CLAT 2026 Schedule: Important Dates, Application Process & Eligibility Criteria
If you are aiming to appear for the CLAT 2026 exam, then it is very important to stay updated with the CLAT 2026 schedule along with eligibility norms and complete registration details. CLAT or Common Law Admission Test is a prestigious national-level law entrance test in India that offers students admission in National Law Universities (NLUs) and other top private law schools.
In this blog, we would be covering the CLAT 2026 schedule, important dates, eligibility criteria, exam process, and expert preparation tips. We will also guide you through how Career Leaders-one of the best law entrance coaching institutes in India-can help you in effective preparation and securing your dream NLU seat.
CLAT 2026 Schedule – Overview
The CLAT 2026 schedule will be officially published by the Consortium of NLUs on its official website — [consortiumofnlus.ac.in]
Based on the trend in previous years, the CLAT 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in December 2025 for admission to the 2026–27 academic session.
Here’s the summary of the tentative CLAT 2026 schedule
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Official Notification | July 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Application Form Begins | August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply for CLAT 2026 | October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | November 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | December 2025 |
| Answer Key Publication | December 2025 (2–3 days after exam) |
| Result Declaration | January 2026 |
| Counselling Process Begins | January 2026 |
Although these dates might vary slightly, this tentative CLAT 2026 schedule will help aspirants plan their preparation efficiently.
Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
CLAT 2026 registration is an online process that is pretty smooth. However, any oversight on one step can result in delays or even disqualification. Here is the detailed process for CLAT 2026 application:
Step 1: Go to the Official Website
Go to the official CLAT website — [consortiumofnlus.ac.in].
Step 2: Sign Up
- Click on “Register” and fill in the details such as name, e-mail ID, and mobile number.
- Create a strong password for your account.
- Verify your account through the OTP sent to your registered email or phone.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Once registered, sign in and complete your application form for CLAT 2026 by filling in the following:
- Personal details include full name, gender, and address.
- Academic details: Class 10 & 12 marks
- Exam centre preferences
- Category and reservation details, if any
Step 4: Attach the Documents
Upload scanned copies of your:
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Signature
- Category certificate, if applicable
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
The tentative CLAT 2026 application fee is:
₹4,000 for General/OBC/PwD/NRI candidates
₹3,500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates
Payment can be made online through a debit/credit card or net banking.
STEP 6: SUBMIT AND DOWNLOAD CONFIRMATION
After making the payment successfully, submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Pro Tip: Double-check all details before final submission, as incomplete or incorrect applications lead to rejection.
CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, check the CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria as set by the Consortium of NLUs.
1. Educational Qualification
For UG CLAT 2026: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Minimum Marks Required:
- General/OBC/ PwD/NRI – 45%
- SC/ST – 40%
- Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 can also apply.
- For PG CLAT 2026:** An **LLB degree** (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
2. Age Limit
There is no upper age limit to appear in CLAT 2026.
3. Nationality
Only Indian nationals and NRIs can apply for CLAT 2026. Some NLUs also have seats reserved for NRI/Foreign Nationals.
Fast and Easy Setup: Installation and setting up takes just a few minutes because there are few prerequisite configuration changes.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the pattern of the exam will align your study course with the schedule of CLAT 2026.
| Section | Number of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22–26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs (including GK) | 28–32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–14 | 10% |
Total Marks: 120
Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Marking Scheme: +1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer.
The questions are passage-based and test your comprehension, reasoning, and critical thinking skills.
CLAT 2026 schedule : Counselling & Admission
Once the results are declared, the online CLAT 2026 counselling process begins. Qualifying candidates, in accordance with the cutoff, can join the process by registering on the Consortium website.
Steps in the CLAT 2026 Counselling Process:
1. Counselling Registration: After payment of the Counselling fee, tentatively ₹30,000 for General and ₹20,000 for SC/ST.
2. Choice Filling – Fill in your preferable NLUs.
3. Seat Allotment – According to rank, preferences, and availability.
4. Acceptance or Upgradation : Accept or await the next round.
5. Document Verification: The online uploading of required documents.
Once you get a seat, you go through the final process of admission at the allotted NLU.
How to Plan Preparation as per CLAT 2026 Schedule
The best way to stay on track is by aligning your CLAT 2026 preparation strategy with the official CLAT 2026 schedule. Here’s how:
- July–September 2025: Create conceptual clarity in all sections.
- October 2025: Focus on mock tests and revision.
- November 2025: Take full-length mocks. Fine-tune your time management.
- December 2025: Keep calm and revise smart.
A good schedule, coupled with expert advice, can really make all the difference in your performance.
Why Choose Career Leaders for CLAT 2026 Preparation?
At Career Leaders, we have helped thousands of law aspirants achieve their NLU dreams through structured guidance and a results-driven approach.
Expert Faculty
Our mentors are professionals and subject experts who know the pattern of the CLAT examination inside out.
Comprehensive Study Material
Get access to detailed notes, practice questions, and topic-wise mock tests aligned with the CLAT 2026 schedule.
Regular Mock Tests & Doubt Sessions
We provide regular practice tests and personalized doubt-clearing sessions to assist you in identifying and overcoming weak areas.
Online + Offline Learning Options
Whether you like learning in a classroom or through live online classes, Career Leaders accommodates flexibility with equally high-value content.
Proven Results
Hundreds of students from Career Leaders have successfully secured seats in top NLUs over the years, and this is due to our teaching excellence.
Join Career Leaders today and begin your journey of cracking CLAT 2026 with confidence.
Key Takeaways – CLAT 2026 Schedule at a Glance
- Notification: July 2025
- Application Process: August–October 2025
- Exam Date: December 2025
- Result & Counselling: January 2026
- Eligibility: 12th pass (45% for General, 40% for SC/ST)
- Exam Mode: Offline (Pen-paper)
Staying updated with the CLAT 2026 schedule helps you manage your time effectively and avoid last-minute pressure.
✨ Final Thoughts
The CLAT 2026 schedule is more than just a list of dates — it’s your roadmap to a successful law career. Start preparing early, stay disciplined, and rely on expert mentorship to get ahead.
If you’re serious about your CLAT journey, join Career Leaders, where expert faculty, proven strategies, and result-oriented programs come together to make your NLU dream a reality.
📞 Call us today or visit our website to enroll in the CLAT 2026 coaching program and take the first step toward your law career success!
0 Comments