0 Start Date, Application Process, Fees,

CLAT 2026 Form : The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the gateway to India’s premier National Law Universities (NLUs) and a prestigious legal career. For every law aspirant, the announcement “CLAT 2026 Admission Online Form – Start” is a pivotal moment. This comprehensive guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about the CLAT 2026 application process. We’ll walk you through the timeline, step-by-step procedure, essential documents, fees, and expert tips to ensure your application is flawless and sets you on the path to success.

CLAT 2026: An Overview

CLAT is a centralized national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 22 NLUs and numerous other private and public participating universities across India.

• UG-CLAT 2026: For integrated LL.B. programs like BA LL.B., B.Com LL.B., B.Sc. LL.B. (5-Year integrated course).

• PG-CLAT 2026: For Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs (1-Year course).

The exam is typically a 2-hour computer-based test (CBT) that evaluates a candidate’s comprehension and reasoning skills.

CLAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative Schedule)

While the official notification for CLAT 2026 is expected in December 2025 / January 2026, based on previous years’ trends, here is the anticipated schedule:

Note: Bookmark the official Consortium website (https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in) and check it regularly for the exact announcement of “CLAT 2026 Admission Online Form – Start”.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill the CLAT 2026 Online Application Form

Filling out the form correctly is crucial to avoid rejection. Follow these steps meticulously.

Step 1: Registration

1. Visit the official website: https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in.

2. Click on the link for “CLAT 2026 Registration” or “Apply Now”.

3. Enter your basic details: Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Password.

4. A unique Application Number/Login ID will be generated and sent to your email and mobile. Note this down carefully.

(Image Prompt: A clear screenshot mockup of the CLAT 2026 official website homepage, highlighting the “Register Here” or “Apply for CLAT 2026” button with a red arrow pointing to it. Style: Realistic browser window.)

Step 2: Log In and Fill the Application Form

1. Use your Application Number and Password to log in.

2. You will find a multi-page form to fill with the following details:

   • Personal Details: Candidate’s Name, Parent’s/Guardian’s Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Category, etc. (Ensure this exactly matches your official documents).

   • Contact Details: Permanent and correspondence address with PIN code.

   • Educational Qualifications: Details of your 10th, 12th (and graduation for PG applicants) marks, year of passing, board/university, etc.

   • NLU Preferences: You will be asked to list your order of preference for the National Law Universities. Research the NLUs thoroughly before making this choice, as it is critical for counselling.

Step 3: Upload Scanned Documents

You will need to upload scanned copies of the following in the prescribed format and size:

• Recent Passport-sized Photograph (JPEG/ JPG/ PNG format, max size 500 KB).

• Signature (JPEG/ JPG/ PNG format, max size 300 KB).

• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if applicable (PDF format, max size 500 KB).

• PwD Certificate if applicable (PDF format, max size 500 KB).

Step 4: Application Fee Payment

1. After uploading documents, proceed to the payment gateway.

2. The application fee is non-refundable and varies by category:

   • General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates: ₹4,000/-

   • SC/ST/BPL candidates: ₹3,500/-

3. Payment can be made via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.

Step 5: Review and Final Submission

1. THIS IS VITAL. Before final submission, carefully review every single detail you have entered. The consortium provides a limited correction window later, but it’s best to be error-free from the start.

2. Once satisfied, submit the form.

3. Download and print the final confirmation page for your records. You will need it during the counselling process.

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus (A Quick Refresher)

Understanding the pattern is key to preparing your application strategy.

UG-CLAT 2026 Pattern:

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (Online)

• Duration: 2 Hours

• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total Questions: 120

• Total Marks: 120

• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for wrong answer

PG-CLAT 2026 Pattern:

• Questions: 120 MCQs

• Focus: Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Law of Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR, and other contemporary legal areas.

For a deep dive into the syllabus and recommended books, you can refer to detailed resources on Lawctopus, a trusted platform for law students.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling the Form

• Spelling Errors in Name/Parent’s Name: Must match your class 10 certificate.

• Incorrect Category Selection: Double-check before final submission.

• Blurry or Incorrect Document Uploads: Follow the size and format guidelines strictly.

• Ignoring the Preference List: Do not randomly list NLUs. Your preference order is binding.

• Last-Minute Rush: Avoid waiting for the last day to apply. Servers can crash due to high traffic.

• Not Saving the Confirmation Page: This is your proof of application.

What After Applying for CLAT 2026?

1. Admit Card: Download it as soon as it is released. Check all details on it.

2. Exam Day: Carry a printed admit card and a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Driver’s License).

3. Answer Key & Challenges: The consortium releases a provisional answer key. You can raise objections within a stipulated time window.

4. Result: The final result will declare your All India Rank (AIR).

5. Counselling: The counselling process is conducted online based on your AIR and NLU preferences. You will be required to lock your choices and submit documents for verification.

The official counselling process is detailed on the CLAT Consortium website, which is the only authentic source for all rules and notifications.

FAQs on CLAT 2026 Application Form

Q1: When will the CLAT 2026 application form start?
Ans: The application process is expected to begin in the second week of January 2026.

Q2: What is the official website for CLAT registration?
Ans: The only official website is https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Beware of duplicate or scam websites.

Q3: I made a mistake in my form. Can I correct it?
Ans: Yes, the Consortium usually opens a CLAT application form correction window for a few days after the submission deadline. A nominal fee might be charged for specific changes.

Q4: Is there any age limit for appearing in CLAT UG 2026?
Ans: No, as per the latest rules, there is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in the CLAT UG exam.

Q5: Can I apply for both UG and PG CLAT?
Ans: No, you must choose and apply for either the UG or the PG program in one academic year.

Q6: What if I face technical issues during payment?
Ans: If the amount is debited from your account but the status is not updated, do not pay again. Wait for 24-48 hours for the status to update and contact the helpdesk with your transaction details.

For more detailed information on law as a career and the life at various NLUs, you can explore insights on Bar and Bench, a leading legal news portal.

Conclusion: Your Journey Begins Here

The announcement “CLAT 2026 Admission Online Form – Start” is your starting pistol. It marks the beginning of a rigorous but rewarding journey towards a stellar legal career. By following this guide, you can ensure that your application is perfect, allowing you to focus entirely on what matters most: your preparation.

Stay disciplined, stay informed, and believe in yourself. Good luck!

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. All dates, fees, and patterns are based on previous years and tentative notifications. Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the official CLAT 2026 information brochure released by the Consortium of NLUs on their website (https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in) for the final and accurate details.