CLAT exam 2026 sees highest applicants, results expected by 17 December

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 has registered a record 92,344 applicants, the highest in the exam’s history, according to data from the Consortium of NLUs. This national-level entrance examination, crucial for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs across India, is set to be conducted on 6 December 2026.

The CLAT exam serves as a standardized screening test for admissions to 27 National Law Universities (NLUs) and 42 other affiliated universities. The application window for CLAT 2026 was open from August to October 2026, with results expected to be declared between 15 and 17 December 2026, followed by counselling a few weeks later.

Overview of CLAT Exam and Its Scope

CLAT, or the Common Law Entrance Test, is a centralized national-level entrance examination designed to evaluate candidates on reasoning, legal aptitude, general knowledge, English language skills, and quantitative techniques. It is primarily conducted for admission to five-year undergraduate LLB and one-year postgraduate LLM programmes. Beyond NLUs, 60 other top colleges in India also consider CLAT scores for admissions.

The exam also holds significance for postgraduate candidates, as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) consider CLAT LLM scores for recruitment. Private colleges that accept CLAT scores often provide various scholarships to rank holders, adding another incentive for aspiring law students to perform well in the examination.

Eligibility and Exam Structure

For undergraduate law courses, candidates must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination with a minimum score of 45% (40% for SC/ST categories). There is no upper age limit to appear for the CLAT exam, and candidates must be Indian citizens or NRIs. For postgraduate programs, candidates with completed 3-year or 5-year LLB courses are eligible, requiring a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC/PWD/NRI categories and 45% for SC/ST categories.

The CLAT UG exam syllabus includes English Language, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques, and Legal Reasoning. It is a two-hour examination with 120 questions, each carrying one mark, and a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. The CLAT PG exam also has a two-hour duration with 120 questions, each worth one mark, and a 0.25 mark deduction for wrong answers. Its syllabus covers subjects such as Criminal Law, Property Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Constitutional Law, Company Law, Administrative Law, Family Law, Jurisprudence, and Law of Contract.

Historical Context and Applicant Trends

Before the introduction of CLAT in 2008, each NLU conducted its own entrance examination, creating a challenging preparation landscape for students. A court case in 2006 led to the decision for a common law entrance exam, with the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore introducing CLAT. Initially, a committee from seven NLUs managed its operation, with a different NLU organizing the exam each year. In 2019, the Consortium of NLUs was formed to assume responsibility for organizing CLAT exams, standardizing the admission process across India and ensuring merit-based admissions. NLU Delhi continues to use its own entrance exam, AILET, for admissions.

The consistent increase in applicant numbers underscores the growing interest in law as a career path and the importance of CLAT as the primary gateway. The CLAT registration fee is INR 4,000 for General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates and INR 3,500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates. Admit cards are typically released two to three weeks before the exam date. Around 75,000 students appear for the CLAT UG exam annually, and approximately 15,000 for the CLAT PG exam each year.

Further reading

• CLAT 2027 eligibility criteria released: apply by October 31
• CLAT 2027 UG Syllabus and Exam Details Announced by Consortium of NLUs; Download PDF at consortiumofnlus.ac.in
• CLAT counselling: rounds, dates and seat allotment Next step
• CBSE 12th/CUET: Apply for B.Com in Auditing in Karnataka by Today
• NTA exam calendar 2026-27 released: tentative dates for JEE Main, CUET PG till March
• HNBGU UET 2026 registration reopens for B.Ed, M.Ed, LLB, LLM vacant seats Applications open

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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