Many of you have a query whether CLAT can be given after Graduation or not? You must check out the details for the same shared here in this article to solve your issue.
Table of Contents
Law is a very respected profession in India. Lawyers can practice in Indian courts, corporate offices, and legal firms. They get international and domestic opportunities after completing their law degree.
If you have completed your graduation and now you want to pursue law, you might be confused about whether you can appear in CLAT or not. CLAT is one of the most popular law entrance exams, which is mandatory for candidates who wish to study law. In this article, we will know if you can give CLAT after graduation and what the eligibility criteria are.
What Is CLAT?
CLAT is a national-level entrance exam for law students. It is conducted by the consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). It is the most preferred path by those who want to pursue BA LLB and LLM from top NLUs in India. CLAT tests you for your English skills, current affairs, logical reasoning, legal reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. If you clear CLAT, you can get admission in prestigious Law colleges, offering great academic learning and promising careers ahead. CLAT is divided into 2 exams - CLAT UG and CLAT PG.
CLAT UG
CLAT UG is conducted for admission to 5 years of integrated law programs, such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB, etc. You can get admission to these courses right after your 12th class. It helps you to build a strong foundation in general education and law. It is best for those who want to become lawyers early and start practicing.
CLAT PG
CLAT is also a preferred exam for getting admission into LLM. Those who have already completed their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) can appear in this exam. You can easily secure admission in the prestigious NLUs for LLM. It helps you to learn legal expertise, academic excellence, and get good placements.
CLAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026
If you are planning to appear in CLAT next year, you must know the CLAT eligibility 2026. Here are the basic eligibility requirements for the CLAT UG and CLAT PG:
| Criteria | CLAT UG (5-Year LLB) | CLAT PG (LLM) |
| Purpose | Admission to 5-year integrated LLB courses | Admission to LLM (Master of Laws) |
| Who Can Apply? | Students who passed Class 12 | Students who completed LLB (3-year or 5-year) |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 pass from a recognized board | An LLB degree is mandatory |
| Minimum Marks Required | General/OBC/EWS: 45% SC/ST: 40% | General/OBC/EWS: 50% SC/ST: 45% |
| Age Limit | No age limit | No age limit |
| Important Note | Graduation marks are not counted | Without LLB, CLAT PG cannot be attempted |
Can CLAT Be Given After Graduation?
Yes, you can give CLAT after graduation, but you can only appear in CLAT UG. Even if your graduation is from BA, BCom, BSc, or other fields, you are eligible to apply for the 5-year integrated LLB entrance. CLAT UG has no upper age limit, and you need to clear only class 12th for this. Your graduation scores do not have any requirement for CLAT UG.
It means a graduate from a subject other than law and a student who has cleared the Class 12th exam can appear in CLAT UG. It will help them to get a seat in prestigious NLUs in India. So, you can give CLAT UG even after your graduation.
Pros of Giving CLAT After Graduation
Law aspirants prefer CLAT after graduation because of the following reasons:
Access to Top NLUs
Top NLUs offer high-quality academic learning and expect faculty. They also offer strong legal training to the students. In NLU, students get a highly competitive environment that helps them grow and learn beyond books.
Good Placements
NLUs are famous for offering great placement opportunities to students. The law graduates get jobs in the highest-paying law firms, companies, and various industries. They get a chance to attend internships in big companies.
Strong Legal Foundation
The 5-year LLB program combines general subjects along with legal studies. It gives students a complete understanding of the subjects. You will learn the basics of law in the first year and get clarity and a great understanding of law by the time you graduate.
Long-Term benefits
An NLU degree holds great value and leaves a great impact on your career. No matter if you are working in a law firm or preparing for UPSC, your degree will add credibility to your qualifications.
No Age limit
CLAT UG has no upper limit, which means you can appear in CLAT UG anytime. You can appear after 12th or after graduation. There is no limitation on the aspirants.
Check CLAT Related Articles:
| Top 10 CLAT Colleges in India 2026 | What After Clearing CLAT Exam 2026? |
| What is a Good Score in CLAT 2026? | Is It Worth Dropping a Year for CLAT Exam Preparation? |
Cons of Giving CLAT After Graduation
There are some limitations also, which make some candidates reconsider their decision to appear in CLAT UG after graduation:
Long Duration
You have already completed your 3-4-year graduation degree. Now, if you will give CLAT, you again need to study a 5-year program to become a lawyer and start your career.
High Fees
NLUs have high tuition fees compared to other law colleges. If you add hostel charges and other expenses, you need to pay higher fees. The candidates who are not financially sound find it hard to study in NLUs.
Later career start
If you give CLAT after graduation. It will give you admission to a 5-year program for LLB. This will lead to a late career start because you have already invested 3 years in your graduation after 12th.
Conclusion
You can give CLAT after graduation, but you can only appear in CLAT UG. It will help you to get admission in a 5-year integrated program. You can get admission in BA LLB, BSc LLB, BCom LLB, etc. Once you complete your 5-year program, you can get placements in big companies and law firms with attractive packages. However, it will delay your career as you will need to again study a 5-year course before advancing your career.
POST YOUR COMMENT