The journey to a successful career in law begins with a single, critical step: understanding the CLAT eligibility criteria. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) stands as an important gateway for thousands of aspiring legal professionals, setting the stage for a future in one of the most prestigious and challenging professions.
Understanding the latest CLAT exam eligibility is essential for any candidate aiming to secure their place in India’s top law universities.
At Law Prep Tutorial Patna, India’s #1 CLAT coaching institute, we not only understand the gravity of this exam but also the aspects involved in meeting CLAT eligibility requirements.
With a legacy of producing consistent toppers and celebrating the remarkable achievement of securing All India Rank 1 in CLAT 2024, our insights into the CLAT exam are unmatched.
In this blog post, we will break down the various aspects of CLAT exam eligibility 2025 in simple terms.
Although the CLAT 2025 has not been announced officially, here’s a rough estimate of the CLAT exam overview based on the CLAT 2024:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) |
| Exam Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) |
| Frequency of Exam | Once a year |
| CLAT 2025 Exam Date | To be announced |
| Exam Level | National-level Exam |
| Exam Purpose |
|
| Application Fees |
|
| Application Mode | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Question Paper Language | English |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Number of Seats |
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| Official Website | consortiumofnlus.ac.in. |
Before filling out the CLAT 2025 application form, applicants must carefully read the eligibility criteria to determine whether they will fulfill the eligibility norms. The highlights for the CLAT eligibility criteria for 2025 are as given below:
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | – Completed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
– Candidates appearing for 10+2 exams in the exam year are also eligible. |
| Minimum Marks | – General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI: 45% in 10+2. – SC/ST: 40% in 10+2. |
| CLAT Age Limit | No upper age limit. |
| Nationality | – Open to Indian Nationals, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs. – Foreign nationals need not take CLAT for admission. |
| Reservation Policy | As per the rules of participating universities and the government. |
| Number of Attempts | Candidates can take this exam multiple times. |
| Documentation | Proof of qualification, ID proof, caste/disability certificates (if applicable), and other relevant documents as per the admission requirements. |
The following are the eligibility for CLAT UG exam:
The majority of candidates who take the CLAT UG exam are Indian citizens. They must fulfill all other eligibility criteria for CLAT such as educational qualifications and minimum marks.
Documentation and Proof
Points to Note
Here’s a detailed explanation of the educational qualification required for the CLAT Undergraduate (UG) program:
Basic Requirement
Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination. This means they should have successfully passed their Class 12 exams from a recognized board or educational institution.
Stream of Study
There is no restriction regarding the stream of study in the 10+2 level. Students from any stream – Science, Commerce, or Arts – are eligible to appear for the CLAT UG exam.
Minimum Marks in 10+2
Appearing Candidates
Candidates who are appearing in their 10+2 or equivalent examination in the same year as the CLAT exam can also apply.
However, they must produce proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission. Failure to provide this evidence may result in disqualification.
Board Recognition
The school board from which the candidate has completed their 10+2 education must be recognized by the central or state government or equivalent authority.
Foreign Education
Candidates who have completed their 10+2 education abroad or from a board not recognized in India must produce equivalence certificates from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
This detailed breakdown of the educational qualification for CLAT UG emphasizes the inclusivity of the exam, allowing students from diverse educational backgrounds to pursue a career in law.
It’s important for candidates to ensure they meet CLAT 2025 eligibility criteria to avoid any complications during the admission process.
There is no upper age limit for candidates wishing to appear for the CLAT UG exam. This means that aspirants of any age who have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination can apply for CLAT.
However, they meet the other eligibility criteria for CLAT, such as educational qualifications and minimum percentage requirements.
For the CLAT admission process, candidates are required to present various documents for verification. These documents are crucial to confirm their CLAT exam eligibility based on the criteria set by the consortium.
Relevant documents proving NRI/OCI/PIO status for candidates applying under these categories.
Some universities require a domicile certificate for admission under state quota.
Typically, a few recent color passport size photographs are required.
Printout of the completed CLAT application form and the admit card used during the examination.
The CLAT scorecard or rank letter issued post the examination.
Issued by the last attended school or college.
If applicable, from the last attended school or college.
For candidates who have taken a gap year(s), a sworn affidavit explaining the gap period.
