India · 2026 Edition · Updated 2026-04-06

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CLAT 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Study Plan

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the national-level entrance exam for admission to 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) offering 5-year integrated BA LLB and 1-year LLM programmes. It tests legal reasoning, logical ability, English comprehension, elementary mathematics, and general knowledge.

Year: 2026
Subjects: 5
Topics: 23
Cost: Free

Tracked daily from https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat. See 2026 calendar →

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📋 Exam Pattern

150 MCQs, 2 hours, 150 marks — sections: English (30), GK (25), Legal Reasoning (50), Logical Reasoning (30), Math (15).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 with minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST). For LLM: LLB degree with 50% aggregate.

Subjects & Topics Covered — 23 topics across 5 subjects

English

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6 topics · Vocabulary· Grammar· Comprehension + more

Current Affairs

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4 topics · National News· International News· Legal News + more

Legal Reasoning

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4 topics · Legal Maxims· Principles of Law· Case Situations + more

Logical Reasoning

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5 topics · Syllogisms· Logical Sequences· Analogies + more

Quantitative Techniques

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4 topics · Arithmetic· Algebra· Geometry + more

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Frequently Asked Questions — CLAT

Everything you need to know about CLAT. Scroll down for the complete study guide.

When should I start preparing for CLAT 2026 and what is the expected exam timeline?

To maximize your chances, begin serious preparation by January 2026 at the latest. The Consortium typically releases the CLAT 2026 notification in January–February, with the exam scheduled for May 2026. This gives you roughly 4–5 months of focused prep. Your application window opens around February and closes in April (exact dates per the official notification). With 120 questions across 5 sections, building familiarity with the paper pattern early helps. Register before the March deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. The registration fee is Rs. 4,000 (General/OBC/PwD) or Rs. 3,000 (SC/ST). Source: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

Which sections in CLAT UG 2026 require the most preparation time and why?

Current Affairs (including General Knowledge) and Legal Reasoning demand the heaviest time investment. Current Affairs tests knowledge of events from the past year—reading monthly digests from reputable sources gives you an edge. Legal Reasoning tests comprehension of legal principles applied to passages, not prior legal knowledge. Logical Reasoning follows, as puzzles and deduction take practice to speed up. English and Quantitative Techniques are relatively more manageable if your basics are solid. The exam has 120 MCQs, 1 mark each, with a 0.25 negative marking—so strategic section ordering matters. Source: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

What are the best study resources for cracking CLAT 2026?

Use the official CLAT 2026 syllabus as your primary guide, available on consortiumofnlus.ac.in. For Legal Reasoning, focus on understanding principles through practice questions rather than memorizing case laws. Subscribe to any two reputable monthly current affairs compilations (online or print). For Quantitative Techniques, strengthen Class 10-level math fundamentals—percentages, ratios, averages appear regularly. For Logical Reasoning, practice from standard CLAT preparation books and previous-year papers (available from 2008 onwards). Do not rely on unverified online quizzes; stick to sources that match the Consortium's stated pattern. Source: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

How many mock tests should I attempt before CLAT 2026 and how should I analyze them?

Attempt a minimum of 25–30 full-length mock tests in the final 3 months leading to the exam. Start with 1–2 mocks per week in March–April, then increase to 3–4 per week by May. After each test, spend equal time analyzing errors—categorize mistakes by section and type (misread, concept gap, time pressure). Track your score trend; if it plateaus below 100/120, revisit foundational concepts for the weakest sections. Simulate exam conditions strictly: 2-hour duration, no breaks mid-test. High-scoring aspirants consistently report that mock analysis—not just quantity—is the real differentiator. Source: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

What does a realistic weekly study plan for CLAT 2026 look like?

Dedicate 6–7 hours daily, broken into focused blocks. Morning (2 hours): Current Affairs reading + note-making. Mid-day (2 hours): Legal Reasoning or Logical Reasoning practice. Evening (2 hours): English comprehension or Quantitative Techniques. Reserve one full day weekly for a full mock test and analysis. Alternate between strong and weak sections to prevent burnout on difficult topics. By April 2026, shift to test-focused revision with timed section quizzes. Maintain this schedule consistently—sporadic intense sessions are less effective than steady daily progress for an exam testing breadth across 5 distinct areas. Source: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

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Exam Name	CLAT
Country	🇮🇳 India
Subjects	English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques
Total Topics	23
Official Source	https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat
Last Updated	2026-04-06