The aspirants aiming for a seat in India's prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) can now mark their calendars. The Consortium of NLUs has officially announced that the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 will be conducted on December 7, 2025. This crucial announcement sets the timeline for the entire admission process for the academic year 2026-27.
Key Dates and Registration Timeline for CLAT 2026
With the exam date now fixed, the registration process is expected to commence in the near future. The Consortium will open the online application window in July 2025. Prospective candidates are advised to keep a close watch on the official CLAT consortium website for the exact start date. The application portal will remain active for a significant period, with the last date for submission tentatively set for November 2025. This schedule provides law aspirants with a clear roadmap to plan their preparation and application process meticulously.
New Exam Centre Guidelines and Important Changes
In a significant update for the 2025-26 cycle, the Consortium has introduced revised guidelines for exam centres. A major change is the reduction in the number of test cities. The CLAT 2026 will be held in fewer locations across India compared to previous years. This strategic move is aimed at streamlining logistics and enhancing the integrity of the examination process.
Furthermore, the Consortium has made a pivotal decision regarding admit cards. Admit cards will now be available for download exclusively from the official consortium website. The practice of sending physical admit cards by post has been completely discontinued. Candidates must proactively log in to their registered accounts on the consortium portal to download their hall tickets as the exam date approaches. Failure to do so will result in being barred from entering the examination hall.
Essential Instructions for Exam Day
The Consortium has reiterated standard protocols for the examination day. Candidates must carry their printed admit card along with a valid photo ID proof for verification. The use of electronic devices like calculators, smart watches, or mobile phones is strictly prohibited inside the test centre. It is mandatory for candidates to report to their designated CLAT 2026 exam centre well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card to complete security and frisking procedures.
The announcement of the CLAT 2026 date on December 7, 2025, gives aspirants a solid timeframe to structure their preparation. The revised exam centre policy and the shift to a fully digital admit card system underscore the Consortium's efforts to modernize and secure the high-stakes law entrance examination. All students targeting undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) law programs at NLUs should begin their preparations in earnest and stay updated via the official channels for further notifications.
