The official eligibility criteria for CLAT 2025 are now available. Knowing the CLAT exam eligibility is essential for all aspiring candidates.
We have explained the eligibility details, including the age limit for CLAT, required qualifications, and minimum marks for UG and PG programs. Whether you’re from the general category or a reserved category, this guide will help you understand if you qualify to take the CLAT 2025.
Upcoming CLAT Exams:
What is CLAT Exam?
The CLAT exam, or Common Law Admission Test, is a nationwide entrance exam for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.
This law entrance exam in India evaluates candidates on subjects such as English, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
CLAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Overview
| Criteria | CLAT UG | CLAT PG |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit | No upper age limit |
| Educational Qualifications | Completion of 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board | LLB degree or equivalent examination from a recognized university |
| Minimum Marks (General/OBC/NRI/PIO/OCI) | 45% in 10+2 or equivalent examination | 50% in LLB or equivalent examination |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PWD) | 40% in 10+2 or equivalent examination | 45% in LLB or equivalent examination |
| Appearing Candidates | Eligible if appearing in 10+2 exams in March/April 2025 | Eligible if appearing in LLB exams in April/May 2025 |
| Accepted Boards/Universities | CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and other recognized boards | Recognized universities and institutions |
| Specific Subjects/Streams | No specific subject or stream requirements | No specific subject or specialization requirements |
| Documents Required | Recent passport-size photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable), PWD certificate (if applicable), BPL certificate (if applicable) | Recent passport-size photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable), PWD certificate (if applicable) |
| Tie Breaker Criteria | Higher marks in Legal Aptitude section, higher age, computerized draw of lots | Higher age, computerized draw of lots |
| Foreign Nationals/NRIs | Can apply under NRI category, must meet educational and marks criteria | Can apply directly to NLUs without CLAT, must check individual NLU criteria |
| PSU Eligibility | Not applicable | Some PSUs use CLAT PG scores for legal position recruitment, criteria vary by PSU |
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
The first thing a candidate should know is whether they meet the eligibility criteria of the CLAT exam set by the Consortium of NLUs. Eligibility criteria for the CLAT 2025 examination for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs are tabulated in the below sections:
CLAT Eligibility for UG
Candidates should carefully read the eligibility criteria and then apply for the courses.
| Criteria |
| There’s no upper CLAT age limit for applicants appearing for the UG program. |
| The qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2 or an equivalent examination) is a crucial part of the admission process. Applicants must secure the following minimum percentage of marks: – 45% marks or its equivalent grade for General / OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories – 40% marks or equivalent for candidates belonging to SC/ST categories. |
| Applicants appearing for their qualifying exam in March/ April 2025 are also eligible to appear for the CLAT 2025 examination. However, they must prove they passed the qualifying exam during the admission process, failing which they will lose their right to be regarded for admission. |
| The applicant must submit the result of the qualifying exam, 10+2, during the admission process. If the applicant fails to submit it, the candidate will be ineligible for admission to the course they may have applied for. |
| If more than one applicant secures equal marks in the CLAT exam, the following procedure and order will be opted to break the tie: – Higher marks in the section/component on Legal Aptitude in the CLAT 2025 exam – Higher age – Computerized draw of lots |
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CLAT Eligibility for PG
Candidates should carefully read the eligibility criteria and then apply for the courses.
| Criteria |
| An LL.B. degree or an equivalent exam with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade if candidates belong to the General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories. 45% marks or equivalent grades for candidates from SC/ST categories. |
| Applicants appearing for their qualifying exam in April/May 2025, too, can apply. |
| There’s no upper age limit for CLAT candidates appearing for the exam. |
| Tie Breaker Rule: In case of equal marks secured by more than one candidate, the break of the tie shall be by the below-mentioned procedure and order: – Higher age – Computerized drawing of lots. |
Read More: CLAT 2025 Exam Date
CLAT Eligibility Criteria for NRI Candidates
- Indian Nationals/NRIs/PIO/OCI looking for admission in either of the UG programs can attend the CLAT exam 2025.
- Foreign Nationals need not appear for the test.
