The CLAT 2026 registration process began on 1st August 2025. Students have till 31st October 2025 to register for the CLAT examination. Missing the registration deadline is a common mistake made by students during the registration process for the exam. This article highlights several key details about the consequences faced by students if they miss the registration deadline for the CLAT exam. Knowing these details is important as it informs students of what will happen in case they make this mistake and how students can avoid making the mistake of missing the CLAT registration window.
Consequences of Missing the CLAT Registration Deadline
The consequences for missing the registration deadline for the CLAT examination are quite severe. If students miss the CLAT registration deadline, more often than not, students will not be able to register for the exam after the final date. The Consortium of NLUs, more often than not, does not have any extension window for students to be able to register for the CLAT exam. Only in very rare and circumstantial cases does the Consortium allow for a student to be able to register for the CLAT exam after the deadline has passed.
What to Do if I Miss the CLAT Registration Deadline?
If a student has missed the CLAT registration deadline and is not able to register for the exam, the only way possible to sit for the exam is to wait till the 2027 CLAT examination instead. For students who do not wish to or cannot afford to have a gap year, they may appear for other prominent law entrance tests such as the AILET for NLU Delhi or college-specific entrance exams which plenty of law colleges have started to take since the cancellation of the LSAT exam.
Also Read: How to Start Preparing for CLAT
How to Avoid Missing the CLAT Deadline
It is crucial for students to try to avoid making the mistake of missing the CLAT registration deadline in general. Missing the deadline can result in students losing the chance to get into several top-level law schools in India including NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad. Provided below are some tips that students can follow to avoid missing the CLAT registration deadline:
Write the Registration Dates Down
The final date to register for CLAT 2026 is 31st October 2025. Students have approximately 2 months to register for the exam from the time of writing this article. A key way for students to not miss the registration deadline is to write the final date for registration down and keep it in a place where students frequently check. This way students will be reminded in case they forget the registration date for the CLAT examination.
Register At the Earliest
A very effective way for students to avoid any of the troubles of missing the registration deadline is to avoid procrastinating and register immediately. Registering for the CLAT exam right away helps students avoid any of the hassle or worry of doing so later on. Students can set 90 to 120 minutes aside in their day and register for the exam at the earliest to avoid any of the hassle or trouble later on.
Reach out to the Relevant Authorities
In case students are sure that their current circumstances will not allow them to register for the CLAT exam on time, they can reach out to the official CLAT authorities for any assistance or at the very least inform them of the current situation. In case students are facing financial problems with the registration for the CLAT exam, they may be able to apply for scholarships which several NLUs provide to students in need of financial aid for the CLAT exam and their education as well.
CLAT Registration Overview
Provided below is a step-by-step overview of the CLAT 2026 application process. Students can keep these steps in mind when the CLAT application window opens in August. Following these simple steps will ensure students know what to expect and do when filling-in their application forms for the CLAT 2026 examination.
The CLAT 2026 application process is as follows:
- Registration: Visit the official CLAT website. On the website, students must choose the register option.
- Details:While registering students must provide the relevant details. These include a student’s name, phone number, email address, and password. After completing the form details, students must finish a captcha to proceed.
- Verification:After the previous formalities have been completed, students must verify their accounts through an OTP. Students can then login to their newly created accounts to further the application process.
- Application Form:Students must fill in their CLAT 2026 application forms. This requires students to include several relevant details including:
- Personal Information such as name, DoB, nationality, category, domicile etc.
- Address details such as correspondence address, permanent address etc.
- Parental Information such as names, email addresses and phone numbers.
- Academic Information such as class 10th marks and class 12th marks.
- Course Selection: Students will then be required to select the course of their choice. Students will be required to choose between the CLAT UG or PG depending on their requirements and standing.
- Center Selection: After selecting their course, students will be required to choose 3 test centers for the CLAT 2026 exam in order of preference.
- Uploading of Documents:There are several important documents students must prepare for the CLAT 2026 examination. These documents include a passport-sized photograph, PwD certificate (if applicable) and a category certificate (if applicable)
- Payment of Fees:After the previous formalities have been completed, students will then be required to pay their application fees. The fee for the CLAT 2026 examination is INR 4000 - 4500 for general category students.
Students Can Also Read: Best CLAT UG and PG Books
