CLAT 2026 Eligibility - Academic Qualification, Minimum Marks, Age Limit

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The Consortium of NLUs (National Law Universities) specifies the CLAT eligibility criteria 2026. Students interested in joining the offered courses must review the eligibility requirements before applying for CLAT 2026. The CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria highlight details such as the age limit of the applicants, their nationality, educational qualification, reservation category criteria etc. Those who have completed 10+2 or have appeared for the 12th examination in March/ April 2025, will be qualified to apply for CLAT UG. For the CLAT PG, the last qualifying examination is LLB with the required percentage as notified by the conducting authority. Please note that the minimum percentage required for the CLAT 2026 application will vary based on the reservation category. There are also certain provisions/ arrangements for Specially Abled Persons (SAPs) in CLAT.

CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria Key Highlights

Here are some of the major highlights of the CLAT 2026 eligibility criteria - 

• According to the Supreme Court's order, aspirants of any age can pursue legal education in India. For this reason, the BCI had removed the age limit from CLAT UG and PG.
• The qualifying exam for CLAT UG is class 12th and graduation final year for CLAT PG, in the same year when CLAT will be conducted.
• Those who are appearing for the qualifying exam and CLAT in the same year must also ensure they score the minimum required marks in the qualifying exam. If a candidate is able to crack CLAT but is unable to get the minimum marks in the qualifying exam, they will be disqualified from the admission process.
• If a candidate appears for CLAT 2026 while also appearing for the qualifying exam, they will be granted admission only upon submitting the passing certificates and documents at the time of CLAT counselling and seat allotment.
• There is no upper age limit to be eligible for admission to LLM programme through CLAT 2026.
• Candidates must have passed the qualifying examination (preferably graduation in Law) from a recognised University or Board.
• Individuals of any age above 20/ 21 years can appear for the CLAT 2026 exam for PG Programme if they meet the other eligibility criteria.

CLAT 2026 Age Limit and Nationality

CLAT UG 2026 Age Limit:

According to the official notification of CLAT, there is no age limit for appearing in CLAT 2026.

• Candidates must have passed the qualifying examination from a recognised University or Board.
• Individuals of any age above 17/ 18 years can appear for the CLAT 2026 UG exam provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

CLAT 2026 Nationality:

Candidates who are Indian Nationals/ NRIs/ PIO/ OCI are eligible to appear for CLAT 2026.

CLAT 2026 Criteria for Number of Attempts

As per the rules of the consortium, there is no limit on the number of attempts that a candidate can take for CLAT. You can appear for CLAT as many times as you desire. For instance, if someone fails to clear CLAT in 2025 and they are willing to appear for CLAT 2026, there is no restriction. They can  fill the online application form and appear for the exam. 

Education Qualifications Required for CLAT UG 2026

The minimum education qualification required for CLAT 2026 for admission to UG programmes/ integrated law coures is as follows -

• The candidate must have passed Class 12th with a minimum of 45% of marks. However, the 45% qualifying mark rule is applicable only to the General category. 
• Candidates belonging to SC / ST categories must have a minimum of 40% of marks in Class 12th to be eligible for the entrance exam. 

Education Qualification Required for CLAT PG 2026

The educational qualification mandatory to appear for CLAT PG (LLM) 2026 is as follows.

• The candidates must have an LL.B degree with a minimum of 55% of marks. However, the 55% qualifying rule in LLB course is applicable for the General category & OBC.
• Candidates belonging to SC/ ST must have a minimum of 50% of marks in LL.B to be eligible for LLM course admission in NLUs through CLAT.

What after CLAT 2026 Eligibility Norms?

After examining the eligibility criteria of CLAT 2026, candidates need to fill out the CLAT 2026 Application Form. The below pointers are the major steps of the CLAT admission process: 

• Taking the CLAT 2026 Exam
• Announcement of CLAT result
• Counselling Process
• Release of CLAT 2026 Seat Allotment List
• Seat Confirmation
• End of Admission 

Provision / Arrangement for Specially-Abled Persons (SAPs) in CLAT 2026

Specially-Abled Persons will be provided with certain arrangements and provisions in CLAT exam. Even though there is no relaxation in the eligibility criteria and minimum requirements for CLAT 2026, visually impaired candidates can take the help of a scribe to attempt the CLAT exam.

However, such candidates should submit the necessary documents specified by the exam authority. These candidates need to visit the exam centre at least a day before the exam and meet the exam supervisor at the respective centre. After the relevant documents have been verified, the supervisor will give his approval for taking scribe's help. While filling the CLAT application form, candidates need to mention their disability so that necessary arrangements can be made at the exam centre.

CLAT UG 2026 Eligibility in the Event of a Tie

In case of a tie, where two or more candidates secure equal marks in the CLAT UG exam, the following criteria shall be considered - 

• The candidate who secures higher marks in the component/ section of the legal aptitude will have more advantages.
• The candidate whose age is more is given preference.
• If the tie still persists, it will be based on a computerised draw of lots.

CLAT PG 2026 Eligibility in the Event of a Tie

If there is a tie and two or more candidates receive equal marks in the CLAT PG exam, the following criteria will be considered - 

• Higher age
• The draw of lots will be computerized.