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CLAT PG 2026 is the gateway for law graduates seeking admission to prestigious one-year LLM programmes offered by 25 National Law Universities across India. Conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, the Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate courses was held on December 7, 2025, with results declared on December 16, 2025. The exam witnessed participation from over 16,000 candidates competing for approximately 1,599 LLM seats. If you are a law graduate aspiring to pursue specialisation in Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law, or other legal domains from top NLUs, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about CLAT PG 2026.
Table of Contents
CLAT PG 2026 Highlights at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of all essential information regarding the CLAT PG 2026 examination that every aspirant should know.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Law Admission Test - Postgraduate (CLAT PG) |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper Based) |
| CLAT PG 2026 Exam Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Marks | 120 Marks |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for each wrong answer |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Application Fee (General/OBC/Other) | Rs. 4,000 |
| Application Fee (SC/ST/BPL/PwD) | Rs. 3,500 |
| Total LLM Seats | Approximately 1,599 |
| Participating NLUs | 25 National Law Universities |
| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
CLAT PG 2026 Important Dates and Schedule
Keeping track of important dates is crucial for timely preparation and application submission. The Consortium of NLUs released the official notification for CLAT 2026 on July 20, 2025, outlining all key milestones for the admission cycle.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | July 20, 2025 |
| Online Registration Start Date | August 1, 2025 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | October 31, 2025 |
| Admit Card Download | November 2025 |
| CLAT PG 2026 Exam Date | December 7, 2025 (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM) |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | December 10, 2025 |
| Final Answer Key Release | December 16, 2025 |
| CLAT PG 2026 Result Declaration | December 16-17, 2025 |
| Counselling Registration Start | December 17, 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Counselling Registration Last Date | December 27, 2025 |
| First Merit List | January 7, 2026 |
CLAT PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria for LLM Admission
Understanding the eligibility requirements is the first step before beginning your preparation journey. The Consortium of NLUs has specified clear criteria that candidates must fulfil to be eligible for the CLAT PG examination.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed an LLB degree (either 3-year or 5-year integrated programme) from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks for General and OBC category candidates. For SC and ST category candidates, the minimum marks requirement is relaxed to 45%. Final year LLB students who are awaiting their results can also apply for CLAT PG 2026, provided they submit proof of qualification at the time of admission.
Age Limit
There is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in the CLAT PG examination. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the educational qualification criteria.
Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CLAT PG. Candidates can appear for the examination multiple times until they secure admission to their desired NLU.
CLAT PG 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The CLAT PG examination tests candidates on their comprehension abilities and knowledge of core law subjects studied during the LLB programme. Understanding the exam pattern thoroughly helps in devising an effective preparation strategy.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 Marks for wrong answer |
| Unattempted Questions | No marks deducted or awarded |
| Number of Passages | 22-24 Comprehension Passages |
| Question Format | Passage-based comprehension questions |
The question paper is comprehension-based, where candidates are provided extracts from primary legal materials such as important court decisions, statutes, regulations, and legal principles. Each passage is followed by multiple-choice questions that test the candidate's ability to analyse, interpret, and apply legal concepts.
CLAT PG 2026 Syllabus: Subject-wise Topics
The CLAT PG syllabus is based on mandatory subjects covered during the undergraduate law programme. The examination tests knowledge across 13 core legal subjects, with Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence carrying the highest weightage.
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Constitutional Amendments, Judicial Review, Emergency Provisions, Centre-State Relations, Landmark Judgments |
| Jurisprudence | Schools of Jurisprudence, Sources of Law, Legal Concepts, Rights and Duties, Ownership and Possession, Legal Personality |
| Administrative Law | Delegated Legislation, Administrative Tribunals, Natural Justice, Judicial Review of Administrative Action |
| Law of Contract | Formation of Contract, Breach of Contract, Quasi-Contracts, Specific Performance, Indemnity and Guarantee |
| Law of Torts | Negligence, Strict Liability, Vicarious Liability, Defamation, Nuisance, Consumer Protection |
| Criminal Law (IPC) | General Exceptions, Offences Against State, Offences Against Human Body, Property Offences |
| Family Law | Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Personal Law, Succession Laws, Guardianship, Adoption |
| Property Law | Transfer of Property Act, Registration Act, Types of Property, Easements |
| Company Law | Incorporation, Directors, Meetings, Winding Up, Corporate Governance |
| Public International Law | Sources of International Law, Treaties, International Organizations, Law of Sea, Human Rights |
| Tax Law | Direct and Indirect Taxes, GST, Income Tax Act, Tax Planning |
| Environmental Law | Environmental Protection Act, Wildlife Protection, Pollution Laws, Sustainable Development |
| Labour and Industrial Law | Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act, Trade Unions Act, Minimum Wages Act |
CLAT PG 2026 Participating NLUs and LLM Seats
A total of 25 National Law Universities accept CLAT PG scores for admission to their LLM programmes. Each NLU offers various specialisations in law, and seat distribution varies across institutions based on their intake capacity and reservation policies.
