If you are planning to pursue Law after Class 12, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most important entrance exams to know about. CLAT 2027 will be used for admission to participating National Law Universities (NLUs) for the 2027–28 academic year.
The Consortium of National Law Universities has already announced the key dates for CLAT 2027. Students planning to appear for the exam should keep track of the application deadline and start their preparation early.
CLAT 2027 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| CLAT 2027 Registration Begins | 3 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 October 2026 |
| CLAT 2027 Exam | 6 December 2026 |
| Exam Time | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Counselling | December 2026 / January 2027 |
| Academic Session | 2027–28 |
The Consortium has stated that the application deadline is 31 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. Students should avoid waiting until the last day to complete their application. (Consortium of NLUs)
Note: The exact date for downloading the CLAT 2027 admit card has not yet been announced. Students should regularly check the official CLAT website for updates.
What Is CLAT?
CLAT stands for the Common Law Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission to participating NLUs.
CLAT 2027 Eligibility for UG
Students appearing for or who have completed Class 12 can apply for the undergraduate CLAT, subject to the eligibility requirements specified by the Consortium.
Students appearing for their Class 12 qualifying examination in March/April 2027 are also eligible to appear for CLAT 2027. However, they must provide proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission. (Consortium of NLUs)
This means students currently in Class 12 do not have to wait for their board exam results before applying for CLAT 2027.
CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern
The CLAT 2027 UG examination will consist of:
- 120 multiple-choice questions
- 120 marks
- 2 hours
- 0.25 marks negative marking for every incorrect answer
The questions are divided across five major areas:
- 1. English Language
- Approximately 22–26 questions
- This section tests reading comprehension, language skills and the ability to understand and analyse passages.
- 2. Current Affairs & General Knowledge
- Approximately 28–32 questions
- Students need to develop a regular habit of following important national and international events.
- 3. Legal Reasoning
- Approximately 28–32 questions
- This section focuses on understanding legal principles and applying them to given situations.
- 4. Logical Reasoning
- Approximately 22–26 questions
- This tests the ability to analyse arguments, identify patterns and draw logical conclusions.
- 5. Quantitative Techniques
- Approximately 10–14 questions
- This section tests basic mathematical and data interpretation skills.
How Should Students Prepare for CLAT 2027?
Preparing for CLAT is not only about studying for a few months before the examination. Consistent preparation can make a major difference.
- Start Reading Daily
- Develop a habit of reading newspapers, reliable news sources and good-quality articles. This can help improve vocabulary, comprehension and awareness of current affairs.
- Focus on Current Affairs
- Make current affairs preparation a regular activity rather than trying to study everything at the last minute.
- Practise Reading Comprehension
- CLAT involves passage-based questions, so students should regularly practise reading and understanding information quickly.
- Take Mock Tests
- Mock tests can help students understand the examination format, manage time and identify areas that need improvement.
- Analyse Your Mistakes
- Simply taking mock tests is not enough. Spend time understanding why an answer was wrong and work on the underlying skill.
Is CLAT the Right Choice for You?
Law can lead to diverse career opportunities, including careers in:
- Corporate Law
- Litigation
- Legal Consulting
- Judicial Services
- Public Policy
- Legal Research
- Compliance
- Civil Services
- Academia
However, choosing Law simply because it is popular may not be the best approach.
Students should consider their interests, aptitude, skills, personality and long-term career goals before deciding whether Law is the right career path.
How Career Assessment Can Help
Before investing significant time and effort in CLAT preparation, students can explore whether their interests and abilities align with the demands of a legal career.
DrawMyCareer helps students understand their career preferences through career assessment and personalised guidance. A comprehensive career assessment can help students explore suitable career clusters and make more informed decisions about their future.
Instead of choosing a career based only on marks, peer pressure or what others recommend, students can take a more structured approach to career planning.
CLAT 2027: Start Early, Plan Smart
With the CLAT 2027 application process already underway, students interested in Law should keep the 31 October 2026 application deadline in mind.
The biggest advantage of starting early is that you have more time to improve reading speed, current affairs knowledge, logical reasoning and mock-test performance.
CLAT is not just about preparing for an entrance exam—it is about taking the first step towards a career in Law.
If you are unsure whether Law is the right career choice for you, a career assessment and professional guidance can help you make a more informed decision.
Important: The dates above are based on the Consortium of NLUs’ current official CLAT 2027 information. Since examination and counselling schedules can be revised, students should check the official CLAT 2027 portal regularly.
