Based on previous patterns, students scoring 95+ marks fall within the top AIR 50, and those scoring 90–95 marks secure ranks below 500.
Understanding the CLAT marks vs rank 2026 trend helps you and us estimate your NLU chances with accuracy. Every year, thousands of students wait anxiously to know what their marks may translate into, and we break the data down so you can make informed decisions.
In this guide, we explain the complete CLAT 2026 marks vs rank analysis so you can confidently plan your counselling, preference order, and next steps.
CLAT 2026 Marks vs Rank (Expected)
Below is the CLAT marks and rank for this year’s exam:
| Marks Range (CLAT 2026) | CLAT Rank Range | What It Usually Means |
| 95+ | AIR 1 – 50 | Almost certain NLSIU/NALSAR zone |
| 90 – 95 | AIR 50 – 500 | Strong chances for top 5 NLUs |
| 85 – 90 | AIR 500 – 1,500 | Good chances for top 10 NLUs |
| 80 – 85 | AIR 1,500 – 3,000 | Decent chances in mid-tier NLUs |
| 75 – 80 | AIR 3,000 – 5,000 | Newer NLUs become possible |
| 70 – 75 | AIR 5,000 – 7,000 | Lower NLUs + state colleges |
| 65 – 70 | AIR 7,000 – 10,000 | Limited NLU chances |
| Below 60 | AIR 12,000+ | Explore private universities |
CLAT 2026 Marks and Rank for Top 5 NLUs
Getting into the top 5 NLUs requires consistently high scores because the competition is strongest in this range. Based on data, past-year trends, and expected variations in 2026, here is a clear picture of what you and we can realistically expect.
| NLU Name | Expected Marks | Expected Rank |
| NLSIU Bangalore | 98+ | AIR 1 – 80 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 95 – 97 | AIR 80 – 180 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 92 – 95 | AIR 180 – 450 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 88 – 92 | AIR 900 – 1500 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 90 – 93 | AIR 450 – 900 |
1. NLSIU Bangalore
- Expected Marks: 98+
- Expected Rank: AIR 1 – 80
NLSIU remains the hardest college to get into. Even a 1-mark drop at the top can push your rank down by 30–40 positions. Only the highest scorers make it here.
2. NALSAR Hyderabad
- Expected Marks: 95–97
- Expected Rank: AIR 80 – 180
Students who narrowly miss NLSIU usually fall into this bracket. A strong overall attempt with accuracy in GK and Legal is essential.
3. WBNUJS Kolkata
- Expected Marks: 92–95
- Expected Rank: AIR 180 – 450
This is where the top bracket becomes slightly more flexible. Students scoring around 93–94 frequently land in NUJS.
4. GNLU Gandhinagar
- Marks: 88–92
- Rank: AIR 900 – 1500
This is the most competitive “mid-high” bracket. A large number of students fall in the 85–92 range, so every mark matters.
5. NLU Jodhpur
- Marks: 90–93
- Rank: AIR 450 – 900
The NLU Jodhpur range is heavily influenced by paper difficulty. In an easy paper, the rank range tightens; in a moderate paper, it widens.
Free CLAT Rank Predictor 2026
To estimate your potential rank based on your score, consider using the CLAT Rank Predictor offered by Law Prep Tutorial.
This free tool analyzes your performance and provides an approximate rank, helping you know your chances of securing admission to various NLUs in India.
CLAT Marks & Rank Required for Top 10 NLUs
| NLU Name | Expected Marks | Expected Rank |
| 1. NLSIU Bangalore | 98+ | AIR 1 – 80 |
| 2. NALSAR Hyderabad | 95 – 97 | AIR 80 – 180 |
| 3. WBNUJS Kolkata | 92 – 95 | AIR 180 – 450 |
| 4. GNLU Gandhinagar | 88 – 92 | AIR 900 – 1500 |
| 5. NLU Jodhpur | 90 – 93 | AIR 450 – 900 |
| 6. NLIU Bhopal | 86 – 90 | AIR 1500 – 2300 |
| 7. HNLU Raipur | 83 – 87 | AIR 2300 – 3500 |
| 8. RMLNLU Lucknow | 82 – 86 | AIR 3500 – 5000 |
| 9. NUALS Kochi | 80 – 84 | AIR 5000 – 6500 |
| 10. CNLU Patna | 79 – 83 | AIR 6500 – 7500 |
How We Created These Predictions?
