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

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

    #CLAT
    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 2027 with Answer Key
    Download CLAT 2027 sample paper PDF with the latest exam pattern. Practice descriptive questions, improve accuracy, and strengthen your preparation for the upcoming CLAT exam.
    Download Ebook

    CLAT

    CLAT Counselling

    DU LLB 5 Year Counselling

    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 ?
    without clat marks we didn't put admission in sastra university thanjavur

    SASTRA Deemed University accepts CLAT scores for admission. They admit students based on CLAT scores as well as class 12 marks, with an aggregate score of 50% in English. Based on these scores, a merit list is published by the university.

    Read Complete Answer
    J
    Jasmine
    20 Mar'26
    I didn't erite clat exam i can put admission in sastra university Thanjavur

    SASTRA Deemed University accepts CLAT scores for admission. The eligibility criteria require class 12 marks, with an aggregate score of 50% in English, CLAT scores, and a maximum age limit of 19 years as of August 1, 2025.


    Read Complete Answer
    J
    Jasmine
    20 Mar'26
    i have rank 3917 in clat pg for LLM what are my best options right now non nlus i will be giving cuet pg my llb was outside delhi


    With a rank of 3917 in CLAT PG, your best options for an LLM include top private universities that accept CLAT scores, along with CUETPG opportunities. Some of the best non-NLU options are BHU, LPU Jalandhar, UPES Dehradun, etc.

    Read Complete Answer
    M
    Mirza Farhan Baig
    14 Mar'26
    my clat rank 36415 and ews category rank is 3412 i have bihar domicile certificate, is there any chance to get any nlu or cnlu

    Hello Santosh,

    Domicile cut-offs are unpredictable. You can apply and get a seat only if the domicile category is selected. You can apply, but the chances of getting either of them are rare.

    Read Complete Answer
    B
    Bhanu Pratap
    5 Mar'26
    Hello sir, my self simar , I want to know that in CLAT which type of questions is coming and to clear CLAT how much number is considered??

    CLAT is an entrance examination conducted for admissions into law colleges. The qualifying marks vary with the colleges. You should check the details on the website to get a clear idea regarding cut offs for the colleges. You will also get the exam pattern through the article shared.

    Read Complete Answer
    L
    Labhanshi Kaim
    10 Mar'26
    View all

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    Read the passage carefully and answer the question

    The Contract should be performed by the promisor himself. However, in certain cases, it can also be performed by his agents or legal representatives. It all depends upon the intention of the parties. Normally a contract can be performed by the following

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage carefully and answer the question

    The Contract should be performed by the promisor himself. However, in certain cases, it can also be performed by his agents or legal representatives. It all depends upon the intention of the parties. Normally a contract can be performed by the following

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    In the case of M/S Halonex Limited, 59-A Noida vs State of U.P., it was held that “In reply to the aforesaid submission, learned counsel for opposite party no.2 submitted that the case of the applicants that no amount is due

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    In the case of M/S Halonex Limited, 59-A Noida vs State of U.P., it was held that “In reply to the aforesaid submission, learned counsel for opposite party no.2 submitted that the case of the applicants that no amount is due

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