CLAT 2027 · Eligibility
CLAT 2027 Eligibility — Age, Marks, Qualification & Criteria
Before you begin preparation, settle the threshold question: am I eligible? This page covers eligibility for CLAT 2027 — both the UG programme (5-year integrated LLB) and the PG programme (LLM) — including qualifying examinations, minimum marks, age limits, reservation, documents and NRI candidates. The UG and PG figures below are taken from the Consortium eligibility pages for CLAT 2027 (read 19 September 2026). Anything we could not confirm there is marked as being verified.
Always cross-check with the official Consortium notification when released — eligibility norms can be updated between cycles.
Updated
Eligibility for 5-Year Integrated LLB
The CLAT UG programme admits candidates into the 5-year integrated LLB (Honours) offered by National Law Universities across India. This is the primary entry route for students finishing school. Here are the eligibility requirements in full.
Qualifying Examination
You must have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent examination, or be appearing for it in March/April 2027. The Consortium eligibility page does not restrict the stream. Whether a particular diploma counts as equivalent is a question for the Consortium; its own FAQ only tells diploma holders to check the eligibility criteria.
Minimum Marks — General / OBC
The Consortium requires at least 45% of marks (or equivalent grade) in the qualifying examination for CLAT 2027 UG. Source: the Consortium UG eligibility page for CLAT 2027, read on 19 September 2026.
Minimum Marks — SC / ST / PwD
For candidates belonging to the SC/ST/PwD categories, the minimum is 40% of marks or equivalent grade. Source: the Consortium UG eligibility page for CLAT 2027.
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CLAT 2027 UG programme, per the Consortium eligibility page.
Appearing Candidates
Candidates appearing for the qualifying examination in March/April 2027 are also eligible to apply. They must produce evidence of passing at the time of admission, failing which they lose the right to be considered for admission. The Consortium FAQ adds that candidates appearing in April/May 2027 are also eligible.
Eligibility for LLM
CLAT PG is a separate examination for candidates seeking admission to the one-year or two-year LLM programmes at National Law Universities. The eligibility criteria differ significantly from the UG programme.
Qualifying Degree
Candidates must have passed an LL.B. degree or an equivalent examination, per the Consortium PG eligibility page for CLAT 2027.
Minimum Marks
The minimum is 50% marks (or equivalent grade) for General candidates and 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates, per the Consortium PG eligibility page for CLAT 2027. There is no upper age limit for PG candidates.
Final Year Candidates
Candidates completing their qualifying examination in 2027 may apply, but must submit proof of passing at the time of admission or they forfeit consideration for admission.
Reservation Categories
Reservation is applied by each NLU at the admission stage, not in the CLAT exam itself. Individual NLUs may also apply state-specific quotas under their own statutes.
Reservation percentages: Being verified — check consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The seat matrix, including category and horizontal reservations, is published by each NLU in its own admission notice, and it differs between NLUs. We do not quote a single set of percentages here.
Each NLU may maintain domicile quotas or other quotas. Check the seat matrix each NLU publishes before counselling.
Documents Required for CLAT 2027 Application
Keep these ready before you begin the online application. The exact list and the file formats and sizes are set on the application portal; we have not confirmed them, so treat the items below as a general checklist.
10+2 Mark Sheet & Certificate
Final mark sheet and passing certificate from your board. Appearing candidates must produce evidence of passing at the time of admission.
Valid Photo ID
Keep a valid photo ID. Which IDs are accepted is being verified; check the admit card and Consortium instructions. The name on the ID should match your application.
Passport-size Photographs
Recent photographs in the format and size shown on the application portal (specifications being verified).
Category Certificate
Category certificate issued by the competent authority, if you claim a category benefit. Validity rules are set by the Consortium and each NLU.
Scanned Signature
Signature scanned as the portal specifies (format and size being verified).
Valid Email & Mobile Number
A working email address and mobile number for OTP verification and all official communication. Do not change these during the application cycle.
NRI, PIO & OCI Candidates
The Consortium UG instructions for CLAT 2027 say Indian Nationals, NRIs, PIO card holders and OCI card holders may apply, and that foreign nationals cannot appear.
Admission terms, fees and documentation for NRI candidates are set by each NLU. Read the admission notice of each NLU you are targeting well before the deadline.
Common Eligibility Myths — Busted
Misinformation about CLAT eligibility circulates widely on forums and coaching websites. Here are five common ones, checked against the Consortium eligibility pages for CLAT 2027.
