CLAT Selection Process 2026: Step-by-Step Complete Guide
Common Law Admission Test 2025 ( CLAT )
Counselling - To be notified
The CLAT 2026 Selection Process is a comprehensive and competitive route to securing admission to India’s top law schools. Read further to know about the right preparation strategy, understand the eligibility requirements, and stay focused throughout the exam and counseling stages.
CLAT Selection Process 2026: Step-by-Step Comprehensive Guide
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a prestigious entrance exam for gaining admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in India. Conducted by a consortium of 25 National Law Universities (NLUs), CLAT is recognised by numerous law schools nationwide for their admission procedures. In this article, we will provide an in-depth overview of the CLAT selection process, including details on the exam pattern, eligibility requirements, mark distribution, and counselling process. Additionally, we will offer useful tips to help you prepare effectively and perform at your best.
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The CLAT is an entrance exam for admission to law programs at various NLUs and other reputed law schools in India. It is an objective-type exam that evaluates the candidate's aptitude in legal reasoning, general knowledge, mathematics, English, and logical reasoning. The CLAT exam is held annually and is considered a crucial step for anyone seeking admission to top law schools in India.
Q: I'm in class 11, how can I start my preparation for CLAT?
Q: Please tell me the number of questions asked per section in CLAT exam.
The CLAT question paper for UG course admissions carried 120 multiple-choice questions for a total of 120 marks like previous year. Candidates can check the section-wise questions weightage for each section as under:
Sections | MCQs per section | Maximum Marks | Approximate Weightage (in %) |
|---|---|---|---|
28-32 | 28-32 | 18.66 - 21.33 | |
35-39 | 35-39 | 23.33 - 26 | |
28-32 | 28-32 | 18.66 - 21.33 | |
35-39 | 35-39 | 23.33 - 26 | |
Quantitative Techniques (Elementry Mathematics up to Class 10) | 13-17 | 13-17 | 8.66 - 11.33 |
Total | 120 | 120 | 100% |
Q: From where can I download the CLAT previous year question papers?
CLAT Selection Process 2026: Step-by-Step
The CLAT 2025 Selection Process consists of several steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Step 1: CLAT Eligibility 2026
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will only be issued the CLAT Admit Card. Candidates can check CLAT Eligibility Criteria for both UG and PG program below:
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Eligibility for the UG Program
To be eligible for the CLAT UG Program (BA LLB), candidates have to meet the following criteria:
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for CLAT 2026. However, candidates have to be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) exam from a recognised board with at least 45 per cent aggregate marks (40 per cent for SC/ST candidates).
Appearing Candidates: Candidates who are appearing for their 12th exams in 2025 are also eligible to apply for CLAT UG 2026.
Q: What kind of questions are included in CLAT question paper?
The CLAT question paper for UG courses had objective-type questions from subjects such as Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning Quantitative Techniques, English and Current Affairs including General Knowledge. The CLAT paper for the LLM. course had both objective questions from law subjects such as Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, etc. Generally, the questions are designed as passage followed by series of questions of one mark each. Candidates had to attempt the questions by reading and interpreting the passages only.
Q: What are important preparation strategies for CLAT 2026?
Candidates could check important preparation strategies of CLAT 2026 below:
- Prepare a monthly and weekly timetable and have the syllabus handy
- Make sure to cover all the topics and concepts right on time and revise them at frequent intervals
- Write mock tests and practice tests frequently and analyze the tests taken to recognize the weak areas, and work towards improving them
- Do not make assumptions while attempting the questions in actual CLAT as for every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted
Q: Will CLAT be held twice in 2026?
In 2022, CLAT exam was held twice, I. e. on June 19 as CLAT 2022, and on December 18, 2022 as CLAT 2023. However, from 2024 onwards, CLAT exam is to be conducted once in a year only, as confirmed by the exam officials in the latest notification. Earlier, CLAT exam was conducted in May or June, but from 2024 onwards the entrance exam will be conducted in December (of preceding year to the admission year) itself for concluding admissions on time. Therefore, CLAT counselling process will be completed by May of each academic year.
Q: When will the CLAT 2026 exam be held?
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will conduct the CLAT 2026 on December 7, 2025 tentatively. The exam authority will first publish the admission notification for CLAT 2026 with details of syllabus, exam pattern and events on the official website.
Q: Are calculators allowed in CLAT Exam?
