CLAT 2026 (Common Law Admission Test for the 2026–27 academic year) was conducted on 7 December 2025 by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). The next cycle—CLAT 2027—is expected to be held in December 2026; official dates are yet to be announced. Keep reading for all important details about the CLAT exam date, application process, syllabus, and other essential updates.
By the end of this blog, you will know
- CLAT 2026 exam date (concluded) and expected timeline for CLAT 2027.
- CLAT application process and eligibility criteria
- Exam pattern and preparation tips to help you plan effectively
CLAT Exam Date: Key Highlights
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) conducts this annual offline test to select candidates for various undergraduate and postgraduate law programs across India. This section provides key details about the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), including the exam's purpose, format, and administration.
|
Aspect |
Information |
|
Full Name |
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
|
Organising Authority |
Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) |
|
Level of Examination |
Undergraduate (UG) |
|
Frequency |
Conducted annually |
|
Mode of Test |
Pen-and-paper (offline) |
|
Exam Duration |
2 hours (120 minutes) |
|
Language of Test |
English |
|
Purpose |
Entrance for integrated law programs such as BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, BBA LLB, BSW LLB, and postgraduate LLM courses |
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CLAT Exam Date and Timeline
To help you stay on top of the CLAT exam process, here is a clear overview of the important events and their expected timelines. CLAT 2026 dates are confirmed (concluded); CLAT 2027 dates are expected/TBA.
|
Activity |
CLAT 2026 (Concluded) |
CLAT 2027 (Expected/TBA) |
|
Official Notification |
July 2025 |
Expected July 2026 |
|
Application Form Release |
Second week of July 2025 |
Expected second week of July 2026 |
|
Registration Last Date |
Fourth week of October 2025 |
Expected fourth week of October 2026 |
|
Admit Card Distribution |
~2 weeks before exam |
Expected ~2 weeks before exam |
|
Exam Day |
7 December 2025, 2 PM–4 PM |
Expected December 2026 (TBA) |
|
Provisional Answer Key |
1–2 days post-exam |
Expected 1–2 days post-exam |
|
Objection Window |
Few days after answer key |
TBA |
|
Final Answer Key |
~1 week after exam |
Expected ~1 week after exam |
|
Result Declaration |
~1 week after exam |
Expected ~1 week after exam |
|
Counselling Registration Opens |
1–2 days after results |
TBA |
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CLAT Exam Date 2026: Counselling and Seat Allotment Schedule
This section outlines the key stages and expected timelines for the counselling and seat allotment process following the CLAT 2026 exam. It covers important updates on the publication of allotment lists, fee payments, and other crucial steps candidates need to be aware of once the exam is completed.
|
Counselling and Seat Allotment Process |
Dates (CLAT 2026) |
|
First Seat Allotment List Publication |
Post-result (refer official website) |
|
Confirmation Fee Payment (Freeze/Float Option) |
As per official schedule |
|
Second Allotment List Release |
Post first-round |
|
Third Allotment List Release |
Post second-round |
|
Fourth Allotment List Publication |
Post third-round |
|
Fifth and Final Allotment List Release |
Final round |
|
Payment of University Fees (post-adjustments) |
As per NLU schedule |
CLAT Exam Date Timings
This section outlines the key timings and sequence of events during the CLAT exam day, based on the CLAT 2026 schedule. It includes precise information about candidate entry, exam commencement, and exit times.
|
Event Description |
Bell Signal |
Scheduled Time |
|
Candidates are allowed entry into the exam centre |
Long Bell |
From 1:00 PM |
|
Entry of candidates into exam halls/classrooms |
Long Bell |
1:30 PM |
|
Distribution of sealed question paper envelopes and instructions by invigilators |
Short Bell |
1:50 PM |
|
Official start of exam; candidates may open the question paper envelope |
Long Bell |
2:00 PM |
|
Final entry opportunity to enter the exam centre |
Short Bell |
2:15 PM |
|
Completion of the first hour of the exam |
Short Bell |
3:00 PM |
|
The warning bell signals 10 minutes left |
Short Bell |
3:50 PM |
|
End of the examination |
Long Bell |
4:00 PM |
|
Candidates are permitted to leave the exam hall |
Short Bell |
4:15 PM |
CLAT 2026 Exam Day: Detailed Schedule
This section provides a detailed outline of the official timings observed during the CLAT 2026 exam day (7 December 2025), covering candidate entry, exam start and end times, and other key time checkpoints.
|
Activity |
Timeframe |
|
Reporting and entry into the exam centre begins |
From 1:00 PM |
|
The exam officially commences |
2:00 PM |
|
Deadline for the last candidate entry |
1:45 PM |
|
Exam concludes |
4:00 PM |
|
Candidates start exiting the examination rooms |
After 4:15 PM |
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CLAT Application Form

Registration for CLAT opens annually, typically in the second week of July. For CLAT 2027, registration is expected to open in July 2026 on the official website—consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Applicants aiming for the 5-year integrated LLB or the one-year LLM programmes offered by participating National Law Universities (NLUs) must complete their registration within the stipulated timeframe.