"You need 50% in 12th to be eligible for CLAT UG"
Not quite. For CLAT 2027 UG the Consortium requires 45% of marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD), not 50%.
"There is an upper age limit for CLAT"
Not for CLAT 2027. The Consortium eligibility pages state that there is no upper age limit for either the UG or the PG programme.
"Commerce and Science students cannot take CLAT"
The Consortium eligibility page for UG names no stream restriction; it asks only for a 10+2 or equivalent pass with the minimum marks.
"You must complete 12th before applying for CLAT"
Wrong. Candidates appearing for the qualifying examination in March/April 2027 may apply, and must produce evidence of passing at the time of admission.
"CLAT eligibility is the same as individual NLU admission eligibility"
This is a critical distinction that many candidates miss. Being eligible for CLAT (the exam) does not automatically mean you are eligible for admission at every NLU. Individual NLUs may have their own admission requirements. Always check the admission notice of your target NLUs separately.
Continue Your CLAT 2027 Preparation
CLAT 2027 Registration
Step-by-step registration process, fees, and application deadlines for CLAT 2027.
Explore →CLAT 2027 Syllabus
Complete section-wise syllabus with topics, subtopics, and marks distribution.
Explore →Preparation Programmes
Structured programmes covering the full CLAT 2027 syllabus with live sessions and mentorship.
Explore →About CLATcoach
Who we are, our teaching methodology, and why our approach to CLAT preparation works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CLAT 2027 eligibility, age limits, percentage requirements, and application criteria.
Is there a minimum percentage for CLAT 2027?
Yes. Per the Consortium eligibility page for CLAT 2027 UG, you need at least 45% marks (or equivalent grade) in the qualifying 10+2 examination, or 40% if you belong to the SC/ST/PwD categories. For CLAT 2027 PG, the minimum in LL.B. is 50% (General) or 45% (SC/ST/PwD).
Is there an age limit for CLAT 2027?
No. The Consortium eligibility pages for CLAT 2027 state that there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the UG programme, and none for the PG programme either.
Can working professionals take CLAT?
Yes. The Consortium does not bar working professionals. If you meet the qualification and minimum-marks criteria (10+2 for UG, LL.B. for PG), your employment status does not matter.
Can I take CLAT after graduation (as a graduate)?
Yes. Graduates from any discipline can appear for CLAT UG if they wish to pursue a 5-year integrated law programme. There is no restriction based on prior graduation. Additionally, if you hold an LLB degree, you can appear for CLAT PG for LLM admission.
How many attempts are allowed for CLAT?
The Consortium eligibility pages we read do not state a cap on attempts, and there is no upper age limit. Check the official notification if you are planning a repeat attempt.
Can I apply for both UG and PG CLAT?
UG and PG are separate programmes with different eligibility criteria. We have not confirmed whether one candidate may register for both in the same cycle; check the Consortium instructions.
Is CLAT open to students from all streams?
Yes. CLAT has no stream restriction. Students from Arts, Commerce, Science, or any other stream who have completed or are appearing for 10+2 from a recognised board are eligible for CLAT UG. Law does not require a specific academic background at the entry level.
Do I need a law background for CLAT?
No. CLAT UG is designed for students entering law for the first time. The Legal Reasoning section provides all necessary legal principles within the passage itself — no prior legal knowledge is assumed or required. CLAT PG, however, tests knowledge of law at the graduate level.
Can NRI students take CLAT?
The Consortium UG instructions for CLAT 2027 name Indian Nationals, NRIs, PIO card holders and OCI card holders as eligible, and say foreign nationals cannot appear. Admission terms for NRI candidates are set by each NLU, so check the admission notice of your target NLUs.
Is there domicile-based reservation in CLAT?
CLAT itself is a national-level exam without domicile-based reservation. However, individual NLUs may reserve seats for candidates from their home state or region. For example, some NLUs reserve a percentage of seats for domicile candidates. This reservation is applied during counselling at each NLU, not at the CLAT exam level.
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What is not confirmed yet, as at 20 September 2026: reservation percentages for SC, ST, OBC and PwD candidates, domicile and NRI seat terms, the document upload list, whether one candidate may register for both UG and PG, and any limit on attempts. What will settle it: the Consortium’s CLAT 2027 Information Brochure. We re-check this page when the test-day instructions are published, usually with the admit card in November.
