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:
| Category | Expected CLAT Cut-off Marks |
| General | 85-91 |
| OBC | 79-81 |
| SC | 55-60 |
| ST | 46-50 |
| EWS | 81-85 |
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:
| Category | Expected CLAT Cut-off Marks |
| General | 95-98 |
| OBC | 92-95 |
| SC | 86-90 |
| ST | 82-86 |
| EWS | 94-96 |
| PwD | 78-80 |
Read more about CLAT Subjects here.
NLU Cut-off 2026
The following table lists the expected NLUs cut-off for CLAT 2026:
| NLU | General | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | PwD |
| NLSIU Bangalore cut-off | 89-91 | 56-59 | 50-52 | 79-82 | 78-80 | 78-79 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad cut-off | 86-87 | 53-55 | 50-51 | 78-80 | 76-78 | 73-75 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 83-85 | 47-49 | 46-48 | 76-78 | 73-75 | 69-71 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata cut-off | 85-87 | 53-55 | 49-51 | 73-75 | 74-76 | 76-78 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 85-86 | 50-53 | 49-50 | 73-75 | 73-76 | 73-76 |
| HNLU Raipur | 83-85 | 48-51 | 43-45 | 68-71 | 68-71 | 63-65 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 83-85 | 48-50 | 46-47 | 67-69 | 73-75 | 60-61 |
| GNLU Silvassa | 80-82 | 43-46 | 42-44 | 63-65 | 70-72 | 50-53 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 76-78 | 47-49 | 40-42 | 60-64 | 68-70 | 50-54 |
| RGNUL Punjab | 79-81 | 46-48 | 40-42 | 62-64 | 68-69 | 56-57 |
| CNLU Patna | 73-75 | 44-46 | 38-40 | 58-60 | 63-65 | 50-51 |
| NUALS Kochi | 73-75 | 43-45 | 38-40 | 60-62 | 63-65 | 50-51 |
| NLU Odisha | 74-76 | 44-46 | 38-41 | 62-63 | 64-66 | 47-50 |
| NUSRL Ranchi | 72-75 | 43-44 | 39-40 | 62-63 | 62-64 | 49-51 |
| NLUJ Assam | 70-72 | 40-42 | 36-38 | 58-60 | 58-60 | 43-45 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 80-82 | 47-49 | 43-45 | 68-70 | 70-72 | 48-50 |
| HPNLU Shimla | 68-70 | 41-43 | 36-38 | 59-61 | 56-58 | 39-41 |
| NLU Agartala | 63-65 | 39-41 | 33-35 | 49-51 | 50-52 | 30-32 |
| MNLU Nagpur | 69-72 | 46-48 | 40-41 | 60-62 | 56-58 | 40-43 |
| DSNLU | 68-70 | 40-43 | 40-43 | 61-63 | 59 | 55 |
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 NLUs | Opening Rank | Closing Ranks |
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore | 460 | 7286 |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 3273 | 7676 |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata | 1119 | 11938 |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal | 453 | 18889 |
| 9010 | – | |
| National Law University, Jodhpur | 581 | 9292 |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar | 444 | 15863 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow | 780 | 51995 |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala | 1264 | 43286 |
| Chanakya National Law University, Patna | 12662 | 40194 |
| 1550 | 49876 | |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi | 1346 | 45914 |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack | 1012 | 12967 |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi | 1649 | 53778 |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam | 2052 | 57634 |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam | 1639 | 17399 |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli | 1748 | 28493 |
| 1871 | 31197 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai | 8067 | 31295 |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur | 1508 | 32360 |
| 1577 | 42733 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad | 1949 | 57691 |
| 2197 | 55824 | |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla | 2323 | 57089 |
| 2418 | 58003 | |
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur | 2224 | 52977 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, Haryana | 1916 | 59115 |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur | 2594 | 56624 |
| NLU Tripura | 1866 | 5326 |
2. CLAT College-Wise Second Merit List 2025 (Opening and Closing ranks)
| CLAT 2025 Participating NLUs | Opening Rank | Closing Ranks |
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore | 106 | 25525 |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 157 | 6981 |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata | 289 | 18509 |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal | 456 | 17523 |
| 874 | 39468 | |
| National Law University, Jodhpur | 358 | 14081 |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar | 404 | 14278 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow | 578 | 31066 |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala | 954 | 36722 |
| Chanakya National Law University, Patna | 1282 | 33759 |
| 1428 | 46880 | |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi | 1211 | 44199 |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack | 946 | 55316 |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi | 1494 | 41897 |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam | 1652 | 53778 |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam | 1502 | 47102 |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli | 1602 | 21638 |
| 1701 | 45591 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai | 538 | 40504 |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur | 1360 | 57657 |
| 1410 | 59008 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad | 1672 | 58448 |
| 1882 | 59056 | |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla | 1945 | 55135 |
| 2150 | 51680 | |
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur | 1785 | 52212 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, Haryana | 1635 | 60436 |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur | 780 | 52295 |
| NLU Tripura | 2222 | 52977 |
