CLAT Exam Dates 2026: 1st Merit List Seat Acceptance (Till Jan 15) & 2nd Merit List (Jan 22)

CLAT exam date 2026 was December 7, 2025. The CLAT 2026 first merit list was out on January 7, 2026. The payment window for the confirmation fee applicable to both freeze and float options for candidates shortlisted in the first allotment list will remain open from January 7 to January 15, 2026, during which NLUs will also complete the admission formalities.

The CLAT 2026 second allotment list will be released on January 22, 2026, followed by the confirmation fee payment and admission process for the second round, scheduled from January 22 to January 29, 2026.

CLAT 2026 result and final answer key was released on December 16, 2025. The CLAT 2026 counselling registration is now closed. 

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious law entrance exams, offering admission to undergraduate (BA LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) programs at National Law Universities (NLUs) across the country.

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) organizes the exam annually, and this year, National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack will conduct the exam. 

What Are the Official CLAT 2026 Exam Dates?

The CLAT 2026 exam date was December 7, 2025, and was held between 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Candidates need to mark this date and be prepared to appear at their CLAT exam centres on time.
Here is the expected timeline of important events related to CLAT 2026:

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When Will CLAT 2026 Registration Start and End?

The CLAT 2026 application form was released on Aug 1, 2025, and the last date to apply was October 31, 2025. Candidates are advised to fill out the application form well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

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CLAT Admit Card Release Date 2026

The CLAT 2026 admit card was released on November 22, 2025. The CLAT 2026 admit card includes all the essential details like the candidate’s name, exam centre address, date and time of the exam, roll number, and reporting time. Candidates must carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID and reach the centre before 1:45 PM, as the last entry will be allowed by that time.

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CLAT 2026 Exam Day Schedule

The CLAT exam day scheduled is added below mentioning the CLAT 2026 reporting timings, exam start and end timing for candidates reference: 

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When Will CLAT 2026 Answer Key Be Released?

The CLAT provisional answer key was released on Dec 10, 2025. Candidates can raise objections during the objection window. The final answer key was declared on Dec 16, 2026, along with the result.

What Is the CLAT Result 2026 Date?

The CLAT result 2026 was declared on Dec 16, 2025. Along with the CLAT 2026 result, the score card containing details like all India rank, admit card number, and category-wise reservations was also be published.
Candidates will be able to download the result using their application number, admit card number, and date of birth from the official website.

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When Will CLAT Counselling 2026 Start?

The CLAT counselling 2026 process has begun. The CLAT first allotment list was released on Jan 7, 2026. The counselling process will proceed online, and candidates will need to fill in their preferences and complete the admission process as per the counselling schedule shared later by the authorities.

CLAT 2026 is a significant stepping stone for students aspiring to build a successful career in law. Candidates can check the exam dates, application start and end date, admit card date, result date and counselling schedule.

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