CLAT PG: All About CLAT Postgraduate Exam for LLM

If you’ve completed your LL.B. and want to pursue an LL.M. from top National Law Universities, understanding what is CLAT PG is essential. 

The CLAT Postgraduate Exam for LL.M. is a national-level entrance test conducted by the Consortium of NLUs for admission to postgraduate law programs. The exam tests advanced legal knowledge across major law subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and Criminal Law. 

CLAT PG 2026 exam date is 7th December 2025, with 120 multiple-choice questions. Through this exam, students can secure LL.M. admission in 22 participating NLUs across India.

What is CLAT PG Exam?

CLAT PG (Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate) is a centralized national entrance test for admission to LL.M. programs offered by National Law Universities in India. 

It evaluates candidates’ understanding of core legal concepts and analytical ability. The exam consists of 120 objective-type questions, carrying one mark each, and includes subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Contract, Torts, and Criminal Law. 

Conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLUs), CLAT PG serves as the gateway to India’s premier LL.M. programs.

CLAT PG Exam: Key Highlights

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate (CLAT PG)
Conducting Body	Consortium of NLUs
Purpose	Admission to LL.M. (Postgraduate Law) Programs in NLUs
Exam Mode	Offline (Pen and Paper)
Exam Duration	2 Hours
Total Questions	120 (Objective Type)
Total Marks	120
Marking Scheme	+1 for correct answer, -0.25 for wrong answer
Medium of Exam	English
Exam Date	Sunday, 7th December 2025
Exam Timing	2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (2:00 PM – 4:40 PM for PwD)
Eligibility	LL.B. or equivalent degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Age Limit	No upper age limit
Application Mode	Online only
Application Fee	₹4,000 (Gen/OBC/NRI), ₹3,500 (SC/ST/BPL/PwD)
Participating NLUs	26 National Law Universities
Negative Marking	Yes (0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer)
Tie-Breaking Rule	Higher age, followed by computerized draw of lots

CLAT PG Exam Date

Event	Date
Online Application Opens	1st August 2025
Last Date to Submit Application	31st October 2025
CLAT PG Exam Date	7th December 2025
Admit Card Release	November 2025
Answer Key Publication	December 2025
Result Declaration	December 2025
Counselling Process Begins	Soon after result announcement

CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for CLAT PG ensure that only candidates with a valid LL.B. degree or equivalent qualification can apply. There is no upper age limit, making it accessible to all law graduates.

Eligibility Component	Details
Educational Qualification	LL.B. degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
Minimum Marks (General/OBC/NRI)	50% aggregate or equivalent grade.
Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PwD)	45% aggregate or equivalent grade.
Appearing Candidates	Eligible, provided they submit proof of qualification during admission.
Age Limit	No upper age limit for appearing in CLAT PG
Nationality	Open to Indian Nationals and NRIs. Foreign Nationals are not eligible.

Insight: If you’re awaiting your final LL.B. results, you can still apply, but you must produce proof of completion during counselling to secure admission.

CLAT PG Exam Pattern

Understanding the CLAT PG exam pattern helps candidates prepare strategically. The exam is offline, fully objective, and tests both conceptual and applied knowledge across diverse areas of law.

Exam Component	Details
Exam Mode	Offline (Pen and Paper Based)
Exam Duration	2 Hours
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions	120
Total Marks	120
Marking Scheme	+1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each wrong answer
Language of Exam	English

Insight: Each question tests in-depth legal understanding rather than rote memory. Regular practice with CLAT PG mock tests and previous papers helps you adapt to this exam’s analytical approach.

CLAT PG Syllabus

The CLAT PG syllabus covers a wide range of core and specialized legal subjects designed to test your conceptual understanding and analytical ability. 