To register, candidates need to:
- Create a candidate profile
- Enter accurate personal details
- Provide contact information
- Fill in educational qualifications
- Choose up to three preferred exam centres
- Specify reservation category preferences before applying.
The application fee is set at ₹4000 for general category candidates and ₹3500 for SC/ST candidates. After submission, an application correction facility will be available in case you need to make changes.
When Will the Admit Card for the CLAT Exam Be Released?
Candidates can expect the admit card to be available for download approximately two weeks before the exam date. This document is mandatory and must be carried to the exam centre.
The admit card contains crucial information such as your name, exam schedule, exam centre address, and guidelines for exam day conduct. It will only be accessible through the official CLAT candidate portal.
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CLAT Exam Date
CLAT 2026 was held on 7 December 2025 from 2 PM to 4 PM. Typically held on the first Sunday of December, the exam was conducted at approximately 131 locations nationwide. CLAT 2027 is expected to follow the same pattern in December 2026; the official date is yet to be announced.
Provisional Answer Key Release Timeline
The official answer key for each CLAT edition is typically available within 1–2 days after the exam. Candidates can access it through their registered accounts. If necessary, a designated objection window is opened for students to raise concerns about specific questions or answers. Once this review is complete, the final answer key is published.
CLAT 2026 Scorecard and Result Announcement
The CLAT 2026 results were declared approximately one week after the exam. The scorecard included the candidate's overall marks, All India Rank (AIR), and category rank. Only those who secured valid scores qualified to participate in the counselling process for admission to participating National Law Universities.
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Eligibility Requirements for CLAT
This section highlights the necessary qualifications and age criteria for CLAT applicants:
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Educational Qualification |
Completion of 10+2 or an equivalent exam is required. Minimum marks differ by category: - General/OBC/Persons with Disabilities: 45% - SC/ST: 40% |
|
Provisional Eligibility |
Candidates appearing for Class 12 exams can apply provisionally, but must submit passing certificates after admission to confirm eligibility. |
|
Age Limit |
No upper age limit for appearing in CLAT, provided eligibility criteria are met. |
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CLAT Exam Structure and Subject-wise Question Distribution
The CLAT exam is held in offline mode across approximately 131 exam centres in India. The exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on comprehension. Candidates have two hours to complete the paper. The questions are distributed across five core areas outlined in the official syllabus.
Exam Structure:
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Test Duration |
2 hours (120 minutes) |
|
Exam Format |
Pen-and-paper (offline) |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Total Questions |
120 questions |
|
Sections Covered |
English Language, Current Affairs (including General Knowledge), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques |
|
Marking Scheme |
Each correct answer awards 1 mark; 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect response |
|
Language of Exam |
English |
Subject-wise Question Distribution:
|
Section |
Question Range |
Estimated Paper Weight |
|
Current Affairs & General Knowledge |
28–32 questions |
Around 25% |
|
Legal Reasoning |
28–32 questions |
Around 25% |
|
English Language |
22–26 questions |
Around 20% |
|
Logical Reasoning |
22–26 questions |
Around 20% |
|
Quantitative Techniques |
10–14 questions |
Around 10% |
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Predicted Cutoff Scores for CLAT
The cutoff marks for CLAT determine the eligibility for entry into various NLUs. These cutoffs, which reflect both minimum scores and rank ranges, are published after counselling sessions.
Note: Cutoff scores vary by institution and candidate category. For detailed category-wise cutoffs, refer to official NLU announcements.
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Final Preparation Guidelines for CLAT
Here are some essential strategies to maximise your preparation effectiveness for the upcoming CLAT 2027 exam:
- Organise Your Study Schedule Design a practical timetable that balances your schoolwork and CLAT preparation. Consistency is key over the coming months.
- Enhance Reading Speed and Comprehension Since you will need to read and respond to roughly 120 questions in 120 minutes, improving your ability to quickly understand passages, often legal or complex, is crucial. Regularly reading newspapers, legal articles, and dense texts will help build this skill.
- Practice with Mock Tests and Previous Papers Attempting a wide range of mock exams and sample questions is vital. Top performers suggest completing between 80 and 100 practice tests to familiarise themselves with the exam format and timing.
Preparing for CLAT requires a clear understanding of the exam structure, eligibility, and expected cutoffs. Staying informed about these details will help you strategise your preparation effectively and increase your chances of securing a seat at a top NLU. Focus on consistent practice, improving your reading skills, and following a well-planned study routine to confidently approach the exam day.
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