CLAT 2026 Exam Today: Check timings, dress code and key guidelines

CLAT 2026

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 is being conducted today, December 7, by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). The exam serves as the gateway for admissions to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs across 25 participating NLUs nationwide. With the test scheduled for this afternoon, here are the vital details and last-minute reminders every candidate must know.

CLAT 2026: Exam Timings and Duration

UG & PG Exam Reporting Time: Candidates must report as per the slot on their admit card. Late entry is prohibited.

Exam Duration: The test will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

For PwD Candidates: An additional 40 minutes will be provided, extending their exam time to 4:40 PM.

Mandatory Documents and Dress Code

The Consortium has stipulated specific requirements for a smooth entry process:

• CLAT Admit Card 2026: A printed copy of the hall ticket, downloaded from the official website consortiumofnlus.ac.in, is compulsory. Ensure all details are clear and correct.
• Photo ID Proof: Carry an original government-issued ID (Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.) for verification.

Recommended Dress Code: To expedite security checks, candidates are advised to wear light, half-sleeved clothes. Avoid garments with large buttons, brooches, or elaborate embroidery. Footwear should be simple; open sandals or slippers are preferable to complex shoes.

Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Candidates will face a two-hour objective test:

• Total Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Maximum Marks: 120
• Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer.
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response. Unattempted questions will carry no penalty.

Important Exam Day Guidelines

Allowed Items: Only a transparent water bottle and the necessary documents are permitted inside the exam hall.

Prohibited Items: Electronic devices (smartwatches, calculators, mobile phones), bags, stationery, jewellery, and any metallic items are strictly banned. Storage facilities may not be available at all centres.

Special Note for Lucknow Centre: Candidates allotted to Lucknow should note that their centre has been shifted to Lucknow Public College, A-Block, Rajajipuram. Plan your travel accordingly.

Post-Exam Procedures: Answer Key and Counselling

Provisional Answer Key: The Consortium is expected to release the CLAT 2026 provisional answer key by December 14. Candidates will have a window to raise objections against it.

Objection Fee: As per existing policy, a fee of Rs. 1,000 per question challenged will be applicable. Student requests to reduce this fee, as well as the initial application fee, remain under consideration.

Counselling Registration: Qualifying candidates must note that clearing the exam is only the first step. Separate registration for CLAT counselling is mandatory. The counselling fee is set at Rs. 30,000 for the general category and Rs. 20,000 for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories. Candidates can submit up to 15 preference choices during each counselling round.

The CLAT 2026 exam is being conducted in approximately 141 cities across 25 states and 4 Union Territories. Candidates are urged to remain calm, manage their time effectively during the test, and double-check their centre location before departing. We wish all aspirants the very best for today's exam