CLAT 2026 Application Form: Eligibility, Step-by-Step Guide & Top NLU Cutoffs
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If you are planning to crack the Common Law Admission Test and land a seat at one of India's National Law Universities, understanding the full cycle - from the moment the application window opens to the day counselling closes - is half the battle. The CLAT 2026 application form set the stage for over 75,000 aspirants who sat the December 7, 2025 exam. Whether you are reviewing this cycle to plan smarter for CLAT 2027 or simply want a clear picture of how the entire process works, this guide walks you through every stage: dates, eligibility, the fee structure, the step-by-step filing process, and the closing ranks at top NLUs that tell you exactly how competitive things really are.
Key Takeaways
- The CLAT 2026 application window opened on August 1, 2025 and closed on October 31, 2025 - giving aspirants three full months to apply.
- The exam was held offline on December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM, with 120 MCQs across five sections.
- General and OBC candidates need at least 45% marks in Class 12; SC/ST candidates need 40%.
- The application fee was Rs. 4,000 for General/OBC and Rs. 3,500 for SC/ST/BPL/PwD candidates.
- NLSIU Bengaluru closed at around Rank 101 (General category) - confirming that the top 3 NLUs are accessible only within the top 350 ranks.
- Results were declared on December 16, 2025, followed by counselling registration from December 17 onwards.
- CLAT 2027 registrations are expected to open around August 2026 - plan accordingly.
What Is CLAT and Why Does It Matter for NLU Admission 2026?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level law exam regulated every year by the CLAT Consortium. Currently, 26 NLUs in India consider CLAT scores for admission. These are not ordinary colleges - they were built on the model of IITs and IIMs specifically to transform legal education in India. Getting into one through a strong CLAT score is the single most direct route to a career in elite litigation, corporate law, the judiciary, or policy-making.
Around 65,000 candidates appear for CLAT UG each year, competing for approximately 3,700 total NLU seats. That ratio alone tells you why preparation and process knowledge both matter. Missing the application deadline or uploading the wrong document can cost you an entire year.
CLAT 2026 Important Dates at a Glance
Knowing dates is non-negotiable. The CLAT 2026 cycle followed a clean schedule that aspirants for the next cycle should use as a reference benchmark.
| Event | Date (XAT 2026 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | July 10, 2025 |
| Registration Closes | December 5, 2025 |
| Official Mock Test Release | November 2025 |
I’m Aditi Sharma, a passionate content writer currently pursuing my MA in English from Magadh University. With a strong command of language and a flair for storytelling, I specialize in crafting engaging articles, blogs, and creative content. My academic background enhances my ability to write well-researched, compelling, and grammatically refined pieces. I aim to create content that informs, inspires, and resonates with diverse audiences.
