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Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
Updated on Feb 5, 2026 10:43 IST
The CLAT 2026 Selection Process is a comprehensive and competitive route to securing admission to India’s top law schools. Read further to know about the right preparation strategy, understand the eligibility requirements, and stay focused throughout the exam and counseling stages.

Understanding the CLAT 2026 Selection Process is important to get a seat in NLUs. Read further to know about the same. 

CLAT Selection Process 2026: Marks Distribution, Pattern, Syllabus, Counselling Process

The Common Law Admission Test is conducted for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law courses in the country. The CLAT Counselling Process 2026 is currently underway for postgraduate courses. However, the CLAT UG Counselling 2026 has been put on hold and new schedule will be released soon.CLAT Exam Date was December 7, 2025. The exam was held across the country in more than 140 exam centres. The CLAT Exam was held in pen-and-paper mode. 

Table of contents
  • CLAT Selection Process 2026: Know here
  • CLAT Answer Key
  • How to download CLAT 2026 Answer Key?
  • How to Check CLAT 2026 Merit List ?
  • What after CLAT 2026 Seat Allotment Result - Counselling Process
  • Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026

CLAT Selection Process 2026: Know here

The selection process for CLAT 2026 involves various steps and it is important to understand it. Check all the steps and processes.

CLAT Eligibility 2026

Candidates who meet the eligibility were issued the CLAT Admit Card. Candidates could check CLAT Eligibility Criteria for both UG and PG program below

Eligibility for the UG Program

Candidates who meet the following criteria were eligible for the CLAT UG Program (BA LLB). Parameters that candidates need to meet to fulfill CLAT eligibility criteria for undergraduate (UG ) level law courses are mentioned below. Candidates must ensure that they meet the required CLAT UG 2027 Eligibility Criteria:

Criteria Eligibility
Educational Requirement
  • Candidates should clear Class 12 with a minimum 45 per cent aggregate (applicable for candidates belonging to General/ Other Backward Class (OBC)/ Person with Disability (PwD)/ Non-Resident Indian (NRI)/ Person of Indian Origin (PIO)/ Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) category)
  • Candidates should clear Class 12 with a minimum 40 per cent aggregate (applicable for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC)/ Scheduled Tribe (ST) category)
  • Candidates appearing for their Class 12 board examinations in March/April are also eligible to apply for CLAT 2027 exam. However, such candidates need to produce proof of passing Class 12 or equivalent exam at the time of admission. Candidates unable to produce the evidence shall forfeit their right of admission through CLAT exam
CLAT Age Limit No age bar

Eligibility for the PG Program

Candidates must ensure that they meet the required CLAT PG 2027 Eligibility Criteria.Candidates can check the eligibility criteria for CLAT PG 2027 below. 

Criteria Eligibility
Educational Requirement
  • Candidates belonging to General/ OBC/ PwD/ NRI/ PIO/ OCI category should possess an LLB or equivalent degree with minimum 50 per cent aggregate
  • Candidates belonging to SC/ ST category should possess an LLB or equivalent degree with minimum of 45 per cent aggregate
  • Candidates appearing for the final year examination of their qualifying degree are also eligible to apply for CLAT
CLAT Age Limit No age bar

Also Read: CLAT 2026 Question Paper Booklet (UG/PG): Download All Sets PDF

CLAT Exam 2026

The CLAT 2026 Exam was then the next step in the selection process. There were separate patterns for UG and PG programs, as detailed below

CLAT UG Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates could check  CLAT UG Exam Pattern below

Particulars

CLAT Exam Pattern Highlights

Total Duration

2 hours

Number of Questions

150

Total Marks

150

Question Type

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Also Read: What after CLAT: Result, Counselling, Admission Process and courses

CLAT 2026 Sectional Weightage

The CLAT Question Paper carried 120 MCQ for 120 marks. Going by the CLAT 2026 sectional weightage, candidates could check the section-wise questions weightage as under:

Sections

MCQs per section

Maximum Marks

Approximate Weightage (in %)

English Language

28-32 

28-32 

18.66 - 21.33

Current Affairs including GK

35-39 

35-39 

23.33 - 26

Logical Reasoning

28-32 

28-32

18.66 - 21.33

Legal Reasoning

35-39 

35-39

23.33 - 26

Quantitative Techniques (Elementary Mathematics up to Class 10)

13-17 

13-17 

8.66 - 11.33

Total 

120

120

100%

Also Read: Synonyms & Antonyms for Law Entrance: List of Most Commonly Asked Words

CLAT PG Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates could check the CLAT LLM Exam Pattern below:

Particulars

CLAT Exam Pattern Highlights

Total Duration

2 hours

Number of Questions

100

Total Marks

120

Question Type

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

CLAT LLM Pattern 2026: Section-Wise & Weightage

CLAT question paper 2026 for LLM contained objective-type questions. There were 120 MCQs that candidates had to attempt in two hours. Check the complete CLAT LLM exam pattern for each for reference below.

CLAT LLM Sections

MCQs per section

Marks per section

Sec A – Constitutional Law

120

120

Sec B - Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR and Jurisprudence.

