CLAT 2026 Marks vs Rank: Key Differences, Merit List Deciding Factors

CLAT 2026 Exam will be conducted on December 7, 2025. In this article, candidates can understand key differences between CLAT ranks and marks, and what is more important to secure a seat at NLUs in India. Both CLAT rank and marks are the deciding factors for the merit list.

Difference between CLAT Marks and Ranks

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is conducted for admissions offered at the National Law Universities in India. CLAT Exam will be held on December 7, 2025. The Consortium is likely to announce the CLAT results within a week. The result is released in the form of marks as well as ranks. While CLAT ranks and marks are both helpful in preparing the merit list of a NLU, often candidates ask what exactly is the deciding factor in the final admission/ selection process? In this article, candidates can understand the key differences between CLAT rank and marks, and their role in preparation of a CLAT merit list 2026.

CLAT 2026 Marks

The Consortium of NLUs will award marks to a candidate on the basis of their performance in all the five sections of CLAT question paper (undergraduate) as under: 

For postgraduate courses as under:

Therefore, the scorecard of the CLAT exam includes scores obtained by candidates in each section, as well as overall scores obtained in the exam. 

CLAT Rank Predictor 2026

To shortlist candidates for the final seat allotment process, the exam authority arranges their names in order of merit. The merit ranks of candidates qualifying CLAT 2026 exam are determined based on the following factors: 

• Section-wise marks in CLAT
• Overall scores obtained in CLAT
• Age of the candidate 

In case there are ties in marks of two or more candidates, then the merit rank will be determined as under:

For undergraduate courses - 

• Candidates securing higher marks in the legal aptitude section of CLAT UG question paper will be ranked higher 
• In case of further tie, candidates older in age will be ranked higher 
• Finally, if the tie still exists, then a computerised draw of lots. 

For postgraduate courses - 

• Candidate older in age is ranked higher 
• In case of further ties, a computerized draw of lots will determine the ranks of candidates

CLAT 2026 Reservation Categories

CLAT ranks are arranged for each category as under: 

• General 
• Scheduled Caste 
• Scheduled Tribes
• Kashmiri Migrants 
• Other Backward Classes 
• Persons with Disabilities/ Specially Abled Persons
• J&K candidates
• Economically Weaker Section

Difference between CLAT 2026 Rank and Marks 

The major difference between CLAT 2026 ranks and marks is: 

• Marks are consolidated scores obtained in the CLAT exam
• Ranks are positioned in each category on the basis of marks and tie-breaking criteria

Therefore, it becomes essential for a candidate to score well in CLAT exam, in order to get a higher rank in the merit list. 

CLAT 2026 Marks vs Ranks - Deciding factor for Merit List 

Both CLAT rank and marks are the deciding factors for the merit list, as the exam authority allots ranks on the basis of marks obtained by candidates. Further, the qualified candidates are segregated on the basis of category (including horizontal reservations) for all NLUs. 

CLAT Cutoff Marks vs Ranks 

The cutoff marks for CLAT 2026 means the minimum marks a candidate needs to secure in all the sections as well as the overall question paper. Whereas, CLAT cutoff rank 2026 indicates category-wise rank (last) eligible to secure admission in a particular NLU. 

CLAT 2026 Marks 

Here are the expected cutoff marks for the CLAT exam for reference:

CLAT Cutoff Ranks 2026

The merit list is published for all participating NLUs, and category-wise ranks will be updated once announced. Candidates can check CLAT 2025 data until then below: 

CLAT 2024 Cutoff Ranks

Check the CLAT Cutoff rank for CLAT colleges for year 2024 for reference:

Read More: 

• CLAT Answer Key
• CLAT Exam Analysis
• What are NLUs (National Law Universities)? How are these Different from Other Law Schools?
• List of NLUs in India Ranking, Admissions, Eligibility, Courses, and Fees