CLAT 2026 Eligibility: Age Limit, Qualification, and Minimum Marks

CLAT eligibility criteria 2026 for admission in NLUs in India were released in a notification by the Consortium of National Law Universities. Candidates for CLAT 2026 must have completed Class 12 or its equivalent at an accredited university or board with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks for general, OBC, PwD, NRI, PIO, or OC candidates, and 40% is needed for candidates who are SC or ST.

Candidates for CLAT PG (LLM) 2026 must have an LLB or an equivalent degree from an accredited university with a minimum of 50% marks in LLB for General, OBC, PwD, NRI, PIO, or OCI, and 45% for SC or ST candidates. 

Final-year LLB students are also eligible to apply. The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) 2026 will be conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) on Dec 7, 2025.

What is the CLAT UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 For BA LLB?

The CLAT UG eligibility criteria 2026 for BA LLB are listed below for the parameters like educational qualification, age limit, and minimum marks required:

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university.

• General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates must have secured a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
• SC/ST candidates must have secured a minimum of 40% aggregate marks.
  Candidates appearing for their Class 12 board exams in March/April 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they can submit proof of passing the qualifying exam at the time of admission.

Age Limit

There is no upper age limit for applying to the CLAT 2026 UG program. Candidates of any age can apply for the five-year integrated BA LLB course.

Minimum Marks Requirement

• General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI: Minimum 45% aggregate in Class 12 or equivalent
• SC/ST: Minimum 40% aggregate in Class 12 or equivalent

Also Read: How to Balance Daily Routine for CLAT 2026 Preparation?

CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria 2026 For LLM

The CLAT PG eligibility criteria 2026 for BA LLB is listed below for the parameters like educational qualification, age limit, minimum marks required:

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess an LLB or an equivalent degree from a recognized university.

• For General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates – Minimum 50% aggregate marks in LLB.
• For SC/ST candidates – Minimum 45% aggregate marks in LLB.
  Candidates in the final year of their qualifying degree can also apply, provided they submit proof of passing the degree during admission.

Age Limit

There is no upper age limit for applying to the CLAT 2026 LLM course. Candidates from all age groups are eligible.
However, in case of a tie in rank and marks, preference will be given to the candidate who is older in age.

Minimum Marks Requirement

• General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI: Minimum 50% aggregate marks in LLM
• SC/ST: Minimum 45% aggregate marks in LLB

Also Check: CLAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Documents and Items Required

What Is the CLAT 2026 Eligibility for Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)?

For SC/ST candidates, the minimum qualifying marks requirement is relaxed compared to the general category.

• For UG (BA LLB): Minimum 40% aggregate marks in Class 12 or equivalent exam.
• For PG (LLM): Minimum 45% aggregate marks in LLB or equivalent degree.
  This makes legal education more accessible to reserved category candidates while still ensuring a certain academic standard.

Also Read: CLAT Important Topics Weightage 2026

Can Foreign Nationals, NRIs or PIOs Apply for CLAT 2026?

Yes, Foreign Nationals, NRIs, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can apply for CLAT 2026.
They must fulfill the same educational requirements as Indian candidates:

• For UG programs: 45% aggregate in Class 12 or equivalent.
• For PG programs: 50% aggregate in LLB or equivalent.
  Additionally, they will need to provide appropriate proof of their category during the counselling process to secure their eligibility.

The eligibility criteria, which include the minimum qualifying percentage, age restriction, and educational requirements, describe the essential conditions that each applicant must fulfill in order to be admitted to National Law Universities.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has established these standards to provide the best legal education practices in the country. Since the CLAT Consortium verifies candidates' eligibility during the counseling process, it is imperative that you thoroughly review the requirements before completing the CLAT application form.

Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 without Coaching?