We build our CLAT 2026 marks vs rank predictions using a combination of:
- Year-wise CLAT Data (2019–2025): We compared official marks vs rank lists across the last 7 years to understand scoring patterns and the shift in top brackets.
- Difficulty Level Trends: If CLAT becomes easier, the top ranks cluster heavily at higher marks. If it becomes tougher, the marks spread widens. We analysed previous paper difficulty to estimate 2026 distribution.
- Score Distribution of Top 5,000 Test-Takers: By studying how many students usually fall between 70–100 marks, we created realistic expected bands.
- Seat Matrix & NLU Demand: Seat expansion or new NLUs slightly shifts the rank expectations for mid-tier colleges.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
| CLAT Cut Off 2026 | CLAT Counselling 2026 |
| CLAT Answer Key 2026 | CLAT 2026 College Predictor |
| CLAT 2026 Rank Predictor | CLAT 2026 Question Paper |
CLAT Marks vs Rank 2025
Below is the official data of CLAT marks vs rank last year:
| CLAT 2025 Score Range | CLAT 2025 Rank Range |
| 90+ | AIR 1 – 585 |
| 85 – 90 | AIR 586 – 1955 |
| 80 – 85 | AIR 2003 – 3506 |
| 75 – 80 | AIR 3809 – 8070 |
| 70 – 75 | AIR 6086 – 9928 |
| 65 – 70 | AIR 10057 – 13294 |
| 60 – 65 | AIR 14152 – 17004 |
| 55 – 60 | AIR 18330 – 23960 |
| 50 – 55 | AIR 24970 – 28986 |
| 45 – 50 | AIR 29408 – 31722 |
| 40 – 45 | AIR 34347 – 36577 |
| 35 – 40 | AIR 40104 – 41034 |
| 30 – 35 | AIR 42435 – 43218 |
| 25 – 30 | AIR 45989 – 47646 |
| 20 – 25 | AIR 52000 – 52275 |
| 10 – 15 | AIR 52578 – 52578 |
Understanding CLAT Marks vs Rank
Your CLAT marks and rank are directly influenced by the exam’s difficulty level, the number of candidates, and scoring trends. Higher marks generally result in better ranks, increasing your chances of securing a seat in the top 5 NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad.
CLAT Marks
Your CLAT marks are calculated based on the total number of correct and incorrect answers in the exam.
The CLAT marking scheme is:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks (negative marking)
- Unattempted Questions: No marks deducted
For example, if you answer 90 questions correctly, 10 questions incorrectly, and leave 20 unanswered, your total score will be:
(90 × 1) – (10 × 0.25) = 90 – 2.5 = 87.5 marks.
CLAT Rank
Your CLAT rank is determined by comparing your score with other candidates. The ranks are assigned based on the following factors:
- Total Marks: Higher marks lead to better ranks.
- Tiebreaker Rules: If two or more candidates score the same marks, the rank is determined by:
- Higher marks in Legal Reasoning
- Older age
- Computerized draw of lots
CLAT Marks vs Rank: Historical Trends
Understanding the historical trends in CLAT marks vs rank provides valuable insights into how scores translate into ranks and admission possibilities at NLUs. Below is a detailed analysis using data from CLAT 2022, CLAT 2024, and other past years.
CLAT Marks vs Rank 2024
- NLSIU Bengaluru remained the top choice with a cut-off score above 100 marks.
- Other top NLUs like NALSAR Hyderabad and WBNUJS Kolkata had cut-offs between 95 and 100 marks.
- Scoring 100+ ensured a rank within the top 5, securing admission to premier NLUs.
- A score of 91+ could fetch admission to mid-tier NLUs like HNLU Raipur and RMLNLU Lucknow.
- For newer NLUs, scores in the range of 60–70 sufficed for the closing rank.
