The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2027 is a national-level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes at participating National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. The examination is organised by the Consortium of National Law Universities.
CLAT 2027 will be conducted on 6 December 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Applications opened on 3 August 2026, and the last date for registration is 31 October 2026.
This guide explains the CLAT 2027 notification, eligibility, examination pattern, syllabus, application fees, participating universities, counselling process, and previous-year question papers.
Information updated on 18 October 2026, based on the Consortium’s official examination portal.
CLAT 2027 examination overview
| Particulars | Official details |
|---|---|
| Full examination name | Common Law Admission Test |
| Examination year | CLAT 2027 |
| Conducting authority | Consortium of National Law Universities |
| Examination level | National |
| Programmes | Five-year integrated LL.B. and postgraduate LL.M. |
| Application commencement | 3 August 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 31 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Examination date | 6 December 2026 |
| Examination timing | 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Examination mode | Offline, pen-and-paper |
| Number of questions | 120 |
| Maximum marks | 120 |
| Negative marking | 0.25 mark per incorrect answer |
| Participating institutions | 26 NLUs, as stated by the Consortium |
| Academic session | 2027–2028 |
| Official website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
The examination has two separate papers. CLAT UG is intended for undergraduate admissions, while CLAT PG assesses applicants seeking postgraduate legal education.
What is CLAT, and why should candidates appear?
CLAT is one of India’s principal entrance examinations for legal education. It provides a common admission route to participating National Law Universities.
Candidates completing Class 12 can appear for CLAT UG and seek admission to five-year integrated law programmes. Depending on the university, these may include B.A. LL.B., B.B.A. LL.B., and other approved integrated courses.
Candidates who have completed, or are completing, an LL.B. degree can appear for CLAT PG to pursue postgraduate legal studies.
Several other universities and organisations also accept CLAT scores for specified purposes. However, each participating or affiliated institution determines its own applicable admission requirements.
Importantly, CLAT is an entrance examination, not a government recruitment examination. Clearing CLAT does not directly provide employment, a government post, or a professional licence to practise law.
CLAT 2027 notification and important dates
The Consortium has published the CLAT 2027 examination schedule and registration instructions through its official portal.
| Event | Date or status |
|---|---|
| CLAT 2027 registration opens | 3 August 2026 |
| Last date for online applications | 31 October 2026 |
| Final application submission deadline | 11:59 PM on 31 October 2026 |
| Admit card release | Date to be announced |
| CLAT 2027 examination | 6 December 2026 |
| Provisional answer key | Awaiting announcement |
| Result declaration | Awaiting announcement |
| Admission counselling | December 2026/January 2027, according to the official FAQ |
| Commencement of classes | As notified by the respective NLUs |
The examination date remains subject to revision if the Consortium considers changes necessary.
Candidates should regularly visit the official CLAT 2027 portal rather than relying on unofficial examination calendars.
CLAT 2027 eligibility criteria
Eligibility differs between undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. Candidates must satisfy the relevant academic requirements before admission.
CLAT UG 2027 eligibility
The official eligibility conditions are:
Educational qualification: Applicants must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
Minimum qualifying marks:
| Category | Minimum marks |
|---|---|
| General and other categories not covered by the stated relaxation | 45% |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 40% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 40% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 40% |
Age limit: There is no upper age limit for CLAT UG 2027.
Students appearing for Class 12: Candidates appearing in March or April 2027 may also apply. However, they must produce evidence of passing their qualifying examination when required for admission.
The official eligibility page does not prescribe a maximum number of examination attempts.
Candidates should consult the official CLAT UG eligibility rules before applying.
CLAT PG 2027 eligibility
Applicants seeking admission to an LL.M. programme must possess an LL.B. degree or an equivalent recognised qualification.
| Category | Minimum LL.B. marks |
|---|---|
| General and other categories not covered by the stated relaxation | 50% |
| SC/ST/PwD | 45% |
There is no upper age limit for CLAT PG 2027.
Candidates appearing for their qualifying LL.B. examination in 2027 may apply. Their admission remains conditional upon producing evidence of passing the qualifying examination.
Read the official CLAT PG eligibility criteria.
Nationality and reservation requirements
Under the official instructions, Indian nationals, NRIs, PIO card holders, and OCI card holders may appear for CLAT 2027, subject to the relevant admission conditions.
Foreign nationals do not appear through CLAT. They must approach the universities concerned directly for admission under their applicable policies.
NRI and NRI-sponsored seats are also governed by the respective universities’ procedures. The Consortium does not allot these seats through its ordinary counselling process.
Reservation policies may differ between NLUs. State domicile reservations, horizontal reservations, category certificates, and institutional conditions should be checked separately.
CLAT 2027 application process
Applications for CLAT 2027 must be submitted online through the official Consortium portal.