- For NRI-sponsored/NRI/Foreign National seats, applicants should consult the e-brochures and websites of the different NLUs to understand the process. All NRI category students must take the CLAT 2025 exam for those National Law Universities where such students are accepted via the CLAT 2025 rankings instead of directly by the respective universities.
Candidates must ensure that they fulfill the CLAT exam eligibility criteria. After that, they can proceed with the CLAT application form. However, it’s important to note that even if applicants fill out the application form, they might be denied admission during the counseling process, where a thorough verification occurs.
The exam authority makes sure a strict check related to CLAT exam eligibility criteria 2025 and prioritizes this as an essential condition for the test application. The corresponding university reserves the right to cancel the admission of any applicant who doesn’t meet these criteria.
List of Documents Needed for NRI Candidates for CLAT 2025
Candidates belonging to the NRI category must produce the documents mentioned below during admission:
- Valid Indian passport copy of the student
- Visa acquired in the last 12 months
- Certificate from the local embassy mentioning that the candidate is an NRI/OCI or PIO Card
Documents Necessary for NRI-Sponsored Candidates for CLAT 2025
- Sponsor’s valid Indian passport copy
- Visas received in the last 12 months by the sponsor
- Certificate from the local embassy revealing that the sponsor is an OCI/NRI or PIO card
- An affidavit by the sponsor specifying the interest shown in the applicant’s education affairs and willingness to fund the education of students over the next 5 years.
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Tips for Ensuring CLAT Eligibility Criteria
Be Ready with Necessary Documents
Being ready with the necessary documents beforehand is a critical step in ensuring a smooth admission process, especially for NRI/NRI-sponsored students. This will help you feel more organized and ready for the application process.
Seek Clarification from CLAT Authorities
When in doubt about your eligibility, it’s best to seek clarification from the CLAT authorities. They are there to help and can provide the necessary guidance to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Double-check Eligibility Criteria Before Applying
To ensure your application procedure is smooth and efficient, it’s important to take responsibility and double-check the eligibility criteria before applying. The criteria can be a bit complicated for applicants other than Indians, but your proactive approach will make a difference.
Checkout: CLAT vs AILET vs LSAT India: Difference & Comparison 2024
FAQs on CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
Aspirants applying for the CLAT UG 2025 must have completed the 12th class or the equivalent from an accredited board. They must have scored at least 45% to be admitted. There is no upper age limit for applying for CLAT.
The 12th grade doesn’t play a significant role in the CLAT test. However, you must have obtained a minimum score or percentage.
All those candidates who have passed the 12th or an equivalent exam from a recognized board with a minimal percentage of marks as mentioned by the participating universities are eligible to appear for CLAT 2025. Those appearing for the class 12th exam can also appear for the CLAT exam 2025. To pursue an LLM, it is essential for candidates to have an LL.B. degree or to have completed an equivalent exam from a recognized university with a minimal percentage of marks, as stated by the participating universities.
Yes, you can definitely take CLAT 2025 after your 12th board exams. You are eligible if you expect to score at least 45% (General category) or 40% (SC/ST) in your final results. The application window typically opens in July 2024, so you’ll have time to prepare after your boards.
No, there is no such CLAT age limit for aspirants. Candidates belonging to any age group can appear for the CLAT exam. However, BCI had earlier introduced an age limit for the CLAT exam, but later, the Supreme Court directed the BCI to remove the age restrictions on legal education.
Yes, candidates whose Class 12 results are not declared when filling out the application form are eligible to apply. They need to select ‘Result Awaited’ in the educational requirements section of the CLAT 2025 application form.
Candidates can take CLAT as many times as they wish. Currently, there is no limitation to appearing for the exam; however, the candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria requirement as stated by the Consortium of NLUs.
Conclusion
The CLAT exam opens doors to India’s prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs). Through this blog, we have provided a snapshot of the CLAT eligibility criteria for 2025. Remember, meeting the minimum is just the first step. Intense preparation and a strategic approach are crucial to success.
Free Resources for CLAT Preparation:
Use the following free CLAT preparation resources by Examcharcha: