Did you know over 60,000 students competed for just 3,000 seats in India’s top law schools last year? With CLAT 2026 registration opening in August 2025, your preparation starts now. This exam isn’t just a test – it’s the gateway to 26 National Law Universities that shape future legal leaders.
The application process demands precision. A single error in documents or deadlines could cost you admission. Unlike college forms you’ve filled before, this system uses AI-powered validation to flag inconsistencies instantly. Last cycle, 1 in 5 applications faced rejection due to avoidable mistakes.
Your journey begins with understanding three critical elements: registration timelines, eligibility checks, and document preparation. The Consortium of NLUs will activate the portal for CLAT 2026 apply online submissions exactly at 10:00 AM IST on the launch date – a detail many applicants overlook until it’s too late.
Key Takeaways
- Registration opens August 2025 – mark your calendar
- 26 National Law Universities participate in CLAT 2026
- Prepare digital copies of ID proofs and academic records early
- Double-check category certificates for format requirements
- Payment failures cause 12% of incomplete applications annually
- Bookmark the official consortium website for updates
CLAT 2026 Overview
Every year, thousands of students aim to get into India’s top law schools by taking the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). This exam is a key entry point for 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) and many private schools. Knowing how to prepare for CLAT 2026 is crucial.
What is CLAT?
The Common Law Admission Test tests your skills in legal reasoning, English, and general knowledge. It has 120 multiple-choice questions. It’s a yearly exam that helps pick students for law programs in India. In 2025, over 75,000 students took it, showing its importance.
Why Registration Matters
Not registering for CLAT means you can’t take the exam. In 2025, 12% of applicants missed out because of late registration or errors. It also secures your exam center and NLU choices. Here are some 2025 stats:
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Applicants | 78,432 |
| Registered Candidates | 72,189 |
| NLU Seats Available | 3,240 |
| Top 3 NLU Cutoffs | 98+ percentile |
Key Participating Universities
CLAT 2026 offers a chance to join top schools like:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
- West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
Getting into these schools depends on your rank and choices. For example, NLSIU takes the top 150 students for its 120 seats. Choose schools that fit your career and academic goals.
Understanding CLAT 2026 Registration
Getting your CLAT 2026 registration on time is key to starting your legal career. This part explains the important timeline and steps to avoid mistakes. Missing deadlines can mean losing a year, so treat these dates as non-negotiable appointments.
Registration Timeline Overview
The CLAT 2026 application process has a strict schedule. Here are the dates you need to remember:
- July 2025: Official notification releases on consortiumofnlus.ac.in
- First week of August 2025: Registration portal opens
- Third week of October 2025: Deadline for submissions (no extensions)
In 2025, over 6,500 applicants missed the October cutoff and lost their chance. The system automatically rejects late forms, so set multiple reminders. Working professionals should start document collection by June 2025 to avoid work-related delays.
“A three-month window seems long until you’re juggling studies, jobs, and application details.”
Here’s a countdown strategy:
- Bookmark the CLAT website in July
- Complete personal info fields by September
- Review all entries before the final submission week
Eligibility Requirements
To fill out the CLAT registration form, you need to meet three main criteria: your grades, age, and if you qualify for special benefits. Let’s look at each requirement to help you register for the exam smoothly.
Academic Qualifications
For undergraduate programs, you need 45% marks in your 10+2 exams if you’re in the general category. SC/ST students need 40%. Here’s how it works for different education boards:
| Category | Minimum % | CBSE Example (1100 total) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 45% | 495 marks |
| SC/ST | 40% | 440 marks |
For postgraduate programs, you must have 50% minimum in your LLB degree. These standards apply to all 24 participating NLUs.
Age Limit Criteria
CLAT 2026 has no upper age limit for UG programs. In 2024, 19% of applicants were over 25. But:
- Minimum age: 20 years for UG courses
- Maximum age: 30 years for PG courses
“Age restrictions only apply to specific integrated programs, not standard LLB courses.”
Reservation Policies
The CLAT exam registration process has strict rules for reservations. Here’s what they are:
| Category | Reservation % | Required Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| SC | 15% | State-approved SC certificate |
| ST | 7.5% | Tribal affairs department certificate |
| OBC | 27% | Non-creamy layer certificate |
There’s also a 5% extra reservation for PwD candidates in all categories. Make sure to upload the right certificates when you submit your CLAT registration form.