How to apply for CLAT 2027
- Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Open the CLAT 2027 registration page.
- Register using your personal mobile number and email address.
- Complete the mobile OTP verification.
- Log in using your registered mobile number and password.
- Select the appropriate UG or PG programme.
- Enter your personal, educational, and category details carefully.
- Upload the required photograph, signature, and applicable certificates.
- Pay the prescribed application fee online.
- Complete the final submission and retain your application details.
The Consortium specifically requires applicants to enter their own and their parents’ names consistently with official documents.
Candidates should carefully verify their programme, reservation category, and BPL status before payment. The official instructions restrict changes to these fields after submission.
Documents required for CLAT registration
The official application instructions identify the following documents:
- Recent front-facing passport-size photograph with a plain background.
- Candidate’s signature.
- SC/ST/OBC category certificate, where applicable.
- PwD certificate issued by the competent authority, where applicable.
- BPL certificate issued by the competent authority, where applicable.
Relevant original documents must be produced during admission verification, according to the allotted university’s requirements.
Candidates should follow the upload formats and specifications displayed on the application portal.
CLAT 2027 application fees
The Consortium has prescribed the following application fees:
| Category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC and applicable NRI candidates | ₹4,000 |
| SC/ST/BPL/PwD | ₹3,500 |
| Optional previous-year question papers | Additional ₹500 |
Bank transaction charges may apply.
The application fee is non-refundable and non-adjustable. Candidates should therefore verify all information before final submission.
The optional ₹500 question-paper charge is separate from the application fee.
Official fee information is available in the UG instructions and PG instructions.
CLAT 2027 examination pattern
Both CLAT UG and CLAT PG are objective examinations conducted offline. However, their syllabi and question structures are substantially different.
There is no separate preliminary examination, descriptive mains examination, or interview stage under the standard CLAT admission examination.
CLAT UG 2027 examination pattern
| Section | Approximate questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22–26 | 20% |
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge | 28–32 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–14 | 10% |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
These figures represent the approximate section-wise distribution officially published by the Consortium.
The examination contains 120 multiple-choice questions carrying one mark each. Candidates receive two hours to complete the paper.
Every incorrect answer attracts a deduction of 0.25 mark. Unanswered questions do not attract negative marks.
Eligible PwD candidates receiving the officially prescribed additional time may write the examination until 4:40 PM.
See the official CLAT UG question-paper format.
CLAT PG 2027 examination pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination duration | 120 minutes |
| Total questions | 120 |
| Maximum marks | 120 |
| Question type | Multiple-choice |
| Marks per correct answer | +1 |
| Marks per incorrect answer | −0.25 |
| Subject coverage | Core LL.B. law subjects |
| Primary assessment method | Legal comprehension and application |
The PG paper contains extracts from important judgments, statutes, regulations, and other legal materials.
Candidates must understand the issues, relevant legal principles, reasoning, and application of law.
The Consortium has not prescribed a fixed subject-wise question distribution comparable to the UG section-weightage table.
Refer to the official CLAT PG paper format.
Detailed CLAT UG 2027 syllabus
The UG syllabus primarily evaluates comprehension, critical reasoning, and quantitative skills.
1. English Language
This section uses passages drawn from fiction and non-fiction sources.
Candidates should prepare the following abilities:
- Reading comprehension and identifying the central argument.
- Understanding contextual vocabulary.
- Drawing inferences and conclusions.
- Analysing the author’s arguments and viewpoints.
- Comparing different perspectives.
- Summarising passages accurately.
The official syllabus refers to passages of approximately 450 words, generally accessible to Class 12 students.
2. Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
This section assesses awareness of important developments and their broader context.
Relevant areas include:
- Significant national and international developments.
- International affairs and global institutions.
- Indian and international politics.
- Arts, culture, and important historical developments.
- Contemporary legal and constitutional issues.
- Events with continuing public significance.
The Consortium does not prescribe a fixed number of months for current affairs preparation.
Candidates should therefore avoid relying exclusively on arbitrary three-month or six-month current affairs lists.
3. Legal Reasoning
Legal Reasoning assesses a candidate’s ability to understand and apply legal principles.
Passages may concern legal situations, public policy, moral questions, or hypothetical disputes.
Candidates should practise identifying applicable principles, applying rules to new facts, and understanding how different facts may change a legal conclusion.
Prior formal legal education is not required. However, familiarity with constitutional values and contemporary legal debates can improve comprehension.
4. Logical Reasoning
This section evaluates the structure and strength of arguments.
The official syllabus includes:
- Identifying premises and conclusions.
- Understanding arguments and their underlying assumptions.
- Recognising logical relationships.
- Evaluating strengths and weaknesses in reasoning.
- Drawing supported inferences.
