CLAT 2026 with Complete Guide
covering exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, and preparation tips. Explore law college admissions at VMLS Chennai, a NAAC ‘A’ Grade, BCI-approved institution shaping India’s next generation of legal professionals.
For every student aspiring to enter the world of law, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) stands as the defining gateway. Recognized as India’s most prestigious national-level law entrance exam, CLAT opens doors to the 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) and several top private law institutions across India — including Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS), Chennai, a NAAC ‘A’ Grade, BCI-approved institution offering world-class legal education.
Table of Contents
As the legal profession continues to evolve with technology, globalization, and policy reforms, CLAT 2026 plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of lawyers, judges, and policy thinkers.
This article covers every key aspect of CLAT 2026 — including exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation strategy, and the future career pathways it opens.
What is CLAT 2026 and Who Conducts It?
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance test for admission into Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by the 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India.
Conducting Body
CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) — a governing body comprising representatives from all NLUs.
It was formed to ensure transparency, fairness, and uniformity in the admission process for law aspirants nationwide.
In addition to the NLUs, numerous affiliate universities, public sector undertakings, and organizations also use CLAT scores for admissions and legal recruitments.
All admissions to the 5-year integrated LL.B. and 1-year LL.M. programs commencing in the Academic Year 2026–2027 shall be through CLAT 2026.
CLAT 2026 Important Dates
The Consortium of NLUs has officially released the schedule for CLAT 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 1, 2025 |
| Last Date for Receiving Applications | October 31, 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | December 7, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Medium | English |
All admissions for the 2026–2027 academic year at participating NLUs and affiliated law schools will be based solely on CLAT 2026 scores.
Students are advised to complete registration well before the deadline, as no extensions are expected for the 2026 session.
Eligibility Criteria for CLAT 2026
CLAT eligibility is divided into two categories — Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG).
For CLAT UG (5-Year Integrated LL.B. Programs)
- Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. - Minimum Marks Required:
- General / OBC / PwD / NRI / OCI / PIO: 45%
- SC / ST: 40%
- Age Limit:
There is no upper age limit. - Appearing Candidates:
Students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 are eligible to apply.
For CLAT PG (LL.M. Programs)
- Educational Qualification:
A Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B. 3 years / 5 years) from a recognized university. - Minimum Marks Required:
- General / OBC / PwD: 50%
- SC / ST: 45%
- Appearing Candidates:
Final-year LL.B. students can apply provisionally.
Candidates must ensure their marks meet the criteria by the time of counseling, failing which their admission may be canceled.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CLAT 2026 will continue with the same comprehension-based, reasoning-focused pattern introduced in recent years.
CLAT UG Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Weightage | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22–26 | 20% | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar |
| Current Affairs (incl. GK) | 28–32 | 25% | Legal updates, national & international events |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 | 25% | Caselets, principles, rights & obligations |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 | 20% | Critical thinking, cause-effect, argumentation |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–14 | 10% | Arithmetic, ratios, charts & data interpretation |
| Total | 120 | 100% | 2 hours total duration |
Marking Scheme:
- +1 for each correct answer
- -0.25 for incorrect answers
CLAT PG Exam Pattern
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 (Objective Type) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Question Type | Passage-based MCQs |
| Core Subjects | Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, International Law, and IPR |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect |
The comprehension-based structure of CLAT 2026 ensures analytical, reasoning, and interpretative abilities — skills essential for every aspiring lawyer.
CLAT 2026 Syllabus — Subject-Wise Breakdown
For CLAT UG
- English Language:
- Passages of 450–500 words with inference and contextual questions.
- Vocabulary, idioms, grammar correction, and tone identification.
- Current Affairs & General Knowledge:
- Focus on national and international legal developments, environment, sports, economics, and major judgments.
- Legal Reasoning:
- Case-based questions on legal principles, fundamental rights, torts, and contracts.
- Logical Reasoning:
- Puzzles, analogies, cause-effect, argument flaws, and critical reasoning.
- Quantitative Techniques:
- Class 10-level math including percentages, averages, profit-loss, and graphical data.
For CLAT PG
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence and Legal Theory
- Law of Contracts and Torts
- Criminal and Civil Procedure Codes
- Corporate and Commercial Law
- International Law and Human Rights
- Intellectual Property Law
The Consortium has emphasized analytical application and case study interpretation over memorization of bare acts.
CLAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
Success in CLAT requires consistent practice and conceptual clarity. Here’s a structured strategy for both 6-month and 3-month preparation windows.
