The CLAT 2026 cut-off season is now a major focus for aspirants as results and counselling approach. Based on previous performance distributions, past closing ranks, exam difficulty analysis, and expert projections, this blog outlines expected cut-off marks and rank ranges for the Top 10 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.
Understanding these expected CLAT 2026 cut-offs helps students shortlist realistic preferences, prepare for counselling strategy, and plan admission decisions wisely.
CLAT 2026 NLU Predictor & All India Rank Predictor
What Determines CLAT 2026 Cut-Offs?
Cut-offs vary year-to-year depending on:
Exam difficulty level (CLAT 2026 was moderate to slightly competitive)
Number of test-takers and overall score spread
Seat matrix in participating NLUs
Reservation and category-wise seat allocation
Even a few marks can change ranks significantly, especially for top NLUs.
Read More: CLAT 2026 Cutoff: What to Expect vs Last Year
Below is an updated expected cut-off table for CLAT 2026 (General Category) based on expert forecasts and closing trends of recent years:
Key Takeaways:
The Top 3 NLUs, NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, are likely to remain extremely competitive, often needing scores above 93–96 marks.
Full Top-10 universities generally expect 85+ marks minimum for the General category.
1. NLSIU Bengaluru
Often the highest cut-off (96+), as aspirants focus on Bengaluru first preference due to its academic pull and placements.
2. NALSAR Hyderabad
Closely follows NLSIU, with cut-offs around 95+ for the General category.
3. WBNUJS Kolkata
Usually a slight drop from the top two, but still high, typically 93+ for general seats.
4–6. NLU Jodhpur | GNLU | NLIU Bhopal
These mid-tier NLUs show continued strength, often requiring 90+ marks, especially in the first counselling round.
7–10. MNLU Mumbai, HNLU Raipur, RMLNLU Lucknow, NLU Odisha
These NLUs generally close with slightly lower scores yet remain highly competitive.
Cut-offs for reserved categories (OBC, EWS, SC, ST) are typically several marks below General depending on seat matrix:
OBC / EWS: ~3–6 marks below General for top NLUs
SC / ST: ~15–25 marks lower in many cases
Reservation and domicile advantages may alter these marks further.
Students from reserved categories should refer to official counselling data for precise category cut-offs once results are out.
To make admissions strategy effective:
1. Estimate Your Score: Calculate using the official CLAT 2026 final answer key once released.
2. Predict Your Rank: Use score-to-rank trends (e.g., 98+ often yields AIR <120).
3. Set Realistic Preferences: Group NLUs into “Dream,” “Target,” and “Safe” based on expected cut-off bands.
4. Factor Category & Domicile: Category seats may open additional opportunities.
5. Plan Counselling Strategy:Use trustworthy rank predictor tools during choice filling.
Read More: Adaptive Tests & Personal Feedback in CLAT 2026 Coaching
“Higher attempts always guarantee top NLUs.”
Not true, accuracy and time control matter more than just high attempt counts.
“CLAT 2025 cut-offs will repeat.”
Cut-offs shift slightly year-to-year based on competition and score spread.
Expected CLAT 2026 cut-offs give a practical performance benchmark but are not official closing scores. Final cut-offs will be released during the counselling allotment rounds by the CLAT Consortium, factoring in actual ranks and category movements.
Tracking real data during counselling will offer the most accurate picture.
Why NLTI Tracking Helps You During Cut-Off Season
Reliable cut-off understanding is key for informed choice filling and counselling. Tools that combine actual rank trends, category shifts, and historical data, rather than generic score charts, give aspirants a realistic view of their admission chances, especially when cut-offs are volatile due to changing exam patterns.
1. What is the minimum CLAT 2026 score required for any NLU admission?
A score around 75–80 marks is generally required to secure admission in lower-ranked NLUs under the General category, depending on counselling rounds.
2. Can CLAT 2026 cut-offs drop in later counselling rounds?
Yes. Cut-offs often drop by 2–6 marks in subsequent rounds due to withdrawals and seat reshuffling.
3. Do domicile reservations significantly affect CLAT cut-offs?
Yes. State domicile reservations can lower cut-off ranks substantially, especially in NLUs like HNLU, RMLNLU, and MNLUs.
4. Is rank more important than marks for CLAT counselling?
Yes. Allotment is rank-based, not marks-based. Marks only matter for estimating your probable rank.
5. Are CLAT 2026 cut-offs the same for all categories?
No. Each category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) has a separate cut-off based on seat availability and reservation rules.
6. Can I get a top NLU with a lower score due to category benefits?
Yes. Reserved category candidates can secure Top 5 NLUs with significantly lower marks than the General cut-off.
7. When will official CLAT 2026 cut-offs be released?
Official cut-offs are released round-wise during counselling, not immediately with results.
8. Should I rely on unofficial cut-off predictions?
Predictions are useful for planning, but final decisions must be based on official counselling data.
