CLAT 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) 2026 serves as a crucial gateway for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) Law programs at India’s National Law Universities (NLUs) and other renowned institutions. Understanding the detailed eligibility criteria is essential for all aspiring Law candidates to ensure a smooth and successful application.

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Undergraduate (UG)

Educational Qualification

• Minimum Education:Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution.

Minimum Marks Required

• General/ OBC/ PwD/ NRI/ PIO/ OCI:Minimum 45% aggregate marks is required.
• SC/ST:Minimum 40% aggregate marks.
• Candidates Appearing in 2026 Exams:Those currently in Class 12 and appearing for their board exams in 2026 are eligible to apply, provided they can produce proof of passing at the time of admission.

Age Limit

• No upper age limit:Candidates of any age who meet the educational requirements can apply.

Number of Attempts Allowed

• No restriction:There is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make for the CLAT UG exam.

Equivalent & International Qualifications

• Equivalent Examinations:Candidates from recognized international boards or equivalent qualifications are eligible, as long as they can provide valid documentation during the admission process.

NRI/Foreign Nationals

• While CLAT offers an NRI quota, specific NLU policies may apply for NRI, PIO, OCI, and foreign nationals. Such candidates should check individual university guidelines.

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Postgraduate (PG)

Educational Qualification

• Minimum Education:A candidate must have completed an LL.B. degree (either a 3-year or a 5-year integrated law course) from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) or an equivalent authority.

Minimum Marks Required

• General /OBC/ PwD/ NRI/ PIO/ OCI:At least 50% aggregate marks is required.
• SC/ST:At least 45% aggregate marks.
• Final-Year LL.B. Students:Those appearing in their final year of LL.B. in 2026 are eligible, subject to producing results by the time of admission.

Age Limit

• No upper age limit:There is no age bar for candidates applying for CLAT PG.

Attempts Allowed

• No restriction:Unlimited attempts permitted for eligible candidates.

NRI/Foreign Nationals

• Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs can all apply for CLAT PG. Foreign nationals should refer to the rules of the individual NLU where they seek admission.

Important Points for Candidates

• Proof at Admission:All candidates (UG and PG) must provide documentary evidence of meeting eligibility criteria at the time of admission or counseling. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
• Disqualifications:Any divergence from eligibility norms detected at any stage can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Click Here for Clat 2026 Exam pattern

FAQs

Q1. Can candidates appearing for the Class 12 or final-year LL.B. exam in 2026 apply for CLAT 2026?

Ans. Yes, candidates appearing for their qualifying exams in 2026 (Class 12 for UG, final-year LL.B. for PG) are eligible to take CLAT 2026. They must, however, present proof of qualification at the time of admission or counseling.

Q2. Is there any age limit to appear for CLAT 2026?

Ans. No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in either the CLAT UG or PG exam. Candidates of any age may apply provided they fulfill the academic criteria.

Q3. What are the minimum marks required for different categories?

Ans. For UG: 45% (General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI), 40% (SC/ST); For PG: 50% (General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI), 45% (SC/ST).

Q4. How many times can a candidate attempt the CLAT exam?

Ans. There is no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish, subject to fulfilling the eligibility conditions each time.

Q5. Are international or NRI candidates eligible for CLAT 2026?

Ans. Yes, NRI/ PIO/ OCI candidates can apply through CLAT. Some NLUs have individual policies for NRI seats or foreign nationals, so such candidates should consult specific NLU guidelines for details.