- Understanding analogies and contradictions.
- Assessing how changes in premises affect conclusions.
Candidates should develop careful reading habits instead of memorising isolated reasoning shortcuts.
5. Quantitative Techniques
This section requires candidates to interpret numerical information and solve mathematical problems.
The official syllabus refers to mathematical operations generally covered at the Class 10 level.
Preparation should include ratios, proportions, basic algebra, mensuration, statistical estimation, and numerical interpretation.
Questions may present data through tables, factual descriptions, or other numerical information.
Candidates must select the correct information and perform the required calculations accurately.
Read the complete CLAT UG 2027 official syllabus.
Detailed CLAT PG 2027 syllabus
CLAT PG tests legal knowledge alongside comprehension and interpretation.
The Consortium identifies the following areas:
| Subject | Important preparation areas |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental Rights, constitutional institutions, judicial review and constitutional interpretation |
| Jurisprudence | Schools of jurisprudence, legal rights, duties and theories of justice |
| Administrative Law | Delegated legislation, natural justice and judicial control of administration |
| Contract Law | Formation, performance, breach, remedies and contractual principles |
| Law of Torts | Liability, negligence, defences and remedies |
| Family Law | Marriage, divorce, maintenance, adoption and succession |
| Criminal Law | Offences, criminal responsibility, procedure and evidence |
| Property Law | Ownership, possession, transfers and related legal principles |
| Company Law | Corporate personality, governance and statutory compliance |
| Public International Law | Sources, state responsibility, treaties and international institutions |
| Tax Law | Constitutional and statutory taxation principles |
| Environmental Law | Environmental protection, liability and sustainable development |
| Labour and Industrial Law | Employment rights, industrial relations and statutory protections |
The table identifies useful study areas within the Consortium’s prescribed subjects. It is not an additional official topic-wise syllabus.
Candidates should prepare the currently applicable legal framework, including significant legislative amendments and judicial developments.
For criminal law, this requires understanding the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, alongside older legislation and relevant precedents where necessary.
The PG paper may test the application of principles extracted from judicial decisions. Reading judgments critically is therefore essential.
See the official CLAT PG 2027 syllabus.
Has the CLAT 2027 examination pattern changed?
The Consortium’s Governing Body considered the CLAT Expert Committee Report during July 2026.
It decided to retain the existing syllabus and examination sections for CLAT 2027. However, question setters may consider recommendations concerning question quality and format.
Consequently, candidates should follow the officially published CLAT 2027 syllabi and examination formats rather than treating proposed future reforms as implemented rules.
The CLAT Expert Committee information is available on the Consortium’s website.
Participating National Law Universities
The Consortium identifies 26 participating National Law Universities for CLAT 2027.
These include several established institutions, such as:
- National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
- National Law Institute University, Bhopal.
- West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata.
- National Law University, Jodhpur.
- Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar.
- Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur.
- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow.
- Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab.
- Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai.
Other participating institutions and campuses are identified in the official university directory.
Applicants should distinguish between an NLU and its additional campus. They should also examine the specific programme offered at each institution.
For the complete and updated university list, visit the official CLAT 2027 participating universities page.
CLAT 2027 seats, reservation and counselling
CLAT does not guarantee admission simply because a candidate appears for or qualifies in the examination.
Admission depends on examination performance, rank, institutional preferences, eligibility, reservation rules, seat availability, and successful verification.
Participating universities publish their own intake capacity, programmes, reservation policies, and fee structures.
A single consolidated seat figure should not replace these individual admission rules, particularly because institutions may revise their intake or reservation distribution.
How does CLAT counselling work?
Following declaration of results, eligible candidates may participate in the Consortium’s admission counselling process according to the notified instructions.
The process generally involves counselling registration, submission of university preferences, provisional seat allocation, acceptance of available options, prescribed payments, and verification by the allotted institution.
The precise sequence, applicable fees, and available options must be checked against the CLAT 2027 counselling notification once issued.
According to the current official FAQ, counselling is planned for December 2026 and January 2027.
Candidates should not assume that paying the examination application fee automatically completes their counselling registration.
CLAT tie-breaking rules
For CLAT UG 2027, the Consortium prescribes the following order when candidates obtain equal marks:
- Higher marks in Legal Aptitude.
- Higher age.
- Computerised draw of lots.
For CLAT PG 2027, ties are resolved first by higher age and then by a computerised draw of lots.
These are distinct rules and should not be confused.
CLAT previous-year question papers (PYQs) and official answer keys
Previous-year CLAT papers help candidates understand examination difficulty, passage structure, question framing, and time management.
They also provide reliable practice material because they reflect actual examinations rather than predicted questions.
