CLAT 2026: Important Dates, Registration Process, and Exam Timeline

CL Team March 27 2025
6 min read

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is among India's most esteemed law entrance exams. Conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), it serves as the gateway for admissions into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in top NLUs across the country. Every year, thousands of aspirants compete for a seat in the best law schools, making CLAT one of the most competitive exams.

If you are preparing for CLAT 2026, staying informed about important dates, registration process, and exam timeline is crucial for a well-structured preparation. Enrolling in a reputed coaching institute like Career Launcher South City 2, Gurgaon—one of the best coaching centers for CLAT and AILET in Gurgaon—can provide expert guidance, structured study plans, and regular mock tests to enhance your performance.

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about CLAT 2026, including the exam schedule, registration process, and preparation timeline.

 

CLAT 2026: Important Dates (Tentative)

The Consortium of NLUs has not yet officially announced the exact dates for CLAT 2026. However, based on previous years' trends, here are the expected dates:

Event

Tentative Date

CLAT 2026 Notification Release

July 2025

Start of Online Registration

August 2025

Last Date to Submit Application

November 2025

Admit Card Release

December 2025

CLAT 2026 Exam Date

December 2025

Provisional Answer Key Release

December 2025

Final Answer Key & Result Declaration

January 2026

Counseling & Seat Allotment Process

February 2026

Key Takeaways:

·         The CLAT 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in December 2025, following the recent trend of early exams.

·         Registration is likely to open in August 2025 and remain active for around 3 months.

• To achieve a high score, candidates should begin preparation at least a year in advance.

CLAT 2026 Registration Process

To apply for CLAT 2026, candidates must complete an online registration process on the official website of the Consortium of NLUs. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Step 2: Create an Account

  • Provide details such as name, email ID, and mobile number.
  • Generate a password for login.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

  • Provide personal details, academic qualifications, category (if applicable), and preferred NLUs.
  • Ensure all details are correct, as they cannot be changed after submission.

Step 4: Upload Documents

  • Recent passport-size photograph (as per specifications).
  • Scanned signature.
  • Category certificate (if applicable).

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

  • General/OBC candidates: ₹4,000 (expected).
  • SC/ST candidates: ₹3,500 (expected).
  • Payments can be made using a debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Step 6: Submit the Form & Download Confirmation

  • Review all details before submission.

       • Save and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Tips for Registration:

✅ Keep all documents ready in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
✅ Double-check details before submission to avoid errors.
✅ Complete registration well before the deadline to avoid website crashes.

 

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus is essential for achieving a high score in CLAT 2026. 

CLAT UG Exam Pattern

  • Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper-Based).
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Total Questions: 120.

• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: +1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer.

  • Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect answer.

Section-Wise Weightage

Section

Number of Questions

Weightage (%)

English Language

22-26

20%

Current Affairs & GK

28-32

25%

Legal Reasoning

28-32

25%

Logical Reasoning

22-26

20%

Quantitative Techniques

10-14

10%

 

 

 

CLAT PG Exam Pattern

  • Covers Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and other legal subjects.
  • Contains objective & subjective questions.

Summary:

CLAT 2026 is a crucial step for students aspiring to pursue law at prestigious NLUs. A well-planned approach, thorough understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and timeline, along with consistent mock test practice, will increase your chances of success.

To maximize your preparation, consider enrolling in Career Launcher South City 2, Gurgaon—one of the best coaching centers for CLAT and AILET in Gurgaon. With expert faculty, structured study plans, and extensive mock tests, you can achieve your dream law school admission.

Start preparing today and take your first step towards a successful legal career