CLAT 2026 2026

Official Schedule for NLUs & Top Law Schools Admission 2026

Official Website View All Exams

Exam Overview

Application Start

01 Aug 2025 (Closed)

Application Deadline

31 Oct 2025 (Closed)

Exam Date

07 Dec 2025 (Concluded) (Results Declared)

Mode
Offline

Participating Colleges

Top institutes accepting CLAT 2026 scores:

National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
#1
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
N/A
New Delhi, Delhi
Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad
#3
Hyderabad, Telangana
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
#4
Kolkata, West Bengal
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
#5
Gandhinagar, Gujarat
National Law University, Cuttack
#15
Cuttack, Odisha
Chanakya National Law University, Patna
#17
Patna, Bihar
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow
#21
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
National Law Institute University, Bhopal
#27
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
#28
Nagpur, Maharashtra
National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi
#30
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
#34
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam
#35
Guwahati, Assam

About CLAT 2026 (Common Law Admission Test)

The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a major entrance examination for students seeking admission to NLUs & Top Law Schools. The exam is conducted in Offline mode, with the exam scheduled for 07 Dec 2025 (Concluded) (Results Declared). It is one of the important exams for 2026 admissions in India and is conducted annually to fill seats across participating institutions.

The application process opens from 01 Aug 2025 (Closed) and the last date to apply is 31 Oct 2025 (Closed). Candidates are advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. All applications must be submitted online through the official portal. Keep your academic documents, photograph, and signature ready before starting the registration process.

CLAT scores are accepted by 13 institutes across India, including National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad. The complete list of participating institutions includes: National Law School of India University, Bengaluru (Bengaluru, Karnataka); Faculty of Law, University of Delhi (New Delhi, Delhi); Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad (Hyderabad, Telangana); The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata (Kolkata, West Bengal); Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar (Gandhinagar, Gujarat); National Law University, Cuttack (Cuttack, Odisha); Chanakya National Law University, Patna (Patna, Bihar); Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh); National Law Institute University, Bhopal (Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh); Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur (Nagpur, Maharashtra); National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi (Ranchi, Jharkhand); Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh); National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam (Guwahati, Assam). Candidates will be allotted seats based on their rank in the entrance exam along with the counselling process.

For the most current and accurate information on CLAT 2026 — including admit card release, syllabus, exam-day instructions, answer key, and result announcement — candidates should regularly check the official website at https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Bookmark the page and set reminders for key dates to avoid missing any deadlines.

How to Apply for CLAT 2026

  1. Visit the Official Website — Go to CLAT official website and click Apply Online or New Registration.
  2. Register and Create Account — Enter your name, email, and mobile number. Verify via OTP.
  3. Fill the Application Form — Complete personal details, educational qualifications, exam city preferences, and category information.
  4. Upload Documents — Upload your passport-size photograph, signature, and Class 10/12 mark sheets as per specifications.
  5. Pay the Application Fee — Pay online via card, net banking, or UPI before 31 Oct 2025 (Closed). Save the payment receipt.
  6. Submit and Download Confirmation — Review, submit, and download your confirmation page. The admit card will be released before the exam (07 Dec 2025 (Concluded) (Results Declared)).

Frequently Asked Questions – CLAT 2026

The CLAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 07 Dec 2025 (Concluded) (Results Declared). The exam is conducted in Offline mode. Candidates must download their admit card from the official website before the exam. Check the official website for any last-minute schedule updates.

The last date to apply for CLAT 2026 is 31 Oct 2025 (Closed). The application window opened from 01 Aug 2025 (Closed). Apply well before the closing date to avoid server congestion. Ensure fee payment and document upload are completed before the deadline, as late applications are typically not accepted.

CLAT 2026 scores are accepted by National Law School of India University, Bengaluru (Bengaluru, Karnataka); Faculty of Law, University of Delhi (New Delhi, Delhi); Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad (Hyderabad, Telangana). In total, 13 institutes participate in the CLAT admissions process. Candidates must check each institute's individual cutoff and eligibility criteria on the official counselling portal.

The CLAT 2026 application form opened/opens from 01 Aug 2025 (Closed). Registration is online through the official portal. You need a valid email ID, mobile number, and scanned copies of your photograph and signature. Submit the form with the required application fee before 31 Oct 2025 (Closed).

To apply for CLAT 2026, candidates typically need: a valid email ID and mobile number, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, a recent passport-size photograph, a scanned signature, and a government-issued photo ID. Reserved category candidates may also need caste/category certificates. Always refer to the official notification for the exact and updated document checklist.

CLAT 2026 is conducted in Offline mode. Candidates mark answers on a printed OMR sheet at designated exam centres. Admit cards must be downloaded from the official website and carried to the exam hall along with a valid photo ID.

More Questions About CLAT & Related Exams

After CLAT results, the Consortium of NLUs conducts online counselling in multiple rounds. You fill preferences (NLU + course combinations) ranked in order. Seats are allotted based on your CLAT rank, category, and preference order. You must lock your seat by paying a fee in each round. Upgradation to a higher-preference NLU is possible in subsequent rounds.

NLSIU Bangalore: Top 100 rank (120+ marks out of 150). NALSAR Hyderabad: Top 150 rank. NLU Delhi: Requires separate AILET exam. Top 5 NLUs typically need 110+ marks. Cutoffs vary yearly based on difficulty level.

Prepare together - 80% syllabus overlaps. AILET has more static GK and is slightly harder. Both are passage-based now. Focus on CLAT-style preparation as the base, then add AILET-specific GK and legal reasoning practice 2 months before exams.

Several strong options remain. NLUs ranked 11-22 still offer excellent legal education and decent placements. State law exams like MH CET Law (ILS Pune, GLC Mumbai) and AP LAWCET offer entry to prestigious state colleges. LSAT India scores are accepted by Jindal Global and other private law schools. Don't give up — explore all counselling rounds as cutoffs often drop significantly.

5-year integrated LLB from top NLUs has significantly better placement, networking, and brand value. 3-year LLB is suitable if you're a graduate wanting a career switch. Top law firm recruiters predominantly visit NLUs and prefer 5-year program graduates.

MH CET Law (Maharashtra — for ILS Pune, GLC Mumbai): Usually April-May. AP LAWCET (Andhra Pradesh): May-June. TS LAWCET (Telangana): June. DU LLB Entrance (Delhi University Faculty of Law): June-July. These are excellent backup options and some colleges have strong alumni networks rivalling mid-tier NLUs.

Top private law schools (SLS Pune via SNAP, Jindal Global via LSAT) are excellent but expensive alternatives. State exams like MHCET Law offer entry to prestigious colleges like ILS Pune and GLC Mumbai with very affordable fees.

No stream restriction — Science, Commerce, and Arts students are all equally eligible for CLAT. You only need to have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). This makes law one of the few professional courses open to all streams.

NLUs: ₹1.5-4 Lakh per year (total ₹8-20L for 5 years). Jindal Global Law School: ₹4-6L/year. SLS Pune: ₹3-5L/year. NLUs offer significantly better value for money. Scholarships and fee waivers are available at most NLUs based on merit and income.

Corporate Law: Top law firms (AZB, Shardul, Cyril Amarchand) recruit with ₹12-20L starting packages. Litigation: High Courts and Supreme Court practice. Judiciary: Civil Judge exams after 3 years experience. In-house Counsel at MNCs. UPSC/Policy roles. NLU graduates are increasingly preferred over non-NLU candidates at top recruiters.

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