Core Subject / Area of Law	Approx. Weightage (Out of 120 Marks)	Remarks / Preparation Focus
Constitutional Law	20–25 Marks	Most important section; expect direct and case-based questions.
Jurisprudence	10–15 Marks	Focus on legal theories and philosophical schools of law.
Administrative Law	5–8 Marks	Application-based questions on judicial review and natural justice.
Law of Contract	8–10 Marks	Conceptual clarity and case law understanding are key.
Law of Torts	5–8 Marks	Questions often revolve around doctrines and liabilities.
Family Law	5 Marks	Covers both Hindu and Muslim law principles.
Criminal Law	10–15 Marks	Case-driven questions from IPC and general principles.
Property Law	5 Marks	Fundamental concepts from the Transfer of Property Act.
Company Law	5–8 Marks	Based on corporate governance and statutory duties.
Public International Law	5–8 Marks	Expect questions on treaties, jurisdiction, and state responsibility.
Tax Law	3–5 Marks	Basic-level conceptual and application questions.
Environmental Law	5–8 Marks	Recent judgments and sustainable development principles are crucial.
Labour & Industrial Law	5 Marks	Focus on labour codes, industrial disputes, and trade unions.

Insight: Focus more on Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Jurisprudence since these carry the highest weightage and often form the foundation for analytical questions in CLAT PG.

Resources for CLAT PG Preparation:

Online CLAT PG Coaching

CLAT PG Mock Test

CLAT PG Application Process

Check the CLAT PG registration process:

• Register on the portal: Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in, sign up with your mobile number and email. Validate the OTP to create your account.
• Log in and choose the programme: Select PG carefully. Requests to change programme later are not entertained.
• Fill the application form: Enter personal, academic, and category details exactly as per your certificates; spelling errors can lead to disqualification.
• Upload documents: Photo, signature, and applicable certificates (SC/ST/OBC, PwD, BPL). Uploads must be in PDF format.
• Review critical fields: After submission + payment, programme, category, and BPL fields cannot be changed.
• Pay the fee online: ₹4,000 (General/OBC/NRI) or ₹3,500 (SC/ST/BPL/PwD). PYQ bundle costs ₹500 extra. Bank charges apply; fee is non-refundable.
• Download confirmation: Save the payment receipt/application summary for your records. (Good practice; helps during counselling.)

CLAT PG Admit Card

The CLAT PG admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the exam. It serves as your official entry pass to the test centre and contains crucial details like your roll number, exam timing, and venue. Candidates must download it only from the official Consortium website using their registered login credentials.

How to Download the CLAT PG Admit Card?

• Visit the official website: Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
• Login: Use your registered mobile number and password.
• Find the admit card link: Once released, click on “Download Admit Card / Hall Ticket.”
• Check all details: Verify your name, photograph, exam centre, and timing.
• Download and print: Save a copy and print two clear A4-size copies for safety.

Also checkout: CLAT UG vs CLAT PG

CLAT PG Results

The CLAT PG Result 2026 will be released online on the official website of the Consortium of NLUs, tentatively within 10 days of the exam date. 

How to Check CLAT PG 2026 Result?

• Visit the official website – consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
• Click on ‘CLAT 2026 Result’ link.
• Login with your registered mobile number and password.
• The result/scorecard will appear on the screen.
• Download and print your CLAT PG scorecard for future reference.

Tie-Breaking Policy in CLAT Postgraduate Exam

In case two or more candidates score the same marks in CLAT PG 2026, the tie will be resolved as per the following rules:

• Higher age will be given preference.
• If still tied, a computerized draw of lots will decide the final ranking.

What After CLAT PG Result?

Once the result is declared, qualified candidates must:

• Register for CLAT PG Counselling through the Consortium portal.
• Pay the counselling fee (as notified).
• Fill and lock their NLU preferences carefully.
• Await seat allotment and admission confirmation based on rank and choice.

CLAT PG Counselling Process

The CLAT PG counselling process is conducted online by the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLUs) for admission to LL.M. programs across 26 NLUs. Only candidates who qualify the exam and appear in the merit list can participate. 

The entire process involves registration, fee payment, preference filling, seat allotment, and admission confirmation.

