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

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

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 2026 College Predictor
Know your admission chances in National Law Universities based on your home state & exam result for All India Category & State Category seats.
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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 ?

With an AIR of 34724 and OBC category rank of 7153, chances of getting a seat in DSNLU Visakhapatnam are low in early rounds. However, since you are already invited for counselling, there may be some chance in later rounds depending on seat vacancy and cut-off movement. You should participate

With a CLAT LLM rank of 13656, getting a top NLU is difficult. You may have chances in lower-ranked NLUs or private law universities, depending on seat availability and category.


You can check CLAT LLM counselling details here:

https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-llm-cut-off


Hello there,

Having a 15000 general rank and 1740 as your SC category rank, your chances of securing a seat are very low. As per the previous trends, it is a direct no for you to get into the top-tier NLUs since the closing general rank is around 1500-3000. If

With a CLAT PG rank of 1257 in the SC category and being a woman candidate with Rajasthan domicile, you do have a realistic chance of securing admission to several National Law Universities, though the top NLUs may be difficult at this rank. Admission chances depend heavily on category-wise cut-offs,

With a CLAT PG rank of around 11,000, getting admission into the top National Law Universities (NLUs) is not likely, as their general category cut-offs usually close much earlier. However, you still have realistic chances in lower-ranked and newer NLUs, especially in the later rounds of CLAT counselling or through