CLAT 2026: Application Window Now Open for Top Law Universities

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially opened the application window for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026. This national-level entrance exam is the gateway for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at 22 participating NLUs and numerous other affiliated private law colleges. The application process began on August 1, 2025, and will close on October 31, 2025. Aspiring lawyers who wish to secure a seat at a premier law institution must apply online through the official CLAT website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in, well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

The CLAT 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM. This announcement is a crucial first step for thousands of students who have been preparing to embark on a career in law.

Key Dates and Eligibility Criteria

The CLAT application process is entirely online, and candidates must adhere to a strict timeline and eligibility requirements.

Important Dates

• Online Application Start Date: August 1, 2025
• Last Date to Apply: October 31, 2025
• Exam Date: December 7, 2025 (Sunday)

Eligibility Criteria

• For UG (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.): Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent from a recognized board. They need a minimum of 45% aggregate marks for the General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories and 40% for SC/ST candidates. There is no upper age limit.
• For PG (LLM): Aspirants must hold an LLB degree or an equivalent from a recognized university. A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required for the General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories and 45% for SC/ST candidates. There is also no upper age limit for the PG program.

Candidates who are appearing for their qualifying exams in March/April 2026 are also eligible to apply, but they must submit proof of passing at the time of admission.

Application Process and Fees

The application is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail.

1. Registration: Candidates must register on the official website using a valid mobile number and email ID.
2. Form Filling: Log in with the generated credentials and fill out the application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
3. Document Upload: Upload a recent passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable).
4. NLU Preference: A notable change is that candidates must now fill in their NLU preferences during the application process itself. It is crucial to be strategic with this step.
5. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online through a debit card, credit card, or net banking.

Application Fee

• General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI: ₹4,000
• SC/ST/BPL: ₹3,500
• Optional (Previous Year Question Papers): An additional ₹500

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The CLAT 2026 will be a pen-and-paper-based exam with a duration of two hours. It will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions, with a marking scheme of +1 for every correct answer and a negative marking of 0.25 for every incorrect answer. The exam assesses a candidate's aptitude in five key areas:

1. English Language
2. Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
3. Legal Reasoning
4. Logical Reasoning
5. Quantitative Techniques

The exam is designed to test a candidate's comprehension and reasoning skills rather than their prior knowledge of the law.