
The CLAT 2026 Cutoff marks will be released by the Consortium of NLUs for all the participating National Law Universities together. CLAT Cutoff 2026 will be affected by various factors like CLAT exam difficulty level, change in seat intake and matrix, answer key discrepancies etc. To understand the same and get an idea of the expected cutoff, candidates can check the CLAT Exam Analysis shared by Shiksha.
It must be noted that the Consortium will release a separate CLAT 2026 Merit List after each round of CLAT counselling. Candidates can check CLAT Rank Predictor 2026 to get an idea. Read further to know more about the CLAT cut off 2026, CLAT expected cut off 2026, previous year trends, and various other details on the page below.
Also Read: CLAT 2026 Cutoffs for NLU
- CLAT 2026 Expected Cut off for Top NLUs
- CLAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
- Factors Affecting CLAT 2026 Cutoffs
- CLAT 2026 Cut off Category-wise
- CLAT 2026 Cut off Ranks for NLUs
- CLAT 2025 Cut off Ranks for NLUs
CLAT 2026 Expected Cut off for Top NLUs
Candidates must note that the CLAT Expected Cutoff 2026 will differ category-wise. If the past trends are followed, the cutoff for the general category is comparatively higher than the other categories. Candidates can check the expected CLAT Cutoff 2026 for top 10 NLUs below :
| NLU | Cut-off |
|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 95+ |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 95+ |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 90+ |
| NLU Jodhpur | 85+ |
| NLU Bhopal | 85+ |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 85+ |
| MNLU Mumbai | 82+ |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 78+ |
| NLU Odisha | 75+ |
Commonly asked questions
The expected cutoff for top 5 NLUs based on previous year is 90+.
As per NIRF ranking 2025, NLSIU Bangalore emerged to be as the No. 1 ranked NLU colleges in India. Listed below are the other NLUs in India along with their top NLU in India rank wise 2025:
Top NLUs in India | NIRF 2023 | NIRF 2024 | NIRF 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 1 | |
2 | 2 | 2 | |
4 | 4 | 4 | |
7 | 8 | 5 | |
18 | 21 | 27 | |
24 | 22 | 30 | |
30 | 26 | 15 | |
28 | 27 | 35 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website of the ranking body listed and may vary.
CLAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CLAT 2026 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| To Be Notified | CLAT 2026 Final Answer Key TENTATIVE |
| 10 Dec ' 25 | CLAT Provisional Answer Key 2026 |
| 10 Dec ' 25 - 12 Dec ' 25 | CLAT 2026 Objection Window |
| To Be Notified | CLAT 2026 Result TENTATIVE |
| To Be Notified | CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration TENTATIVE |
Factors Affecting CLAT 2026 Cutoffs
The cutoff marks for the CLAT exam is decided on the basis of following factors like
- Difficulty Level of the Exam
- No. of Applications Received
- Number of aspirants who cleared the exam
- Total Number of Seats
- Previous Year Cutoffs
These are important factors on which cutoff are decided.
Also read:
Commonly asked questions
The CLAT cutoff refers to the minimum rank or score required to secure admission into a National Law University (NLU) through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
Types of CLAT Cutoffs:
- Opening Rank – The highest-ranked candidate admitted to an NLU.
- Closing Rank – The rank of the last candidate admitted in a specific category.
- Category-wise Cutoff – Different for General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates.
- Round-wise Cutoff – Released in multiple counseling rounds.
Who Decides CLAT Cutoff?
The Consortium of NLUs releases the cutoff based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.
The CLAT cutoff is calculated based on several factors that influence the minimum rank or score required for admission to an NLU.
Factors Affecting CLAT Cutoff Calculation
- Total Number of Candidates Appearing – Higher competition leads to a higher cutoff.
- Difficulty Level of the Exam – If the paper is tough, the cutoff is lower, and vice versa.
- Total Number of Seats Available – Fewer seats lead to higher cutoffs.
- Category-wise Reservations – SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates have different cutoffs.
- Previous Year Trends – The Consortium considers past years' cutoffs for reference.
Cutoff Calculation Process
- After the CLAT exam, candidates' scores are arranged in descending order.
