The CLAT eligibility criteria are one of the most crucial factors every law aspirant must understand before applying. Whether you’re planning to pursue a 5-year LLB after Class 12 or an LLM after graduation, knowing the exact CLAT exam eligibility, minimum marks, age limit, and reservation rules is essential.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from CLAT UG eligibility criteria to PG requirements, domicile reservation, documents, and counselling rules, helping you avoid mistakes and apply with confidence.
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CLAT Eligibility 2027 Overview: UG & PG Courses at a Glance
Here’s a quick snapshot of CLAT Eligibility 2027 for both UG and PG courses to help you understand what CLAT is for and who can apply:
| Criteria | CLAT UG (Undergraduate) | CLAT PG (Postgraduate) |
| CLAT exam full form | Common Law Admission Test | Common Law Admission Test |
| Course Level | 5-year Integrated LLB | 1-year LLM |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 or equivalent | LLB or equivalent law degree |
| Minimum Marks | 45% (General) / 40% (SC/ST) | 50% (General) / 45% (SC/ST) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit | No upper age limit |
| CLAT is for what | Law aspirants after Class 12 | Law graduates seeking specialisation |
CLAT UG Eligibility: Educational Qualification & 12th Marks Criteria
To clearly understand the CLAT UG eligibility criteria, especially the educational qualification and minimum marks required after Class 12, refer to the table below:
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognised board |
| Minimum Marks (General/OBC/PwD) | 45% marks or equivalent grade |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST) | 40% marks or equivalent grade |
| Appearing Candidates | Eligible (students appearing in Class 12 exams can apply) |
| Proof of Qualification | Must provide a passing certificate at the time of admission |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
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CLAT UG Eligibility: Category-Wise Minimum Percentage Requirements
Here is a category-wise breakdown of the minimum percentage requirements for candidates applying after Class 12:
| Category | Minimum Percentage Required | Equivalent Grade |
| General / OBC / PwD / NRI / PIO / OCI | 45% marks | Equivalent grade accepted |
| SC / ST | 40% marks | Equivalent grade accepted |
CLAT UG Eligibility: CLAT Age Limit & Number of Attempts
When reviewing the CLAT UG eligibility criteria, many candidates look specifically for details on the exam’s age limit and the number of attempts allowed. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Criteria | Details |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit for candidates applying to CLAT UG |
| Minimum Age Requirement | No specific minimum age prescribed |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction on the number of attempts |
| Eligibility Across Attempts | Candidates can apply multiple times as long as they meet the educational qualification criteria |
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CLAT UG Eligibility: Appearing Candidates & Year of Passing Rules
For candidates planning to apply while still in school, understanding the rules around appearing students and year of passing is an important part of the CLAT UG eligibility criteria. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Criteria | Details |
| Appearing Candidates Eligibility | Candidates appearing for Class 12 (10+2) exams are eligible to apply |
| Applicable Exam Session | Candidates appearing in March/April of the admission year can apply |
| Condition for Admission | Must pass the qualifying examination before admission |
| Proof Requirement | Required to submit proof of passing (mark sheet/certificate) at the time of admission |
| Failure to Provide Proof | Admission will be cancelled if proof of qualification is not submitted |
CLAT PG Eligibility: LLB Degree, Minimum Marks & Final Year Status
To understand the CLAT LLM eligibility requirements, including LL.B. qualification, minimum marks, and final-year eligibility, refer to the table below:
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | LL.B. degree (3-year or 5-year) or equivalent from a recognised university |
| Minimum Marks (General/OBC/PwD) | 50% marks or equivalent grade |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PwD) | 45% marks or equivalent grade |
| Final-Year Candidates | Eligible to apply if appearing in the qualifying exam |
| Applicable Exam Session | Candidates appearing in March/April of the admission year can apply |
| Proof of Qualification | Must submit proof of passing LL.B. at the time of admission |
| Failure to Provide Proof | Admission will be cancelled if proof is not submitted |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
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CLAT Reservation Policy: Category-Wise Seats in NLUs
To help you understand the CLAT reservation policy in detail, here is a comprehensive table of category-wise seats in NLUs (National Law Universities), including total seats, domicile quota, and reservation percentages:
