If you’re gearing up for the CLAT 2026 exam, one of the first and most important questions you’ll ask is: what is a good score in CLAT 2026? Knowing what it takes to secure admission to the top National Law Universities (NLUs) isn’t just helpful — it’s essential for shaping your study plan and target setting.
In this detailed, data-driven guide, we’ll break down the CLAT scoring system, expected cutoffs for leading NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata, and offer insights into how difficulty levels and category-based reservations impact admissions. You’ll also find answers to frequently asked questions and actionable advice to help you set clear, realistic targets for your CLAT 2026 preparation.
Understanding the CLAT 2026 Scoring System
Before we analyse what qualifies as a good CLAT score, it’s essential to understand how the exam is structured and scored. Grasping the scoring mechanism helps you better gauge your performance during mock tests and exam attempts.
CLAT Scoring Breakdown (Sections & Weightage)
The CLAT UG 2026 exam will have 120 multiple-choice questions from five sections:
- English Language
- Current Affairs including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
Each correct answer gives +1 mark, and each wrong answer has a -0.25 negative marking. Thus, speed and accuracy are equally important. The maximum score in CLAT is 120 marks.
After the exam, candidates receive a CLAT score card, displaying their raw score, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR), which forms the basis for NLU admissions.
Absolutely — here’s a clean, reader-friendly table version of your CLAT 2026 Section-Wise Weightage data:
CLAT 2026 Section-Wise Weightage
| Section | MCQs per Section | Maximum Marks | Approximate Weightage (%) |
| English Language | 28–32 | 28–32 | 18.66–21.33 |
| Current Affairs including GK | 35–39 | 35–39 | 23.33–26 |
| Logical Reasoning | 28–32 | 28–32 | 18.66–21.33 |
| Legal Reasoning | 35–39 | 35–39 | 23.33–26 |
| Quantitative Techniques | 13–17 | 13–17 | 8.66–11.33 |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 100% |
What is a Good CLAT Score in 2026? – An Overview
A good CLAT score typically secures a seat in one of the top NLUs. Based on previous years’ trends:
- For top 3 NLUs, a score of 95+ out of 120 is considered excellent.
- A score between 85-94 can land you in other top-tier NLUs.
- 70-80+ may fetch you a seat in mid-tier NLUs, depending on your category, domicile quota, and the year’s difficulty level.
Remember — these are indicative cutoffs based on previous CLAT exams and may fluctuate slightly each year.
Target Scores for Top NLUs (Detailed Analysis)
Let’s look at the estimated cutoffs for 2026, using 2024 and 2025 data as reliable references:
NLSIU Bangalore – Expected Cutoff & Target Score
NLSIU Bangalore is India’s most prestigious law school, and naturally the most competitive.
- 2024 Cutoff (General): 100.25 marks
- 2025 Expected: 99–102 marks
Target Score for 2026: 100+ marks
To secure a seat safely, aim for a 100+ raw score and track your mock test percentiles to stay on course.
NALSAR Hyderabad – Expected Cutoff & Target Score
Another elite law school, NALSAR Hyderabad, usually follows closely behind NLSIU.
- 2024 Cutoff (General): 97 marks
- 2025 Expected: 96–99 marks
Target Score for 2026: 97–100 marks
Ensure consistent performance in Legal Reasoning and English sections, which often make a significant difference at the top of the merit list.
WBNUJS Kolkata – Expected Cutoff & Target Score
WBNUJS Kolkata is consistently among the top 3, with strong placements and academic reputation.
- 2024 Cutoff (General): 94.75 marks
- 2025 Expected: 94–97 marks
Target Score for 2026: 95–98 marks
Other Top NLUs – Expected Target Scores
| NLU | 2024 Cutoff (General) | 2026 Target |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 91 marks | 93–96 marks |
| NLU Jodhpur | 90.5 marks | 92–95 marks |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 88.75 marks | 90–94 marks |
| HNLU Raipur | 86 marks | 88–92 marks |
| NLU Odisha | 83.5 marks | 86–90 marks |
Use this table as a benchmark to plan your preparation strategy.
CLAT Scoring & Category-Based Cutoffs (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
The CLAT score required for admission varies for reserved categories due to seat reservations:
- SC/ST candidates: Cutoffs are typically 10-15 marks lower than the General category.
- OBC/EWS candidates: Cutoffs are around 5-10 marks lower.
For example, if NALSAR’s General cutoff is 97, the SC/ST cutoff might be around 82-87 marks, while EWS candidates might need around 87-92 marks depending on the state quotas.
CLAT Percentile vs. Raw Marks – Which Matters More?
While raw marks determine the CLAT score card ranking, percentiles help NLUs compare candidates across varied exam difficulty levels.
- Raw marks decide your immediate eligibility for cutoffs.
- Percentile is considered during tie-breaking and category seat allocation scenarios.
Both are important, but your primary goal should always be to maximize your raw CLAT score, as it directly influences your rank.
Year-on-Year CLAT Score Trends & Difficulty Levels
The difficulty level of CLAT can fluctuate annually, which impacts cutoff trends.
For instance:
- CLAT 2022: Moderate paper, cutoffs around 100+ for top NLUs.
- CLAT 2023: Tougher paper, cutoffs dropped by 3–5 marks.
- CLAT 2024: Easier than 2023, cutoffs rose again.
Hence, a good score in CLAT 2026 might also depend on that year’s difficulty level. Always track past trends but be flexible and prepared for surprises.
Can You Get an NLU with a Score Below 80?
Yes — while top 5 NLUs require 90+ marks, several mid-tier and newer NLUs accept scores between 70-80.
Examples:
- DSNLU Visakhapatnam
- MNLU Mumbai (State quota)
- MNLU Nagpur
- NLUJA Assam
However, choices might be limited in terms of preferred courses, location, and campus facilities. It’s still a valuable opportunity for those targeting a career in law.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what is a good score in CLAT 2026 helps set realistic goals and build a focused strategy. Consistent mock tests, past paper analysis, and knowing your target NLU’s cutoff trends are the best ways to boost your chances of success.
Ready to ace the CLAT 2026 exam? Explore our [CLAT preparation resources, courses, and mock tests (insert your link here)] and start preparing today. The earlier you start, the better your chances of outperforming the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
- What is considered a good score in CLAT 2026 for top NLUs?
A score of 95+ marks out of 120 is considered suitable for the top 3 NLUs. - What is the expected cut-off score for NLSIU Bangalore in CLAT 2026?
Expect around 100–102 marks for the General category. - How many marks are needed to get into NALSAR Hyderabad or WBNUJS Kolkata?
NALSAR: 97–100 marks. WBNUJS: 95–98 marks. - Is 90+ a safe score in CLAT for general category students?
Yes, 90+ marks can secure a seat in GNLU, NLU Jodhpur, and other top-tier NLUs. - What score is required in CLAT for SC/ST or OBC categories?
SC/ST: 75–85 marks for top NLUs. OBC/EWS: 85–95 marks. - Does CLAT percentile matter more than raw marks?
Raw marks are primary for admissions; percentile helps in tie-breaking and category seat allocation. - How does CLAT scoring vary each year based on difficulty level?
Cutoffs fluctuate. Tough papers mean lower cutoffs and vice versa. - Can I get an NLU with a score below 80 in CLAT 2026?
Yes, but likely in mid-tier or newer NLUs, especially through reserved category or domicile quotas.