Documents Required for Registration
Getting your documents ready right is key for a smooth CLAT 2026 registration. 23% of applications get rejected because of missing or wrong documents. So, it’s important to pay close attention to every detail. Let’s go over what you need and how to prepare your files.
Mandatory Documents Checklist
Here are the 11 things you’ll need for a successful clat online registration:
- Scanned passport photo (JPEG, 500KB max, white background)
- Signature file (JPEG under 100KB, black ink on white paper)
- Class 10 marksheet (PDF, under 1MB)
- Class 12 certificate or provisional document
- Valid government ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (signed by authorized medical officer)
- BPL proof (ration card/state certificate)
- Domicile certificate (for state quota applicants)
- Recent passport-size photo (hard copy for exam day)
- Payment receipt screenshot
Category Certificate Guidelines
If you’re applying for special reservations, here’s what you need to do:
- SC/ST certificates must include both parents’ caste details
- OBC-NCL documents should be issued after March 31, 2025
- EWS certificates require income proof and asset declarations
- All certificates must show issuing authority’s seal clearly
Scan your documents at 300 DPI for clear images. Use names like Name_DocumentType for your files. This helps avoid mix-ups. Also, make sure your scans are the right way up – sideways or upside-down scans won’t work.
Creating Your CLAT Account
Your CLAT account is the start of your application journey. In 2025, over 23% of applicants faced login problems. It’s key to set up your account right to avoid these issues.
The process includes verifying your OTP and entering your information carefully. This ensures you can access your account smoothly throughout the application process.
Step-by-Step Account Setup
Here’s how to create your CLAT account easily:
- Go to the official consortiumofnlus.ac.in portal
- Click “New Registration” and fill in your name, email, and mobile number
- Confirm your details with the OTP sent to your phone
- Make a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols
Make sure to use your main mobile number. In 2025, 68% of issues came from using secondary numbers. Also, save the login page to avoid scams.
Common Registration Errors
Watch out for these common mistakes during registration:
- OTP delivery failures due to network problems or DND-activated numbers
- Browser issues with Safari or old Chrome versions
- Need to reset passwords if they lack special characters like @ or #
If you don’t get the OTP in 2 minutes, click “Resend OTP” before asking for a new SMS. Clear your browser cache if you face technical problems – it fixed 41% of issues last year.
Check your details carefully before submitting. Mistakes in email or phone numbers can lock you out. Once your account is active, fill out the CLAT application form with confidence.
Filling the CLAT Application Form
Filling out the CLAT 2026 application form needs careful attention and planning. This step decides where you’ll take the exam, which universities you prefer, and if you’re eligible. Let’s go through the steps to make sure you fill out everything correctly.
Personal Information Section
Begin by typing your legal name exactly as it is on your Class 10 certificate or ID. Don’t use nicknames or abbreviations. If your marksheet has “Mohammed Ali Khan,” don’t change it to “M.A. Khan.”
You’ll also pick three exam center cities. Choose places that are easy to get to. In 2024, 84% of applicants got their first or second choice. Make sure your contact info is correct, as changes after submitting need a formal request.
Educational Qualifications Entry
Enter your school history carefully:
- Pick your school board from the list
- Put in your passing year and percentage
- Upload converted scores if from international boards (like IB to percentage)
International students must follow the Consortium of NLUs’ conversion rules. For Cambridge A-Levels, use the official equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities.
University Preference Selection
Choose National Law Universities (NLUs) based on cutoff trends and what you want. In 2024, 92% of candidates got into their top three choices. Here’s a strategy:
- First preference: Dream NLU with slightly higher cutoffs
- Second preference: Target institute matching your expected rank
- Third preference: Safer option with lower admission thresholds
Remember, your CLAT score decides where you’ll go to NLU and where you’ll take the exam. Make sure all your details match your original documents before submitting the form.
Uploading Documents Correctly
Your CLAT application’s success depends on proper document submission. In 2025, 23% of applications were rejected due to technical errors. Avoid this by following these guidelines.
