CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027 | Age Limit, Marks, and Qualification Guide

Are you aiming for a seat in one of the 24 prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) in India? The first step toward your legal career is understanding the CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027.

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of NLUs. Because the exam for the 2027 session is expected to be held in December 2026, candidates must plan their academic eligibility well in advance. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the age limit, minimum marks, and educational requirements for both Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programs.

For the 2027 cycle, the Consortium of NLUs is implementing reforms to bring CLAT on par with international standards. You can check out the CLAT 2027 Complete Guide to see how these changes will affect your preparation strategy

CLAT 2027 Eligibility Highlights

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the essential requirements:

Feature	CLAT UG (5-Year LLB)	CLAT PG (Master of Laws)
Minimum Qualification	10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent	LLB Degree (3 or 5-year)
Minimum Marks (Gen/OBC/NRI)	45% Aggregate	50% Aggregate
Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PwD)	40% Aggregate	45% Aggregate
Upper Age Limit	No Age Limit	No Age Limit
Final Year Students	Eligible to Apply	Eligible to Apply

 

Detailed CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027 UG

The Undergraduate program (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.) is the most popular choice for students right after school.

Educational Qualification

• Recognized Board: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized national or state board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, etc.).
• Stream Neutrality: CLAT is stream-neutral. Whether you studied Science, Commerce, or Humanities, you are equally eligible to apply.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

You must meet the following percentage requirements in your Class 12th boards to be eligible for admission:

• General / OBC / PwD / NRI / PIO / OCI: 45% marks or equivalent grade.
• SC / ST: 40% marks or equivalent grade.

Note: If you fail to meet these minimum marks, your CLAT score will be considered invalid for admission, even if you rank in the top 100.

Candidates Appearing in 2027

If you are currently in Class 12 and will be appearing for your board exams in March/April 2027, you are eligible to apply for CLAT 2027 (expected to be held in Dec 2026). However, your admission will be provisional. You must produce your passing certificate and marksheet during the counseling process in May/June 2027.

CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027 PG (LLM)

For law graduates looking to specialize, the CLAT PG (Master of Laws) has specific requirements:

• Degree Required: A 3-year LLB or a 5-year Integrated LLB degree from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
• Qualifying Marks: * General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI: 50% marks.
  • SC/ST: 45% marks.
• Appearing Candidates: Students in their final semester/year of LLB in mid-2027 are eligible to take the test in December 2026.

Is There an Age Limit for CLAT 2027?

This is the most frequent question among law aspirants.

There is no upper age limit for CLAT 2027.

Following a Supreme Court stay on age bar regulations, the Consortium of NLUs allows candidates of any age to appear for the exam. Whether you are 17 or 40, as long as you meet the educational qualifications, you can pursue law at an NLU.

Nationality and Category-Based Eligibility

CLAT is open to a wide range of candidates:

1. Indian Nationals: Eligible under all categories.
2. NRIs / OCIs / PIOs: Eligible to apply. Some NLUs have dedicated seats for NRI-sponsored candidates.
3. Foreign Nationals: Can apply directly; however, they may be exempt from the entrance test in specific NLUs. Always check the individual NLU’s brochure for foreign quota rules.

Important Documents for Eligibility Verification

Meeting the criteria is only half the battle; you must prove it with documentation. Ensure you have the following ready for the registration process (starting around August 2026):

• Class 10th & 12th Marksheets: To verify date of birth and qualifying marks.
• Caste Certificate: For SC/ST/OBC candidates seeking relaxation or reservation.
• Domicile Certificate: To claim state-quota seats (some NLUs reserve up to 25–50% for local students).
• Disability Certificate (PwD): If applying under the horizontal reservation category.

CLAT 2027 Tie-Breaker Rules

If two or more candidates score identical marks in the CLAT 2027 exam, the following rules determine the final rank:

1. Higher Marks in Legal Reasoning: The candidate with a higher score in this section is ranked higher.
2. Higher Age: The older candidate is preferred.
3. Computerized Draw: If the tie persists, a computerized draw of lots is conducted.

Conclusion

The CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027 is designed to be inclusive, allowing students from all backgrounds and age groups to pursue legal excellence. With the exam scheduled for December 6, 2026, starting your preparation now is essential.