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CLAT 2026 Cut-off for All NLUs: Expected & Past Years

One number can change everything in CLAT: the cut-off. It’s the thin line between NLSIU Bangalore and settling for a lower-ranked NLU. Even a single mark can flip your chances.

In this blog, we break down the CLAT 2026 cut-off, expected scores, NLU-wise predictions, and past trends, so you know exactly what it takes to land your dream law school.

Upcoming CLAT Exams

What is CLAT Cut-off?

The CLAT cut-off refers to the minimum score or rank required for admission to various NLUs. It varies based on factors such as:

  • Category: General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD.
  • NLU: Different NLUs have varying cut-offs.
  • Domicile: Some NLUs have domicile-based reservations.
  • Difficulty Level: The complexity of the exam can influence cut-off trends.

The cut-off is typically expressed as the rank of the last candidate admitted during a particular round of counselling. Candidates who meet or exceed the cut-off are eligible for admission.

Use the CLAT Rank Predictor by Exam Charcha to check what will be your rank based on your score.

CLAT Cut-off 2026 (Expected)

While the official CLAT 2026 cut-off will be released by the Consortium of National Law Universities post-examination, preliminary analyses suggest the following expected ranges:

CategoryExpected CLAT Cut-off Marks
General85-91
OBC79-81
SC55-60
ST46-50
EWS81-85

Note:
These estimates are based on previous trends and the competitive nature of these institutions.

Browse: CLAT Marking Scheme

CLAT 2026 Cut-off for Top 3 NLUs

For aspirants of NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR, or WBNUJS Kolkata, the expected CLAT 2026 cut-off will be following: 

CategoryExpected CLAT Cut-off Marks
General95-98
OBC92-95
SC86-90
ST82-86
EWS94-96
PwD78-80

Read more about CLAT Subjects here.

NLU Cut-off 2026

The following table lists the expected NLUs cut-off for CLAT 2026:

NLUGeneralSCSTOBCEWSPwD
NLSIU Bangalore cut-off89-9156-5950-5279-8278-8078-79
NALSAR Hyderabad cut-off86-8753-5550-5178-8076-7873-75
NLIU Bhopal83-8547-4946-4876-7873-7569-71
WBNUJS Kolkata cut-off85-8753-5549-5173-7574-7676-78
NLU Jodhpur85-8650-5349-5073-7573-7673-76
HNLU Raipur83-8548-5143-4568-7168-7163-65
GNLU Gandhinagar83-8548-5046-4767-6973-7560-61
GNLU Silvassa80-8243-4642-4463-6570-7250-53
RMLNLU Lucknow76-7847-4940-4260-6468-7050-54
RGNUL Punjab79-8146-4840-4262-6468-6956-57
CNLU Patna73-7544-4638-4058-6063-6550-51
NUALS Kochi73-7543-4538-4060-6263-6550-51
NLU Odisha74-7644-4638-4162-6364-6647-50
NUSRL Ranchi72-7543-4439-4062-6362-6449-51
NLUJ Assam70-7240-4236-3858-6058-6043-45
MNLU Mumbai80-8247-4943-4568-7070-7248-50
HPNLU Shimla68-7041-4336-3859-6156-5839-41
NLU Agartala63-6539-4133-3549-5150-5230-32
MNLU Nagpur69-7246-4840-4160-6256-5840-43
DSNLU68-7040-4340-4361-635955

Check the CLAT Eligibility Criteria.

Previous Years’ CLAT Cut-off Trends

Check out the previous year’s CLAT cut-off scores mentioned below: 

1. CLAT College-Wise Third Merit List 2025 (Opening and Closing ranks)

CLAT 2025 Participating NLUsOpening RankClosing Ranks
National Law School of India University, Bangalore4607286
NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad32737676
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata111911938
National Law Institute University, Bhopal45318889 
9010–
National Law University, Jodhpur5819292
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar44415863
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow78051995
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala126443286
Chanakya National Law University, Patna1266240194
155049876
National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi134645914
National Law University Odisha, Cuttack101212967
National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi164953778
National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam205257634
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam163917399
The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli174828493
187131197
Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai806731295
Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
 		150832360
157742733
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad194957691
219755824
Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla232357089
241858003
Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur222452977
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, Haryana191659115
Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur259456624
NLU Tripura 18665326

