CLAT 2026 Cutoffs for NLUs: Expected Cut-off Rank, Marks, Admission Process

CLAT cut-off is the minimum marks a candidate requires to get a seat in a particular NLU. Every year, after CLAT Results, the Consortium releases CLAT seat allotments based on rank, category and preferences. Let’s take a look at how many marks out of 120 are required to qualify the CLAT 2026, and what can be the expected category-wise CLAT cut-off 2026, and what kind of rank you might need, the Freeze and Float option in counselling, and basically what after the CLAT cut-offs are released.

CLAT Cut-off for NLUs

The candidates who appeared for the CLAT 2026 must want to know how much score is needed to qualify exam or what the CLAT cut off can be this year. As the CLAT exam is for 120 marks now, candidates who score 100+ can secure a seat at any top NLU of the country. Whether you want to get into NLSIU Bangalore or one of the newer NLUs, the cut-off plays a huge role in shaping your next few years. The CLAT first allotment list will be published on January 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Let’s take a look at what the CLAT cut-off 2026 category-wise means, what kind of rank you might need, what this Freeze and Float thing in counselling is, and basically what you can do once cut-offs are out.

Latest Update: CLAT 2026 First Merit List @consortiumofnlus.ac.in Live Updates

Also Read: How many Students Appeared for CLAT 2026

The CLAT Exam was conducted on December 7, 2025, from 2 pm to 4 pm at the designated test centres. Candidates will be able to calculate their score through the Answer Key. The CLAT Final Answer key was released on December 16, 2025. The consortium has closed the registrations for admission counselling on December 27. 

What is CLAT Cut Off?

CLAT cut off is the minimum marks or All India Rank (AIR) that you need to get a seat in a particular NLU. Every year, after CLAT Results, the Consortium releases CLAT seat allotments based on rank, category and preferences. So yeah, it’s not one single number, but many, depending on which NLU you want and what category you’re from.

Also Read:

• What is a Good Score in CLAT 2026
• CLAT Exam Analysis

CLAT 2026 Cut Offs for Top 10 NLUs

To get an idea about the CLAT cutoff 2026 for the top 10 NLUs, students can check the expected cut-off below:

The CLAT 2026 [expected] cut-off for the General Category in the top NLU can go up to 100+. For reserved categories, the CLAT cutoffs will obviously be lower by a decent margin, like 10-20 %, depending on your reservation and the NLU.

CLAT 2026 Expected Rank and Marks

Candidates can check the Expected CLAT 2026 ranks and marks for the particular rank range below-

CLAT Cut Off 2026 Category-wise (Expected)

Candidates can check the CLAT 2026 Cutoff category-wise below:

The above given is the CLAT 2026 expected cutoff (in rank) for each category. The CLAT 2026 expected rank for the general category would be between 1 to 1000, and for OBC, 1000 to 2000. For EWS- 1200 to 2500, for SC- 2800 to 5000, for ST 4000 to 6000, and for PwD, it can differ, based on disability type and reservation.

Also Read: CLAT Reservation Criteria 2026

Factors Deciding the CLAT 2026 Cut Off

The CLAT 2026 Cutoffs depend on factors such as exam difficulty, the number of students who appeared for the exam, available seats, reservation, and the candidate's preference.

• Paper Difficulty- The tougher the paper, the lower the marks needed.
• Total Students Appeared- More students = more competition.
• Seats Available- If there are fewer seats, cut-off shoots up.
• Reservation Rules- Different NLUs have different quota policies.
• Your Preferences- Popular NLUs fill faster, hence higher cutoffs.

Also Read: CLAT College Predictor 2026

CLAT 2026 Counselling Process

Candidates must note that the CLAT Counselling process has begun, and it is completely online. Also, the Consortium will send an invitation for CLAT Counselling. That means, if your name comes in the list, you should attend:

• Register and pay the counselling fee (INR 30,000 for Gen/OBC and INR 20,000 for SC/ST)
• Choose your NLU preferences wisely
• Wait for the allotment round 
• Once you get a seat, you choose either Freeze / Float / Exit

CLAT 2026: What is Freeze, Float & Exit Option?

To help you understand these three major options that will play a crucial role in your CLAT Counselling, read below:

Freeze = “I’m happy with this NLU. Lock it!”

Float = “This is okay for now, but I still wanna try for a better one.”

Exit = “I don’t want any seat. I’m out.”

Be careful! If you don’t pick an option or don’t pay, you might lose your seat. No second chances.

What To Do After CLAT 2026 Cut Off Comes Out?

Here’s what you should probably do:

• First, see if your CLAT 2026 Rank falls under any NLU’s cut-off.
• If yes, pay the fee and respond fast.
• If you’re not allotted in the first list, don’t lose hope – later rounds usually open up more seats.
• If you’re thinking of taking a drop year, do it only after serious thinking.

CLAT cutoffs 2026, category-wise will mostly stay close to 2025 levels with minor shifts. NLSIU, NALSAR and NUJS will still have the highest cut-offs. Don’t panic if you didn’t get your dream NLU in Round 1 — you’ve still got time and options. CLAT Counselling is a tricky phase – Freeze, Float and Exit are big decisions, so think it through. And whatever you decide, make sure it's based on your long-term goal, not just peer pressure.

Also Read:

• CLAT 2026 Result (UG/PG): Scorecard PDF Link, Toppers, Rank List & Tie-breaker Rule
• CLAT Seat Allotment 2025: Allotment List PDF, Documents Required, NLU Course Fees