The **Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026** was successfully held on **December 7, 2025**. This important exam helps students get into top law universities across India for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law courses. Soon after the exam, the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will release the **CLAT 2026 provisional answer key**. All candidates who took the test can download the answer key from the official website, **consortiumofnlus.ac.in**. This key helps students check their answers and estimate their scores.
The CLAT 2026 exam was conducted in pen-and-paper mode. The test had a total of **120 marks**. The provisional answer key is expected to be available a few hours after the exam ends. This allows students to compare their marked answers with the official correct ones quickly. It provides an early idea of their potential scores.
How the CLAT Answer Key Works
The CLAT answer key is released in two phases. First, the **provisional answer key** is published. This is a temporary key. After its release, the Consortium opens an "objection window". During this time, students can submit objections if they believe any question or answer in the provisional key is wrong. This step ensures fairness and accuracy.
The objection window usually stays open for about **2 to 3 days**. Candidates must submit their objections online, providing reasons or proof. The NLU Consortium will then review all submitted objections. If an objection is found to be correct, changes will be made to the answer key. After this review, the Consortium will release the **CLAT 2026 Final Answer Key**. This final key is important because the **CLAT 2026 results** will be prepared based on it. No further changes are possible after the final key is published.
Calculating Your CLAT 2026 Score
Students can use the provisional answer key to calculate their estimated CLAT 2026 scores. The scoring system is as follows:
- For every correct answer, **1 mark** is added.
- For every incorrect answer, **0.25 marks** are deducted.
- For questions not attempted, **0 marks** are added or deducted. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
Using this clear marking scheme, students can get a good estimate of their performance. This helps them prepare for the next steps, such as counselling, even before official results are declared.
Important Dates for CLAT 2026 Answer Key and Results
Here are the key dates related to the CLAT 2026 exam:
| Event | Date |
| CLAT exam day 2026 | **December 7, 2025** |
| Release of Official CLAT provisional answer key | Expected shortly after exam |
| CLAT objection window opens | Expected in December 2025 |
| Release of final answer key | **December 2025** |
| Declaration of CLAT results | **December 2025** |
| Commencement of counselling | **January 2026** |
How to Download the CLAT 2026 Answer Key
Follow these steps to download your **CLAT Answer Key 2026 PDF**:
- **Step 1:** Go to the official website: **consortiumofnlus.ac.in**.
- **Step 2:** Click on the "CLAT 2026" link.
- **Step 3:** Enter your login details (registration number and password).
- **Step 4:** Find and click the "CLAT answer key PDF link".
- **Step 5:** Download and save the answer key for your reference.
Checking the answer key helps students understand their performance. Students should regularly visit the official CLAT website for the latest announcements.
