The CLAT 2026 exam date was held on December 07, 2025. The exam, conducted from 2 PM to 4 PM. We have provided the CLAT exam day instructions, things that are prohibited to carry to the exam centre, things to carry, expected cut off, and more.
CLAT 2026 Exam: The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026, scheduled on December 07, 2025, has concluded. The Common Law Admission Test was conducted in pen-and-paper mode. The CLAT admit card was released on November 22, 2025. The Consortium had released the CLAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines along with the hall ticket. The candidates had to strictly follow the exam day instructions on the exam day.
The CLAT exam analysis had released based on the candidate's reaction. The Consortium will release the CLAT 2026 Answer Key on December 10 at 5:00 pm at consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2026. The Consortium will release the CLAT 2026 Question Paper with the answer key. Candidates who appear for the exam will also be able to download the CLAT OMR Sheet from the website.
Candidates had to be aware of the CLAT 2026 exam day guidelines concerning documents to be carried, things prohibited inside the center, and the schedule of exam. The scores of CLAT will be accepted by 24 National Law Universities for admission to various law courses like, BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB and B.Sc LLB and LLM programmes. Read this article below to understand the complete CLAT 2026 exam day guidelines that will be required to be prepared for the exam day.
Also Read:
- CLAT 2026 Exam Day Bell Timings
- CLAT Exam Day Guidelines for CLAT Exam Centre 2026
- List of acceptable ID proofs on CLAT Exam day
- Things NOT to Carry to CLAT Exam Centre 2026
- CLAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines & Instructions
- CLAT Exam Instructions 2026 inside the CLAT exam centre
- How to Use the CLAT 2026 OMR Response Sheet?
- CLAT 2026 - Must Know
- CLAT Exam Day FAQs
CLAT 2026 Exam Day Bell Timings
Candidates can check the bell timing for CLAT Exam 2026 below:
| Particulars | Bell type | Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry inside the examination hall begins | Long bell | 1:00 pm onwards |
| Entry of Candidates inside the hall/ classroom | Long bell | 1:30 pm |
| Distribution of the sealed Envelopes and announcement of Instructions by the Invigilators |
Short bell | 1:50 pm |
| Exam begins and candidates can open the seal of QB | Long bell | 2:00 pm |
| Last chance to enter inside the exam centre | Short bell | 2:15 pm |
| Completion of 60 minutes | Short bell | 3:00 pm |
| Warning bell for 10 minutes remaining for the exam | Short bell | 3:50 pm |
| Exam ends, except for PWD Candidates. (No candidate shall be allowed to write anything on the OMR Response Sheet/ Question Paper Booklet after this Bell). PWD Candidates shall get compensatory time of extra 40 minutes. |
Long bell | 4:00 pm |
Commonly asked questions
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.
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
CLAT exam day dos:
- Reach examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your CLAT admit card.
- Carry two copies of the CLAT admit card, one photo ID card, passport size photos
- PwD candidates should carry relevant certificates and documents.
- Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing attendance sheet
CLAT exam day don'ts:
- 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.
- Don't wear closed shoes, jewellery made of metal, jackets, clothes with pockets, mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed inside it.
- Don't wear caps, hoodies or jackets/shirts with pockets
- Don't be late for exam. Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam.
Candidates must note that CLAT 2027 Objection Window will open once the answer key is released. Candidates can raise objection on CLAT Answer Key on or before the last date. Once the objections are received, the consortium will publish the CLAT Final Answer Key. Based on that, the CLAT Result will be announced.
CLAT Exam Day Guidelines for CLAT Exam Centre 2026
On the exam day, candidates had to carry the following items to the allotted CLAT test center 2026:
- Download CLAT admit card 2026: The CLAT 2026 hall ticket will be a mandatory document to be carried to the test centre. Candidates can download the CLAT admit card from the official website of the exam by using their mobile number and password.
- Keep ID proof ready: Along with the admit card, candidates will be required to carry a valid and original photo ID proof to the test center. Both the ID proof and the admit card will be checked at the entry gate of the CLAT test center. Candidates can carry documents such as an Aadhaar Card, Driver's License, Passport, Voter ID, etc., as valid ID proofs.
- Attested photo: In case the photograph printed on the admit card was not clear, such candidates will be required to carry an attested photograph to the Common Law Admission Test center. The photo is required to match the photograph printed on the CLAT 2026 admit card.
- Disability certificate: For candidates belonging to Persons with Disability (PwD) category, it is also mandatory to carry their disability certificate
- Blue/black ball-point pen: Since CLAT 2026 is an offline exam, candidates are required to carry a ball-point pen of blue and black colour to the centre. Candidates will not be allowed to use a pen of any other colour for writing on the admit card or filling the details on the OMR sheet.
