The **Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026** exam will take place on **December 7, 2025**. This important test is for students who want to join undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law courses in India’s National Law Universities (NLUs). The exam will be held from **2 PM to 4 PM**.
The organization that conducts the exam, the Consortium of National Law Universities, has already released the **admit cards** for CLAT 2026. Students who are appearing for the exam must download their admit card soon. You can find it on the official website: **consortiumofnlus.ac.in**.
What is CLAT?
CLAT is a nationwide entrance exam. It is for students planning to study law after Class 12 (for UG courses) or after their bachelor's degree (for PG courses). This exam opens doors to 24 top National Law Universities across India. These universities are known for their quality law education. Taking the CLAT is the main way to get admission into these prestigious law schools.
How to Download Your CLAT 2026 Admit Card
The admit card is a must-have document for the exam. Without it, you will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. Here is how you can download it:
- Go to the official CLAT website: **consortiumofnlus.ac.in**.
- Look for the link that says "CLAT 2026 Admit Card Download" or similar.
- Click on the link and enter your login details, such as your registration number and password.
- Your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Check all the details carefully. Make sure your name, photo, signature, exam date, time, and center are correct.
- Download the admit card and take a printout. It is a good idea to print multiple copies and keep them safe.
If you find any mistakes on your admit card, contact the exam officials immediately. Do not wait until the last day.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern Details
Students must know the exam pattern well to prepare effectively. The CLAT 2026 exam will be a pen-and-paper test. This means you will mark your answers on an OMR sheet. The test will be two hours long and will be only in English. All questions will be Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), where you choose one correct answer from given options.
| Exam Mode | Pen-and-paper |
| Exam Duration | Two hours |
| Test Language | English |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Maximum Marks | 120 marks |
| Marking Scheme (Correct Answer) | **+1 mark** |
| Negative Marking (Incorrect Answer) | **-0.25 mark** |
Understanding the Marking Scheme
For every correct answer, you will get one full mark. However, there is a **negative marking** system. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted from your total score. This means answering carefully is important. Do not guess answers if you are not sure, as it can reduce your overall score.
Is the CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern Different?
No, the CLAT 2026 exam pattern has **not been changed** for this year. It remains the same as the CLAT 2025 and CLAT 2024 exams. The last time the exam pattern was updated was for the CLAT 2024 session. At that time, two major changes were made:
- The total number of questions was reduced from 150 to **120**.
- The exam format shifted to a **passage-based approach**. This means that questions are now asked based on long passages that students need to read and understand.
Since these changes were made in 2024, the structure of the CLAT exam has been consistent. Students preparing for CLAT 2026 should continue to follow this established pattern and focus on improving their reading and comprehension skills for the passage-based questions.
Preparing for the Final Weeks
With only a few weeks left before the exam, it is crucial for students to finalize their preparation. Focus on revising key topics and practicing mock tests based on the latest exam pattern. Ensure you are familiar with time management, especially for the passage-based questions. Double-check all details on your admit card and plan your travel to the exam center in advance. Being well-prepared and organized will help you perform your best on December 7, 2025.