The CLAT 2026 paper introduced major structural surprises: pure Analytical Reasoning, static GK inside Legal, and non-passage-based GK, shifting the scoring landscape across all categories. Because of these changes, the overall difficulty was moderate, but the predictability shock impacted different categories differently. This analysis offers a clear, research-backed view of category-wise expected cut-offs for CLAT 2026, based on paper patterns, previous trends (2021–2025), counselling movement, and early score–rank mapping.
CLAT 2026 NLU Predictor & All India Rank Predictor
Three major factors will influence CLAT 2026 category-wise cut-offs:
1. Analytical Reasoning dominance
Historically, reserved category cut-offs drop more when Logical Reasoning becomes deduction-heavy, as AR requires strong pattern familiarity.
2. Static GK weightage increase
This benefits students who relied on factual recall, traditionally raising OBC/EWS cut-offs slightly, while widening gaps in SC/ST due to lower historical accuracy in static-heavy papers.
3. English & QT becoming scoring sections
Higher uniform scoring in these sections compresses the general cut-off range but preserves traditional gaps between GEN–OBC–EWS vs SC–ST.
(Marks required for likely admission into any NLU in the category, not just Top 3)
General Category
Expected Cut-Off: 82–85 marks
General cut-off remains stable because the paper, despite surprises, was not difficult conceptually. Students who adapted quickly in LR and GK likely maintained scoring consistency.
OBC Category
Expected Cut-Off: 78–80 marks
OBC cut-offs closely follow General due to high competition in states with stronger OBC representation. Analytical Reasoning will slightly widen the GEN–OBC gap compared to 2025.
EWS Category
Expected Cut-Off: 79–81 marks
EWS category often mirrors General in scoring patterns. English and GK being scoring sections benefited this group significantly.
SC Category
Expected Cut-Off: 65–67 marks
The biggest drop is expected here. SC cut-offs in previous years hovered around mid-60s when LR or GK became unpredictable. CLAT 2026 matches this pattern.
ST Category
Expected Cut-Off: 56–58 marks
ST category traditionally shows the widest gap from General due to reading-intensity challenges. With Analytical Reasoning replacing CR, time consumption increased, reducing final attempts and accuracy.
PwD Category
Expected Cut-Off: 48–52 marks
Cut-offs depend on documentation completion and counselling vacancies. With the moderate paper level, PwD cut-offs may rise slightly compared to 2025.
1. CLAT 2026 difficulty resembled CLAT 2021 & 2023 more than 2025
Those years saw moderate difficulty with unexpected LR/GK patterns, their cut-offs match the predicted CLAT 2026 trajectory.
2. Top NLUs require conceptual stability, not high attempts
With Analytical Reasoning dominating, the attempt range shrank across categories, reducing cut-off inflation.
3. The General–OBC–EWS corridor remains tight
These three categories showed similar performance in scoring sections (English, QT, GK), hence small differences in cut-off values.
4. SC/ST scores drop when Legal loses principle-based predictability
Static and factual legal questions historically disadvantage SC/ST candidates, who rely more on structured principle–fact preparation.
CLAT 2026 cut-offs will not rise sharply despite easier English and GK because the paper disrupted expectations in Logical Reasoning and Legal. Categories reacted differently, but the overall movement remains consistent with moderate-surprise years like 2021 and 2023.
Students looking to interpret their CLAT 2026 score accurately can refer to NLTI’s post-exam resources, where mentors from top NLUs break down cut-off behaviour, category movement, and rank shifts based on real data. NLTI also provides structured guidance for preference lists, counselling rounds, and understanding how category cut-offs vary across NLUs. These evidence-based insights help candidates make informed decisions without relying on speculation or panic-driven estimates.
1. What is the expected General category cut off for CLAT 2026 for top NLUs?
For NLSIU, NALSAR, and NUJS, the expected General category cut off is projected in the 93–95+ score range, based on paper difficulty and seat trends.
2. How much should SC/ST category candidates score for a good NLU in CLAT 2026?
SC/ST students targeting mid-tier NLUs generally need 45–55+, while top NLUs may require 50–60+, depending on rank movement during counselling.
3. Did the CLAT 2026 unexpected pattern change affect category-wise cut offs?
Yes. Analytical LR and static-heavy GK increased volatility. General and EWS cut offs may stay slightly higher, while SC/ST cut offs may rise modestly due to improved scoring in English and GK.
4. What is the expected OBC category cut off for CLAT 2026?
For top NLUs, OBC scores around 78–82 are competitive; for mid NLUs, 63–70 is realistic.
5. How many marks are needed for EWS candidates for a top 10 NLU in CLAT 2026?
EWS aspirants generally need 78–85+, depending on the NLU’s seat quota and yearly shifts.
6. Do PwD candidates have significantly lower cut offs in CLAT 2026?
PwD cut offs vary by NLU, but competitive ranges fall between 55–75, with higher thresholds at NLSIU, NALSAR, and NUJS.
7. Why are CLAT cut offs different for each NLU?
Cut offs depend on seat capacity, reservation matrix, competition intensity, and candidate preference patterns. Popular NLUs always exhibit higher closing scores.
8. Are these CLAT 2026 cut offs final?
No. These are data-backed predictions. Final cut offs depend on the official rank list, counselling preferences, and category-wise seat consumption.