Calculators are not allowed in the CLAT exam. However, students are provided the virtual calculator during the exam which can be used to solving lengthy calculations. The virtual calculator is made available on the computer screen during the test and candidates can use it by clicking on the calculator link. Candidates are advised to practice solving numerical questions on their own as using virtual calculators can take much time
Eligibility for the PG Program
To be eligible for the CLAT PG Program (LLM), candidates must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed a 5-year integrated LLB or a 3-year LLB degree from a recognized university.
Minimum Marks: Candidates must have secured at least 50 per cent marks in their LLB (45 per cent for SC/ST candidates).
Appearing Candidates: Candidates who are appearing for their final-year LLB exam in 2025 can also apply.
Also Read: CLAT UG Vs CLAT PG: Key Differences in exam Pattern, Syllabus and Other Important Details
Step 2: CLAT Exam Application 2026
- Register Online: Candidates need to visit the official CLAT website and register by providing their basic details.
- Fill the Application Form: After registration, candidates must fill in the CLAT application form, which includes academic and personal information.
- Pay the Application Fee: Candidates must pay the required exam fee (details of which will be available on the official website).
- Admit Card Issuance: After successful registration, admit cards will be issued to eligible candidates. Candidates should download and print the admit card to appear for the exam.
Step 3: CLAT Exam 2026
The CLAT 2026 Exam was the next step in the selection process. There are separate patterns for UG and PG programs, as detailed below:
CLAT UG Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates can check CLAT UG Exam Pattern below:
| Particulars |
CLAT Exam Pattern Highlights |
|---|---|
| Total Duration |
2 hours |
| Number of Questions |
150 |
| Total Marks |
150 |
| Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
CLAT 2026 Sectional Weightage
The CLAT question paper for UG course admissions carried 120 passage-based multiple-choice questions for a total of 120 marks. Going by the CLAT 2026 sectional weightage, candidates can check the section-wise questions weightage for each section as under:
| Sections |
MCQs per section |
Maximum Marks |
Approximate Weightage (in %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28-32 |
28-32 |
18.66 - 21.33 |
|
| 35-39 |
35-39 |
23.33 - 26 |
|
| 28-32 |
28-32 |
18.66 - 21.33 |
|
| 35-39 |
35-39 |
23.33 - 26 |
|
| Quantitative Techniques (Elementry Mathematics up to Class 10) |
13-17 |
13-17 |
8.66 - 11.33 |
| Total |
120 |
120 |
100% |
Also Read: Synonyms & Antonyms for Law Entrance 2026: List of Most Commonly Asked Words
CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates can check the CLAT LLM Exam Pattern below:
| Particulars |
CLAT Exam Pattern Highlights |
|---|---|
| Total Duration |
2 hours |
| Number of Questions |
100 |
| Total Marks |
120 |
| Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
CLAT LLM Pattern 2026: Section-Wise & Weightage
CLAT question paper 2026 for LLM contains objective-type questions. There will be 120 MCQs that candidates have to attempt in two hours. Check the complete CLAT LLM exam pattern for each for reference below.
| CLAT LLM Sections |
MCQs per section |
Marks per section |
|---|---|---|
| Sec A – Constitutional Law |
120 |
120 |
| Sec B - Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR and Jurisprudence. |
||
| Sec C – Law topics and Contemporary issues |
Also Read: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning
CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern has not been changed. The consortium released the marking scheme for CLAT 2026 Exam. Aspirants can refer to the marking scheme for UG courses below:
- For every correct answer, candidates are awarded one mark
- For every wrong attempt, 0.25 marks are deducted from their total score
- No marks are awarded or deducted for questions not left un-attempted
| CLAT Marking Parameters |
Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct answer |
+1 marks |
| Incorrect answer |
-0.25 marks |
| Un-attempted question |
0 marks |
Step 4: CLAT Results and Merit List
After the exam, the Consortium will release the CLAT Results and the CLAT Merit list 2025 for both UG and PG programs. Candidates will be ranked according to their scores, and the merit list will determine their eligibility for the next stage.
How to Check CLAT 2026 Result?
Candidates can download the CLAT result 2026 following the steps mentioned below:
- Click on the result link given above or directly enter: https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2026/view-result.html
- A log-in window will open
- Fill in the following details:
- CLAT 2026 application number / Admit card number
- Date of birth
- On successful login, the results will be displayed on the screen
- Download and take a printout of the CLAT 2026 scorecard.
Step 5: CLAT Counseling Process
The counseling process will begin once the result is announced. The CLAT Counseling Process will involve:
- Online Registration for Counseling: Candidates who qualify will need to register for the CLAT counseling process through the official website.
- Choice Filling: Candidates can fill in their preferences for NLUs.