| NLU Name | Location | Approximate LLM Seats |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | Bangalore, Karnataka | 100 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | Hyderabad, Telangana | 66 |
| NLIU Bhopal | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | 60 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | Kolkata, West Bengal | 50 |
| NLU Jodhpur | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | 60 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 60 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | 60 |
| RGNUL Patiala | Patiala, Punjab | 60 |
| CNLU Patna | Patna, Bihar | 60 |
| HNLU Raipur | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | 60 |
| NUALS Kochi | Kochi, Kerala | 60 |
| NLU Odisha | Cuttack, Odisha | 60 |
| NUSRL Ranchi | Ranchi, Jharkhand | 60 |
| NLUJA Assam | Guwahati, Assam | 40 |
| MNLU Mumbai | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 60 |
| MNLU Nagpur | Nagpur, Maharashtra | 60 |
| MNLU Aurangabad | Aurangabad, Maharashtra | 40 |
| HPNLU Shimla | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | 40 |
| DSNLU Visakhapatnam | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | 60 |
| TNNLU Tiruchirappalli | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | 50 |
| MPDNLU Jabalpur | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh | 40 |
| NLU Tripura | Agartala, Tripura | 30 |
| DBRANLU Sonipat | Sonipat, Haryana | 40 |
| NLU Meghalaya | Shillong, Meghalaya | 30 |
| RPNLU Prayagraj | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh | 40 |
CLAT PG 2026 Expected Cutoff: NLU-wise Analysis
The cutoff for CLAT PG varies each year based on factors such as exam difficulty level, number of candidates, and seat availability. Based on previous year trends and the CLAT PG 2026 exam analysis, here are the expected cutoff ranks for top NLUs.
| NLU | Expected Cutoff Rank (General Category) | Expected Marks Range |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 1-120 | 85-95+ |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 120-250 | 80-90 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 250-400 | 75-85 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 300-450 | 75-82 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 400-600 | 72-80 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 500-700 | 70-78 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 700-1000 | 65-75 |
| HNLU Raipur | 800-1200 | 62-72 |
| NLU Odisha | 900-1300 | 60-70 |
| NUSRL Ranchi | 1000-1500 | 58-68 |
CLAT PG 2026 Result and Toppers
The CLAT PG 2026 results were declared on December 16-17, 2025, following the release of the final answer key. A total of 17,335 candidates registered for CLAT PG 2026, out of which 16,026 candidates appeared for the examination across 141 test centres in 25 states and 4 union territories.
CLAT PG 2026 Topper Statistics
The highest score recorded in CLAT PG 2026 was 104.25 marks out of 120. New Delhi emerged as the city with the maximum number of toppers in the PG category, with 22 candidates in the top 100. Jabalpur followed with 8 toppers in the top 100, and Jaipur had 7 candidates in this bracket.
| Statistic | CLAT PG 2026 |
|---|---|
| Total Registered Candidates | 17,335 |
| Total Appeared Candidates | 16,026 |
| Attendance Rate | 92.45% |
| Highest Score | 104.25 marks |
| Female Participation | 57% |
| Male Participation | 43% |
CLAT PG 2026 Counselling Process and Seat Allotment
The CLAT PG counselling is conducted in multiple rounds by the Consortium of NLUs. Candidates who qualify the examination must register for counselling, fill their NLU preferences, and participate in the seat allocation process.
Counselling Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Counselling Registration Opens | December 17, 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Counselling Registration Closes | December 27, 2025 |
| First Merit List | January 7, 2026 |
| Counselling Fee (General) | Rs. 30,000 |
| Counselling Fee (Reserved Categories) | Rs. 20,000 |
| Confirmation Fee | Rs. 20,000 (Non-refundable) |
Seat Allotment Options
- Freeze: Accept the allotted seat and exit the counselling process
- Float: Accept the current seat but remain eligible for upgradation in subsequent rounds
- Exit: Withdraw from the counselling process entirely
How to Prepare for CLAT PG 2027: Preparation Strategy
Cracking CLAT PG requires a strategic approach combining conceptual clarity, comprehension skills, and consistent practice. Based on insights from toppers and experts, here is a comprehensive preparation strategy for aspirants targeting CLAT PG 2027.
Start Early and Plan Systematically
Begin your preparation at least 6-8 months before the examination. Create a weekly and monthly study plan allocating dedicated time for each subject. Focus 70% of your study time on high-weightage subjects like Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence, 20% on secondary subjects, and 10% on revision and current legal affairs.
Master Core Subjects First
Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence together constitute nearly 40-50% of the question paper. Ensure thorough understanding of fundamental concepts, landmark judgments, and recent amendments. Read bare acts alongside textbooks to develop comprehensive knowledge.
Practice Comprehension-Based Questions
Since CLAT PG is entirely passage-based, develop strong reading comprehension skills. Practice extracting key information from complex legal passages and answering questions accurately within time constraints.
