CLAT 2026 Notification: Key Dates and Exam Details for Aspiring Law Students

For students preparing for legal admissions, here are the key details of CLAT 2026 to guide your preparation and application process:

• Exam Date: The CLAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for December 7 to December 14, 2025, with both dates mentioned in recent tentative schedules. The official date will be announced soon by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs).
• Application Process:
  • The CLAT 2026 application form is expected to open in August 2025.
  • The last date to submit applications is likely to be by the end of October or November 2025.
  • Candidates should apply online through the official website of the CLAT consortium.
• Admit Card Release: The admit cards for CLAT 2026 are anticipated to be released by mid-November 2025, about two weeks before the exam.
• Exam Pattern:
  • The exam will be conducted offline with a duration of 2 hours (120 minutes).
  • It comprises 120 multiple-choice questions each carrying 1 mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answers.
  • The paper includes five sections: English Language, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
• Results and Answer Key:
  • Provisional answer keys are expected within 1-2 days after the exam, typically in early December 2025.
  • Final results and answer keys are likely to be declared by the second week of December 2025.
  • Counseling for admissions usually commences from mid-December 2025.
• Eligibility:
  • For undergraduate (UG) courses, candidates must have passed Class 12 with minimum 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).
  • For postgraduate (PG) LLM courses, a 3-year or 5-year LLB degree with at least 50% (45% for SC/ST) is required.
  • There are no age limits or attempt restrictions.

This timeline and structure align closely with previous years’ patterns, but aspirants should watch for the official notification expected soon to confirm these details and start their registration promptly. Preparing systematically with a clear understanding of dates and exam format will optimize your chances of securing admission in National Law Universities through CLAT 2026.