The registration window for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 is currently open at the official website of the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLUs), accessible via consortiumofnlus.ac.in. According to the official notification, candidates can apply from August 1, 2025, and are required to complete their registrations by the official closing date of October 31, 2025.
However, speculation is rife among students and media circles that the deadline may be extended up to November 7, 2025 — though no formal notice has been released yet.
Why the Buzz About a Possible Extension?
The buzz around a potential extension stems from prior-year delays, server issues, and large application volumes — all of which often trigger deadline extensions in major entrance tests. Given how many applicants scramble at the last minute, the Consortium may lean towards giving an extra week. But rely on speculation at your risk.
That’s why applying now rather than waiting for an extension is the safest route.
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Started | August 1, 2025 |
| Official Last Date | October 31, 2025 |
| Tentative Extension | November 7, 2025 (if announced) |
| Exam Date | December 7, 2025 (2 PM to 4 PM) |
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
If you’re targeting law admissions via CLAT 2026, you must meet these minimum criteria:
- For the UG programme: Completed or appearing in Class 12 with at least 45% marks (or 40% for SC/ST candidates).
- For PG programmes, an LLB with a corresponding minimum percentage.
- You wish to join one of the 22+ NLUs that admit through CLAT.
How to Apply: Step‑by‑Step
- Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in and click “CLAT 2026 Registration”.
- Register using your email ID and mobile number to obtain login credentials.
- Fill in your personal and academic details, select test centres, and upload your photo + signature.
- Pay the registration fee online: ₹ 4,000 for General/OBC; ₹ 3,500 for SC/ST/BPL/PwD categories.
- Download and save the confirmation page. Don’t wait till the last minute.
Exam Pattern at a Glance
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Total Questions: 120 (for UG)
- Sections: English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques
- Marking: +1 for correct answer; –0.25 for wrong.
(While the official 2026 pattern hasn’t been radically changed, aspirants should verify final instructions on the day.)
What Experts Advise
Law‑entrance coaches are unanimous: Don’t wait. One mentoring session revealed that in previous years, late‑apply candidates faced server slowdowns during the last hours of registration. Another expert noted that “even if the deadline gets an extension, early registration gives you peace of mind and more time to focus on revision”.
Also, given the offline format and two‑hour duration, honing reading comprehension and current affairs/legal reasoning becomes crucial — especially during the final weeks. Start mock tests now.
What This Means for You
- If you’ve already applied: Well done! You’re ahead of the curve. Make sure your application was submitted and payment completed. Check your documents.
- If you’re still procrastinating: Stop waiting for the “extension” to be official. The risk of missing out is real.
- If you’re just preparing: Use this window to finalise your registration and shift focus to exam strategy. Use the possible extension as a backup, not as an excuse to delay.
Final Word
Time is ticking. The official last date remains October 31, 2025. While the talk of extension up to November 7 exists, nothing has been confirmed yet — and treating it as a given could be a mistake. Register today so you can sleep easily and spend the rest of your time prepping for CLAT 2026 instead of worrying about deadlines. Best of luck!
