Law College Entrances: CLAT 2026 Results and Counseling
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the most important law entrance examination in India for students aspiring to study BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, and other law programs at National Law Universities (NLUs). Every year, more than 1 lakh candidates appear for CLAT to secure a seat in the country’s top-ranked law colleges.
With CLAT 2026 approaching, aspirants are eagerly waiting for CLAT 2026 results, counselling dates, cut-offs, and admission procedures. This article provides a complete and reliable guide to CLAT 2026 results and counselling, helping you plan your law admission journey with clarity and confidence.
What Is CLAT? Overview of Law College Entrances in India
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). It serves as the gateway for admission into:
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5-year integrated law programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB)
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1-year LLM programs
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Private law colleges accepting CLAT scores
Apart from CLAT, other popular law entrance exams include:
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AILET
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SLAT
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LSAT India
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MH CET Law
However, CLAT remains the most prestigious and widely accepted law entrance exam in India.
CLAT 2026 Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of NLUs |
| Courses Offered | UG (5-year LLB) & PG (LLM) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Total NLUs | 24+ NLUs |
| Seats Available | Approx. 3,000+ UG seats |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
CLAT 2026 Result Date (Expected)
The CLAT 2026 result is expected to be declared within 10–15 days after the examination. Based on previous years’ trends:
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CLAT 2026 Exam Date (Expected): December 2025
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CLAT 2026 Result Date (Expected): December 2025 / January 2026
The result will be published online on the official CLAT website by the Consortium of NLUs.
How to Check CLAT 2026 Results?
Candidates can check their CLAT 2026 result by following these steps:
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Visit the official CLAT website
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Click on “CLAT 2026 Result” link
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Log in using registration number and password
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View and download the scorecard
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Save a copy for counselling and admission
The CLAT scorecard includes:
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Candidate’s name & roll number
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Section-wise marks
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Total score
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All India Rank (AIR)
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Category rank
CLAT 2026 Rank vs Marks (Expected)
| CLAT Score Range | Expected Rank |
|---|---|
| 100+ | Top 50 |
| 95–99 | 50–150 |
| 90–94 | 150–400 |
| 85–89 | 400–800 |
| 80–84 | 800–1500 |
| 70–79 | 1500–3000 |
Rank may vary depending on difficulty level and number of candidates.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Process
Candidates who qualify CLAT are required to participate in the centralised counselling process conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Start Date (Expected)
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January 2026
Steps Involved in CLAT 2026 Counselling
Step 1: Registration for Counselling
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Log in to CLAT portal
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Pay counselling fee
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Confirm participation
Step 2: Choice Filling
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Select preferred NLUs in order
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Lock choices carefully
Step 3: Seat Allotment
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Allotment based on:
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CLAT rank
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Category
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NLU preference
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Seat availability
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Step 4: Accept, Upgrade or Exit
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Accept the allotted seat
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Apply for upgrade in next round
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Exit counselling if not satisfied
Step 5: Document Verification
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Online verification of certificates
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Upload required documents
Step 6: Admission Confirmation
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Pay university admission fee
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Report to allotted NLU
Documents Required for CLAT Counselling 2026
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CLAT 2026 Scorecard
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Admit Card
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Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets
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Category Certificate (if applicable)
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Domicile Certificate (if required)
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Transfer Certificate
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Passport-size photographs
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ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
CLAT 2026 Cut-Offs (Expected)
Cut-offs vary depending on the NLU, category, and seat availability.
Top NLUs Expected Cut-Off Rank (General Category)
| NLU | Expected Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 80–120 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 150–250 |
| NLU Delhi* | Separate (AILET) |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 260–350 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 350–450 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 450–550 |
Top Law Colleges Accepting CLAT Scores
National Law Universities (NLUs)
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NLSIU Bangalore
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NALSAR Hyderabad
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WBNUJS Kolkata
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NLU Jodhpur
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GNLU Gandhinagar
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RMLNLU Lucknow
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HNLU Raipur
Private Law Colleges
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Symbiosis Law School (via SLAT)
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Jindal Global Law School
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Amity Law School
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NMIMS School of Law
Seat Reservation in CLAT 2026
Reservation policies are followed as per government norms:
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SC / ST
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OBC
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EWS
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PwD
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State domicile quotas
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Women reservation (in select NLUs)
What After CLAT Admission? Career Opportunities
Graduates from top law colleges can pursue careers as:
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Advocates & Litigators
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Corporate Lawyers
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Judicial Services
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Legal Advisors
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Policy Analysts
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Academicians
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Legal Consultants
Average Salary After Top NLUs
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Tier 1 NLUs: ₹12–18 LPA
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Tier 2 NLUs: ₹6–10 LPA
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Litigation (initial): ₹3–5 LPA
CLAT vs Other Law Entrance Exams
| Exam | Colleges Covered |
|---|---|
| CLAT | NLUs & Private Colleges |
| AILET | NLU Delhi |
| SLAT | Symbiosis Law Schools |
| LSAT India | Private Universities |
| MH CET Law | Maharashtra Colleges |
Important Tips for CLAT 2026 Counselling
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Fill choices strategically
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Keep documents ready
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Don’t skip counselling rounds
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Track deadlines carefully
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Check NLU-wise fee structure
Conclusion
CLAT 2026 remains the most important law entrance exam in India, opening doors to the country’s top National Law Universities and elite legal careers. Understanding the CLAT results, ranks, counselling process, and cut-offs is essential to make informed admission decisions.
With proper planning, timely participation in counselling, and smart preference filling, candidates can secure admission into prestigious law colleges and build a successful future in the legal profession.
FAQs
Q1. When will CLAT 2026 results be declared?
CLAT 2026 results are expected in December 2025 or January 2026.
Q2. Is counselling mandatory after CLAT?
Yes, counselling is mandatory to get admission into NLUs.
Q3. How many counselling rounds are conducted?
Usually 5 rounds of centralised counselling.
Q4. Can I change NLU preferences after locking?
No, once locked, preferences cannot be changed.
Q5. Does CLAT guarantee admission?
No, admission depends on rank, cut-off, and seat availability.
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