- Based on seat availability, the last admitted candidate's rank becomes the closing rank (cutoff) for that NLU.
- Cutoffs vary across NLUs and category-wise reservations impact the final numbers.
CLAT 2026 Cut off Category-wise
The CLAT 2026 Cutoff ranks for NLUs refer to the minimum marks required for admission to a particular National Law University. Each NLU has a different cut-off for each category. The CLAT 2026 Cutoff category wise will be updated here soon after the Consortium releases the notification.
| Category |
Rank (Expected) |
|---|---|
| General |
1 – 1000 |
| OBC |
1000 – 2000 |
| EWS |
1200 – 2500 |
| SC |
2800 – 5000 |
| ST |
4000 – 6000 |
| PwD |
Differs a lot, based on type of disability and reservation policy |
Read More:
Commonly asked questions
The CLAT Cutoff is decided by following factors
- Exam Difficulty
- Number of Applicants
- Seat Availability
- Reservation Policy
- Domicile Quota
There will be five rounds of counselling. During CLAT 2025 Admission, the number of rounds were reduced to three. But until then the CLAT Counselling use to be of five rounds only.
CLAT 2026 Cut off Ranks for NLUs
The CLAT 2026 Exam will be conducted for 24 NLUs in the country and participating colleges. CLAT Result is expected within few days after the exam is over. Until then, students can refer to past years' cutoff to get an idea. The merit list will be published here for all participating NLUs, mentioning category-wise ranks once released.
| CLAT Participating NLUs Closing Rank (1st Merit List) |
2026 |
2025 |
2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | 16544 | 14349 | |
| TBA | 7713 | 8843 | |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata |
TBA | 29717 | 30484 |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal
|
TBA | 18509 | 17865 |
| TBA | 16572 | 27435 | |
| TBA | 39868 | 21623 | |
| TBA | 14022 | 12468 | |
| TBA | 21506 | 20456 | |
| TBA | 29588 | 25988 | |
| Chanakya National Law University Patna
|
TBA | 30737 | 29492 |
| TBA | 44258 | 32469 | |
| TBA | 56347 | 28315 | |
| TBA | 50544 | 52970 | |
| TBA | 36722 | 48856 | |
| TBA | 45940 | 35236 | |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU),Visakhapatnam |
TBA | 42139 | 34502 |
| TBA | 44669 | 38376 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai | TBA | 44760 | 30795 |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
|
TBA | 31018 | 30958 |
| TBA | 54410 | 42857 | |
| TBA | 51639 | 46792 | |
| TBA | 59856 | 41238 | |
| TBA | 56843 | 47604 | |
| TBA | 43876 | 34169 | |
| TBA | 44095 | 33143 | |
| TBA | 51352 | 34721 | |
| TBA | 53778 | 23930 | |
| TBA | 47261 | 44306 | |
| TBA | 57038 | 51586 | |
| Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLUP), Prayagraj
|
TBA | 52920 | 35911 |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
Yes, with a CLAT Rank of 1500, you have a very good chance of getting into several good NLUs. Some fo the NLU where your chances are high are NLIU Bhopal or NLU Jodhpur.
