CLAT eligibility is the first step for students wishing to pursue law courses in India. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most popular exams for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs, conducted nationwide by the Consortium of National Law Universities. However, before diving into preparation, it’s essential to fully understand the CLAT eligibility criteria.
Candidates aspiring for admission through CLAT 2026 must first ensure they meet the CLAT eligibility criteria for both the five-year LLB and LLM courses. The eligibility requirements for CLAT include educational qualifications, minimum marks, and age limits that candidates must meet in order to secure a spot in one of India’s National Law Universities. Additionally, the leading law colleges accepting CLAT scores have similar eligibility standards for their admission process.
The CLAT eligibility criteria are aligned with the guidelines set by the Bar Council of India, which governs legal education and professional standards in the country. The CLAT Consortium ensures that all shortlisted candidates meet the required eligibility during the counselling process. During this stage, candidates will need to provide necessary documents to confirm their eligibility for admission.
This article provides detailed information on the CLAT eligibility criteria for 2026. Candidates should review this information thoroughly before submitting their application to avoid disqualification later in the process.
Key Points About CLAT Eligibility to Keep in Mind
Before exploring the specifics of the CLAT eligibility criteria, here are a few important points every candidate should note:
- The CLAT eligibility requirements differ based on categories, including General, SC/ST, OBC, etc.
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CLAT exam.
- The CLAT eligibility criteria for undergraduate (UG) courses are different from those for postgraduate (PG) courses.
- It’s important to meet the minimum marks criteria to be eligible for the exam.
- Candidates are allowed to take the CLAT exam multiple times, provided they continue to meet the eligibility conditions.
Who is Eligible to Take the CLAT Exam?
Now let’s break down the eligibility requirements for different groups of candidates:
- CLAT UG Eligibility Criteria 2026: This section covers the CLAT eligibility criteria for undergraduate law aspirants, including the essential qualifications, nationality, and age limits.
- CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria 2026: For postgraduate aspirants, the CLAT eligibility criteria include the necessary academic qualifications and other specific requirements.
- CLAT Eligibility Criteria for NRI Students: NRI students have special considerations when it comes to CLAT eligibility. This section outlines the requirements for Non-Resident Indian candidates aspiring to pursue law through CLAT.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 UG Exam
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 or equivalent exam from a recognized board to be eligible for CLAT UG.
- General and OBC candidates need a minimum of 45% marks in the 12th standard.
- SC/ST candidates must have at least 40% marks in their 12th exam.
- Candidates who are appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2026 can also apply for CLAT, provided they meet the minimum marks criteria once the results are out.
CLAT Age Limit 2026 For UG Exam
- No upper age limit exists for appearing in the CLAT exam. Candidates of any age who meet the educational qualifications can apply for the exam.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 PG Program
- To pursue a postgraduate law course, candidates must meet the CLAT eligibility criteria related to age, educational qualification, and minimum qualifying marks.
- As per the previous year’s notification, Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply for the CLAT PG Exam 2026.
- NRI and Foreign National candidates must apply through the NRI quota provided by the participating CLAT colleges.
- Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree can also apply for CLAT PG 2026. However, they must submit their final year mark sheets during the admission process.
- For eligibility, candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in an LLB or any equivalent degree from a recognized university.
- SC/ST candidates require a minimum of 45% marks to be eligible, and they are given a 5% relaxation in the minimum percentage requirement.
- Candidates appearing for their qualifying exams in April/May 2025 can apply for either the five-year integrated LLB or LLM courses.
CLAT Age Limit 2026 for PG Exam
- No upper age limit is set for the CLAT PG exam, meaning those of any age group can apply for LLM courses.
- However, the minimum age limit to apply for the exam is above 20 years, highlighting the significance of the CLAT eligibility age even for postgraduate law courses.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 for NRI Students
- NRI aspirants seeking admission under the NRI quota must meet specific CLAT eligibility criteria and follow the required admission process.
- Admissions are based on merit scores, and the university determines the seat allotment for candidates under the NRI quota.
- For detailed admission information, including eligibility, required documents, and any other queries, candidates should directly contact the respective university.
- If seats designated for foreign nationals are unavailable, they will be converted into NRI/NRI-sponsored seats, with admissions determined by CLAT ranking.
- The CLAT office will issue a list of eligible candidates for admission under the NRI category.
Documents Required for NRI Candidates
NRI candidates must submit the following documents during the admission process:
- A copy of the valid Indian passport of the student
- Visas obtained in the last 12 months
- A certificate from the local embassy confirming NRI/OCI status or a PIO Card
Documents Required for NRI-Sponsored Candidates
For candidates sponsored by an NRI, the sponsor must provide these documents:
- A copy of the sponsor’s valid Indian passport
- Visas obtained by the sponsor in the last 12 months
- A certificate from the local embassy confirming NRI/OCI status or a PIO Card
- An affidavit from the sponsor indicating their support for the student’s education and commitment to funding it for the next five years.
Conclusion
Understanding the CLAT eligibility criteria is essential for all candidates aspiring to pursue law courses through the Common Law Admission Test. Whether you are applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs, meeting the required educational qualifications, minimum marks, and age limits is the first step toward securing a seat in one of India’s prestigious National Law Universities. For NRI students, special considerations apply, and it is important to be aware of the specific documentation needed during the admission process.
By carefully reviewing the CLAT eligibility criteria for 2026, candidates can ensure that they meet all the necessary requirements and avoid any disqualification later in the process. Make sure to stay updated with the official notifications from the CLAT Consortium, and reach out to the respective universities for any clarifications. With proper planning and a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements, you’ll be better prepared to successfully navigate the CLAT exam and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career.
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