CLAT 2026: Exam Date (Out), Preparation, Registration, Details
The CLAT 2026 exam date has been officially announced by the Consortium of NLUs. The exam will be conducted on 7th December 2025 (Sunday), from 2 PM to 4 PM, in offline mode.
Earlier, this created major concern as AILET 2026 was also scheduled on the same day and time, leading to a direct clash for thousands of aspirants. However, NLU Delhi has now revised the AILET 2026 exam date to 14th December 2025, one week after CLAT, restoring the traditional gap.
In this blog, we cover all key dates, updates, and preparation strategy for CLAT 2026.
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CLAT 2026 Exam Date
The Consortium of National Law Universities has officially announced the CLAT 2026 exam date through a press release on 20th July 2025.
As per the notification:
Event | Date | Status |
CLAT 2026 Notification Release | 20 July 2025 | ✅ Official |
CLAT 2026 Application Start Date | 1 August 2025 | ✅ Official |
Last Date to Apply for CLAT 2026 | 31 October 2025 | ✅ Official |
Admit Card Release | 3rd Week of November 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
CLAT 2026 Exam Date | 7 December 2025 (Sunday) | ✅ Official |
Provisional Answer Key Release | 8–9 December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
Objection Window | 9–11 December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
Final Answer Key Release | 3rd Week of December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
CLAT 2026 Result Declaration | 3rd Week of December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
Counselling Registration Starts | Last week of December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
AILET 2026 Exam Date: Announced Earlier
Event | Date | Status |
AILET 2026 Notification Release | 17 June 2025 | ✅ Official |
AILET 2026 Application Start Date | 7 August 2025 | ✅ Official |
Last Date to Apply for AILET 2026 | 1st Week of November 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
Admit Card Release | Last Week of November 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
AILET 2026 Exam Date | 14 December 2025 (Sunday) | ✅ Official |
Answer Key Release | 8–9 December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
Objection Window | 9–11 December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
Final Answer Key Release | 3rd Week of December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
AILET 2026 Result Declaration | 4th Week of December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
Counselling Registration Starts | Last Week of December 2025 | 🕒 Expected |
CLAT 2026 vs AILET 2026 Exam Date: The Clash That Was Avoided
Initially, the CLAT 2026 and AILET 2026 exam dates sparked major controversy. Both were scheduled for the same day and time — 7th December 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM. This created panic among law aspirants, as it was the first time in history that the two biggest law entrance exams were clashing.
However, after widespread concern and feedback from students, parents, and coaching institutes, NLU Delhi revised the AILET 2026 exam date to 14th December 2025, restoring the traditional 1-week gap between the two exams.
Know more about CLAT vs AILET.
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CLAT 2026 Registration Date
The CLAT 2026 registration began on 1st August 2025 and continue until 31st October 2025, as per the official notification. The application form will be available only on the official website of the Consortium of NLUs (consortiumofnlus.ac.in).
Candidates must complete registration, fill in personal details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee within the deadline. No extensions have been announced yet, so aspirants are advised not to wait till the last moment. Early registration also helps you get preferred exam centres and stay focused on your CLAT 2026 preparation.
CLAT 2026 Notification Release Date
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- The CLAT exam pattern consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with each question carrying 1 mark.
- The total duration of the exam is 2 hours. For every correct answer, 1 mark is awarded, and for each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted as negative marking.
- The test is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode).
Particulars | Details |
Mode of CLAT 2026 Exam | Offline (Pen and paper) |
CLAT 2026 Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
CLAT UG Subjects | 5 Sections: – English Language – Current Affairs, including General Knowledge – Legal Reasoning – Logical Reasoning – Quantitative Techniques |
CLAT PG Subjects | 2 Sections: – Constitutional Law – Other law subjects (Administrative Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Jurisprudence, Labour Law, Industrial Law, Family Law, Law of Contract, Criminal Law, Torts, Property Law, Company Law, and Public International Law) |
Language | English |
Type of Questions | Multiple-choice Questions |
Total Marks in CLAT | – 120 for UG – 120 for PG |
+1 marks for every correct answer -0.25 marks for every wrong answer |
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CLAT 2026 Registration: How to Apply?
The application window for CLAT 2026 will start from 1st August 2025.
1. Visit the Official Website
Go to the official website of the Consortium of NLUs – consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
2. Registration
- Click on the ‘Register’ button.
- Enter your name, mobile number, email ID, and create a password.
- An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Verify the OTP to complete the registration.
3. Fill the Application Form
- Log in with your credentials and fill in your personal, academic, and contact details.
- Choose your preferred test centers.
4. Upload Documents
Upload the required documents, including a passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable), in the specified format.
5. Select NLU Preferences
You will be asked to select the order of your preference for NLUs based on where you want to study.
6. Pay the Application Fee
Pay the application fee online using a debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
7. Submit the Form
Review your application, ensure all details are correct, and then submit the form.
After successful submission, download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
By following these steps, you can successfully register for CLAT 2026 once the application window opens.