CLAT 2025 Cut off Ranks for NLUs
The CLAT 2025 Cutoff can be checked below
CLAT 2025 Third Merit List- College Wise
The merit list is published for all participating NLUs mentioning category-wise ranks. Check here
| CLAT 2025 Participating NLUs |
Opening Rank |
Closing Ranks |
Download CLAT 2025 3rd Merit List |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore |
460 | 7286 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NLSIU Bangalore |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad |
3273 | 7676 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NALSAR |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata |
1119 | 11938 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for WBNUJS |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal |
453 | 18889 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NLIU Bhopal (BA LLB) |
| 9010 | - | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NLIU Bhopal (BSc LLB) | |
| National Law University, Jodhpur |
581 | 9292 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NLU Jodhpur |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar |
444 | 15863 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for GNLU |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow |
780 | 51995 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for DRMNLU |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala |
1264 | 43286 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for RGNUL |
| Chanakya National Law University Patna |
12662 | 40194 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for CNLU Patna - BA LLB |
| 1550 | 49876 | ||
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi |
1346 | 45914 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NUALS Kochi |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack |
1012 | 12967 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NLUO |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi |
1649 | 53778 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NUSRL |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam |
2052 | 57634 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for NLUJAA |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam |
1639 | 17399 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for DSNLU |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli |
1748 | 28493 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for TNNLS - BA LLB |
| 1871 | 31197 |
|
|
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai |
8067 | 31295 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for MNLU Mumbai |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
|
1508 | 32360 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for MNLU Nagpur (BA LLB) |
| 1577 | 42733 |
|
|
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad |
1949 | 57691 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for MNLU Aurangabad - BA LLB |
| 2197 | 55824 | ||
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla |
2323 | 57089 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for HPNLU Shimla - BA LLB |
| 2418 | 58003 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for HPNLU Shimla - BBA LLB | |
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur |
2224 | 52977 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for DNLU Jabalpur |
| Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana |
1916 | 59115 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for DRBNLU Haryana |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur |
2594 | 56624 | CLAT 2025 Third Merit List for HNLU Raipur |
| NLU Tripura |
1866 | 5326 |
CLAT 2025 Second Merit List- College Wise
The merit list is published for all participating NLUs mentioning category-wise ranks. Check below:
| CLAT 2025 Participating NLUs |
Opening Rank |
Closing Ranks |
Download CLAT 2025 2nd Merit List |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore |
106 | 25525 | |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad |
157 | 6981 | |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata |
289 | 18509 | |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal |
456 | 17523 | CLAT 2025 Second Merit List for NLIU Bhopal (BA LLB) |
| 874 | 39468 | ||
| National Law University, Jodhpur |
358 | 14081 | |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar |
404 | 14278 | |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow |
578 | 31066 | |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala |
954 | 36722 | |
| Chanakya National Law University Patna |
1282 | 33759 | |
| 1428 | 46880 | ||
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi |
1211 | 44199 | |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack |
946 | 55316 | |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi |
1494 | 41897 | |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam |
1652 | 53778 | |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam |
1502 | 47102 | |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli |
1602 | 21638 | |
| 1701 | 45591 | ||
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai |
538 | 40504 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
|
1360 | 57657 | |
| 1410 | 59008 | ||
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad |
1672 | 58448 | |
| 1882 | 59056 | ||
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla |
1945 | 55135 | |
| 2150 | 51680 | ||
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur |
1785 | 52212 | |
| Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana |
1635 | 60436 | |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur |
780 | 52295 | |
| NLU Tripura |
2222 | 52977 | CLAT 2025 Second Merit List for NLU Tripura |
| GNLU Silvassa |
1189 | 54202 |
CLAT 2025 First Merit List- College Wise
The merit list is published for all participating NLUs mentioning category-wise ranks. Check below:
| CLAT 2025 Participating NLUs |
Opening Rank |
Closing Ranks |
Download CLAT 2025 1st Merit List PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore |
1 | 16544 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NLSIU Bangalore |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad |
17 | 7713 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NALSAR |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata |
57 | 29717 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for WBNUJS BA LLB (Hons.) |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata |
299 | 18509 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for WBNUJS BSc. LLB. (Hons.) [Criminology and Forensic] |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal
|
257 | 16572 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NLIU Bhopal for BA LLB |
| 438 | 24911 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NLIU Bhopal B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) [Cyber Security] | |
| National Law University, Jodhpur |
159 | 39868 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NLU Jodhpur |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar |
164 | 14022 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for GNLU Gandhinagar |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow |
