CLAT eligibility criteria defines who can apply for the exam. And the most important thing to know upfront is this: there is no upper age limit, no strict stream requirement, and only a minimum qualifying percentage in Class 12 is needed.
The CLAT 2027 eligibility criteria require candidates to have passed or be appearing in their Class 12 (or equivalent) with at least 45% marks for General/OBC and 40% for SC/ST/PWD. Students from any stream—Science, Commerce, or Arts—can apply. Even if your results are awaited, you are eligible, provided you meet the criteria at the time of admission.
Understanding the CLAT exam eligibility criteria early helps you avoid confusion later and plan your preparation with clarity. Many students assume restrictions that don’t exist and delay their preparation unnecessarily. If you already meet these basic requirements, your focus should shift to building a strong preparation strategy, solving mocks, and improving accuracy.
What is CLAT?
The CLAT exam, or Common Law Admission Test, is a national entrance exam for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 27 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.
This law entrance test assesses candidates in English, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
The purpose of the CLAT is to ensure a standardized evaluation for law school admissions, determining if candidates have the essential skills and knowledge for a career in law.
CLAT 2027 Eligibility Criteria: Overview
Below is the overview of the eligibility criteria for CLAT 2027:
CLAT UG Eligibility
CLAT UG exam is for students in the 12th and 12th pass-out classes. It is the entrance exam for undergraduate law programs.
| Aspect | CLAT Eligibility |
| CLAT UG Age Limit | No upper or lower age limit |
| CLAT Educational Qualification | Must be in 10+2 or have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination |
| 12th Marks Criteria for CLAT | 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 2027 are also eligible |
| CLAT Tie Breaker | – Higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section |
| – Higher age | |
| – Computerized draw of lots |
CLAT PG Eligibility
CLAT PG is for students who have already graduated with an LLB degree or are in the final year of their LLB program.
| Aspect | CLAT Eligibility |
| CLAT PG Age Limit | No upper age limit for candidates appearing for PG program through CLAT 2027 |
| 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 2027 are also eligible |
| Tie Breaker | – Higher age |
| – Computerized draw of lots |
Resources for CLAT Preparation:
| Online CLAT Coaching | CLAT Mock Test |
| CLAT Videos | CLAT Sample Papers |
| CLAT Syllabus | Free CLAT Notes |
| CLAT Current Affairs | Previous Year CLAT Papers |
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027
Let’s discuss the eligibility for CLAT 2027 UG exam:
Age Limit
There is no lower or upper age limit for candidates appearing for CLAT 2027. This means that students of any age can apply for the undergraduate law program as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria of CLAT.
Check all details about CLAT age limit.
Educational Qualifications for CLAT
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Qualification | 10+2 or equivalent |
| Accepted Boards | CBSE, ICSE, State & recognized boards |
| Stream Requirement | No restriction (All streams eligible) |
- Required Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution. This is a crucial form requirement to ensure eligibility for the CLAT exam.
- Accepted Educational Boards: Accepted boards include CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and other recognized boards. This ensures that students from various educational backgrounds can apply.
- CLAT Subject Requirements: There are no specific subject or stream requirements for appearing in the CLAT exam. Students from any stream, be it Science, Commerce, or Arts, are eligible.
Minimum Marks or Percentage for CLAT
| Category | Minimum Marks Required |
| General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI | 45% |
| SC/ST/PwD | 40% |
- General Category: Candidates belonging to the General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI categories must secure at least 45% marks or an equivalent grade in their 10+2 or equivalent exam.
- Reserved Category: Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD categories must secure at least 40% marks or an equivalent grade. This relaxation in marks is provided to ensure inclusivity and broader access to legal education.
Check details about 12th marks criteria for CLAT.
Important Points for Class 12th Students Related to CLAT Eligibility
- Students of Class 12th: Students who are appearing for their 10+2 or equivalent examination in March/April 2027 are also eligible to apply for CLAT 2027. However, they must provide evidence of passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission.
- Result Submission: The result of the class 12th must be submitted at the time of admission. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the admission process.
CLAT Exam Eligibility: Tie-Breaker Score
If 2 or more candidates get the same score in the CLAT exam, the break of the tie shall be by the following procedure and order:
- Higher marks in the component/section on Legal Aptitude in the CLAT 2027 exam;
- Higher age;
- Computerised draw of lots.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria (for PG)
Now, let’s discuss the eligibility for CLAT PG exam:
Age Limit
There is no lower or upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT PG program in 2027. This allows candidates of any age to apply for the postgraduate law program as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.