- Transparent water bottle: Water will not be offered to the candidates by the test centre authorities. Therefore, candidates can carry their water bottles. However, the water bottle is required to be transparent. Any other type of bottle will not be allowed inside the test centre premises.
- Analogue watch: Candidates will also be allowed to carry analogue watches inside the test centre
Also Read: CLAT Current Affairs and GK Section Preparation 2026: Syllabus, Important Topics, Books, Tips
List of acceptable ID proofs on CLAT Exam day
Candidates can check the list of ID proofs that will be accepted in CLAT Test Centres below:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- PAN card
- Ration card/PDS photo card
- Voter ID card
- Driving license
- Photo ID issued by a recognised educational institution
- Photobank ATM card
- Kissan photo passbook
- CGHS/ECHS photo card
- Address card mentioning the name and photo issued by the department of posts
- Certificate of identity having photo issued by gazetted officer or tehsildar on letterhead
- Disability ID card/handicapped medical certificate issued by the respective State/UT governments/administrations
Also Read: CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning: Legal Aptitude Questions, Preparation Tips & Tricks
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
A good rank in the CLAT exam for general category students is under 1,000–1,500 to secure admission in top-tier National Law Universities (NLUs). A rank under 500 is considered excellent for the top 5 NLUs, while a rank up to 3,000–5,000 can still secure a seat in newer, mid-tier NLUs.
The CLAT exam duration is two hours for both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate. It will have 120 multiple choice questions. For each correct answer one makrs will be given and -0.25 will be deducted for incorrect ones.
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Things NOT to Carry to CLAT Exam Centre 2026
Apart from the items and documents mentioned above, candidates are not allowed to carry the following items inside the test centre:
| Calculator | Mobile Phone |
| Digital Watch | Bags |
| Headphones | Camera |
| Study material | Any kind of digital items |
Also Read: CLAT Dress Code for Male and Female Candidates
CLAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines & Instructions
Check out the major CLAT exam day guidelines that candidates will have to follow before and after entering the test centre below:
Before entering the CLAT exam centre
Major instructions that candidates must follow before entering the test centre include-
- Reporting time: All candidates are required to report to the allotted CLAT exam center at least one hour before the commencement of the exam, i.e., by 1:00 PM. It is to be noted that no candidate is allowed to enter the exam hall 15 minutes after the commencement of the exam.
- Baggage: Candidates are advised to carry only minimal items to the CLAT test centre. All the baggage will be kept outside the centre, and the authorities will not be responsible for any loss or damage to items.
- Document verification: The admit card, along with the original photo ID proof, will be checked by the centre authorities at the entry gate. Therefore, candidates have to keep them ready and handy for verification.
- If a candidate is suffering from an illness, they will have to carry their medication. If the candidate needs an isolated facility to attempt the test due to illness they can write to nodalofficer-pwd@consortiumofnlus.ac.in
Also Read: How to clear CLAT 2026 in first attempt?
CLAT exam day guidelines for PWDs and Specially abled persons
Candidates appeared for CLAT Exam under PWD/ Specially-abled persons criteria had to follow the important instructions mentioned below:
- Total time provided to PwDs/SAPs in CLAT 2026 will be 40 minutes extra; i.e. 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- PwDs/ SAPs candidates will have to carry their original Disability Certificate to the Test Centre on the day of the CLAT 2026.
- PwDs/SAPs who wish to make arrangements for getting their personal scribe will have to inform the Consortium and bear the associated costs.
- PwDs/SAPs candidates who wish to avail the facility of a scribe through the Consortium will have to send an email to the consortium with the duly filled proformas given below within the prescribed deadline.
Documents to be kept by Candidates after CLAT Exam
Candidates must note throw or misplace the documents mentioned below after the CLAT Exam:
- Question paper of CLAT
- OMR sheet copy
- CLAT admit card
Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 Logical Reasoning: Important Tips, Books, Topics & More
Commonly asked questions
The mode of the CLAT exam is offline or paper-based mode. Candidates are handed over hardcopy of CLAT question paper and OMR sheets to answer the questions. Candidates will have to be careful while filling OMR sheet as any scratch or cuts in the OMR sheet will lead to disqualification.
While filling the CLAT application form 2027, 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 easy to commute. It is important for candidates to reach the CLAT exam centre on time to complete the verification process.
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 law aspirants nationwide.
As of 2026, 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) participate in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). These universities offer undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs, with over 5,600 seats available in total. NLU Delhi is the only exception, conducting its own entrance exam (AILET) rather than participating in CLAT
CLAT Exam Instructions 2026 inside the CLAT exam centre
Candidates had to follow the given protocols while reporting to the exam authorities at the exam centre. During the reporting, candidates have to follow the instructions as under:
- Invigilator instructions: Candidates must follow the instructions given by the invigilator inside the exam hall. No doubts relating to the CLAT questions 2026 were entertained during the exam.
