CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

The Consortium releases important details like CLAT application, minimum CLAT exam qualification percentages, and CLAT application fee alongside the CLAT Notification release.

    There were no changes in the CLAT 2025 eligibility criteria in comparison to previous CLAT exams.

    The same is expected for the eligibility Criteria for the CLAT 2026 UG exam.

CLAT Exam Qualification

Applicants for CLAT must have completed class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution.

Candidates must get the following minimum percentage of marks in their qualifying examination (10+2 or equivalent):

  • In the case of applicants from the General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories, 45% or its equivalent grade is required.
  • In the case of candidates from the SC/ST categories, 40% or equivalent is required.

What is the CLAT exam eligibility after the 12th Class? 

Candidates who will pass the Class 12 exam in April/May 2025 meet the CLAT eligibility to take the exam. However, such applicants must present their qualifying examination certificate at the time of admission, otherwise, their admission will be revoked.

CLAT UG Age Limit

CLAT is one of the very few exams in India that has no upper age limit for CLAT UG or PG candidates appearing for the CLAT 2026 exam.

In fact, under specific tie-breaking criteria of CLAT, an upper-aged candidate is given preference over a comparatively lower-aged candidate.

Tie Break

If more than one applicant receives an identical amount of marks in the exam, then as per CLAT exam criteria the tie will be broken using the following process and order:

  • Higher grades in the Legal Aptitude component/section of the test; 
  • Higher age; 
  • Computerized draw of lots.

Check CLAT's previous year's papers for better exam preparation.

CLAT 2026 Exam Form

The consortium will publish the CLAT 2026 registration form on its official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in. To register for CLAT 2026, candidates must include information, such as personal information, communication and educational details, NLU choice, and other considerations. 

Only candidates who register successfully for CLAT 2026 will be eligible to take the test.

Based on CLAT examination fees or CLAT 2025, the below-mentioned are the category-wise CLAT examination fees.

CLAT Exam Fees

  • The application cost for the General category is Rs. 4,000.
  • The application cost for SC and ST candidates is Rs. 3,500.

Read our CLAT Result Success Stories.

Key Takeaways

  • CLAT aspirants can only take the CLAT 2026 exam if they meet the required or above-mentioned CLAT eligibility criteria. 
  • To qualify for the CLAT exam and secure a seat at an NLU, aspirants must have a (10+2) qualification degree at the time of admissions.
  • For CLAT UG age limit is no bar, which is to say that once an aspirant meets the minimum eligibility criteria; he or she is eligible to take the CLAT UG exam at any age.

Frequently asked questions

You can register for CLAT 2026 at consortiumofnlus.ac.in from July 2025 onwards, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Yes, it is solely for students seeking admission to NLUs and the institutes that accept CLAT scores for admissions.

For UG: General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates require 45%, whereas SC/ST candidates require 40%. For PG: General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates require 50%, whereas SC/ST candidates require 45%.

You can appear for CLAT as many times as you wish, there is no limitation. However, you must meet the CLAT exam eligibility established by the test administering authority to appear for the exam.

No, CLAT is not required if you want to take admission for a 3-year LL.B. course. Only five-year integrated LL.B. and LL.M. programs accept CLAT results for admission.

Yes, you can apply for CLAT 2026. However, you would be required to present your Class 12 passing certificates at admission.