The Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) recently held the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026. Students who took the exam are now waiting for their results. Many are looking for details on what score might get them into a good law university. Experts have shared expected ranks for students who scored around 80 marks in CLAT 2026.
Scoring about 80 marks in CLAT 2026 is seen as a strong performance. Candidates with this score can expect an All India Rank (AIR) between 590 and 2650 . This rank range is important for admission to top National Law Universities (NLUs) across India, especially for students in reserved categories.
Expected Ranks for 80+ Marks in CLAT 2026
Understanding your expected rank helps you know your chances for admission to different NLUs. Here is a breakdown of expected ranks for scores near 80 marks in CLAT 2026:
| Marks | Expected Rank (Up to AIR) |
| 80+ | 2650 |
| 80.5+ | 2520 |
| 81+ | 2420 |
| 81.5+ | 2280 |
| 82+ | 2100 |
| 82.5+ | 1950 |
| 83+ | 1750 |
| 83.5+ | 1650 |
| 84+ | 1550 |
| 84.5+ | 1430 |
| 85+ | 1280 |
| 85.5+ | 1150 |
| 86+ | 1080 |
| 86.5+ | 1020 |
| 87+ | 990 |
| 87.5+ | 930 |
| 88+ | 880 |
| 88.5+ | 810 |
| 89+ | 730 |
| 89.5+ | 650 |
| 90+ | 590 |
Admission Chances for Different Categories
The rank you get directly affects your chances of joining an NLU. For students from reserved categories, such as SC/ST, a score of 80 marks in CLAT 2026 can be very good. With an expected rank between 590 and 2650 , these students have a strong chance to get into top NLUs. These include prestigious universities like the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bangalore , NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad , and West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) Kolkata .
For general category candidates, scoring 80 marks might lead to admission in Tier 2 or Tier 3 National Law Universities. This means while a top NLU might be harder to get for general candidates with this score, many other reputable NLUs will still be within reach. The competition for general seats is usually higher, so a higher score often leads to better chances at the very top institutions.
How Ranks are Decided
The actual ranks for CLAT 2026 can be different from these predictions. Several important factors influence the final ranks:
- Exam Difficulty: If the CLAT 2026 exam was harder than previous years, students might score lower overall. This could mean that 80 marks fetches a better rank. If the exam was easier, 80 marks might correspond to a slightly lower rank.
- Number of Candidates: The total number of students who take the CLAT exam also plays a role. If more students appear, the competition increases, and the same score might result in a different rank.
- Top Scores: The scores of the top-ranking students can also shift the overall rank distribution.
These expected ranks are based on trends from previous CLAT exams, such as CLAT 2025. In 2025, 80 marks proved competitive, especially for reserved category candidates, to gain entry into top NLUs. General candidates with 80 marks were largely able to secure admissions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 NLUs.
Next Steps for CLAT Candidates
Candidates who appeared for CLAT 2026 should focus on the official results declaration. Once results are out, the CNLU will publish the official rank list. Following this, the counselling process will begin, where students can choose their preferred NLUs based on their ranks and seat availability.
It is important for all candidates to stay updated with official announcements from the Consortium of National Law Universities. This will ensure they have the most accurate information regarding their results, ranks, and the next steps for admission.