Step	Description
Step 1: Online Registration	After result declaration, visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in and register for counselling using your CLAT login credentials.
Step 2: Pay Counselling Fee	Pay the non-refundable counselling fee (usually ₹30,000 for General and ₹20,000 for SC/ST/PwD candidates) to confirm your participation.
Step 3: Fill NLU Preferences	Select and arrange your preferred NLUs in order of priority. Be careful—seat allotment depends on both rank and preference order.
Step 4: Seat Allotment (Round 1)	Based on your merit rank, category, and preferences, the Consortium releases the first allotment list.
Step 5: Accept, Revise, or Exit Option	You can either accept the seat, apply for an upgrade (revise option), or exit the process if not satisfied.
Step 6: Upload Documents	Upload required documents (scorecard, mark sheets, category certificate, ID proof, etc.) for verification.
Step 7: Final Admission at Allotted NLU	Report to the allotted NLU within the specified time, pay the remaining admission fee, and complete formalities.

CLAT PG Participating NLUs 2026

A total of 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India will offer admission to their LL.M. (Postgraduate Law) programs through the CLAT PG 2026. 

S.No.	NLU Name	Location
1	National Law School of India University (NLSIU)	Bengaluru, Karnataka
2	NALSAR University of Law	Hyderabad, Telangana
3	National Law Institute University (NLIU)	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
4	WB National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)	Kolkata, West Bengal
5	National Law University, Jodhpur (NLUJ)	Jodhpur, Rajasthan
6	Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)	Gandhinagar, Gujarat
7	Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU)	Raipur, Chhattisgarh
8	Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU)	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
9	National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS)	Kochi, Kerala
10	Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL)	Patiala, Punjab
11	Chanakya National Law University (CNLU)	Patna, Bihar
12	Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU)	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
13	National Law University Odisha (NLUO)	Cuttack, Odisha
14	National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA)	Guwahati, Assam
15	National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL)	Ranchi, Jharkhand
16	Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU)	Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
17	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU)	Sonipat, Haryana
18	Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai (MNLU Mumbai)	Mumbai, Maharashtra
19	Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur (MNLU Nagpur)	Nagpur, Maharashtra
20	Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU)	Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
21	Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (MNLU Aurangabad)	Aurangabad, Maharashtra
22	Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU)	Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
23	National Law University Tripura (NLUT)	Agartala, Tripura
24	GNLU Silvassa Campus	Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli
25	Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU)	Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
26	India International University of Legal Education & Research (IIULER)	Goa

Each university has its own intake capacity, specialization areas, and fee structure. Admission is based purely on the CLAT PG rank and preference order submitted during counselling.

How to Prepare for CLAT PG Examination?

1. Understand Syllabus and Weightage Clearly

Start by going through the official CLAT PG syllabus and marking high-weightage subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and Criminal Law. Understanding what’s most important helps you prioritize topics smartly and manage your study time effectively.

2. Build Conceptual Clarity from Bare Acts

Don’t rely only on guides or notes. Read bare acts and landmark judgments to understand the language, intent, and interpretation of the law. This strengthens your conceptual base and helps you handle analytical questions confidently.

3. Practice with Previous Year Papers

Solving past CLAT PG previous year papers gives insight into question patterns and topic trends. It’s one of the best tools for realistic exam practice and identifying weak areas for revision.

4. Focus on Landmark Judgments and Case Laws

Questions in CLAT PG often refer to key Supreme Court judgments. Create a notebook of landmark cases, their principles, and year of judgment. Regularly revising these ensures you can recall and apply them during the exam.

5. Attempt Mock Tests and Analyze Performance

Regularly take CLAT PG mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Analyze each test thoroughly — not just your score but your accuracy and time management. Law Prep’s CLAT PG Mock Test Series helps track progress through detailed performance analytics.

6. Make Short Notes and Revise Frequently

Revision is the key to retention. Prepare concise notes for each subject summarizing sections, definitions, and doctrines. Revise them weekly and before the exam to keep everything fresh in memory.

