The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially released the CLAT 2026 notification, marking the next milestone for law aspirants aiming for premier institutes like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and others.

This comprehensive guide helps you understand everything—from important dates and eligibility criteria to exam pattern and application steps.

Important Dates for CLAT 2026:

Eligibility Criteria:

• For UG (5‑year integrated LLB):

  • Passed 10+2/equivalent

  • Minimum marks: 45% (General/OBC/PwD); 40% (SC/ST) 

  • No upper age limit 

  • Candidates appearing in March/April 2026 are also eligible 

• For PG (LLM):

  • Must hold a 3‑year or 5‑year LLB, minimum 50% (Gen/OBC) and 45% (SC/ST) 

Application Fee:

• General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI: ₹4,000

• SC/ST/BPL: ₹3,500 

⚠️ Fee is non-refundable. Pay via online modes only.

Application Process:

1. Register on the official portal: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

2. Fill personal and academic details

3. Choose 3 exam centres in order of preference

4. Select preferred NLUs and order of preferences

5. Upload documents: photo, signature, category certificates

6. Pay fees via net banking/NEFT

7. Verify and submit; corrections allowed during window period 

Exam Pattern (UG):

• Mode: Offline, 120 minutes

• Questions: 120 MCQs across 5 sections (1 mark each; –0.25 negative marking) 

  • English Language: 22–26 Qs

  • Current Affairs & GK: 28–32 Qs

  • Legal Reasoning: 28–32 Qs

  • Logical Reasoning: 22–26 Qs

  • Quantitative Techniques: 10–14 Qs

• Total Marks: 120 

Exam Pattern (PG):

• Questions: 120 MCQs

• Duration: 2 hours

• Objective section qualifies for descriptive answers (if scoring ≥40% [Gen/OBC])

Seats & Participating NLUs:

• UG intake: ~3,400+ seats across 24 NLUs 

• PG intake: ~1,300+ seats

• Includes flagship NLUs: NLSIU Bangalore, NLUs in Kolkata, Cuttack, Jodhpur etc.

How to Prepare Smartly?

• Build sectional strategy: focus on quick GK updates, logical exercises

• Solve past papers from 2020 – 2025 to identify trends

• Mock tests: Time-bound simulations to build speed

• Improve reading: Editorials, legal judgments, national GK

CLAT 2026 is your gateway to premier law institutions in India. With thorough preparation using this guide, aspirants can stay ahead.

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