CLAT Marks vs Rank 2022
In 2022, the exam followed a 150-mark pattern. The data showcases a significant drop in marks after the top ranks:
| Score Range (out of 150) | Rank Range | Candidates Count |
| 125–130 | 1 | 1 |
| 115–120 | 4–5 | 2 |
| 100–105 | 10–19 | 10 |
| 85–90 | 174–362 | 189 |
| 70–75 | 1412–2318 | 907 |
| 55–60 | 5201–7284 | 2084 |
| 45–50 | 9842–12994 | 3153 |
Trends in CLAT Marks vs Rank
- Increased Competition: Over the years, competition has intensified, making higher scores necessary to secure a seat in top NLUs.
- Difficulty Level Impact: A harder exam leads to lower overall scores and cut-offs, as seen in CLAT 2023, where the top score dipped significantly.
Law Colleges Information Related to CLAT:
CLAT Marks vs Rank (Analysis)
This is the analysis of CLAT 2025 marks and rank:
1. Extremely High Rank Compression at the Top
The top 585 ranks were packed within the 90+ score range. This means even a 1–2 mark difference shifted ranks by 40–80 places.
High competition + moderate difficulty = tight top bracket.
2. The 85–90 Range Became the Most Competitive Cluster
This single 5-mark range covered ~1,400 ranks (AIR 586–1955).
Many students who were aiming for top 5 NLUs slipped into mid-tier NLUs due to this compressed band.
3. The Middle Range Showed Wide Spread
75–85 scores stretched from AIR 2000 to 8070, showing that mid-tier performance had far less compression.
Students in this band saw more predictable rank movement per mark.
4. Scores Below 70 Saw Steady, Linear Rank Movement
The 65–70 range went from AIR 10,000 – 13,294, 60–65 went from AIR 14,152 – 17,004, indicating consistent decline in density as marks dropped.
5. New NLUs and Private Colleges Became Important Options
Scores below 60 almost fully shifted students toward newer NLUs and respected private universities.
The demand for NLU seats exceeded available seats by a huge margin.
6. Overall Difficulty of CLAT 2025 Was Moderate
- No extreme spike in scores
- No severe drop in scores
- Rank distribution stayed fairly comparable to CLAT 2024 but slightly more competitive at the top.
Factors That Affect CLAT Marks vs Rank Every Year
Several variables influence how your marks translate into your final rank. Understanding these helps you predict your position more accurately.
1. Difficulty Level of the Paper
When CLAT is moderately tough, the entire score distribution shifts downward, and even a score of 85–90 may fall inside the top 1000.
In an easier paper, the top ranks cluster between 95–100, causing heavy compression. This difficulty swing is the biggest factor behind year-to-year variations.
2. Number of Students Appearing
When more students appear for CLAT, the middle and lower ranges expand significantly, making minor score differences translate into bigger rank changes. A larger test-taking population especially affects the 60–80 score range, where most aspirants fall.
3. Performance Distribution of Top Scorers
If a high percentage of students perform exceptionally well, ranks at the top compress tightly.
For example, 90, 91, and 92 marks may all sit within a difference of 200–300 ranks. This trend makes accuracy more important than attempting more questions.
4. NLU Seat Matrix & Category Distribution
Seats added, reduced, or redistributed among categories influence how ranks shift. When new NLUs open or add seats, mid-tier ranks move slightly lower, increasing chances for students in the 70–85 score range.
CLAT Score Calculation
| Parameter | Details |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Wrong Answer | –0.25 mark |
| Unattempted | 0 mark |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Score Formula | (Correct × 1) – (Wrong × 0.25) |
CLAT 2026 Cut-Off (Expected)
Check the CLAT 2026 cut-off for top 10 NLUs:
| Category | Cut-Off Marks |
| General | 87–98 |
| OBC | 83–95 |
| SC | 74–90 |
| ST | 70–86 |
| EWS | 85–96 |
| PwD | 65–80 |
How to Use Marks vs Rank for Counselling Strategy?