CLAT PG Answer Key and Objection Window

The CLAT PG Answer Key helps candidates evaluate their performance before the results are announced. It contains all the correct responses to the questions asked in the exam and is released in two stages — Provisional and Final. 

This transparency ensures fair evaluation and allows candidates to challenge any discrepancies within the specified period.

Types of Answer Keys

Type	Description
Provisional Answer Key	Released shortly after the exam, this version allows candidates to check answers and raise objections if they find any errors.
Final Answer Key	Published after reviewing all objections. It reflects the final, corrected answers used to calculate scores. No further challenges are allowed.

How to Raise Objections?

Step	Action
1. Log in to the Portal	Access the objection form link from your candidate dashboard.
2. Select Question(s)	Choose the specific question(s) you want to challenge.
3. Provide Justification	Upload supporting references or legal reasoning for your objection.
4. Pay the Fee	A nominal non-refundable fee (as prescribed by the Consortium) must be paid per question challenged.
5. Submit Before Deadline	Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

CLAT PG Cut Offs

The CLAT PG cut-off represents the minimum marks or rank required to secure admission into the LL.M. programs of top National Law Universities (NLUs). Below is the cut-off for CLAT PG 2025 exam’s round-1:

NLU	General (Closing Rank)	OBC (Closing Rank)	SC (Closing Rank)	ST (Closing Rank)	EWS (Closing Rank)
NLSIU Bengaluru	108	297	510	1354	431
NALSAR Hyderabad	143	262	580	1003	404
NLIU Bhopal	295	878	1530	1749	—
WBNUJS Kolkata	411	1490*	979	1866	—
NLU Jodhpur	454	567	1864	3638	523
HNLU Raipur	719	1249	2923	4497	—
GNLU Gandhinagar	387	955	1110	—	699
GNLU Silvassa	918	1413	3288	5176	1196
RMLNLU Lucknow	178	342*	751*	2302*	496*
RGNUL Patiala	791	—	950	1847	—
CNLU Patna	865	1319*	1280*	7594*	1842*
NUALS Kochi	1131	—	2198*	—	—
NLU Odisha	1051	—	3826	5410	—
NUSRL Ranchi	1106	1169	3952	3053	1153
NLUJA Assam	1255	5002*	6184*	7339*	7508*
DSNLU Visakhapatnam	1265	1513	4070	5867	1288
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli	1290	1497	2409	2740	—
MNLU Mumbai	478	2096*	3992*	7484*	2563*
MNLU Nagpur	1020	6381*	7826*	13591*	4743*
MNLU Aurangabad	1389	5395*	7996*	10955*	4563*
HPNLU Shimla	1226	—	3851	4551	—
MPDNLU Jabalpur	1408	2112	4313	6815	1537
NLUT Agartala	1512	—	—	8203*	—
IIULER Goa	1252	1570	3954	5155	1621

The cut-off vary each year depending on factors such as exam difficulty, number of applicants, total seats available, and candidate performance. Analysing past years’ cut-offs helps aspirants estimate a safe target score for their preferred NLU.

Documents Required During CLAT PG Admission

After seat allotment, shortlisted candidates must report to their allotted NLU and complete the verification process. Failing to produce any required document can lead to cancellation of admission, so ensure all originals and photocopies are ready beforehand.

• CLAT PG Admit Card
• CLAT PG Scorecard / Rank Card
• Provisional Allotment Letter (issued by the Consortium)
• LL.B. Degree Certificate / Provisional Degree
• Mark Sheets of All Semesters / Years of LL.B. Program
• Transfer Certificate / Migration Certificate from last attended institution
• Character Certificate / Conduct Certificate
• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) — if applicable
• PwD Certificate (if applicable, issued by a competent medical authority)
• Domicile Certificate (for state quota seats, if applicable)
• Passport-size Photographs (recent, as per university requirement)
• Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID / Driving Licence)
• Fee Payment Receipt / Demand Draft for the first-semester fee
• Medical Fitness Certificate (if required by the respective NLU)

FAQs About CLAT PG