- Seat Allotment: The seat allotment will take place based on the merit list and choices. Candidates will be offered admission to the law programs at various NLUs.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will need to verify their documents, including educational certificates, ID proofs, and category certificates (if applicable).
- Admission Confirmation: Once all steps are completed, candidates will confirm their admission by paying the required fee.
Also Read: CLAT 2025 Counselling Important Documents, NLUs Seat matrix, Mandatory Instructions
Importance of Weightage During the CLAT Selection Process 2026
The weightage of marks in the CLAT exam is crucial for determining the candidate's rank and final selection. The total score is based on the number of correct answers, with a penalty for incorrect answers (negative marking). It's important to understand how each section contributes to the final score and to allocate preparation time accordingly. By performing well across these sections, especially in Legal Reasoning and General Knowledge, candidates can significantly improve their overall score.
Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026
Candidates can check tips and tricks to clear CLAT Exam 2026 in first attempt below:
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus to focus your preparation on key topics.
- Daily Practice: Regularly practice questions from all sections—especially Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with daily news, legal developments, and important court rulings to perform well in the Current Affairs section.
- Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to simulate the exam environment and improve your time management.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Previous Year Papers: Solve CLAT previous years’ papers to understand the question types and difficulty level of the exam.
The CLAT 2026 Selection Process is a well-structured and rigorous pathway to secure admission to India’s premier law schools. You can boost your chances of success with the right preparation strategy, a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria, and a focused approach to the exam and counseling process. Stay updated with official announcements regarding CLAT exam dates and eligibility changes to ensure you are fully prepared for the CLAT 2026 exam.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
After scoring the such great rank, you should visit the official website of CLAT, there when the admission portal opens, login using your I'd and password to your dashboard.
The portal will display the availability of NLU (NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY) and option available for filling preference.
There ac
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
101 marks is a very good in AILET score. Generally 70-100 marks are considered good score to be considered. With this marks you'll rank good enough.
While, 5095 rank is bit higher, it is seen and consider rank around 3.5k is a good rank to be considered. Try to came more closer near 3k, for better.
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
Based on your OBC category rank of 1,721 in the CLAT 2025 examination and your domicile status in Uttar Pradesh, your chances of securing admission to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) in Lucknow appear favorable.
Historically, RMLNLU has admitted OBC candidates with UP domicil
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
Considering your AIR in CLAT is 19202 and EWS rank is 1775, admission at tier 2 NLUs will be competitive. Cutoff CLAT EWS will be issued for the year 2025 by Consortium NLUs at its website. NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad are predicted to obtain a rank above 500. The cut-off for GNLU Gandhinaga
L
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
The approval process for entering the 5-year law program at Institute of Law Nirma University through the B.A. LL.B. Hons. degree relies on obtaining a passing score in the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) as well as meeting the qualifying cutoff score for the particular admission year. Secure admis
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Your probability of securing admission in National Law Universities (NLUs) stands poor due to an All India Rank (AIR) of 26746 and a category rank of 1439 in the SC category. Although your chances are limited you possess eligibility to enter admission competitions at selected NLUs with reduced cutof
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Success in the Common Law Admission Test offers students several different professional options within the law field. The success in CLAT examination enables you to achieve entry at top National Law Universities to study their five-year integrated law program. Students who finish their studies at NL
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
With an All India ST Rank of 721, you have a good chance of getting admission to NALSAR based on your category, as the cutoff for the ST category is usually much lower than the general category, making it likely that your rank falls within the admission range for NALSAR for the ST category.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
It's difficult to say whether you can get a seat at National Law University and Judicial Academy Assam (NLUJA) with an AIR of 51586 and a ST category rank of 1206 in CLAT. The admission process for NLUJA is based on CLAT ranks, and the cut-offs vary each year.
Explanation
CLAT ranks
The CLAT 2025 rank
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
The Andhra Pradesh PGLCET and CLAT PG (Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate) exams are both law entrance exams, but there are some key differences in their difficulty levels:
AP PGLCET: The difficulty level is generally considered moderate. It focuses on areas like Constitutional Law, Jurisprud
P
Beginner-Level 5
CLAT Notifications
There is a national entrance exam for law school.The applicant needs to have finished grade 12.As of right now, you can study for the CLAT using online resources and from law college students.To get a good score on the CLAT exam, you can study from the previous year's question paper and practice legal aptitude, current general knowledge, and mock tests.You wish to increase your mathematical understanding and English communication abilities. A 45% score on the CLAT entrance exam is required. You have to focus on the mathematics from your 12th grade class, as there are multiple questions from the courses. Ask if you are unsure of anything.