| NLU | Total UG Seats | Domicile Quota | SC | ST | OBC-NCL | EWS | PwD |
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 310 | Karnataka – 25% (≈78) | 15% | 7.5% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 132 | Telangana – 25% (≈33) | 15% | 7.5% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| NLIU Bhopal | 202 | MP – 40% (≈81) | 16% | 20% | 14% | 10% | 5% |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 158 | WB – 31% (≈49) | 22% | 6% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| NLU Jodhpur | 120 | Rajasthan – 27.5% (≈33) | 16% | 12% | 21% | 10% | 5% |
| HNLU Raipur | 170 | Chhattisgarh – 50% (85) | 21% | 16% | 14% | 10% | 5% |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 172 | Gujarat – 25% (≈43) | 7% | 15% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 169 | UP – 45% (≈76) | 21% | 2% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| RGNUL Patiala | 180 | Punjab – 10% (18) | 32% | N/A | 20% | 10% | 5% |
| CNLU Patna | 138 | Bihar – 50% (69) | 16% | 1% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| NUALS Kochi | 60 | Kerala – 51% (31) | 8% | 2% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| NLU Odisha | 180 | Odisha – 25% (45) | 16% | 22% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| NUSRL Ranchi | 180 | Jharkhand – 50% (90) | 21% | 12% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| NLUJA Assam | 60 | Assam – 50% (30) | 7% | 15% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 120 | AP – 40% (48) | 15% | 7.5% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| TNNLU Tiruchirappalli | 120 | TN – 50% (60) | 20% | 1% | 30% | 10% | 5% |
| MNLU Mumbai | 100 | Maharashtra – 63% (63) | 13% | 7% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| MNLU Nagpur | 180 | Maharashtra – 62% (112) | 13% | 7% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| MNLU Aurangabad | 120 | Maharashtra – 62% (74) | 13% | 7% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| HPNLU Shimla | 180 | HP – 25% (45) | 15% | 7.5% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| DNLU Jabalpur | 120 | MP – 40% (48) | 16% | 20% | 14% | 10% | 5% |
| DBRANLU Sonipat | 120 | Haryana – 25% (30) | 20% | N/A | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| NLU Tripura | 60 | Tripura – 30% (18) | 31% | 10% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| GNLU Silvassa | 66 | DNH & DD – 25% (16) | 15% | 20% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| IIULER Goa | 60 | Goa – ~25% (15) | 2% | 10% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
| RPNLU Prayagraj | 120 | UP – ~40% (48) | 21% | 2% | 27% | 10% | 5% |
Note: All NLUs have a 33% horizontal reservation for women across all categories.
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Domicile Reservation in NLUs: State Quota Rules & Documents Required
Here is a detailed table covering all the Domicile Reservations in NLUs along with their respective state quota rules:
| NLU | State | Domicile Reservation |
| NLSIU Bengaluru | Karnataka | 25% |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | Telangana | 25% |
| NLIU Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | 40% |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | West Bengal | 31% |
| NLU Jodhpur | Rajasthan | 27.5% |
| HNLU Raipur | Chhattisgarh | 50% |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | Gujarat | 25% |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 45% |
| RGNUL Patiala | Punjab | 10% |
| CNLU Patna | Bihar | 50% |
| NUALS Kochi | Kerala | 51% |
| NLU Odisha | Odisha | 25% |
| NUSRL Ranchi | Jharkhand | 50% |
| NLUJA Assam | Assam | 50% |
| DSNLU Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | 40% |
| TNNLU Tiruchirappalli | Tamil Nadu | 50% |
| MNLU Mumbai | Maharashtra | 63% |
| MNLU Nagpur | Maharashtra | 62% |
| MNLU Aurangabad | Maharashtra | 62% |
| HPNLU Shimla | Himachal Pradesh | 25% |
| DNLU Jabalpur | Madhya Pradesh | 40% |
| DBRANLU Sonipat | Haryana | 25% |
| NLU Tripura | Tripura | 30% |
| GNLU Silvassa | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | 25% |
| IIULER Goa | Goa | ~25% |
| RPNLU Prayagraj | Uttar Pradesh | ~40% |
To claim domicile reservation in NLUs, candidates must submit a valid domicile certificate issued by a competent authority (such as a Tehsildar or District Magistrate), along with supporting documents.
Key documents include:
- Domicile/Residence Certificate
- School/Study certificates (proof of education in the state)
- Birth or permanent residence proof
- Parent’s residence/service certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar card or a valid government ID
Explore important Resources for CLAT Preparation here:
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| CLAT Exam Date | CLAT Subjects |
| CLAT Marking Scheme | How to Prepare for CLAT Exam? |
| How to Prepare for CLAT in 3 Months? | CLAT Marks vs Rank |
NLU Admission Criteria: CLAT Rank, Cut-Offs & Counselling Eligibility
Admission to National Law Universities is strictly based on your performance in the CLAT exam, making it essential to understand how CLAT rank, cut-offs, and counselling eligibility work together.
