CLAT 2026: Exam Date, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees & Official Updates

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially announced the date and schedule for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026, bringing clarity and setting the timeline for thousands of law aspirants across India. Considered the gateway to 24 of India’s top NLUs, CLAT is one of the most awaited entrance exams for students aiming to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate law degrees. Here is a comprehensive look at the key details announced and what students need to keep in mind moving forward.

CLAT 2026 Exam Scheduled for December 7

The CLAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM. The exam will follow the traditional pen-and-paper format. This decision ensures familiarity for candidates who are more comfortable with offline tests, continuing the trend of recent years.

Registration Window Opens on August 1

Candidates can start registering for CLAT 2026 from August 1, 2025. The registration will be open for three full months, closing on October 31, 2025. Students will have ample time to gather their documents, fill in the necessary details, and pay the required fees before submitting their application.

Application Process is Entirely Online

Like previous years, the registration and application process will take place exclusively on the official CLAT website. Students will need to create an account, fill in personal and academic information, upload documents, and make the payment online. Double-checking all information before submission will be crucial.

Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Applicants

For those aiming for undergraduate law courses, candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks for the general category. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, a relaxation to 40% marks is applicable. This rule ensures that candidates meet minimum academic standards before entering the competitive law field.

Eligibility Requirements for Postgraduate Applicants

Postgraduate aspirants need to have completed an LLB degree with the same percentage requirement — 45% for General and 40% for SC/ST/PwD categories. These benchmarks help maintain a certain academic level among applicants entering postgraduate law programmes.

Expected Fee Structure Based on Previous Year

Though the exact fee for CLAT 2026 is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to remain similar to last year. General and OBC candidates may have to pay ₹4,000, while SC, ST, and BPL candidates might pay ₹3,500. The final details will be available in the upcoming official notification.

Past Year’s Exam Faced Serious Controversies

CLAT 2025, conducted on December 1, 2024, faced heavy criticism due to alleged errors in the question paper. Legal challenges followed, and the Supreme Court itself called out the Consortium for its negligence. This controversy delayed results and raised questions about the transparency of the exam process.

Consortium Faces Pressure to Deliver Fair Exam in 2026

In light of last year’s criticism, there is now added pressure on the Consortium to ensure that CLAT 2026 is conducted fairly, with error-free question papers and transparent evaluation. Aspirants and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see if the Consortium delivers on this front.

Official Notification to Outline Full Details Soon

The detailed notification is expected soon on the CLAT website. It will include vital information such as the syllabus, detailed exam pattern, marking scheme (including if negative marking applies), eligibility conditions, and step-by-step application instructions. Candidates must read this document carefully once released.

Early Preparation Key to Cracking CLAT 2026

With the exam date announced, serious aspirants should start their preparation immediately. Regular practice of mock tests, solving previous years' papers, and brushing up on subjects like legal reasoning, logical aptitude, and general knowledge can make a significant difference. Timely updates from official sources must also be followed to stay informed.

Conclusion:
With the countdown to CLAT 2026 officially on, candidates have a clear roadmap ahead. By preparing early, staying updated, and ensuring all application steps are followed correctly, aspirants can position themselves well for this crucial exam. After last year’s controversies, both the candidates and the Consortium have a lot riding on the successful and fair conduct of this year’s examination.