The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has announced that the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The exam will determine admission to 26 participating NLUs for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programmes. Applications for CLAT 2026 are currently open and must be submitted by October 31, 2025, on the official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
CLAT 2026 Application Process
The application process for CLAT 2026 began in July 2025. Candidates must fill in personal, academic, and category details accurately. A clear photograph and matching signature are required to avoid rejection. In past years, many forms were cancelled due to mismatched documents. Key points for candidates:
- Application deadline: October 31, 2025
- Admit card release: Last week of November 2025 (expected)
- Correction window: To be announced, subject to the Consortium’s notification
- Official mock tests: Likely to be released three to four weeks before the exam
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam will follow the same structure as in recent years. It will consist of approximately 120 questions to be solved in 120 minutes. The test will cover the following sections:
- English Language
- Current Affairs and General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
Each correct answer will carry one mark, and 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
Why December Schedule Matters?
Since 2023, CLAT has been conducted in December instead of May. The change was made to complete the admission process before board exams in March or April. This shift allows candidates more clarity in planning their board preparation alongside law entrance exams.
CLAT 2026 Preparation Timeline
With around 80 days left, aspirants are advised to structure their preparation in phases:
- First 30 days: Focus on building strong fundamentals by revising notes, practicing comprehension passages, and solving 10–15 quant questions daily.
- Day 31–60: Shift towards intensive practice with sectional tests every alternate day and 3–4 mocks per week. Emphasis should be placed on accuracy and stamina.
- Final 20 days: Attempt 4–5 full-length mocks per week under timed conditions. Revise legal principles, landmark judgments, and GK from the last 8–10 months.
In the last 10 days, candidates should avoid new topics and focus on strategic revision, mock analysis, and maintaining a calm mindset.
Important Dates for CLAT 2026
The table below summarises the key dates announced so far:
