CLAT 2026 Sees Over 96% UG Attendance, NLU Competition Rises

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 recorded exceptionally high attendance across undergraduate and postgraduate examinations, reflecting the growing demand for legal education in India. Data released by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) shows that a majority of registered candidates appeared for the exam, signalling intense competition for limited seats at top law schools. The strong turnout highlights the increasing preference for National Law Universities as aspirants view legal education as a stable and high-growth career option.

UG CLAT Attendance at 96.83%, PG Crosses 92%

As per official figures, 96.83 per cent of registered undergraduate candidates appeared for the CLAT 2026 examination. This is among the highest attendance rates recorded in recent admission cycles. The postgraduate examination also saw a robust response, with 92.45 per cent of candidates taking the test. The high attendance in both categories indicates that most aspirants approached the examination with serious preparation rather than using it as a trial attempt.

CLAT 2026 Exam and Result Timeline

The CLAT 2026 examination was conducted on December 7, 2025, across designated centres nationwide. The final answer key was released on December 16, 2025, following which the results were declared by the Consortium. Candidates can now access their scorecards, which include details such as All India Rank, category rank, and merit position, all of which are essential for the counselling and seat allotment process.

Counselling Process Currently Underway

Counselling registration for CLAT 2026 is currently open and will continue until December 27, 2025. Eligible candidates are required to log in using their registered credentials to complete the counselling formalities for admission to participating NLUs. The seat allotment process will be carried out based on rank, category, and candidate preferences submitted during counselling. Aspirants are advised to complete all steps within the prescribed timeline to remain eligible for seat allocation.

Rising Registrations Signal Growing Competition

This year, a total of 92,344 candidates registered for CLAT, marking an increase of nearly seventeen per cent compared to the previous admission cycle. The near-full attendance rate underscores the competitive nature of the examination and the limited number of seats available across NLUs. Experts note that the consistently rising participation reflects heightened awareness about law as a career and the expanding role of legal professionals across corporate, policy, and public sectors.