CLAT Dress Code 2026: Guidelines for Male & Female Candidates, Code of Conduct, Dos & Don’ts

Common Law Admission Test 2026 ( CLAT )

DeskCalelnderCounselling - 25 Feb '26 - 6 Mar '26

Swayam
Swayam Gupta
Associate Senior Executive
Updated on Dec 8, 2025 14:09 IST
Candidates taking the CLAT 2026 exam must strictly adhere to the dress code and exam day instructions set by the CNLUs. The Consortium has also issued a list of items that are not allowed inside the examination hall. This article on Shiksha outlines the CLAT 2026 dress code and the prohibited items within the exam center. Read further to know more.

Candidates had to follow the exam day instructions set by the CNLUs. The Consortium had issued a list of items that are not allowed inside the examination hall. This article outlines the CLAT 2026 dress code for male and female candidates and the prohibited items within the exam center. Read further to know more.

CLAT 2025 Dress Code for Male and Female

CLAT 2026 Dress Code for Male and Female

The Consortium of National Law Universities had announced the CLAT 2026 dates. The CLAT 2026 exam was held on December 07, 2025, from 2 pm to 4 pm. You can check the CLAT exam analysis based on the students' reactions. Candidates who appeared for the exam had to reach their test centre at least an hour before the exam in the suggested CLAT dress code given in the article. The CLAT exam was conducted in pen and paper mode. The non-adherence to the CLAT 2026 exam day guidelines can result in disqualification.

Candidates should be aware of the CLAT 2026 exam day instructions to be followed at the CLAT test centres. Read the CLAT 2026 exam day guidelines carefully. Candidates had to carry the documents allowed and avoid taking the prohibited items inside the center. Read the exam schedule carefully. The CLAT scores will be accepted by 24 National Law Universities for admission to the law courses. Read this article below to understand the complete CLAT 2026 exam day dress code for female and male candidates, what to wear, and what not to wear on the exam day.

Latest Update:

Table of contents
  • CLAT 2026 Highlights
  • CLAT 2026 Dress Code
  • CLAT 2026 Code of Conduct
  • CLAT 2026: Allowed and Banned Items
  • CLAT 2026: Dos and Don’ts

CLAT 2026 Highlights

Here are the key highlights of the CLAT 2026 exam

Features

Details

Exam Conducting Body

Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs)

Frequency of Conduct

Once a year 

CLAT 2026 exam date

07-Dec-2025 

Exam Level

National-level exam

Exam purpose 

CLAT is conducted for:

1.     Admission to UG and PG law courses offered at the participating NLUs

2.     Admissions to Private and self-financed colleges

3.     PSUs recruitment for legal positions

Application Fee

INR 4,000 for General/ OBC category, INR 3500 for all other reserved categories

Mode of Exam

Pen-and-paper mode

Question paper language

English (expected to be held in vernacular/ regional languages too)

Duration of the exam

2 hours

Number of Seats

UG program - more than 3,000 seats

PG program - around 1,000 seats

Website 

consortiumofnlus.ac.in 

Also Read:

Q:   What is CLAT Exam Timing?
A:

The Consortium of NLUs conducts the CLAT Exam from 2 pm to 4 pm. The exam is held only in one slot. There are no shifts in CLAT Exam. The exam will be held in pen-and-paper mode. 

Q:   What to carry on the CLAT Exam day?
A:

Apart from the CLATAdmit Card,  candidates must carry the following documents to the exam centre:

  • Passport-sized photograph (same as the one uploaded with the application form)
  • A valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card/ Driving Licence/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Voter ID)
  • Transparent water bottle
Q:   What are the dos and don'ts for CLAT exam day?
A:
 On CLAT exam day, candidates have to follow a number of guidelines like cooperating with the exam centre staff during identification process, etc.:

CLAT exam day dos:

  1. Reach examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your CLAT admit card.
  2. Carry two copies of the CLAT admit card, one photo ID card, passport size photos
  3. PwD candidates should carry relevant certificates and documents. 
  4. Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing attendance sheet 

CLAT exam day don'ts:

  1. Do not carry items such as bags, purses, pencil box, beepers, wrist watch, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, scanners, cameras, wireless/Bluetooth transmission or any such communication devices.
  2. Don't wear closed shoes, jewellery made of metal, jackets, clothes with pockets, mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed inside it.
  3. Don't wear caps, hoodies or jackets/shirts with pockets 
  4. Don't be late for exam. Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam. 

CLAT 2026 Dress Code

Candidates who appeared for the CLAT 2026 followed the professional look and maintained the CLAT dress code given below. In case of misconduct or not following the dress code, entry to the exam centre may not be allowed.

  • Comfortable clothing is advised.
  • No electronic devices will be allowed inside the examination hall.
  • No accessories will be allowed.
  • Candidates who wear religious attire for cultural reasons are allowed to wear them.
  • Clothes with printed slogans, logos, or graphics may not be allowed.
  • It is advised to wear the appropriate footwear. Avoid wearing any heels, long boot shoes, high ankle shoes, etc.
  • Avoid carrying jewellery like nose pins, chains, bracelets. Maintain a simple look without heavy jewellery.
  • Try to maintain an overall professional and formal look.

CLAT Dress Code For Female Candidates

Female candidates appearing for the CLAT exam must follow the given CLAT dress code guidelines:

  • Wear plain bottoms (leggings/trousers/salwar), simple kurti, tops, or shirt.
  • Avoid heels and uncomfortable clothing, wear sandals or slippers
  • Avoid jewellery, chains, and carrying hand bag or purse to the exam centre.

