CLAT Eligibility Criteria Explained: A Key Step for Every Law Aspirant

It is extremely essential that before beginning to prepare for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), the aspirants get to learn of their eligibility status with regard to the exam, first. Each year, CLAT is conducted in order to be admitted to undergraduate (UG) and law courses in the National Law Universities (NLUs) as well as other universities participating in this examination. The difference is that by knowing the requirements, the students are able to clearly plan on how they will process it and they are also able to avert any unnecessary confusion in future. Be it a 5-year integrated LLB degree or a law degree, it is important to take note of the generalities of course requirements first. We need to look in detail at the eligibility criteria of CLAT both in the UG and PG course. For law aspirants, especially those looking for CLAT eligibility after 12th, understanding the detailed CLAT Eligibility Criteria is the foundation of a focused preparation journey.

The Admission Guidelines of Undergraduate (UG) CLAT

Others will be required to undergo the Class 12th or equivalent examination of a recognized board to be able to apply for the UG-CLAT. One may also apply, who would still be taking their final examination of Class 12 in the same year as CLAT, as long as they produce the necessary documents during admission. The lowest percentage that is obligatory of the general category is 45% and the SC/ST candidates should have a minimum percentage of 40%. There is no upper age limit to take admission through CLAT UG and this makes it more inclusive and affordable to law aspirants of any age. The candidates should make sure that they have achieved this percentage at the time of admission otherwise their admission could be canceled though they would have passed the exam. Those checking CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 should ensure they meet these marks requirements, as they remain a critical benchmark for admission.

CLAT Eligibility Criteria for PG

Individuals willing to take up LLM have the eligibility requirements that state that a candidate must have a degree of Bachelor of law (LLB) issued by a recognized university. This involves either 3 years LLB or a 5-year integrated LLB program. The lowest marks of the general category is 50 percent and of the ST/SC is 45 percent. Aspirants sitting on the final semester or year of their LLB program may also apply, however, they are required to submit the evidence of the passing at the time of admission. No age barrier: Similar to the UG program, CLAT exam does not have any age limit so the working professional and other graduates are free to apply without the need to face restrictions due to age. Aspirants must keep up to date with the CLAT Eligibility Criteria to avoid issues during the admission process.

Reservation Policies and Relaxation Category Based

CLAT adheres to the reservation policy according to the guideline of the respective National Law Universities. These may mean the reservation of some classes like Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and women candidates, to name a few. There is also domicile-based reservation in some NLUs to people of certain states. The aspirants are required to verify individual NLUs reservation policies on their individual websites or official CLAT information brochure. Also, the valid documents should be submitted during the time of registration and counseling in order to claim relaxation of any category otherwise, the claim characterized by the type of relaxation is liable to be attested as not being valid. Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly cross-check these provisions while confirming their CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2026.

Noteworthy Mention on Foreign Nationals and NRI Applicants

The case of the foreign nationals and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates is a little different with regard to CLAT admissions. Though a few NLUs provide admission to foreign national students and NRI through CLAT grades, others ensure direct admission based to school achievement and necessary credentials. Such candidates generally have to apply under the NRI/Foreign National seat of particular NLUs. It is necessary to point out that the following documents might be required by these applicants, including passport copies, school-leaving certificates issued by other schools abroad and an indication of NRI status. Students who fall within these categories are advised to keenly read the requirements of the various universities participating, as various universities do not have the same policies. They should also confirm if CLAT Eligibility Criteria for NRI applicants have specific clauses related to nationality, residency, or academic background.

The reason why Meeting Eligibility is non-negotiable?

Meeting the CLAT eligibility rules is not mere a requirement but a prerequisite to a successful law career. The students should also make sure that all the requirements are met long before the day of the exam. Not complying with a single one of these will lead to the rejection of their candidature at any point in the admission exercise. One should also have all the original as well as the photocopies of documents to be verified, such as mark sheets, category certificates and identity proofs. The eligibility remains, which may undergo a variance yearly according to the decisions taken by the Consortium of NLUs; thus, it would always be advisable to identify with the highest possible reluctance in the latest official notification so as to avoid any confusion. One should have all the information on the same deadline in a timely fashion to avoid the stressful process of the application and admission. A strong grasp of the CLAT Eligibility Criteria, including updates for CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, helps avoid mistakes that can cost a whole academic year.