How to take the CLAT 2026 Exam - Simplified Guide to Attempt Test

How to take the CLAT 2026 Exam - Simplified Guide to Attempt Test

Upcoming Event

CLAT Exam Date:07 Dec' 25 - 07 Dec' 25

Mirza Farhan BaigUpdated on 04 Dec 2025, 04:31 PM IST

Before leaving for to the designated CLAT exam centres, candidates must make sure that they carry the essential requirements suchas admit card, valid photo ID, pens and a transparent water bottle. Candidates must arrive at the exam hall in time and be seated in the classrooms at least 30 minutes before the exam commencement.

How to take the CLAT 2026 Exam - Simplified Guide to Attempt Test
How to take the CLAT 2026 Exam - Simplified Guide to Attempt Test

Aspirants will need to attempt the CLAT exam on the OMR sheet. The CLAT 2026 OMR sheet is a pre-printed security document that contains bubbles and timing tracking sensors. The bubbles in the sheet correspond to question numbers with options, which candidates must fill in using a blue or black ballpoint pen. There are five different sections in the CLAT exam, and it is recommended that candidates attempt the General Knowledge section first as it is not much time taking, followed by the English section, and then read it, and try to complete the English section. It will be convenient for candidates if they complete the English section in around 20 minutes. Then you can choose either the Legal or Logical section, as it depends on which is your strong subject. Finally, attempt the Quantitative Aptitude part.

Understanding the CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern

It is one of the most important steps for any candidate to understand the exam pattern of CLAT. It helps aspiring candidates know what to expect and prepare accordingly.

CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview

Category

Details

Time duration

2 hours

Mode

Offline mode (pen and paper-based mode)

Conducting Body

Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU)

Type of questions

Objective-type questions

Number of questions

CLAT UG - 120 questions

CLAT PG - 120 questions

Total marks in CLAT

120 marks (Both CLAT UG and CLAT PG)

CLAT UG marking scheme

Correct answer - 1 mark

Incorrect answer - 0.25 marks deduction

Unattempted questions - No negative marking

Language

English

How to take the CLAT 2026 exam: Basic Tips

Here are a few basic tips to follow during the CLAT exam day for a smooth experience:

  • Reach the exam centre early to avoid last-minute stress.

  • Complete the verification process on time by keeping all the prescribed documents ready.

  • Pay close attention while reading the instructions given on the CLAT question paper

  • Do not spend too much time on a single question, and move on to the next if you feel stuck and answer it later.

  • Manage your time wisely throughout the paper without panicking.

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CLAT 2026 Exam Bell Timings

Time

Type of Bell

Purpose of the Bell

1:30 PM

Long Bell

Candidates are permitted inside the test hall

1:50 PM

Short Bell

-Distribution of sealed envelopes
-Important announcements by the invigilator

2:00 PM

Long Bell

Commencement of the exam. Candidates can open the sealed envelopes

2:15 PM

Short Bell

No entry to any candidate into the exam hall after this Bell

2:30 PM

Short Bell

Announcement of 30 minutes into the test

3:00 PM

Short Bell

Announcement of 60 minutes into the test

3:30 PM

Short Bell

Announcement of 1:30 minutes into the test

3:50 PM

Short Bell

Warning Bell to indicate that 10 minutes are remaining for the test to end

4:00 PM

Long Bell

Marks the completion of the test. No candidate will be allowed to write anything on the OMR Response Sheet/Question Booklet after this Bell.

CLAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Things Not to Carry


The following is the list of items that are prohibited at the CLAT exam centre.

  • Calculators

  • Electronic devices

  • Headphones

  • Digital watches

  • Study materials

  • Mobile phones

  • Bags

  • Cameras

CLAT Sample Paper 2026 with Answer Key- Careers360
Download the CLAT Sample Paper 2026 PDF featuring the latest exam pattern with descriptive-type questions for effective preparation.
Download EBook

Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026

With only a month remaining to prepare for CLAT 2026 exam, candidates must utilise this period through focused practice, daily GK, and high-impact revision to maximizse their preparation

  • Clear Doubts Quickly: Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck. Talk to teachers, mentors, or join online study groups. Discussing problems with peers can give you new perspectives and save time.

  • Revise Regularly: Keep revising what you study. Use short notes, flashcards, or mind maps to remember key concepts easily. Spend the last few days only revising—avoid learning anything new then.

  • Read the newspapers, especially the editorial, to improve your CLAT English section preparation.

  • Refer to the CLAT books and study materials. These books enable you to focus on pertinent themes and establish a solid basis in every subject

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What After the CLAT 2026 Exam Day

The day after the commencement of the exam, the authorities will release the provisional answer key. The CLAT 2026 answer key is an official document released by the consortium, containing the correct answers to all the questions asked in the CLAT examination. Candidates can cross-check their responses, calculate probable scores and analyze their performances before the results are announced.

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Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?

Hello

The best way to cover the important current affairs is to read the newspaper daily. Then try to analyse the newspaper and remember the trending topics. Practice the previous year's question paper and understand the pattern of the question. Summarise all current affairs topics and understand them in brief. If you want more information about current affairs, then you will read the article How to Prepare for CLAT Current Affairs 2026 .

Thank you.

Hello,

Yes, you can prepare CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) in Hindi Medium and access syllabus in Hindi from mentioned link below:

https://law.careers360.com/hi/articles/clat-syllabus

Hope it helps.

Hello there!

Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) is a national level entrance exam for the programs related to engineering. It has two levels known as JEE mains (first level) and JEE advance (second level) . Many colleges from all over India in both government and private sector consider its scores. It is an online computer based test conducted by NTA ( National Testing Agency). Physics , Chemistry and mathematics are the major subjects to be focused in this exam.

Here is the link attached from the official website of Careers360 which will provide you with complete information about JEE.

https://engineering.careers360.com/exams/jee-main

NEET ( National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a national level examination for admission in undergraduate medical courses. It is also conducted by NTA but in offline mode as in pen and paper test. It includes courses like MBBS, BDS BHMS , BAMS etc. The exam consists of 180 questions in total 45 from each physics , chemistry , zoology and Botany. The total marks for the exam are 720 marks.

Here is the link attached from the official website of Careers360 which will provide you with complete information about NEET examination:

https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/neet-full-form

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a national level entrance examination for the admission in national law colleges of India. The test is taken after 12th grade examination for the 5 years integrated programs in law. It tests students knowledge in legal aptitude. It also serves as a basis for public sector undertakings for legal positions.

Here is the link attached from the official website of Careers360 which will provide you with the complete information about the CLAT examination.

https://law.careers360.com/articles/what-is-clat-full-form-all-about-nlus-entrance-exam

thank you! Hope it helps!


Hello,

The CLAT PG exam pattern consists of 120 questions and 2-hour MCQ exam with negative marking.

Subjects Covered:

  1. Constitutional Law

  2. Jurisprudence

  3. Criminal Law

  4. Contract Law

  5. Other core law subjects

Here are some tricks which you must follow:

  1. Practice Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
  2. Focus on Constitutional Law & Jurisprudence
  3. Time Management in Exam
  4. Revision Strategy

To know more access below mentioned link:

https://law.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-clat-pg-exam

Hope it helps.

Hello,

In CLAT , the 9-digit admit card number is not the same as the roll number you have to write on the OMR sheet. The OMR sheet has only 7 blocks because the CLAT roll number is shorter.

You should check your admit card again and look for the roll number printed near your name and exam details. Fill only that roll number in the OMR sheet. Do not write the 9-digit admit card number.

If you still cannot find the roll number, you can ask the exam invigilator on the exam day.

Hope it helps !