How to Prepare for CLAT 2026?
1. Understand CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Begin your preparation by getting familiar with the updated CLAT exam pattern. CLAT 2026 will have 120 questions across five sections — English Language, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
Each question carries one mark, and there’s a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. Go through the official CLAT syllabus and understand what each section demands. It will help you plan your timetable and priorities from day one.
2. Build a Strong Reading Habit
Since CLAT 2026 is a comprehension-based test, reading will be your strongest weapon. Read newspapers for CLAT, like The Hindu or Indian Express daily to enhance your reading speed and comprehension, especially in the editorial and opinion sections.
Also, diversify your reading to include fiction, legal essays, and landmark judgments to understand complex arguments better.
Know about: Best novels for law students
3. Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
One of the smartest ways to begin your preparation is by solving past year CLAT papers. PYQs give you deep insights into the exam pattern, difficulty level, and question trends. Try to solve at least the last 5 to 7 years’ papers in a timed environment.
4. Take Regular Mock Tests
CLAT mock tests are the heart of your preparation. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, start attempting full-length mocks every week. This helps in improving your speed, accuracy, and exam temperament.
After each mock, do a detailed analysis, check what went wrong, which questions you wasted time on, and where you can improve. Law Prep’s All India Mock for CLAT 2026 gives you a real competitive environment with national-level rankings, just like the actual exam.
5. Choose Right CLAT Coaching Program
Choosing the right mentorship is a game-changer. Law Prep Tutorial is India’s most trusted and result-oriented CLAT coaching institute. In CLAT 2025 alone, we delivered 1310+ NLU selections.
Join our online CLAT coaching from anywhere in India, which includes live and recorded classes, doubt-clearing sessions, complete study material, and mock tests.
Or if you prefer face-to-face learning, we have 40+ offline centers across 30 cities. We also offer dropper batches and long-term foundation courses for early starters.
6. Focus on Daily Practice & Revision
To clear CLAT 2026, you need to be consistent. Practice comprehension passages, reasoning questions, and current affairs every single day. Make reading a habit — editorials, legal news, and quality articles will sharpen your understanding and vocabulary.
Take daily quizzes and revise important topics weekly. Law Prep offers a Champions Toolkit for CLAT 2026 with 1000+ exam-level questions, divided into 5 subject-wise booklets to boost your practice in the final phase.
7. Consistent Revision and Retrospection
During your CLAT 2026 preparation, make time for consistent revision.
Use spaced repetition techniques to ensure that you retain what you learn. Every week, take out time to reflect on what you’ve learned and where you need improvement.
Check CLAT Revision Tips.
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CLAT 2026 Subjects
Subject Area | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
English Language | 22-26 | 20% |
Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28-32 | 25% |
Legal Reasoning | 28-32 | 25% |
Logical Reasoning | 22-26 | 20% |
Quantitative Techniques | 10-14 | 10% |
CLAT 2026 Syllabus
Know the syllabus of CLAT 2026:
Subject | Topics Covered |
English | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Root words, Synonyms and antonyms, Homophones and homonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms, Analogies, Para jumbles, Literary devices, Parts of speech (Nouns, Pronouns, Adjective, Verbs, Tenses, Adverbs, Conjunctions, Preposition, Determiners) |
GK and Current Affairs | Constitution of India, Judiciary system, Election system, International Relations, Important International Bodies, Major World Disputes, Economics and Indian Economy, Union budget, Important current events (environment, science, technology, government schemes, reports), Current affairs related to history, art, and culture |
Logical Reasoning | Critical reasoning, Arguments (Evaluation, Strengthening, Weakening), Premise, Evidence, Assumptions, Inference, Paradox, Flaw in reasoning, Analytics Reasoning: Blood relation, Syllogism, Coding and decoding, Order ranking, Sitting arrangement, Calendar, Clocks |
Legal Reasoning | Citizenship, Supreme Court and its provisions, Contracts in law, Torts, Criminal laws, Family law, CPC, Evidence Act, Domestic violence act, Indecent representation of women’s act, Pocso and posh act, Basics of international law, Current legal issues |
Quantitative Techniques | Square, Square roots, Cube and cube roots, Fraction, Rules of divisibility, Digit sum and unit digit, Percentage, Venn diagram, Caselets, Data interpretation, Profit and loss, Discount, Simple interest, Compound interest, Time and work, Pipes and cistern, Time speed and distance, Ratio and proportion, Mensuration, Permutation and combination, Probability |
Download the Complete CLAT Syllabus PDF!
CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Check the latest CLAT eligibility criteria for UG and PG below:
1. CLAT 2026 Eligibility for UG
Aspect | Eligibility Criteria |
Age Limit | No upper or lower age limit |
CLAT Educational Qualification | Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination (12th appearing students can apply for CLAT 2026) |
General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI: 45% or equivalent grade | |
SC/ST/PWD: 40% or equivalent grade | |
Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing for their qualifying examination in March/April 2026 are also eligible |
CLAT 2026 Tie Breaker Rule | – Higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section |
– Higher age | |
– Computerized draw of lots |
2. CLAT 2026 Eligibility for PG
Aspect | Eligibility |
Age Limit | No upper age limit for candidates appearing for PG program through CLAT 2026 |
Educational Qualification | Must have an LLB degree or equivalent examination |
Minimum Marks | General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI: 50% or equivalent grade |
SC/ST/PWD: 45% or equivalent grade | |
Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing for their qualifying examination in April/May 2026 are also eligible |
Tie Breaker | – Higher age |
– Computerized draw of lots |
Key Points:
- No lower or upper age limit for CLAT 2026. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the educational qualifications.
- No specific subject or stream requirements (Science, Commerce, Arts, etc.).
- Students appearing for 10+2 in March/April 2026 can apply but must provide passing evidence during admission.
Best Books for CLAT 2026 Preparation
Subject Area | Book Name | Author Name |
English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Norman Lewis | |
High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin | |
English is Easy | Chetan Anand Singh | |
General Knowledge | Pratiyogita Darpan | – |
Manorama Year Book | – | |
Pearson’s Concise GK Manual | – | |
Lucent’s General Knowledge | – | |
Competition Review Yearbook | – | |
CLAT Express | Law Prep Tutorial | |
Quantitative Techniques | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | RS Aggarwal |
Data Interpretation | BSC Publications | |
Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M Tyra | |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Pearson | |
Logical Reasoning | Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
GMAT Official Guide | – | |
Legal Reasoning | Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning | Pearson |
Important Judgements That Transformed India | Alex Andrews George | |
The Pearson Guide to the CLAT | Harsh Gagrani |
Know details of Best Books for CLAT.
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Sample Papers to Prepare for CLAT 2026
| CLAT 2025 Sample Paper-I | Download |
| CLAT 2025 Sample Paper-II | |
| CLAT 2024 Sample Paper-I | |
| CLAT 2024 Sample Paper-II | |
| CLAT 2024 Sample Paper-III | |
| CLAT 2024 Sample Paper-IV |
Browse all CLAT sample papers.
CLAT 2026 Admit Card Date
CLAT 2026 Answer Key Dates
The CLAT 2026 provisional answer key is expected to be released within 24 to 48 hours after the exam, i.e., around 8th or 9th December 2025. Candidates will be given a short objection window of 1–2 days to raise challenges or corrections.
After reviewing all objections, the final answer key will be released in the third week of December 2025. This process ensures transparency in marking and gives students clarity before the result. The answer key is important for estimating your CLAT 2026 score before the official result is declared.
CLAT 2026 Result Date
The CLAT 2026 result is expected to be declared in the 3rd week of December 2025. The result will be published online on the official website of the Consortium and will include your score, rank, and category-wise merit list.
Candidates will also be able to download their CLAT scorecard for admission and counselling purposes. Along with the result, the final answer key and NLU-wise seat matrix may also be released. Based on your CLAT 2026 rank, you’ll be able to participate in the NLU counselling and secure your law school seat.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Dates
The CLAT counselling process is expected to begin in the last week of December 2025, just a few days after the result declaration. Eligible candidates will have to register separately for counselling, fill in their NLU preferences, and pay the counselling fee.
The admission process will take place in multiple rounds based on the CLAT rank list and seat availability across NLUs. Documents will be verified online, and seat allotment will be done accordingly. Make sure to keep all necessary documents ready and respond quickly to avoid missing your dream NLU seat.
Best Coaching for CLAT 2026
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FAQs About CLAT 2026 Exam
What is the CLAT 2026 exam date?
CLAT 2026 will be conducted on 7th December 2025 (Sunday) from 2 PM to 4 PM.
Who announced the CLAT 2026 exam date?
The Consortium of NLUs officially announced it through a press release on 20th July 2025.
Is the CLAT 2026 exam date clashing with AILET?
Yes. Both CLAT and AILET 2026 are scheduled for 7th December 2025, 2 PM to 4 PM.
Should I prepare for both CLAT and AILET together?
Yes. Prepare for both unless an official date change happens. The preparation overlaps significantly.
Will CLAT 2026 be held in May?
No. Despite rumours, CLAT will continue in December for 2026.
What is the official website to apply for CLAT 2026?
consortiumofnlus.ac.in
Is there any age limit for CLAT 2026?
No. There is no upper age limit to apply for CLAT UG or PG.
Can I appear for CLAT 2026 if I am in Class 12?
Yes. You must be appearing in or have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).
What is the duration of the CLAT 2026 exam?
2 hours (120 minutes).
How many students appear for CLAT every year?
Over 60,000 students appear for CLAT UG each year.
Will CLAT 2026 Exam Date Change?
No, the CLAT 2026 exam date will not change. It is officially confirmed as 7th December 2025.
Is the CLAT 2026 exam date clashing with AILET?
No, the CLAT 2026 exam date is not clashing with AILET 2026 anymore. AILET has been rescheduled to 14th December 2025, while CLAT will be held on 7th December 2025.