CLAT

Yes, the CLAT cut-off varies category-wise for different National Law Universities (NLUs), including NLSIU Bengaluru. The variation is based on reservation policies set by the Consortium of NLUs and individual universities.

Factors Affecting CLAT Cutoff by Category

• General (UR) – Typically has the highest cut-off due to intense competition.
• Other Backward Classes (OBC) – Lower than General but still competitive in NLUs offering OBC reservation.
• Scheduled Castes (SC) – Cut-off is lower than UR and OBC due to reservation benefits.
• Scheduled Tribes (ST) – Generally the lowest cut-off among reserved categories.
• Economically Weaker Section (EWS) – Cut-off is slightly lower than UR but higher than SC/ST.
• State Quota – Some NLUs have domicile reservations, leading to a lower cut-off for state residents.

To access the CLAT cut-off information, you can refer to the following resources:

CLAT 2026 Result Notification: This document provides detailed insights into the CLAT 2026 results, including percentile scores and state-wise distribution of candidates. 

CLAT 2026 - First Provisional Allocation List: This list offers the opening and closing ranks for various National Law Universities (NLUs) based on the first round of seat allocations for the 5-Year Integrated Law Programme. Reviewing this can give you an understanding of previous years' cut-offs. 

Individual NLU Information Brochures: Many NLUs publish their own brochures detailing admission criteria, seat intake, and reservation policies. For instance, the revised CLAT Information Brochure for the academic year 2025-26 provides comprehensive information about NLSIU Bengaluru. 

For the most accurate and updated information, it's advisable to regularly check the official CLAT website and the individual websites of the NLUs you're interested in.

Both sectional and full-length mock tests are important for CLAT preparation, but their use depends on your preparation stage:

Sectional Mocks: If you are in the early or mid-stage of preparation, sectional mocks help in mastering specific topics like Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, or Reading Comprehension. They allow focused practice and help identify weak areas.

Full-Length Mocks: As you progress, taking full-length mocks becomes crucial to develop time management, endurance, and exam temperament. They simulate the actual exam experience and help you analyze your overall performance.

Ideally, start with sectional mocks and gradually shift to full-length mocks as the exam nears.

A bad rank in CLAT is relative and depends on factors like your category, the NLUs you target, and overall competition. For general category candidates, ranks above 15,000 to 20,000 are typically considered weak, reducing chances of admission into top or even mid-tier National Law Universities. For reserved categories, the threshold might be higher, but still, a rank significantly above the cutoff range may be viewed unfavorably. Ultimately, a "bad rank" hampers your chances of securing a coveted seat and may force you to consider alternative law schools or reattempt the exam in subsequent years. Improving your score remains essential.