Introduction
CLAT 2026 Entrance Exam is a national-level entrance exam administered by the Consortium of NLUs for admission to law programs at the undergraduate (3-year) and postgraduate (5-year integrated) levels. Before moving forward where we will discuss everything in-depth, first let’s answer one of the most asked questions: What is CLAT Full Form?
So, CLAT is not the actual name of the entrance exam, there’s a CLAT Full-Form which is not commonly used. It is actually the acronym and so to those of you who didn’t know, CLAT Full Form is the Common Law Admission Test. The National Law University of India introduced the Common-Law Admission Test (CLAT) in 2008.
But Majorly, most people know it as CLAT instead of the CLAT Full Form. So, moving forward in this article, we will use the acronym instead of CLAT Full Form.
Prior to the establishment of CLAT Admission, all universities had their own entrance exams to enroll students, which was extremely inconvenient. However, while CLAT Entrance Exam served to create a universal standard for evaluation, it also became the most important stage in establishing a career in the field of law. Every year, around 80,000 students take the CLAT entrance exam.
here is no higher age limit for CLAT 2026 applicants. In order to qualify for the BA LLB entrance test in 2026, candidates must appear in or have passed class 12 with a minimum of 45 percent (40 percent for SC, ST).
The application fee for the CLAT Exam 2026 is INR 4000 for general, OBC, and EWS students, and INR 3500 for SC and ST candidates. After completing the registration process, candidates can access their CLAT 2024 admit cards.
The exam will last two hours. In terms of the exam pattern, there have been no changes to the CLAT UG exam pattern, hence the CLAT UG entrance exam will still contain 150 MCQs and a total of 150 points with 0.25 negative marking.
The language for the exam paper is in English, and the exam is always offline (pen and paper mode). While the CLAT PG test pattern has altered due to the removal of the descriptive (essay) component, there will now be 120 MCQs totaling 120 points with 0.25 negative marking in CLAT PG.
This article contains important CLAT Entrance Exam 2026 details such as CLAT 2026 Important Dates, Exam Highlights, Eligibility Criteria, Application Form, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, and Preparation Tips. So, you can read the full article to learn everything you need to know before taking the CLAT Entrance Exam 2026.
Eligibility Criteria For CLAT 2026: Undergraduate Law Programs
Age Limit:
There is no age limit for appearing in CLAT 2026, according to Bar Council regulations.
Academic Criteria:
The candidate must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination.
For Appearing Candidates:
Candidates who are scheduled to take the qualifying test in April/May 2024 are also eligible to take the CLAT exam.
Marks in Qualifying Exam:
General category candidates must obtain at least 45 percent in the qualifying exam. Candidates from the SC and ST categories must obtain at least 40% in the qualifying exam.
Eligibility Criteria For CLAT 2026: Post-Graduate Law Programs
Age Limit:
There is no upper age limit for appearing in CLAT 2026 to pursue post-graduate programs, such as CLAT LLM 2026.
Academic Criteria:
The candidate must have a graduate degree in law (3-year LLB or 5-year LLB) or an equivalent degree.
For Appearing Candidates:
Candidates who will take the qualifying exam in March/April 2026 are also eligible to take the CLAT 2026 exam. They will, however, be required to present a hard copy as confirmation of enrollment at the time of admission.
Marks in the Qualifying Exam:
Candidates taking the CLAT LLM must get at least 55% on the qualifying exam. Candidates from the SC/ST categories must obtain at least 45 percent in the qualifying examination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering CLAT 2026 is essential for aspiring legal professionals. With no age restrictions and inclusive eligibility criteria, the journey to law school is open to all. Law Prep Tutorial offers a specialized course tailored for CLAT 2026, providing comprehensive guidance on crucial aspects like exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategies. Join the course to gain a competitive edge, ensuring success in this significant step towards a rewarding legal career. Seize the opportunity with Law Prep Tutorial, where excellence meets expertise on the path to CLAT 2026 success!