Official CLAT PYQ download links
| Examination | Official resource |
|---|---|
| CLAT 2026 UG and PG | Official question booklets and provisional answer keys |
| CLAT 2026 | Final answer-key notification |
| CLAT 2025 UG and PG | Official question booklets and provisional keys |
| CLAT 2025 UG | Revised final answer key, 17 May 2025 |
| CLAT 2025 PG | Revised final answer key, 10 June 2025 |
| CLAT 2024 UG and PG | Official question booklets and provisional answer keys |
| CLAT 2024 | Final answer-key notification |
Some archived PDF files are lengthy and may take time to load.
Importantly, provisional answer keys should not automatically be treated as final.
For example, subsequent official decisions modified the evaluation of CLAT 2025 and CLAT 2026 papers. Candidates reviewing these years should consult the later final or revised notifications.
The Consortium also offers previous-year question papers through an optional ₹500 purchase during the application process.
How to practise CLAT PYQs effectively
Attempt an entire paper within the prescribed examination duration. Use an OMR-style response sheet for realistic practice.
After completing the paper, compare answers against the applicable final answer key. Analyse incorrect responses and identify recurring weaknesses.
For undergraduate candidates, separate mistakes into comprehension, current affairs, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques.
Postgraduate candidates should classify mistakes by legal subject, statutory interpretation, case-law knowledge, and application of legal principles.
CLAT 2027 preparation strategy
A useful CLAT preparation plan must reflect the actual examination pattern.
Preparation strategy for CLAT UG
Prioritise reading comprehension. English, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning all require accurate interpretation of written material. Daily passage practice can support performance across these sections.
Prepare current affairs regularly. Maintain concise notes on major national, international, constitutional, and legal developments. Focus on understanding the background of events rather than merely remembering headlines.
Practise legal application. Learn to identify the legal proposition within a passage. Apply that proposition only to the facts provided, unless the question requires additional information.
Revise quantitative fundamentals. Concentrate on the mathematical concepts identified in the official syllabus. Practise extracting numerical information accurately before solving calculations.
Attempt timed mock tests. Review not only the number of correct answers but also accuracy, negative marks, and time spent on each section.
Preparation strategy for CLAT PG
Strengthen core LL.B. subjects. Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Criminal Law, Contract Law, and other prescribed subjects should receive structured revision.
Read leading judgments. Focus on the legal issue, statutory provisions, reasoning, and the rule established by the court.
Revise legislative developments. Maintain updated notes on statutory amendments and significant constitutional and legal decisions.
Practise extract-based questions. CLAT PG requires candidates to interpret primary legal materials rather than merely recall isolated propositions.
Revise through error analysis. Record frequently confused principles, similar judgments, incorrect statutory references, and recurring interpretation errors.
The strongest preparation combines conceptual knowledge with repeated application under timed conditions.
Frequently asked questions about CLAT 2027
1. What is the CLAT 2027 examination date?
CLAT 2027 is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Eligible PwD candidates receiving additional time may continue until 4:40 PM.
2. What is the last date to apply for CLAT 2027?
The final registration deadline is 31 October 2026, at 11:59 PM, according to the official instructions.
3. Can Class 12 students appearing for board examinations in 2027 apply?
Yes. Candidates appearing in the relevant qualifying examination in 2027 may apply. They must subsequently provide evidence of passing the examination for admission.
4. Is there an age limit for CLAT?
No upper age limit is prescribed for CLAT UG or PG 2027 under the official eligibility conditions.
5. Is CLAT 2027 an online examination?
No. CLAT 2027 is scheduled in offline mode. Candidates answer multiple-choice questions using the examination’s prescribed response sheet.
6. Is there negative marking in CLAT 2027?
Yes. Candidates receive one mark for each correct answer, while 0.25 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
7. Does CLAT require prior knowledge of law?
CLAT UG does not require prior formal legal education. Its Legal Reasoning section assesses understanding and application of principles. CLAT PG, however, requires knowledge of prescribed LL.B. law subjects.
8. Does clearing CLAT guarantee admission to an NLU?
No. Admission depends on the candidate’s rank, choices, applicable reservation rules, seat availability, and satisfaction of institutional requirements.
Official CLAT 2027 resources and contact details
Candidates should use the Consortium’s website as the primary source for all examination updates.
Official links:
- Consortium of National Law Universities
- CLAT 2027 official portal
- UG eligibility
- PG eligibility
- UG syllabus
- PG syllabus
- Participating universities
- Official FAQs
Official CLAT contact details:
Email: clat@consortiumofnlus.ac.in
Telephone: 08047162020
Office hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days.
Candidates applying for CLAT 2027 should complete their applications before the notified deadline, verify the programme-specific eligibility criteria, and prepare according to the officially published examination scheme. Admissions and counselling instructions should always be checked directly before taking any final decision.
