical reservations different?
Vertical reservations (SC/ST/OBC) apply to fixed seat quotas, while horizontal ones (PwD/Female) cut across all vertical categories.
15. Can I apply under the general category and still be eligible for EWS or PwD during counselling?
Yes, but you must mention and upload supporting certificates during registration or counselling. Changing categories later is usually not permitted.
16. Is there a reservation for children of defence personnel or ex-servicemen?
Yes, a few NLUs (e.g., MNLU, RMLNLU, HNLU) offer horizontal reservation (up to 5%) for wards of serving or retired defence personnel.
17. Are NRI-sponsored candidates required to submit an affidavit of support?
Yes. A notarised affidavit of financial sponsorship from the NRI (first-degree relative) is mandatory, along with relationship and residency proof.
18. What if my reservation certificate is not in English?
You must submit an officially translated and attested copy along with the original regional certificate for it to be considered valid.
19. Do supernumerary seats reduce the general category intake?
No. Supernumerary seats are additional and do not affect the general or reserved seat matrix.
20. Can I update my category during the counselling process?
Generally, no. Once registered, you cannot change your category. Ensure all details are correctly filled and documents are uploaded in the first attempt.
