CLAT 2026 Exam Date Announced; Registration Opens August 1, 2025
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially announced the schedule for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026, the highly anticipated national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programmes at 24 participating NLUs across India.
Important Dates and Exam Format
- The CLAT 2026 exam is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM.
- The exam will be conducted in a pen-and-paper (offline) format, continuing the traditional method preferred by many candidates.
- The application window will open on August 1, 2025, and close on October 31, 2025, giving candidates three full months to complete the registration process.
This timeline allows students ample opportunity to prepare, register, and make any necessary arrangements for the exam day.
Eligibility Criteria for CLAT 2026
The Consortium has outlined clear eligibility requirements for candidates applying to both UG and PG law programmes:
- For UG Admission: Candidates must have completed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examinations with a minimum of 45% marks for General category candidates. Reserved category candidates (SC, ST, PwD) are eligible with a minimum of 40% marks.
- For PG Admission: Applicants must hold an LLB degree with at least 45% marks for General category, and 40% marks for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
These criteria ensure that only academically qualified candidates are eligible to apply for the prestigious NLUs.
Application Fee Structure
While the official notification detailing the application fee for CLAT 2026 is yet to be released, last year’s fee structure provides a reasonable expectation:
- General and OBC candidates paid ₹4,000.
- SC, ST, and BPL candidates paid a reduced fee of ₹3,500.
The official notification is expected soon on the CLAT website, which will confirm fees along with other key details such as syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, and application guidelines.
Registration and Exam Process
The Consortium’s announcement underscores the significance of the CLAT as a gateway to some of India’s top law schools. The registration process will be completely online via the official CLAT website, where candidates will:
- Create an account or log in to the portal
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload required documents and photographs
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the application before the deadline
Candidates should carefully review the detailed notification once released, to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and understand exam logistics.
Background: Controversies Surrounding CLAT 2025
The 2025 CLAT exam, held on December 1, 2024, was surrounded by significant controversies regarding the framing and correctness of exam questions. Several legal challenges followed, raising concerns about the examination’s transparency and fairness.
- The results for undergraduate admissions were delayed and revised more than five months after the exam due to court interventions.
- The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over how the Consortium handled question-setting, criticizing the "callous and casual manner" in which important exam content was prepared.
- The issue has put additional pressure on the Consortium to improve the exam’s quality and credibility for 2026 and beyond.
This background highlights the challenges and expectations facing the Consortium as it prepares for CLAT 2026.
What to Expect in the Official Notification
Candidates eagerly awaiting full details should watch for the upcoming official notification on the CLAT website, which will include:
- Complete syllabus for both UG and PG exams
- Detailed exam pattern and duration
- Marking scheme, including negative marking rules if any
- Comprehensive eligibility criteria and category-wise relaxations
- Instructions on application submission and important deadlines
- Exam day guidelines and protocols
Reviewing this document thoroughly will be essential for candidates to prepare effectively.
Why CLAT Remains Crucial for Law Aspirants
The CLAT is the primary entrance test for admission to the prestigious National Law Universities, which are considered the best institutions for law education in India. Success in CLAT can open doors to:
- Undergraduate law degrees (BA LLB)
- Postgraduate law degrees (LLM)
- Scholarships and internship opportunities within legal fields
- Careers in judiciary, corporate law, academia, and public policy
Given its importance, aspirants devote significant time and effort to prepare for the CLAT exam every year.
Tips for Candidates Preparing for CLAT 2026
To maximize chances of success, candidates should:
- Begin early preparation focusing on key subjects like legal reasoning, general knowledge, English comprehension, and logical reasoning.
- Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests under timed conditions.
- Keep abreast of official announcements and updates from the Consortium.
- Ensure all documents and eligibility proofs are ready ahead of registration.
- Pay attention to exam instructions to avoid last-minute surprises.
Consistent preparation and strategic planning are vital to crack this competitive exam.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to CLAT 2026
With the exam date fixed for December 7, 2025, and registrations opening from August 1, the countdown for CLAT 2026 has officially begun. Candidates are advised to keep a close watch on official sources, prepare diligently, and submit their applications well within the deadline.
After last year’s controversies, the Consortium faces heightened scrutiny to deliver a fair and well-organized exam this time around. Aspirants can hope for improved transparency, better question quality, and smooth conduct in the upcoming cycle.
Stay tuned for the official notification and detailed updates on the CLAT website to ensure you don’t miss any critical information for this crucial law entrance examination.