Important Notes:
Candidates should meet the CLAT exam eligibility criteria and prepare these documents well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. It’s crucial to stay informed about any changes in the document requirements by regularly checking the official CLAT consortium website or university-specific admission guidelines.
The CLAT exam offers admissions to national and NRI students in the PG program provided by the NLUs and other private institutes that accept CLAT scores.
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Must hold an LL.B degree or equivalent from a recognized university. Candidates in the final year of their LL.B degree are also eligible. |
| Minimum Marks | – General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI: 50% in LL.B degree. – SC/ST: 45% in LL.B degree. |
| CLAT Age Limit | No upper age limit. |
| Nationality | Open to Indian Nationals, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs. Foreign nationals can apply directly to universities. |
| Reservation Policy | As per the rules of the participating universities and the government. |
| Documentation | Degree certificates, mark sheets, ID proof, caste/disability certificates (if applicable), and other relevant documents as required. |
Check out the CLAT LLM eligibility in detail below:
Candidates appearing for the CLAT PG program should have a valid bachelor’s degree of 3 or 5 years in Law or any equivalent exam. The cut-off marks vary depending on the category:
There’s no specified CLAT age limit for appearing in PG CLAT 2025 and pursuing an LLM course in national law universities.
The authority did not change CLAT exam eligibility for 2024, so candidates appearing in the upcoming CLAT exam 2025 can expect the same eligibility. However, the Consortium has altered the CLAT exam eligibility listed below:
When 2 or more candidates score the same in CLAT 2025, NLUs will use the process mentioned below to break the tie –
So when the condition appears:
For CLAT PG, the following points are considered to break the tie:
CLAT 2025 application forms will be out soon. Candidates can follow the guidelines below for more help filling out the application form:
| Category | Fee |
| General/ OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI | Rs. 4000 |
| SC/ST/BPL | Rs. 3500 |
Following the above, candidates can fill out their applications with the eligibility requirements. However, candidates must thoroughly understand the eligibility requirements before applying for the exam. Verify all the correct details, as there’s no other chance to edit the application form.
For CLAT 2025, overseas students, including Indian Nationals, NRIs, PIO, and OCI holders, must meet specific eligibility criteria. Candidates can check the following:
Check the below points to know the mandatory documents for the NRI candidates according to CLAT eligibility:
Following are the essential documents required for the sponsored NRI candidates according to the official CLAT eligibility 2025:
Below is an overview of the important points regarding CLAT eligibility:
Meeting the eligibility criteria for CLAT is crucial for several reasons:
CLAT eligibility criteria 2025 serve as the basic filter for admission to prestigious law schools in India. Failing to meet these criteria automatically disqualifies a candidate, regardless of their performance in the exam.
These criteria provide a standardized way to assess the readiness of candidates for legal education.
Fulfilling the CLAT 2025 eligibility criteria is a matter of complying with the rules and regulations set by the CLAT consortium. It reflects a candidate’s respect for legal and ethical standards.
Non-compliance can lead to disqualification or legal challenges, potentially impacting a student’s entire academic and professional trajectory.
The criteria, especially CLAT educational qualifications, ensure that candidates have a foundational level of knowledge and skills necessary for advanced legal studies.
Certain CLAT eligibility criteria like educational qualifications and age ensure that candidates possess the maturity and intellectual capability required for the rigors of law school.
CLAT exam eligibility criteria ensure that all candidates are evaluated on a common ground, maintaining fairness in the admission process.
By adhering to these criteria, law schools can select candidates purely based on merit, skill, and potential.
Meeting eligibility for CLAT exam is the first step in a career where adherence to standards and regulations is paramount.
A candidate’s journey through law school and into their legal career is often scrutinized. Compliance with eligibility norms from the outset sets a positive tone for future opportunities.
By ensuring CLAT eligibility beforehand, candidates can invest their time and resources wisely, focusing on institutions where they have a legitimate chance of admission.
What is the minimum educational qualification for CLAT UG?
For CLAT UG, the candidate must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Those appearing for their 10+2 exams in the same year as CLAT are also eligible, subject to meeting other criteria.
Is there any upper age limit for CLAT exam?
No, there is no upper age limit for candidates wishing to appear for the CLAT exam, both for UG and PG programs.