| GNLU Silvassa | 1189 | 54202 |
3. CLAT College-Wise First Merit List 2025 (Opening and Closing ranks)
| CLAT 2025 Participating NLUs | Opening Rank | Closing Ranks |
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore | 1 | 16544 |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 17 | 7713 |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata | 57 | 29717 |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata | 299 | 18509 |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal | 257 | 16572 |
| 438 | 24911 | |
| National Law University, Jodhpur | 159 | 39868 |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar | 164 | 14022 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow | 460 | 21506 |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala | 95 | 29588 |
| Chanakya National Law University, Patna | 882 | 30737 |
| 1215 | 44258 | |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi | 350 | 56347 |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack | 382 | 50544 |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi | 864 | 36722 |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam | 1163 | 45940 |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam | 957 | 42139 |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli | 1231 | 44669 |
| 1259 | 44760 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai | 418 | 31018 |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur | 680 | 54410 |
| 681 | 51639 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad | 1023 | 59856 |
| 1361 | 56843 | |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla | 949 | 43876 |
| 1135 | 44095 | |
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur | 1060 | 51352 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana | 626 | 53778 |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur | 463 | 47261 |
| National Law University, Tripura | 31168 | 57038 |
| GNLU Silvassa Campus | 755 | 52920 |
| Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLUP), Prayagraj | 1102 | 45273 |
| India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa – B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 1314 | 48454 |
| India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa – B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 1198 | 4960 |
4. CLAT 2023 Cut-off (Opening and Closing ranks)
| CLAT 2023 Participating NLUs | Opening Rank | Closing Ranks |
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore | 1 | 13869 |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 8 | 16269 |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata | 117 | 12809 |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal | 217 | 17826 |
| 422 | 27962 | |
| National Law University, Jodhpur | 155 | 7467 |
| Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar | 33 | 10805 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow | 184 | 20391 |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala | 401 | 25179 |
| Chanakya National Law University, Patna | 932 | 33540 |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi | 413 | 28235 |
| National Law University Odisha, Cuttack | 470 | 34635 |
| National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi | 933 | 40538 |
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam | 1047 | 48523 |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam | 1002 | 38481 |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli | 807 | 44427 |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai | 64 | 43608 |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur | 796 | 40090 |
| 999 | 46384 | |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad | 1390 | 46407 |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla | 1056 | 38853 |
| Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur | 1314 | 48558 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, Haryana | 1094 | 25003 |
| Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur | 417 | 170 |
5. CLAT 2022 Cut-off (General Category)
| NLUs | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 1 | 85 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 08 | 162 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 117 | 257 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 155 | 378 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 217 | 451 |
| GNLU, Gandhinagar | 33 | 430 |
| RMLNLU, Lucknow | 377 | 756 |
| HNLU, Raipur | 430 | 837 |
| RGNUL, Patiala | 437 | 1184 |
| NLUO, Odisha | 470 | 1193 |
6. CLAT 2021 Cut-off (General Category)
| NLUs | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 1 | 83 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 65 | 172 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 24 | 241 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 185 | 356 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 176 | 384 |
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
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.
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.
– General: 95–98
– OBC: 92–95
– SC: 86–90
– ST: 82–86
– EWS: 94–96
– PwD: 78–80
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.
– 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.
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.
Yes. SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories have lower cut-offs compared to the General category due to reservation policies.
The Consortium of National Law Universities will release the official cut-off on the CLAT official website after the exam results are announced.
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.
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