- Admit card: All candidates had to sign their admit card in the exam hall in the presence of the invigilator
- Unfair means: During the exam, candidates should not be involved in any unfair means, as it can lead to their disqualification from the exam. Also, such candidates are liable to be prosecuted.
- Exit: Candidates were not allowed to leave the exam hall till the completion of the test, that is, till 4 pm. Also, candidates must leave the exam hall only after submitting the OMR response sheet.
- CLAT question paper and response sheet: The CLAT OMR response sheet is carbonised. Candidates were allowed to carry the carbonised copy along with the CLAT question paper 2026 outside the center after the completion of the paper. Candidates must keep the carbonised copy of the OMR sheet with care.
Also Read: Tips to Prepare for English Section of CLAT 2026 Exam: Books, Important Topics
How to Use the CLAT 2026 OMR Response Sheet?
While filling the CLAT OMR sheet 2026, candidates had to keep in mind the following points:
- Pen: Candidates should only use a black/blue ball-point pen to write on the admit card or mark their answers on the OMR sheet
- Marking the answer: Candidates should indicate only one answer by shading a circle from the given options
- Shading of circle: Candidates should shade the circle on the OMR sheet entirely without leaving any space. Incomplete circles will not be considered for evaluation. Questions in which candidates shade two circles will also not be evaluated.
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CLAT 2026 - Must Know
Important points regarding the CLAT question paper pattern that candidates must remember include:
- CLAT question paper for UG courses will contain 150 passage-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs) of 150 marks. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks.
- CLAT question paper for LLM will contain 120 MCQs of 120 marks. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks.
CLAT Exam Day FAQs
Q. What is the reporting timings for CLAT 2026?
A. CLAT 2026 Exam Timing is 2 pm to 4 pm. Candidates must report at least an hour before the exam timings to test centre. The exact timings for reporting and frisking are mentioned on CLAT admit card.
Q. What document can be carried as a photo identification proof along with CLAT 2026 admit card?
A. Candidates can carry any valid photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, Driver's Liscense, Voter Id, Passport, PAN Card. Note: Aadhaar Card Enrollment slip is not considered as a valid photo ID proof.
Q. Can I take breaks during the examination?
A. CLAT exam is of two hours duration, and a candidates is required to sit through the examination. Therefore, taking breaks midway is not allowed.
Q. When will the answer key of CLAT 2026 be released?
A. CLAT 2026 answer keys will be published on the official website within few hours after the examination.
Q. Will the exam centre officials provide test-taking material like pen?
A. No, the exam centre officials do not provide any test-taking items like pen or pencil. The candidates need to carry their own HB pencil and black/ blue inked pens to fill the OMR sheet.
Q. Was there any sectional time limit for CLAT 2026
A. No, there is no sectional time limit for CLAT 2026. The exam will begin at 2 pm and end at 4 pm, and the test-takers can manage the time between the sections as per their covenience.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
For CLAT 2026 Category 1 students (General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI), the fee structure has three main components:
CLAT 2026 Fee Structure for Category 1
1. Exam Registration Fee
- ₹4,000 (without question papers)
- ₹4,500 (with question papers)
- Payment via online modes (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI).
2. C
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can join the BBA LLB programme in Amrita International School of Law without CLAT exam. If you have a valid AILET score, you can submit it for admission. Else you can appear for Amrita Law Admission Test (AmLAT).
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can join Amrita International School of Law without CLAT exam. If you have a valid AILET score, you can submit it for BA LLB admission. Otherwise, you can appear for Amrita Law Admission Test (AmLAT).
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Both the Andhra Pradesh LAWCET and CLAT entrance exam are conducted for admission to the Law schools in India, however, the syllabus for these exams are different on many parameters and candidates should strategise differently for both the exams. Andhra Pradesh LAWCET exam has sections including Cur
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, CLAT is not compulsory to take admission in Ishaan Institute of Law. The institute offers admission into the courses such as LLB, BA LLB and LLM based on the merit achieved by the candidates in their last qualifying exam. Application process is compulsory and it can be conducted online/offline.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
You can find it on many platforms, such as Lawprep Tutorial and Shiksha itself, but I'm a Law Prep student, and I found their format of solutions better.
P
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a month ago
The charges for CLAT registration are 4000 Rs. for General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates. While its Rs. 3,500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates. Candidates have options like UPI, Credit Card, Debit Card & Net Banking when it comes to paying for the same.
Read more
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Based on recent CLAT analyses, the English Language and General Knowledge & Current Affairs sections were rated as the easiest. English is more about reading comprehension with direct questions. GK is highly scoring for those with consistent, up-to-date daily news preparation.
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
The CLAT exam for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses will be held for 2 hours. There will be 120 MCQs. The total number of sections in the question paper will be five.
D
Contributor-Level 8
Law Education & Competitive Exams Content Specialist
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