Once the counselling begins after CLAT 2026 results, use the marks vs range data strategically:
1. Estimate Your Realistic Range After the Exam
Marks vs rank for CLAT 2026 help you match your expected score with achievable NLUs. Instead of relying on random predictions, you clearly see where your range falls and shortlist colleges accordingly before the CLAT 2026 1st allotment list.
2. Fill NLU Preferences in Descending Order of Probability
Use your expected rank to organise your preference list strategically – top choices first, followed by realistic options, then backup NLUs. This prevents you from losing seats simply because of a poor preference order.
3. Track Seat-Shifting Trends Across Rounds
CLAT marks vs rank data shows how much movement happened in past years.
For example, many NLUs open up in Round 2 or Round 3 for ranks that initially looked impossible. This ensures you don’t panic after Round 1.
4. Avoid Overestimating or Underestimating Your Chances
Students often fill too many ambitious NLUs or too many safe NLUs. CLAT marks vs rank comparisons help strike the perfect balance so you neither lose opportunities nor end up settling unnecessarily.
5. Analyse Category-Wise Movements Separately
GEN, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST cut-offs behave differently. Marks vs rank breakdown helps you understand your category’s realistic closing ranks and plan your list with higher confidence.
6. Finalise Backup Plans in Advance
Based on your realistic rank range, you can add strong private colleges (Jindal, Symbiosis, NMIMS, Bennett, Christ, etc.) in case the NLU window narrows. This avoids last-minute confusion or stress. For this, go through the top law entrance exams.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Estimating CLAT Rank
- Depending only on social media predictions
- Ignoring normalisation and variance
- Using data from only one year
- Assuming easy papers always give high ranks
- Misreading the official answer key
- Comparing raw scores with friends
- Not considering category variations
- Forgetting that top ranks compress heavily
- Overconfidence in borderline marks
- Ignoring seat expansion or reduction trends
Must Know for Every CLAT Aspirant:
| CLAT Exam: All details | CLAT Preparation Books |
| CLAT Eligibility Criteria | CLAT Exam Pattern |
| CLAT Age Limit | CLAT Marking Scheme |
| How to Prepare for CLAT? |
Expert Advice from Law Prep Mentors
Don’t compare your score emotionally; compare it statistically. Every year, we see students underestimate themselves due to social media noise or panic after seeing scores of CLAT toppers.
What matters is where your score sits in the overall distribution, not how someone else performed. Make your counselling decisions based on clear data, not assumptions or pressure from peers.
Even a small rank shift can open or close multiple NLUs, so follow a structured approach. Trust the process, stay patient across all rounds, and use data-not fear-to guide your choices.
Free CLAT Study Material for You:
| CLAT Previous Year Question Paper | CLAT Sample Papers |
| CLAT Topper Interviews | Free CLAT Coaching |
| CLAT Current Affairs | CLAT Mock Test |
FAQs About CLAT Marks vs Rank
A score of 95+ is generally required for NLSIU/NALSAR, and 90–95 for NUJS or NLU Jodhpur.
Usually no. NLU Jodhpur typically closes around 90–93 marks for the general category.
You need to be within AIR 1500 for a general category seat in the top 5 NLUs.
Yes, marks between 80–85 give chances for NUALS, CNLU, RMLNLU, or HNLU.
70 marks generally fall around AIR 9,000–12,000, suitable for newer NLUs.
Usually AIR 1–80 depending on paper difficulty.
Yes, because paper difficulty, student performance, and competition levels change.
Yes, –0.25 for every wrong answer.
At the top, a 1-mark difference can change ranks by 80–100 positions.
Yes, but extremely rare. Papers rarely allow scores beyond 102–110.
CLAT does not have a pass/fail system – it is rank-based.
Only for newer or lower-ranked NLUs depending on category.
Based on trends, moderate difficulty is most likely.
Because the rank list follows score ordering across the entire country.
Generally AIR 900–1500.
Typically 1–3 marks for mid-tier NLUs, 3–5 marks for top NLUs.
Yes. Category cut-offs vary significantly and follow different patterns.
Aim for 95+ if targeting top NLUs and 85–90 for good mid-tier options.
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