CLAT 2026 Exam Date Announced: Registration Starts August 1 | Check Eligibility, Schedule & Exam Format

CLAT 2026 Notification: Key Highlights for Law Aspirants

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially announced the schedule for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026, the prestigious national-level entrance exam for Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) law programs in India. As per the latest notification, CLAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across various test centers.

The announcement was made after the meeting of the Executive Committee and Governing Body of the Consortium held on July 20, 2025.

📅 Important Dates for CLAT 2026

Candidates will have a three-month window to complete the registration process on the official CLAT website.

Mode of Examination

CLAT 2026 will be held in offline mode using the traditional pen-and-paper format, as confirmed in the official press note. The detailed notification, including the syllabus, paper pattern, marking scheme, application fee, and eligibility criteria, is expected to be released shortly.

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

For CLAT UG (Undergraduate Programme):

• Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent.
• Minimum 45% marks (General/OBC category).
• Minimum 40% marks (SC/ST/PwD categories).

For CLAT PG (Postgraduate Programme):

• Must hold an LLB degree from a recognized university.
• Minimum 45% marks for General/OBC candidates.
• Minimum 40% marks for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Application Fee (Expected Based on Previous Year)

The exact fee details will be confirmed in the official notification.

CLAT 2025 Controversy: A Brief Recap

The previous edition of the exam, CLAT 2025, encountered several controversies related to question framing and answer accuracy. Legal disputes led to a significant delay in the declaration of revised results, which were finally published on May 17, 2025, more than five months after the exam.

The Supreme Court, in a recent observation, criticized the Consortium’s casual approach to the conduct of the examination, stating that such lapses can negatively impact the future of meritorious candidates aspiring to join India’s top National Law Universities.

What to Expect Next?

A comprehensive CLAT 2026 official notification is expected soon on the Consortium’s official website. Aspirants are advised to regularly visit the site for updates related to:

• Syllabus and exam pattern
• Mock test schedules
• Admit card release
• City-wise test centers
• Result declaration and counselling process

Final Thoughts

With CLAT 2026 scheduled well in advance, candidates now have ample time to plan and start their preparation. Aspirants are encouraged to stay informed, follow reliable sources, and begin their strategic study approach to crack one of India’s most competitive law entrance examinations

Also Read: Supreme Court Criticizes CLAT Question Standards: Calls for Transparency and Reform

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Hemesh Choudhary

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