Solve Previous Year Papers
Analyse question papers from 2020 onwards to understand question patterns, difficulty levels, and frequently tested topics. This helps identify areas requiring more attention and familiarises you with the examination format.
Take Regular Mock Tests
Attempt full-length mock tests under exam-like conditions every week. Analyse your performance after each test to identify weak areas and track improvement over time.
Best Books for CLAT PG 2027 Preparation
Selecting the right study materials is crucial for effective CLAT PG preparation. Here are subject-wise book recommendations endorsed by toppers and legal experts.
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | M. Laxmikant (Indian Polity), DD Basu, JN Pandey, VN Shukla, Bare Act of Indian Constitution |
| Jurisprudence | Dr. NV Paranjape, VD Mahajan, Dias Jurisprudence |
| Law of Contract | Avtar Singh, RK Bangia, Pollock and Mulla |
| Law of Torts | RK Bangia, Ratanlal and Dhirajlal |
| Criminal Law (IPC) | KD Gaur, SN Mishra, PSA Pillai, Ratanlal and Dhirajlal |
| Administrative Law | IP Massey, CK Takwani |
| Family Law | Paras Diwan, Mulla |
| Company Law | Avtar Singh, GK Kapoor |
| International Law | SK Kapoor, Malcolm Shaw |
| General Reference | Universal Guide to LLM Entrance Exams, Singhal's SS Handbook for LLM |
CLAT PG Previous Year Question Papers: Download Links
Practising previous year question papers is essential for understanding the exam pattern and improving time management skills. The Consortium of NLUs provides access to past papers on their official website.
| Year | Source |
|---|---|
| CLAT PG 2026 | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| CLAT PG 2025 | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| CLAT PG 2024 | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| CLAT PG 2023 | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| CLAT PG 2022 | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
Note: Previous year question papers can be purchased from the official CLAT website at Rs. 500 (not included in the application fee).
Career Opportunities After LLM from NLUs
An LLM degree from a National Law University opens doors to numerous career opportunities in the legal field. Graduates can pursue careers in judiciary, corporate law firms, legal research, academia, and public sector undertakings.
Popular Career Paths
- Judicial Services: LLM graduates can appear for state judicial services examinations
- Corporate Law Firms: Tier-1 law firms recruit LLM graduates for specialised practice areas
- Legal Research: Opportunities in think tanks, research organisations, and academic institutions
- PSU Law Officers: ONGC, SAIL, NTPC, and other PSUs recruit law officers through CLAT PG scores
- Academia: Teaching positions in law schools and universities
- Civil Services: LLM provides an edge in UPSC examinations
- International Organisations: UN agencies, WTO, and other international bodies
CLAT PG 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the eligibility criteria for CLAT PG 2026?
Candidates must have completed an LLB degree (3-year or 5-year) with minimum 50% marks for General and OBC categories, and 45% for SC/ST candidates. Final year LLB students can also apply.
2. Is there any age limit for CLAT PG examination?
No, there is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in CLAT PG. Candidates of any age can apply provided they meet the educational qualification requirements.
3. How many times can I attempt CLAT PG?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for CLAT PG multiple times until they secure admission to their desired NLU.
4. What is the exam pattern for CLAT PG 2026?
CLAT PG consists of 120 multiple-choice questions to be attempted in 120 minutes. All questions are passage-based and test comprehension of legal materials. Each correct answer awards 1 mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for wrong answers.
5. Which subjects are covered in CLAT PG syllabus?
The syllabus includes Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and Labour Law.
6. How many NLUs accept CLAT PG scores for LLM admission?
25 National Law Universities accept CLAT PG scores for admission to their LLM programmes. NLU Delhi is the only NLU that conducts a separate entrance exam (AILET PG).
7. What is a good score in CLAT PG for top NLUs?
For admission to top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad, candidates typically need to score 80+ marks and secure a rank within the top 200-300. For mid-tier NLUs, scores in the range of 65-75 marks are generally sufficient.
8. When will CLAT PG 2027 notification be released?
Based on previous trends, the CLAT PG 2027 notification is expected to be released in July 2026, with the examination scheduled for December 2026.
9. Can working professionals prepare for CLAT PG?
Yes, many working professionals successfully crack CLAT PG with proper time management. Allocating 2-3 hours daily for preparation and focusing on weekends for mock tests can yield good results.
10. What is the difference between CLAT PG and AILET PG?
CLAT PG is conducted by the Consortium of NLUs for admission to 25 NLUs, while AILET PG is conducted separately by NLU Delhi for its LLM programme. Both exams have different patterns and syllabi.
11. Is coaching necessary for CLAT PG preparation?
Coaching is not mandatory but can provide structured guidance and access to quality study materials. Self-study with the right books, previous year papers, and mock tests is equally effective for disciplined candidates.
12. How is the CLAT PG merit list prepared?
The merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the CLAT PG examination. In case of a tie, the candidate with higher marks in Constitutional Law section is given preference, followed by age (older candidate gets preference).
