The Consortium of NLUs has officially announced the eligibility criteria for CLAT 2025 exam.
Understanding the CLAT eligibility is important for students planning to take the exam. Here, we are covering the detailed CLAT exam eligibility, including age limit, qualifications, and minimum marks required for both UG and PG programs.
Whether you are a general category candidate or belong to a reserved category, this guide will help you understand if you meet the requirements to appear for the CLAT 2025.
Upcoming CLAT Exams:
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 24 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.
For more details, check our full post on what is CLAT.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Overview
Here is a quick overview of the eligibility for CLAT 2025:
Eligibility for CLAT UG
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 |
| Minimum Marks | 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 2025 are also eligible |
| CLAT Tie Breaker | – Higher marks in the Legal Aptitude section |
| – Higher age | |
| – Computerized draw of lots |
Must Know: Is CLAT Exam Tough?
Eligibility for CLAT PG
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 2025 |
| 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 2025 are also eligible |
| Tie Breaker | – Higher age |
| – Computerized draw of lots |
CLAT Eligibility Criteria (for UG)
Let’s discuss the eligibility for CLAT 2025 UG exam:
CLAT Age Limit (Minimum and Maximum)
There is no lower or upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT UG program in 2025. 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.
Educational Qualifications for CLAT
- 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
- 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.
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 2025 are also eligible to apply for CLAT 2025. 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 UG Eligibility: Tie-Breaker Score
If 2 or more candidates get the same score in the CLAT UG 2025, 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 2025 exam;
- Higher age;
- Computerised draw of lots.
Also Read: Difference Between CLAT UG vs CLAT PG
CLAT Eligibility Criteria (for PG)
Now, let’s discuss the eligibility for CLAT 2025 PG exam:
CLAT PG Age Limit
There is no lower or upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT PG program in 2025. This allows candidates of any age to apply for the postgraduate law program as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.
CLAT PG 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 2025.
- 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 2025 are also eligible to apply for CLAT 2025. 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.
Must Know: CLAT Mock Test Strategy
Documents Required As Per CLAT 2025 Eligibility
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.
Know the Best Books for CLAT Preparation.
CLAT 2025 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.
Get the CLAT previous year papers for Free by Law Prep Tutorial.
Importance of Knowing CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
The CLAT exam eligibility criteria ensure that only candidates who meet specific academic and category-based requirements can apply, which helps maintain the exam’s standard and integrity. Knowing these criteria in advance can save candidates from the disappointment of finding out they are ineligible after putting in significant preparation efforts.
For instance, UG candidates must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with at least 45% marks for general categories and 40% for SC/ST/PWD categories. PG candidates need an LLB degree with at least 50% marks for general categories and 45% for reserved categories.
Being aware of these CLAT eligibility criteria helps candidates plan their studies accordingly and focus on meeting these benchmarks.
Additionally, understanding the CLAT exam eligibility criteria helps candidates prepare the necessary documentation, avoiding last-minute issues during the application process.
It also informs them about any tie-breaker rules or special provisions, ensuring they are fully prepared for all aspects of the examination process. This preparation is key to a smooth and successful application experience.
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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.
What is the minimum percentage required for SC/ST/PWD candidates in CLAT?
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 2025 are eligible to apply.
No, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT PG program.
Yes, students appearing for their LLB exams in April/May 2025 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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