What are the minimum marks required in 12th for CLAT eligibility?
General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates require a minimum of 45% marks, while SC/ST candidates need at least 40% in their 12th or equivalent examination.
Are there any special reservations or quotas in CLAT?
Yes, there are reservations and quotas for SC/ST/OBC candidates, physically disabled candidates, and other categories as per the rules of participating universities and the government.
Can NRIs apply for CLAT?
Yes, NRI candidates can apply for CLAT. Some law universities also have specific NRI quotas.
Is there a different eligibility for CLAT PG?
Yes, for CLAT PG, candidates must hold an LL.B degree or equivalent from a recognized university. The minimum marks and other criteria also differ slightly from the UG program.
What happens if I don’t meet the CLAT eligibility criteria but still appear for exam?
If a candidate does not meet the CLAT eligibility criteria, they risk disqualification at any stage of the admission process, even if they have appeared for and passed the CLAT.
Can I apply for CLAT if I am in the final year of my 10+2 studies?
Yes, candidates who are in their final year of 10+2 studies are eligible to apply for CLAT UG, but they must provide proof of passing the exam at the time of admission.
Are there any subject requirements in 12th for CLAT UG?
No, there are no specific subject requirements in 12th for CLAT. Candidates from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) can apply.
Does CLAT have a separate application process for SC/ST candidates?
The application process for CLAT is the same for all candidates, but SC/ST candidates have different minimum qualifying marks and reservation policies.
How important are the class 12th marks for CLAT eligibility?
Class 12th marks are crucial as they need to meet the minimum percentage criteria for eligibility (45% for general and 40% for SC/ST). However, CLAT admission primarily depends on the CLAT score.
Can a candidate with a gap year apply for CLAT?
Yes, candidates with a gap year can apply for CLAT, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria. They may need to submit a gap year affidavit or explanation, depending on the university’s requirements.
Is there any relaxation in CLAT eligibility criteria for physically disabled candidates?
Physically disabled candidates generally have a lower minimum qualifying marks threshold and are provided with reservations as per the norms of the participating universities.
What if I meet the CLAT eligibility criteria but fail to produce the required documents at the time of admission?
Failing to produce the required documents at the time of admission can result in disqualification or cancellation of admission.
Are there any age criteria for NRI/PIO/OCI candidates in CLAT?
Answer: There is no upper age limit for NRI/PIO/OCI candidates in CLAT, similar to Indian nationals.
Can I do CLAT after 12th?
Yes, you can appear for CLAT after completing your 12th standard. It is the standard eligibility requirement for the CLAT UG program.
What is CLAT exam eligibility?
For CLAT UG, you need to have completed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 45% (40% for SC/ST) marks. For CLAT PG, you should have an LL.B degree or equivalent with a minimum of 50% (45% for SC/ST) marks. There is no upper age limit for either program.
How is the CLAT exam conducted?
CLAT is conducted as an offline pen-and-paper test. It comprises multiple-choice questions covering areas like legal aptitude, logical reasoning, English comprehension, general knowledge, and mathematics.
How many times is CLAT held in a year?
CLAT is conducted once a year.
How many attempts for CLAT can be made in a year?
Since CLAT is conducted only once a year, you can attempt it only once in a given year.
Is there any minimum age limit for CLAT?
No, there is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in the CLAT exam for both UG and PG programs.
What is the age limit for CLAT UG?
There is no upper age limit for CLAT UG. Candidates of any age who have completed their 10+2 or equivalent can apply.
What is the CLAT exam eligibility after graduation?
After graduation, if you have an LL.B degree or equivalent, you are eligible for the CLAT PG program. The minimum marks requirement is 50% for general and 45% for SC/ST candidates.
What is the CLAT exam eligibility after 12th?
After 12th, you are eligible for the CLAT UG program. You should have completed 10+2 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates).
Conclusion
Candidates who will fulfill the CLAT exam eligibility can proceed further with the application form. The exam authority is stringent in CLAT eligibility criteria and prioritizes this as an important condition for the exam application. Only those candidates who have fulfilled all the details of CLAT 2025 eligibility can apply for this exam. Therefore, it is recommended to check CLAT eligibility well to ensure communication is communicated effectively.
