Introduction
CLAT 2026 (Common Law Admission Test) is the gateway to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in India’s National Law Universities (NLUs). This guide gives you everything, CLAT 2026 exam structure, CLAT 2026 syllabus, and CLAT 2026 eligibility, so you can plan your preparation with clarity and confidence.
Best CLAT Coaching Online 2026–2027 by NLTI
Conducting Entity: The Consortium of NLUs organizes CLAT each year for admission into law courses across 24 NLUs and many affiliated institutions.
Purpose: It’s an aptitude test, not a law knowledge test. The exam evaluates reading, reasoning, logic, interpretation, and comprehension skills rather than prior legal exposure.
Exam Date: CLAT 2026 is scheduled for December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM (offline mode).
CLAT 2026 Exam Structure
Read More: CLAT 2026 vs Previous Years: Key Patterns Emerging
The CLAT 2026 syllabus is divided across five core sections. Below is a brief but precise breakdown:
1. English Language
Passages of ~450 words
Comprehension, inference, vocabulary in context, summarisation, contrast of arguments
2. Current Affairs & General Knowledge
Passages from journalistic sources
Indian & global news, arts & culture, science & tech, historical events with ongoing relevance
3. Legal Reasoning
Fact scenario + legal propositions
Application of principles, case-style questions, constitutional basics, rights & duties
4. Logical Reasoning
Argument mapping, assumption, inference, critical reasoning
Mini puzzles, cause–effect, statement relations
5. Quantitative Techniques
Short data sets, graphs, ratio, percentage, averages, speed & distance, simplification
Emphasis on Data Interpretation over heavy math
CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate (UG)
Must pass Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from recognized board
Minimum marks: 45% for General / OBC / PWD / NRI / OCI; 40% for SC/ST
Class 12 appearing students can apply provisionally, but must present passing certificate later
No upper age limit is specified
Postgraduate (PG)
Must possess LL.B. or equivalent degree with minimum marks (50% General, 45% SC/ST)
Final year LL.B. students can apply but must submit proof later
Read More: Recent Legal Developments & Their Relevance to CLAT
Application Window: Registration opens ~Aug 1, 2025; last date Oct 31, 2025.
Mode: Pen and paper (offline) exam.
Language: Entire test in English only.
Seat count / Reservation: Each NLU has reserved seats; policy differs per university.
Cutoffs & Difficulty: Cutoffs fluctuate with exam difficulty. Past easier papers led to spike in cutoffs.
Preparation Strategy: Focus on comprehension + reasoning, not memory; align your study with the CLAT 2026 syllabus themes rather than peripheral topics.
Read More: Mock Test Review: Use Mistakes to Boost Your Score
CLAT 2026 is not radically different from recent years, but its expectations are sharper. Accuracy under time pressure, reasoning clarity, and conceptual understanding matter more than ever. Know the CLAT 2026 exam structure, master the CLAT 2026 syllabus, and ensure you meet the CLAT 2026 eligibility smoothly. Prepare with strategy, not guesswork, and you’ll be ahead from day one
At NLTI, every student’s CLAT preparation is built around real exam analytics. Our mentors from NLSIU track Consortium updates, decode yearly changes in the CLAT 2026 syllabus, and simulate the CLAT exam structure through timed mocks and detailed feedback. From personalised study plans to legal reasoning workshops, NLTI ensures that aspirants not only meet the CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria but also outperform national competition with data-driven strategy and conceptual mastery.
1. Will CLAT 2026 be held twice a year?
No. The Consortium conducts CLAT only once a year, and for CLAT 2026, the confirmed date is December 7, 2025.
2. Are calculators or digital watches allowed in CLAT 2026?
No. Candidates cannot use calculators, smartwatches, or any electronic devices during the exam. Only pens and admit cards are permitted.
3. What language options are available for CLAT 2026?
CLAT 2026 will be held only in English across all centres. There is no regional-language option in the official pattern.
4. Can foreign nationals apply for CLAT 2026?
Yes. Foreign nationals and NRI candidates can apply under the NRI/NRI-sponsored category. Each NLU has specific seat quotas and separate admission processes.
5. Is there a reservation policy under CLAT 2026 eligibility?
Yes. Each NLU follows its own reservation matrix for state domicile, SC/ST/OBC, EWS, PwD, and NRI categories. Candidates must check the individual NLU brochure.
6. How are CLAT 2026 tie-breakers decided?
If two students get the same score, the tie is resolved by higher marks in Legal Reasoning, followed by age (senior candidate preferred), then a computerized lottery if required.
7. What documents are required during CLAT 2026 counselling?
You’ll need your admit card, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, transfer certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and photo ID proof for verification.
8. Can I change my test centre after submitting the CLAT 2026 form?
No. Once the application window closes, centre preferences cannot be modified, so double-check your location before final submission.
9. How is CLAT 2026 for PG different from UG?
CLAT PG has 120 objective questions based on core law subjects (Constitution, Jurisprudence, Torts, Contract, IPC, Family Law, IPR), while UG tests reading comprehension and reasoning.
10. What makes NLTI’s CLAT 2026 preparation unique?
NLTI integrates the official CLAT 2026 syllabus into live classes, mocks, and analytics dashboards guided by NLSIU mentors. It focuses on accuracy tracking and real exam simulations—not rote coverage.
