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

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. Let’s take a look at what can be the expected CLAT cut-off 2026 category-wise and what kind of rank you might need, what’s this Freeze and Float option in counselling, and basically what you can do once cut-offs are out.

CLAT Cutoffs for NLUs

If you are planning to appear in the CLAT 2026, then your next big concern probably is – what’s the cut-off going to be? 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. Let’s take a look at what CLAT cut-off 2026 category wise mean, 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. The CLAT Exam is scheduled to be held on December 7, 2025. The exam will be conducted from 2 pm to 4 pm at the designated test centres. 

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.

CLAT 2026 Cut Offs for Top 10 NLUs

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

The above given expected cut off is for General Category. For reserved categories, the CLAT cutoffs will obviously be lower by a decent margin, like 10-20 per cent , 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:

Also Read: CLAT Reservation Criteria 2026

Factors Deciding the CLAT 2026 Cut Off

There’s no rocket science, really, but these are the main things that mess with the cut off every year:

• Paper Difficulty – The tougher the paper, the lower the marks needed.
• Total Students Appeared – More students = more competition.
• of Seats Available – If there are less 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 CLAT Counselling process 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 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 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 though! 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 cut offs 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