2. CLAT College-Wise Second Merit List 2025 (Opening and Closing ranks)

CLAT 2025 Participating NLUsOpening RankClosing Ranks
National Law School of India University, Bangalore10625525
NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad1576981
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata28918509
National Law Institute University, Bhopal45617523
87439468
National Law University, Jodhpur35814081
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar40414278
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow57831066
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala95436722
Chanakya National Law University, Patna128233759
142846880
National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi121144199
National Law University Odisha, Cuttack94655316
National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi149441897
National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam165253778
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam150247102
The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli160221638
170145591
Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai53840504
Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
 		136057657
141059008
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad167258448
188259056
Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla194555135
215051680
Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur178552212
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, Haryana163560436
Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur78052295
NLU Tripura 222252977
GNLU Silvassa 118954202

3. CLAT College-Wise First Merit List 2025 (Opening and Closing ranks)

CLAT 2025 Participating NLUsOpening RankClosing Ranks
National Law School of India University, Bangalore116544
NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad177713
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata5729717
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata29918509
National Law Institute University, Bhopal
 		25716572
43824911
National Law University, Jodhpur15939868
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar16414022
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow46021506
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala9529588
Chanakya National Law University, Patna
 		88230737
121544258
National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi35056347
National Law University Odisha, Cuttack38250544
National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi86436722
National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam116345940
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam95742139
The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli123144669
125944760
Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai41831018
Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
 		68054410
68151639
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad102359856
136156843
Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla94943876
113544095
Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur106051352
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana62653778
Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur46347261
National Law University, Tripura 3116857038
GNLU Silvassa Campus75552920
Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLUP), Prayagraj 110245273
India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa – B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)131448454
India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa – B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)11984960

4. CLAT 2023 Cut-off (Opening and Closing ranks)

CLAT 2023 Participating NLUsOpening RankClosing Ranks
National Law School of India University, Bangalore113869
NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad816269
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata11712809
National Law Institute University, Bhopal21717826
42227962
National Law University, Jodhpur1557467
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar3310805
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow18420391
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala40125179
Chanakya National Law University, Patna93233540
National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi41328235
National Law University Odisha, Cuttack47034635
National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi93340538
National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam104748523
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam100238481
The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli80744427
Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai6443608
Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur79640090
99946384
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad139046407
Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla105638853
Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur131448558
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, Haryana109425003
Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur417170

5. CLAT 2022 Cut-off (General Category)

NLUsOpening RankClosing Rank
NLSIU Bengaluru185
NALSAR Hyderabad08162
WBNUJS Kolkata117257
NLU Jodhpur155378
NLIU Bhopal217451
GNLU, Gandhinagar33430
RMLNLU, Lucknow377756
HNLU, Raipur430837
RGNUL, Patiala4371184
NLUO, Odisha4701193

6. CLAT 2021 Cut-off (General Category)

NLUsOpening RankClosing Rank
NLSIU Bengaluru183
NALSAR Hyderabad65172
WBNUJS Kolkata24241
NLU Jodhpur185356
NLIU Bhopal176384

Check your college through: CLAT College Predictor by Exam Charcha.

How to Set Your Target Cut-off for CLAT 2026?

Setting a strategic target score is crucial for securing admission to your preferred NLU. Follow these steps to plan effectively:

1. Review Previous Year Cut-offs

Analyze CLAT cut-off trends from the past 3–5 years. For top NLUs, general category cut-offs have historically ranged between 85–95 marks, which can guide your target.

2. Factor in Paper Difficulty

Adjust your target based on the expected difficulty of CLAT exam. A tougher paper may lower cut-offs, while an easier one could raise them.

3. Set Category-Specific Targets

  • General: 90–100 marks for top NLUs, 80–90 for mid-tier.
  • OBC: 75–85 marks for top NLUs.
  • SC/ST: 60–65 for top NLUs, 55–60 for mid-tier.
  • EWS: 70–85 marks depending on the NLU.
  • PwD: 55–65 marks for top NLUs.