Sec C – Law topics and Contemporary issues

Also Read: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning

CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme

The consortium released the marking scheme for CLAT 2026 Exam. Aspirants could refer to the marking scheme for UG courses below

  • For every correct answer, candidates were awarded one mark
  • For every wrong attempt, 0.25 marks was deducted from their total score. No marks were awarded or deducted for questions not left un-attempted.

CLAT Marking Parameters

Marks Awarded

Correct answer

+1 marks

Incorrect answer

-0.25 marks

Un-attempted question

0 marks

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are important preparation strategies for CLAT 2026?
A: 

Candidates could check important preparation strategies of CLAT 2026 below

  • Prepare a monthly and weekly timetable and have the syllabus handy
  • Make sure to cover all the topics and concepts right on time and revise them at frequent intervals
  • Write mock tests and practice tests frequently and analyze the tests taken to recognize the weak areas, and work towards improving them
  • Do not make assumptions while attempting the questions in actual CLAT as for every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted
Q:   Will I receive CLAT Scorecard through post?
A: 

No, the CLAT Scorecard will not be sent by post. The only way to get the scorecard is to download it online. Candidates can visit CLAT portal; i.e. consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Enter their login ID and password. The CLAT Result will appear on their screen. 

Q:   Can I appear for CLAT Counselling if I failed to clear the exam?
A: 

No, you can not appear for counselling if you have not cleared CLAT Exam. 

Q:   What is the expected date for CLAT Result?
A: 

The CLAT Result is normally released just a few days after the final answer key has been displayed. Candidates must note that the result is not announced until the final answer key is published.

CLAT Answer Key

The Consortium released the CLAT Provisional Answer Key PDF first. Candidates were able to challenge the same until the CLAT Objection Window was open. Once the Consortium received all the objections, it released the CLAT Final Answer Key. The result for CLAT Exam was released based on CLAT Final Answer Key.

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How to download CLAT 2026 Answer Key?

  • Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in  
  • Click on CLAT 2026 link
  • Click on CLAT UG answer key link
  • View, download and save CLAT 2026 UG answer key and question paper PDF.

Also Read: CLAT NLU CutOff 2026 

CLAT Results and Merit List

The Consortium released the CLAT Results on December 16, 2025, and the CLAT First Merit list for both UG and PG programs was released on January 7, 2026, at 10 AM. Candidates were ranked according to their scores, and the merit list determined their eligibility for the next stage.

How to Check CLAT 2026 Result?

Candidates could download the CLAT result 2026 following the steps mentioned below:

  1. Click on the result link given above or directly enter:  https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2026/view-result.html
  2. A log-in window will open.
  3. Fill in the following details:
    1. CLAT 2026 application number / Admit card number
    2. Date of birth 
  4. On successful login, the results will be displayed on the screen
  5. Download and take a printout of the CLAT 2026 scorecard.

Also Read: CLAT 2026 Cutoffs for NLUs

How to Check CLAT 2026 Merit List ?

Candidates can check the NLU-wise CLAT merit list by following the below given process-

  • Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in
  • Navigate to Notifications section
  • Click on CLAT 2026 First Allotment List link
  • View and download the CLAT first allotment list 2026

What after CLAT 2026 Seat Allotment Result - Counselling Process

All candidates will be allotted seat through these steps

Accept the seat: This option is used by candidates to confirm their choice of NLU. Once the lock option is used, a candidate's seat at the allotted NLU is freezed. Thereafter, the candidate need not participate in further seat allotment rounds and complete the remaining admission formalities (mentioned below).  

Apply for Upgrade: This option is used when candidates want to change the allotted institute to his or her higher choice (upward shifting). Candidates choosing upgrade are considered active participants, therefore, they too need to complete the remaining admission formalities (mentioned below). 

Exit from seat allotment: Candidates can choose to exit from the counselling process if they do not wish to participate in the current or further rounds of counselling. It may be noted that once exited, candidates will not be given another chance to participate in the counselling for NLU admissions. 

Completing admission formalities

If a candidate accepts the allotted seat or apply for upgrade, they need to upload all the prescribed documents on the official website for verification. Thereafter, they also need to pay the remaining admission fee to the allotted NLU. 

Also Read: CLAT Counselling Important Documents

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Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026

The tips to pass the CLAT Exam 2026 in the first attempt are given below

  • Understand the exam pattern properly.
  • Daily practice and revise whatever you study.
  • Keeping track of current affairs.
  • Mock Tests.
  • Time Management.
  • Solve previous year question papers.

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About the Author
author-image
Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content

She has over 10 years of experience in the education and publishing sectors. She specialises in exam coverage and content creation. At Shiksha, she writes, analyses, and presents information for students preparing f

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Answered Yesterday

Yes, candidates need to have CLAT score for admission in BA LLB (Hons) programme at SASTRA University. Aspirants must also complete Class 12 from a recognised board in the first attempt with at least 60% aggregate with English as a subject for admission.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 days ago

No, in case a candidate has secured a rank in CLAT, then he/she can get admission if they clear the cutoff as mentioned by the VITSOL authorities.

K

Kanishk Dhawan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

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

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 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

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 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

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 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

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 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

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 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

Praveen Chopra

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

Law course 

D

Diya Nihalani

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

Mukul Singh

Contributor-Level 8