460 | 21506 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for DRMNLU |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala |
95 | 29588 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for RGNLU |
| Chanakya National Law University Patna
|
882 | 30737 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for CNLU Patna - BA LLB |
| 1215 | 44258 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for CNLU Patna - BBA LLB | |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi |
350 | 56347 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NUALS |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack |
382 | 50544 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NLU Odisha |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi |
864 | 36722 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NUSRL Ranchi |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam |
1163 | 45940 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NLU Assam |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU),Visakhapatnam |
957 | 42139 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for DSNLU |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli |
1231 | 44669 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for TNNLU BA LLB |
| 1259 | 44760 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for TNNLU BCom LLB (Hons.) | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai |
418 | 31018 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for MNLU Mumbai BA LLB |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
|
680 | 54410 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for MNLU Nagpur BA LLB |
| 681 | 51639 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for MNLU Nagpur BBA LLB | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad |
1023 | 59856 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for MNLU Aurangabad BA LLB |
| 1361 | 56843 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for MNLU Aurangabad BBA LLB | |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla |
949 | 43876 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for HPNLU Shimla- BA LLB |
| 1135 | 44095 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for HPNLU Shimla - BBA LLB | |
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur |
1060 | 51352 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for DNLU Jabalpur - BA LLB |
| Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana |
626 | 53778 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for DNLU Jabalpur - BBA LLB |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur |
463 | 47261 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for HNLU Raipur |
| National Law University, Tripura |
31168 | 57038 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for NLU Tripura |
| GNLU Silvassa Campus |
755 | 52920 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for GNLU Silvassa |
| Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLUP), Prayagraj
|
1102 | 45273 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for RPNLUP |
| India International University of Legal Education and Research Goa - B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 1314 | 48454 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List for IIULER Goa BA LLB Hons. |
| India International University of Legal Education and Research Goa - B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 1198 | 49603 | CLAT 2025 First Merit List For IIULET Goa BBA LLB Hons. |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
No, you can not appear for counselling if you have not cleared CLAT Exam.
CLAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
Solving mock test helps candidates to understand the exam pattern and also the sections they are lagging behind. With this they can rework on those section where they are scoring low. CLAT mock test also helps candidates to understand the time based prepration to solve the question paper on exam day
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
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.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
Candidates can check the CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme below
| CLAT Marking Parameters | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +1 marks |
| Incorrect answer | -0.25 marks |
| Un-attempted question | 0 marks |
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
It totally depends on you that when you should start preparing for CLAT. If you want really good marks in board exams, focus on that at first and then prepare for CLAT. If you can manage boards and CLAT preparation side by side then go for it, but do not affect your board scores.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
There will be no sectional qualifying criterion for CLAT 2026. The overall marks will be considered while preparing the merit list for CLAT. But to ensure a good score, candidates must ensure a high number of attempts with full accuracy.
C
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
According to the CLAT exam pattern, there will be no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Such questions will not be taken into consideration while calculating the total marks of a candidate. Hence, if candidates are not sure about the answer of a question, it is better to leave it unattempt
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
The CLAT exam for both the undergraduate and postgraduate courses will be conducted for 2-hour; i.e. 2 pm to 4 pm. Candidates must note that the exam will be conducted in offline mode. There will be 120 MCQs. Total number of sections in the question paper will be five.
D
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
The Legal Reasoning section in the CLAT exam checks your ability to apply logical legal principle to given situations. Some of the important topics are Law of Torts, Contract and Criminal Law, Legal Maxims, etc. Candidates must include practicing passage based legal cases to apply logic and memorise
Answered Yesterday
To prepare for this section which cover 10 percent marks of the total CLAT paper it is important to have a right approach. Candidates must note that you can score really well if you study the Class 19 level mathematics properly. Be regular and plan strategically rather than trying to learn advance m
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
While it is bit challenging as its syllabus is not defined. Candidates can expect question on CLAT Current Affairs from anywhere. But if you do prepare well your chances to score high in this section also increases. The best way to prepare is to read the newspaper on a daily basis. Rest is to read G
M
Contributor-Level 7
CLAT Notifications
176 Institutes accepting CLAT
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur
Kattankulathur, Chennai • Private
- CLAT, SRMJEEL
- ₹ 12.50 Lakh
- 5 years
- |
- Full Time
National Law School of India University, Bangalore
Vijayanagar, Bangalore • Public
NLU Kolkata (NUJS) - The West Bengal National Univer...
Salt Lake City, Kolkata • Public
Exam On - 7 Dec '25
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