6-Month Preparation Plan
Month 1–2: Build Concepts
- Strengthen basics in English and GK.
- Read The Hindu, The Indian Express, and LegalEdge Monthly Compilations.
- Revise arithmetic fundamentals.
Month 3–4: Sectional Practice
- Attempt topic-wise tests for Legal and Logical Reasoning.
- Focus on comprehension accuracy and timing.
- Maintain a Current Affairs journal.
Month 5–6: Mock Tests & Revision
- Attempt 30+ full-length mock tests.
- Analyze errors to improve speed and accuracy.
- Review legal principles weekly and revise GK.
3-Month Crash Plan
Month 1: Legal and GK only — cover 12 months of news.
Month 2: Add 10 mocks + vocabulary & logic drills.
Month 3: Focus on speed, accuracy, and time management.
Tip: In CLAT 2025 analysis, toppers credited 60% of their success to daily reading habits and mock test consistency — not rote study.
Best Books for CLAT 2026
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| English | Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis |
| Legal Reasoning | Legal Awareness & Aptitude by A.P. Bhardwaj |
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey |
| GK / Current Affairs | Manorama Yearbook, GK Today, LegalEdge Compilations |
| Quantitative | Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal |
Top Law Colleges Accepting CLAT 2026
CLAT scores are accepted by 25 NLUs and 50+ affiliate institutions, including:
- NLSIU Bengaluru
- NALSAR Hyderabad
- WBNUJS Kolkata
- NLIU Bhopal
- NLU Jodhpur
- GNLU Gandhinagar
- DSNLU Visakhapatnam
- HNLU Raipur
- RMLNLU Lucknow
- Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS), Chennai
VMLS, Chennai stands out as a NAAC ‘A’ Grade law college that accepts CLAT scores for its LL.B. and LL.M. admissions, along with its in-house VLAT exam.
Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS) — Leading Law College in Chennai
Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS), under the Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), is one of Tamil Nadu’s most innovative and inclusive law colleges.
It is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and offers bilingual education in English and Tamil, making law accessible to a wider student base.
Programs Offered
| Course | Duration | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | CLAT / VLAT |
| B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | CLAT / VLAT |
| B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | CLAT / VLAT |
| LL.B. (Hons.) | 3 Years | CLAT PG / VLAT PG |
| LL.M. | 1 Year | CLAT PG / VLAT PG |
| Ph.D. in Law (Full/Part-Time) | 3–6 Years | VRET / NET / JRF |
Why Choose VMLS?
- NAAC ‘A’ Grade Deemed University
- Global Faculty (Stanford, UPenn, NLSIU alumni)
- Bilingual Learning (English & Tamil)
- AI, IP, and Cyber Law Integration
- ₹60+ Lakh Scholarships for Merit and Women Scholars
- Moot Court, Legal Aid Clinics & Research Centers
VMLS provides the same intellectual rigor as NLUs — but with greater inclusivity, personalized mentoring, and local-global exposure.
Career Opportunities After CLAT 2026
Graduates from CLAT-qualified institutions, including VMLS, can pursue:
- Judiciary and Litigation
- Corporate Law & M&A
- Civil Services & Policy
- Legal Tech & IP Consulting
- Academia & Research
Average Starting Salary: ₹6–18 LPA depending on specialization and sector.
FAQs on CLAT 2026
How many NLUs participate in CLAT 2026?
A total of 25 NLUs across India participate in CLAT 2026.
What is the exam pattern for CLAT 2026?
The exam will have 120 comprehension-based MCQs, held offline for 2 hours.
Can I apply to VMLS through my CLAT score?
Yes. Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS) accepts CLAT, AILET, MH CET Law, and VLAT scores.
Is CLAT available in other languages?
No. CLAT is conducted only in English, but VMLS offers bilingual education (English & Tamil).
When does the CLAT 2026 application open?
Applications open on August 1, 2025, and close on October 31, 2025.
Final Words
The CLAT 2026 is more than an exam — it’s the foundation for a rewarding career in law, policy, and justice.
With evolving subjects like AI law, global governance, and human rights, modern legal education demands both intellectual and ethical preparedness.
If you’re aiming for a law degree that combines global learning with local values, Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS), Chennai offers the perfect bridge — accepting CLAT 2026 scores and empowering students to become the changemakers India needs.
Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS) — The Law School of the Future.
+91 73582 01234 | admissions@vmls.edu.in | www.vmls.edu.in
