CLAT 2026 exam application is open Deadline: Oct 31, 2025

Aspiring law students, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 registration is nearing its close The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) opened applications on August 1, 2025, and the final deadline to apply is strictly October 31, 2025. This national-level entrance exam, scheduled for December 7, 2025, is the gateway to India's most prestigious NLUs. Ensure you complete your application and fee payment online at consortiumofnlus.ac.in before the closing date to secure your chance at a top-tier legal education. Don't miss this crucial step in your legal career journey.

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 represents the single most important hurdle. This national-level examination is the mandatory gateway for admissions to the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programmes offered by 24 premier National Law Universities (NLUs) across the country. The official notification from the Consortium of NLUs confirmed that the application window is rapidly drawing to a close, marking a critical period for all aspirants.

​With registrations having commenced on August 1, 2025, the application process for CLAT 2026 is now in its final week. Prospective candidates are strongly advised not to delay, as the strict deadline of October 31, 2025, is just around the corner. Securing a seat at an NLU is often equated with the assured success and prestige of an IIT or IIM degree in other fields, making timely application absolutely essential.

​Important Dates and Exam Schedule for CLAT 2026 

​Staying updated with the official timeline is paramount for a smooth application and preparation phase. Missing a deadline can irrevocably impact an aspirant's chances for the 2026 academic session.

• ​Application Commencement: The online registration process officially opened on August 1, 2025.
• ​Registration Deadline: The last date to submit the application form, complete in all respects, and make the requisite fee payment is strictly October 31, 2025 (11:59 P.M.). Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
• ​Admit Card Release: The release of the CLAT 2026 admit cards is tentatively scheduled for Mid-November 2025. Candidates must download and print their admit cards from the official website as soon as they are available.
• ​CLAT 2026 Exam Date: The high-stakes entrance examination is scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, typically from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. (Subject to minor revisions).
• ​Result Declaration: The provisional answer key, objection window, and final results are typically declared within the first two weeks following the examination, providing a quick turnaround for counselling.

​Eligibility Criteria and Application Process Simplified 

​The Consortium of NLUs has clearly defined the eligibility requirements for both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs, which aspirants must verify before proceeding with their online application.

• ​Undergraduate (UG) Programmes Eligibility: 
  • ​Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination.
  • ​Minimum aggregate marks required are 45% for General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI categories and 40% for SC/ST/PwD categories.
  • ​Candidates appearing for their Class 12 examination in March/April 2026 are also provisionally eligible to apply.
  • ​There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for the UG programme.
• ​Postgraduate (PG) Programmes Eligibility: 
  • ​Candidates must possess an LL.B. Degree (or equivalent).
  • ​Minimum aggregate marks required are 50% for General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI categories and 45% for SC/ST/PwD categories.
  • ​There is also no upper age limit for PG aspirants.
• ​Application Procedure: All eligible candidates must apply online only through the official CLAT 2026 website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The process involves: 
  • ​Registration using a valid mobile number and email ID.
  • ​Filling out the detailed application form with personal, academic, and NLU preferences.
  • ​Uploading required documents, including photograph and signature.
  • ​Making the mandatory application fee payment online before the October 31 deadline.

​Navigating the CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern 

​The CLAT examination is a two-hour, pen-and-paper-based test designed to assess a candidate's aptitude for law rather than rote knowledge of legal statutes. Understanding the exam structure is vital for focused preparation.

• ​Examination Format (UG CLAT): 
  • ​Total Questions: 120 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • ​Total Marks: 120 marks.
  • ​Marking Scheme: +1 mark for every correct answer and a negative marking of -0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
• ​Sectional Breakdown (Weightage): The exam tests skills across five core areas, with an emphasis on comprehension and critical reasoning: 
  • ​English Language: Approximately 22-26 questions (20% weightage).
  • ​Current Affairs, including General Knowledge: Approximately 28-32 questions (25% weightage). Focus is on contemporary events, often linked to legal and social issues.
  • ​Legal Reasoning: Approximately 28-32 questions (25% weightage). This section tests the application of legal principles given in the passages.
  • ​Logical Reasoning: Approximately 22-26 questions (20% weightage).
  • ​Quantitative Techniques (Maths): Approximately 10-14 questions (10% weightage).
• ​Preparation Strategy: The current pattern requires aspirants to focus on reading comprehension, critical analysis, and application of principles derived from given passages, making daily reading of quality newspapers and consistent practice with mock tests the cornerstones of a winning strategy.

​Conclusion: Your Future in Law Awaits

​The opening of the CLAT 2026 registration window signals the definitive start of the academic journey for next year's aspiring legal professionals. The opportunity to study at a prestigious National Law University provides unparalleled exposure, excellent placement opportunities (with starting salaries often ranging between INR 8 Lacs to INR 20 Lacs per annum at top firms), and a solid foundation for careers in corporate law, litigation, judiciary, and public service. With the deadline looming on October 31, 2025, law aspirants must ensure their applications are submitted without fail to compete for one of the coveted seats and secure their bright future in the world of law.

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