CLAT 2026 Registration Open; Aspirants Urged to Begin Preparation

The official CLAT 2026 notification and registration dates have been released. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the application process, key dates, exam pattern, and a preparation strategy for all law aspirants.

Contrary to reports that the official CLAT 2026 notification is expected next week, the Consortium of National Law Universities has already released the official notification. The application process for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 began on August 1, 2025, bringing an end to the long wait for lakhs of law aspirants across the country. This early release gives candidates ample time to complete the registration process and focus on a sustained and comprehensive preparation strategy for the examination, which is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025.

The CLAT is the gateway to admission into 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) and several other affiliated law colleges for their five-year integrated LLB and one-year LLM programs. The Consortium's decision to stick to an early registration schedule, following the successful model of previous years, is a welcome move that allows aspirants to organize their academic calendars effectively. The official notification provides a clear and detailed roadmap, including the application timeline, eligibility criteria, and the structure of the examination, all of which are critical for any aspiring law student.

Key Details and Important Dates for CLAT 2026

The application window for CLAT 2026 will remain open until October 31, 2025. It is strongly recommended that candidates do not wait until the last minute to register to avoid any potential technical glitches. The registration process is entirely online and can be completed on the official website of the Consortium of NLUs.

Here is a quick overview of the important dates and details announced:

• CLAT 2026 Registration Start Date: August 1, 2025
• CLAT 2026 Registration End Date: October 31, 2025
• CLAT 2026 Exam Date: December 7, 2025 (Sunday)
• Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen-and-paper-based)

Eligibility and Exam Pattern

Aspirants must meet the prescribed eligibility criteria to apply for the CLAT 2026. For the undergraduate (UG) program, candidates must have passed their Class 12 or an equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD categories). There is no upper age limit for the examination.

The CLAT 2026 will be a two-hour examination consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions, with each question carrying one mark. A negative marking of 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer. The exam is designed to test a candidate's aptitude and skills necessary for a legal education rather than prior legal knowledge. The question paper is divided into five sections:

1. English Language: This section evaluates a candidate's reading comprehension skills and grasp of English grammar and vocabulary.
2. Current Affairs, including General Knowledge: This is a crucial section that tests a candidate's awareness of significant national and international events.
3. Legal Reasoning: This section requires candidates to apply legal principles to given passages without any prior knowledge of law.
4. Logical Reasoning: This section assesses a candidate’s ability to analyze arguments, identify logical fallacies, and draw inferences.
5. Quantitative Techniques: This section tests a candidate's ability to interpret and manipulate numerical data presented in various formats.

Importance of a Well-Structured Preparation Plan

With the registration window open and the exam date set, aspirants should now shift their focus to their preparation. The CLAT is a highly competitive examination, and a well-structured study plan is non-negotiable for success. The early announcement of the dates provides a valuable opportunity for students to:

• Build a Strong Foundation: Dedicate time to master the fundamentals of each subject area, particularly legal and logical reasoning, which are central to the exam.
• Enhance Reading Speed and Comprehension: The paper is known for its long, passage-based questions, and the ability to read and comprehend quickly is a significant advantage.
• Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Consistent reading of newspapers, magazines, and online news portals is essential for the GK section, which demands a sustained effort over several months.
• Practice with Mock Tests: Taking regular mock tests will not only help in improving speed and accuracy but also in identifying strengths and weaknesses, allowing for a more targeted preparation approach.

The CLAT 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for aspiring lawyers, and timely registration and disciplined preparation are the keys to unlocking success. Candidates are advised to visit the official website consortiumofnlus.ac.in for the official notification and to complete their registration at the earliest.