Educational Qualifications
- Required Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have an LLB degree or an equivalent examination from a recognized university or institution. This is a critical form requirement to ensure eligibility for CLAT 2027.
- Accepted Universities: Degrees must be from recognized universities and institutions, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet the necessary standards.
Minimum Marks or Percentage for CLAT PG
- General Category: Candidates belonging to the General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI categories must secure at least 50% marks or an equivalent grade in their LLB or equivalent examination.
- Reserved Category Requirements: Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD categories must secure at least 45% marks or an equivalent grade. This relaxation in marks ensures wider accessibility to legal education.
Important Points for Final Year Students Related to CLAT PG Eligibility
- Students who are appearing for their LLB or equivalent examination in April/May 2027 are also eligible to apply for CLAT 2027. They must provide evidence of passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission.
- The result of the qualifying examination (i.e., LLB) must be submitted at the time of admission. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the admission process.
Tie Breaker Rule for CLAT PG
- Higher Age: If two or more candidates secure equal marks, the older candidate will be given preference.
- Computerized Draw of Lots: If the tie still persists, a computerized draw of lots will be used to determine the rank.
Documents Required As Per CLAT Eligibility Criteria
To apply for CLAT, you must have the following documents:
| Document | Details |
| Photograph | Front-facing passport-size recent photograph with a plain background |
| Signature | Signature of the candidate |
| Category Certificate | Certificate if applying under SC/ST/OBC categories |
| Disability Certificate | Relevant certificate issued by a competent authority if the candidate is PWD |
| BPL Certificate | Relevant certificate issued by a competent authority if the candidate is under the BPL category |
Submission Notes:
- Original certificates/documents issued by competent authorities to be submitted at the time of admission.
- Photograph and signature need not be attested when submitting the online application form.
- All documents/certificates should be uploaded in PDF format only.
Must Know for Every CLAT Aspirant:
CLAT 2027 Application Fee
Check the CLAT fee structure for application:
| Category | Application Fee | Additional Information |
| General/OBC/NRI Candidates | Rs. 4,000/- | Application fees can be paid online only |
| SC/ST/BPL/PWD Category Candidates | Rs. 3,500/- | Application fees can be paid online only |
Note:
If you want to previous years’ question papers, the Consortium of NLUs charges INR 500 extra.
Importance of Knowing CLAT Eligibility Criteria
Avoids Last-Minute Disqualification
Knowing eligibility ensures you meet requirements early and don’t face rejection during counselling or admission stages.
Helps You Plan Preparation at the Right Time
Clarity on eligibility lets you start preparation early without confusion or unnecessary delays.
Prevents Misconceptions About Streams and Age
Many students assume restrictions; understanding criteria removes myths about age limits and academic streams.
Ensures Correct Application During Registration
Accurate knowledge helps you fill the CLAT form correctly and avoid mistakes that may lead to rejection.
Keeps You Focused on What Truly Matters
Once eligibility is clear, you can focus fully on preparation instead of worrying about basic requirements.
CLAT Previous Year Papers
To help you prepare effectively and be ready for the CLAT exam date, we have shared the collection of CLAT previous year papers. These papers provide valuable insights into the exam format and types of questions asked, helping you refine your study strategy.
FAQs About CLAT Eligibility
There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for CLAT.
General category candidates need at least 45% marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.
SC/ST/PWD category candidates need at least 40% marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.
Yes, students appearing for their 10+2 exams in March/April 2027 are eligible to apply.
No, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT PG.
Yes, students appearing for their LLB exams in April/May 2027 are eligible to apply.
In case of a tie, higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section, higher age, and computerized draw of lots are used in that order.
Yes, candidates from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) can apply for CLAT UG as long as they meet the educational qualification requirements.
All documents should be uploaded in PDF format only.
No, the application fee for CLAT is non-refundable.
No, CLAT is not required for admission to 3-year LLB programs. CLAT is specifically for 5-year integrated LLB and LLM programs.
No, CLAT does not offer admission to 3-year LLB programs. It is used for 5-year integrated undergraduate and postgraduate law programs.
Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks for general categories and 40% for SC/ST/PWD categories.
OBC candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks for UG programs and 50% marks in their LLB degree for PG programs.
Candidates from any stream, including Science, who have completed their 10+2 with a minimum of 45% marks for general categories and 40% for SC/ST/PWD categories, are eligible for CLAT UG.
Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination. Students who have only completed 10th are not eligible to apply for CLAT UG.
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