File Size Requirements
Keep PDF certificates under 1.5MB – this applies to category proofs and academic records. For photos and signatures:
- Passport photo: 50KB-100KB
- Signature: 20KB-50KB
Format Specifications
Use this comparison table to avoid format-related rejections:
| Document Type | Format | Dimensions | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photograph | JPEG | 200×230 pixels | White only |
| Signature | PNG | 140×60 pixels | Transparent |
Troubleshooting Upload Errors
If your CLAT registration form gets stuck during submission:
- Check file names – remove special characters
- Use Squoosh or ILovePDF for compression
- Refresh the portal after failed attempts
Remember: You get three upload attempts per document. If issues persist, clear your browser cache before trying again.
Payment Process Explained
When you pay for CLAT 2026, make sure it’s done right. This way, your application stays valid and gets processed quickly. We’ll cover the fee details and payment options to help you avoid any last-minute problems.
Fee Structure Breakdown
The CLAT registration fee depends on your category:
| Category | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹4,000 | Includes 18% GST |
| SC/ST | ₹3,500 | Valid certificate required |
| BPL Candidates | Waived | Submit income proof |
Important: You’ll face transaction charges, depending on how you pay. HDFC debit cards have a 1% fee. Net banking fees vary by bank.
Accepted Payment Methods
You can pay with:
- Debit/Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard/Rupay)
- Net Banking (All major Indian banks)
- UPI (Google Pay/PhonePe/Paytm)
Keep your transaction ID for at least 6 months. It’s needed for fee checks. Payments usually show up in 24 hours. But, it might take up to 3 working days during busy times.
Final Submission Checklist
Before you hit Submit on your CLAT 2026 application, check this list. Missing a step can delay your registration or lock in wrong NLU preferences forever.
Previewing Your Application
Look over these 12 key points in preview mode:
- Personal details: Make sure they match your government ID exactly
- Academic marksheets: Enter percentages without rounding
- NLU preference order: Make sure your ranking is final
- Category certificates: Check your reservation claims are correct
Server crashes often happen near the clat registration date deadline. Finish your checks before 8 PM. In 2024, 43% of applicants faced technical issues during busy hours.
Saving PDF Confirmation
After submitting, follow these steps to save your PDF:
- Download the system-generated PDF
- Protect the file with a password
- Save copies on 2 devices and in cloud storage
This PDF is crucial during the correction window (September 1-7, 2025) and admission processes. Pro tip: Print a physical copy for easy access.
Tracking Application Status
Keep an eye on your application status through these ways:
| Method | Update Frequency | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate portal | Real-time | Payment confirmation, document approval |
| SMS alerts | 24-hour delay | Major status changes only |
If your status is “Under Review” for more than 72 hours, reach out to the helpdesk. Always confirm your application status, as 18% of 2024 applicants needed extra steps.
Post-Registration Steps
After you finish your CLAT exam registration, take these important steps. Keeping your Common Law Admission Test registration up to date is crucial.
Correction Window Process
The CLAT consortium gives you a 72-hour correction window after you register. You can change:
- Personal details (name spelling, parent/guardian information)
- Academic qualification entries
- University preference order
Keep these rules in mind:
- Only 3 changes are allowed
- No fee changes after you pay
- You can’t change category certificates
Admit Card Download Timeline
Remember November 15, 2025 – when the admit cards come out. If you have trouble:
- Clear your browser cache or use incognito mode
- Make sure your login details match your registration
- Look for an auto-generated PDF in your email
Pro tip: Print two copies right away to avoid last-minute stress.
Contacting Helpdesk
If you can’t solve technical problems, here’s what to do:
| Channel | Response Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Email Support | 72 hours | Documentation issues |
| Helpline (10 AM-5 PM) | 15 minutes | Urgent login problems |
| Escalation Portal | 24 hours | Payment discrepancies |
Always mention your application number in your messages for quicker help.
Conclusion
The CLAT 2026 registration is your first step towards joining top National Law Universities. Places at schools like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad are competitive. With 68,500 candidates in 2025, every detail in your application matters.
Make sure to review deadlines and prepare your documents carefully. Set reminders for both the main and correction windows. Also, double-check your category certificates and photo specs before applying online.
After submitting your CLAT 2026 registration, use the official portal’s tracking tools. Download the confirmation PDF right away. Check your payment status within 48 hours. If you find any issues, reach out to the Consortium of NLUs helpdesk.
Applicants who applied early last year had more time to prepare for the exam. Start collecting your Class 12 marksheets and ID proofs now. Begin your CLAT 2026 application online today to avoid server delays near deadlines. Your future self in black robes will thank you for the planning.
