Summary: CLAT and AILET 2026 are both set for December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM, creating a direct clash. This puts pressure on students aiming for both NLU Delhi and other NLUs. NLU Delhi has invited date-change requests from institutions till June 30. A shift is possible, but not guaranteed. Students should follow NLTI for updates, strategy, and guidance.
In a move that has triggered confusion across the law entrance preparation community, both CLAT and AILET 2026 have been scheduled on the same day and time December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM. This clash has left thousands of aspirants uncertain about which path to prioritize.
This blog covers what the official announcements say, how students are reacting, and what actions might follow. More importantly, it breaks down how to handle the situation strategically if you’re aiming for both exams.
CLAT 2026 and AILET 2026 are both scheduled for Sunday, December 7, from 2 PM to 4 PM. This was confirmed through official notifications by both the Consortium of NLUs and NLU Delhi.
Here are the key details
CLAT 2026
Conducting body: Consortium of National Law Universities
Exam date: 7 December 2025
Exam time: 2 PM to 4 PM
Mode: Offline
Application window: Likely from August to October 2025
Participating institutes: 24 NLUs including NALSAR, NLU Bangalore, WBNUJS
AILET 2026
Conducting body: NLU Delhi
Exam date: 7 December 2025
Exam time: 2 PM to 4 PM
Mode: Offline
Application start: 1 August 2025
Last date to object to schedule: 30 June 2025
Participating institute: Only NLU Delhi
Both exams require intense preparation and target top law colleges in India. Traditionally, students appeared for both to increase their chances at the best NLUs. A direct time clash changes that dynamic completely.
Read More: CLAT 2026 Preparation with Free Resources
The clash eliminates the possibility of writing both exams. For students who have prepared for both, this forces an early and difficult decision.
The issue is not just about time slots. It is about opportunity. Many students choose CLAT as their main exam but also keep AILET as a backup, or vice versa. With both scheduled simultaneously, the two-path safety net is gone.
AILET receives around 20,000 applications annually, while CLAT crosses 60,000. The overlap means one exam will lose thousands of applicants, especially those who wanted to keep options open.
Yes, it is possible. In the AILET notification released on June 17, NLU Delhi included a clause stating that students can raise objections or suggestions regarding the date and time of the exam. The deadline to do so is June 30, 2025.
This indicates that NLU Delhi is open to considering changes if enough genuine concerns are raised. Whether they respond depends on how many representations they receive and how seriously they view the overlap.
Students, educators, and institutions across India are currently drafting emails and requesting rescheduling through proper channels.
1. Do not panic or make rash decision
2. Wait until early July to see if AILET revises its date
3. If no change occurs, evaluate which exam aligns better with your goals
4. Start aligning your preparation with one exam’s strategy instead of juggling both
5. Use this time to strengthen foundational concepts regardless of the final decision
There is clear frustration among students and mentors. Many believe the clash could have been avoided with better coordination. Several coaching institutes, forums, and aspirants have already begun public outreach requesting a date change.
This issue is likely to gain more attention in the coming weeks, especially as the June 30 deadline to raise objections to AILET’s timing approaches.
At NLTI, we’re closely tracking this development. We always prioritize clarity, real-time updates, and student-first decisions. In the meantime, we recommend:
Focusing on core subjects that overlap between CLAT and AILET
Not making final decisions until AILET confirms whether or not it will revise its date
Staying updated through our YouTube channel, where we’re posting breakdowns of every update and its preparation impact
Making use of our free YouTube live sessions, mentorships, and strategy videos tailored to both exams
We understand this situation is frustrating. But smart aspirants know how to use uncertain times to double down on their preparation. No matter which exam you choose, the right focus now can still secure your seat at a top law university.
Stay connected with NLTI for all updates, practice resources, and preparation strategy, grounded in clarity, not panic.
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