4. Include a Safety Margin

Add 5–10 marks above the expected cut-off to ensure a buffer. For example, if the top-tier cut-off is 85, aim for 90–95 marks.

5. Evaluate Mock Test Scores

Use CLAT mock tests to measure your current performance. Compare your scores with your target to identify areas for improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly.

6. Plan Gradual Improvements

If your current score is below target, set incremental goals. For instance, increase your score by 10 marks monthly until you reach your desired target.

Explore: CLAT Exam Date now

Factors Affecting CLAT Cut-off 2026

The CLAT cut-off 2026 depends on several key factors that determine the minimum marks or rank required for admission to NLUs:

1. Difficulty Level of CLAT

An easier paper usually pushes cut-offs higher, while a tougher exam can lower them. Even small changes in question types or CLAT exam pattern can have a significant impact on overall scores.

2. Candidates’ Performance

Cut-offs are influenced by how well aspirants perform overall. More high scorers increase competition and raise cut-offs, while lower performance can reduce them.

3. Availability of Seats

Limited seats in top NLUs result in higher cut-offs, whereas an increase in seats may slightly lower the required marks.

4. Category-Wise Reservation

Reserved quotas for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD result in different cut-offs for each category, with General category aspirants typically facing the highest.

5. Previous Year Trends

Historical cut-offs provide a benchmark. Top NLUs maintain consistently high cut-offs, while smaller NLUs may see fluctuations.

6. Number of Applicants

More candidates increase competition and raise cut-off marks, while fewer applicants can lead to lower admission requirements.

Learn more: CLAT Marks vs Rank

FAQs About CLAT 2026 Cut-off 

How are CLAT 2026 cut-off marks calculated?

The cut-off depends on several factors, including the difficulty level of the paper, candidates’ performance, the number of available seats, category-wise reservations, previous year’s trends, and the total number of applicants.

What is the expected CLAT cut-off 2026 for top NLUs?

For general guidance:
– General: 85–91 marks
– OBC: 79–81 marks
– SC: 55–60 marks
– ST: 46–50 marks
– EWS: 81–85 marks

Top NLUs, such as NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata, typically have higher cut-offs, ranging from 95 to 98 for general category candidates.

What are the CLAT cut-off marks for 2026 across categories?

– General: 95–98
– OBC: 92–95
– SC: 86–90
– ST: 82–86
– EWS: 94–96
– PwD: 78–80

How do previous years’ CLAT cut-offs help in planning?

Analyzing trends from previous years helps aspirants set realistic target scores. Top NLUs tend to maintain consistently high cut-offs, while smaller or newer NLUs may fluctuate.

How should I set my target cut-off for CLAT 2026?

– Review previous year cut-offs to gauge target scores.
– Factor in paper difficulty.
– Set category-specific targets (e.g., General 90–100 for top NLUs).
– Include a safety margin of 5–10 marks above the expected cut-off.
– Track mock test performance and plan gradual improvements.

Does paper difficulty affect CLAT cut-offs?

Yes. An easier paper usually raises cut-offs, while a tougher paper can lower them. Even small variations in question types can impact overall scores.

Do reserved categories have different cut-offs?

Yes. SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories have lower cut-offs compared to the General category due to reservation policies.

Where can I check the official CLAT 2026 cut-off?

The Consortium of National Law Universities will release the official cut-off on the CLAT official website after the exam results are announced.

How many seats are available in NLUs, and does it affect CLAT cut-offs?

Seat availability varies across NLUs. Limited seats in top NLUs increase competition, resulting in higher cut-offs, whereas an increase in seats may slightly lower required marks.

Free Resources for CLAT Preparation:

Use the following free CLAT preparation resources by Examcharcha:

CLAT Express MagazineCLAT Post Magazine PDF
Monthly Current Affairs quizWeekly Current Affairs quiz
CLAT Previous Year papers12 Minutes to CLAT Compendium PDFs
Current Affairs Quiz12 Minutes to CLAT Mock Tests
Daily Current AffairsWeekly Current Affairs
Monthly Current AffairsLast 6 Months Current Affairs

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