- CLAT Rank: Your All India Rank (AIR) determines your chances of getting into top NLUs. A higher rank increases the likelihood of admission to preferred colleges such as NLSIU, NALSAR, or WBNUJS.
- Cut-Offs: Each NLU releases category-wise cut-offs after every counselling round. These NLU cut-offs vary based on factors like the number of applicants, seat availability, reservation policies, and exam difficulty.
- Counselling Eligibility: Candidates who meet the required cut-off and satisfy the CLAT eligibility criteria are invited to participate in counselling. This includes registration, preference filling, seat allotment, and document verification.
- Reservation Impact: Your category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) and domicile quota can significantly affect cut-offs and your chances of final selection under the CLAT reservation policy.
Important Documents Required to Prove CLAT Eligibility at Counselling
To complete the application process in accordance with the CLAT eligibility criteria, candidates must upload the required documents in the prescribed format. Here’s a clear table outlining the required documents:
| Document | Requirement |
| Passport Size Photograph | Recent, front-facing photo with plain background |
| Signature | Scanned signature of the candidate |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) | Required if applying under the reserved category |
| PwD Certificate | Required for candidates applying under the PwD category (issued by the competent authority) |
| BPL Certificate | Required for candidates applying under the BPL category |
| Document Format | All documents must be uploaded in PDF format only |
| Attestation Requirement | No attestation required for the photograph and signature |
Common Mistakes Related to CLAT Eligibility & How to Avoid Disqualification
Understanding the CLAT eligibility requirements is crucial, as even small mistakes can lead to disqualification during the admission process. Here are some common errors candidates make and how to avoid them:
- Not Meeting Minimum Marks Criteria: Failing to secure the required percentage (45% for General/OBC and 40% for SC/ST in UG; 50%/45% in PG).
Tip: Always verify your marks before applying for the CLAT exam eligibility. - Incorrect Category Selection: Choosing the wrong category or not having valid supporting documents.
Tip: Select your category carefully and ensure certificates are up to date. - Missing Document Uploads: Not uploading required documents, such as photographs, signatures, or certificates, in the correct format.
Tip: Upload all documents in PDF format as per guidelines. - Invalid or Expired Certificates: Submitting outdated or improperly issued domicile, caste, or PwD certificates.
Tip: Ensure all documents are issued by a competent authority and are valid. - Failure to Provide Proof at Admission: Not presenting original documents during counselling or admission.
Tip: Keep all original certificates ready for verification. - Ignoring Appearing Candidate Rules: Applying as an appearing candidate but failing to pass the qualifying exam later.
Tip: Make sure you meet the final CLAT exam qualification requirements before admission. - Assuming Age Restrictions: Confusion about CLAT exam eligibility age limits.
Tip: Remember, there is no upper age limit for both UG and PG programs.
FAQs on CLAT Eligibility Criteria, 12th Marks, Attempts & Reservations
To meet the CLAT UG eligibility criteria, candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates). There is no upper age limit, and candidates who are appearing are also eligible.
For UG courses, candidates need 45% marks (General/OBC/PwD) and 40% (SC/ST). For PG courses, the requirement is 50% (General/OBC/PwD) and 45% (SC/ST).
No, there is no upper age limit for both UG and PG programmes, making the CLAT exam eligibility age criteria flexible.
Yes, students can apply immediately after Class 12. Even those appearing for their board exams are eligible, provided they submit proof of passing at the time of admission.
No, CLAT is not required for 3-year LLB programs in most universities. It is primarily used for admission to 5-year integrated LLB and LLM courses in NLUs.
For CLAT LLM eligibility, candidates must have an LL.B. degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). Final-year students can also apply.
There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear multiple times as long as they meet the CLAT exam eligibility requirements.
Candidates must upload documents such as a photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable), and other relevant certificates in PDF format. Original documents are required during counselling
Domicile reservation allows candidates to claim state quota seats in NLUs. It typically ranges from 25% to 50%, depending on the university, and requires proof of domicile.
NLUs follow category-wise reservations, such as SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD, as well as domicile quotas. Additionally, a 33% horizontal reservation for women applies across NLUs.
If you fail to provide valid documents or do not meet the required qualifications, your admission will be cancelled during counselling or verification.
Admission depends on your CLAT rank and category-wise cut-offs. Higher ranks improve your chances of getting into top NLUs, while reservation and domicile quotas also influence selection.
Free Resources for CLAT Preparation:
| CLAT Mock Test | Last 6 Months Current Affairs |
| Current Affairs Quiz | CLAT Post Magazine by LegalEdge |
| Daily Current Affairs | Weekly Current Affairs |
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