CLAT Dress Code For Male Candidates

CLAT 2026 Ideal dress code for male candidates:

  • Candidates can wear a casual t-shirt or shirts with jeans/trousers.
  • Avoid wearing caps, hats, watches or other accessories.
  • Prefer wearing sandals or slippers and avoid shoes. 

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CLAT 2026 Code of Conduct

All candidates must follow these guidelines

  • Reach the exam center at least one hour before
  • Carry a valid CLAT admit card & photo ID proof
  • Maintain discipline
  • No communication with others during the exam
  • Electronic devices are strictly prohibited. 
  • If a candidate is eligible for a scribe due to any disability, they must follow the guidelines as mentioned by the exam authorities.
Q:   When CLAT Objection Window will open?
A:

Candidates must note that CLAT 2026 Objection Window is now closed. Candidates could raise objection on CLAT Answer Key on or before December 12 until 5 pm. Once the objections were received, the consortium published the CLAT Final Answer Key. Based on that, the CLAT Result will be announced. 

Q:   What is CLAT 2027 date?
A:

The CLAT exam will be conducted in December 2026. The exam timing will be 2 pm to 4 pm. The consortium has not announced the CLAT Exam Dates yet. 

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CLAT 2026: Allowed and Banned Items

The list of allowed and banned items in the CLAT exam is given below. It is advised to carry the needed items only and avoid taking any banned items to the exam centre.

Allowed Items in CLAT Exam 2026

  • Admit Card
  • Identity Proof
  • Photographs
  • Water Bottle
  • Stationary items
  • Documents

Banned Items in CLAT Exam:

  • Electronic Devices
  • Study Material
  • Personal things
  • Food Items
  • Colored Bottles

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 CLAT 2026: Dos and Don’ts

The list of Dos and Don’ts for the CLAT Exam are stated below

Dos Don'ts
Do Carry Your Hall Ticket Do not carry Banned Items
Bring a printed copy of your admit card. Do not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, calculators, etc.
Do Bring a Valid Photo ID     Don’t Carry Bags or Purses
A valid photo ID like Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.  Bags, purses, and clutches are prohibited
Do Arrive Early Don’t Wear Unnecessary Jewelry
Arrive at least 2 hours before the exam starts Avoid wearing jewelry (rings, bracelets, etc.).
Do Follow the Dress Code   Do not move from your seat
Adhere to the dress code and wear simple, comfortable clothing.    Don’t leave your seat or exam hall once the exam has started.
Do Carry Allowed Items Don’t Communicate with Other Candidates
Carry two passport-size photos, transparent water bottle, and sanitizer.  Do not talk or share materials with other candidates.
Do Read Instructions Carefully Don’t Write on Admit Card or OMR Sheet
Follow all instructions on the admit card and from invigilators Do not make unauthorized marks on admit card or OMR sheet.
Do Use the Washroom Before the Exam Don’t Enter the Exam Hall Late
Use the restroom before the exam begins.  Late arrivals will not be allowed entry after the exam starts.
Do Fill OMR Sheet Carefully    Don’t Disregard Exam Center Instructions
Mark answers clearly and accurately on the OMR sheet. Follow all instructions from exam center staff.

Do Check Your Answers

Do not try to cheat


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About the Author
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Swayam Gupta
Associate Senior Executive

Law Education & Competitive Exams Content Specialist

Role: Senior Content Writer, Shiksha.com

Swayam writes content specializing in the law education and competitive exams domain, with around two year of experience

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Answered 3 days ago

Yes, you can join an LLB programme without CLAT at many law colleges in Mumbai. The most common entrance exam is not CLAT, but MHCET Law for 30+ government colleges in Mumbai. Find more about them below. 

  1. K.C Law College 
  2. Government Law College, Churchgate
  3. JCCL

Note: All info. is from official sites and

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Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

No, students do not need CLAT exam score for admission into BA LLB programme. The college offers merit-based admission based on score in Class 12. The students who score atleast 45% marks in Class 12 are eligible to apply for this course.

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Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, you can absolutely get admission to law college without taking the CLAT exam by applying to private colleges with direct/merit-based admission, taking state-level entrance exams, or appearing for university-specific tests like SLAT or AILET for other colleges. Many colleges base admission on Cl

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, you can find some good private law colleges in Chandigarh that do not necessarily require CLAT scores for LLB or related programmes. For instance, you can check Chitkara University's BA LLB course, which has merit-based admissions. without an entrance exam. If you are particularly looking for a

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Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

The Consortium of NLUs will conduct the CLAT Exam in offline; pen and paper mode. The exam will be conducted from 2 to 4 pm. 

N

Nitesh Srivastava

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 days ago

The CLAT 2026 exam will be conducted in over 131 test centres spread across 89 cities in 25 states and 5 union territories throughout India. The exam, conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, is a pen-and-paper-based test, with these numerous centers providing extensive access to la

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Akanksha

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 days ago

Candidates can check the allotted CLAT Exam Centre on their admit card. It must be noted that there is no way to know the exam centre except checking the hall ticket.

M

Mohit Dhawan

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 days ago

Candidates can apply for CLAT Exam by visiting consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Candidates must check the eligibility criteria before applying. CLAT Admission Process is completely online and no offline form will be accepted. 

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Chanchal Patra

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 days ago

While filling the CLAT application form 2026, candidates have to select three CLAT centres.  Based on the preferences added by the candidate, authorities will allot the exam centre based on the choices added. Candidates must select the districts which are near their permanent or present address and

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Priya Peter

Contributor-Level 8

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The CLAT 2026 exam will be conducted at over 130 test centres spread across 89 cities in India. These centers cover 25 states and 5 union territories. Candidates can select up to three, or sometimes more, test city preferences during the application process, with the exact number of venues subject t

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Anupama Mehra

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