The CLAT 2026 exam date has been officially announced by the Consortium of National Law Universities. Mark your calendar: CLAT 2026 will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025 (a two-hour offline exam from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM). This early announcement gives aspirants ample time to organize their study schedules and gather resources. In this blog, we’ll break down the important dates, exam details, and free preparation resources (study materials, mock tests, lectures) provided by Lawfren on CLATUG.com to help you ace the exam.
CLAT 2026 Exam Date and Important Event
The CLAT 2026 timeline is already in motion. Below is a quick overview of key dates announced by the Consortium of NLUs:
| Event | Date and Schedule |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | July 20, 2025 |
| Application Form Opens | August 1, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 31, 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | December 7, 2025 (Sunday, 2:00–4:00 PM, Offline) |
(Admit cards are expected to be released about 2 weeks before the exam.)
As shown above, the CLAT 2026 exam date is set for December 7, 2025. Applications opened on August 1, 2025, and the last date to apply is October 31, 2025 – make sure you complete your registration on the official website (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) before the deadline. The exam will be conducted offline (pen-and-paper) at designated centers across the country. Admit cards are typically released a couple of weeks prior to the exam (likely in late November), so keep an eye on the official portal for that update.
Why is the exam in December? In recent years, CLAT has shifted from the traditional May schedule to a December date. Since 2023, CLAT is held in December to ensure the entrance process is completed before Class 12 board exams. This means you’ll know your CLAT results and NLU admission status by the time board exams approach, reducing overlap stress. For CLAT 2026, the early December exam allows you to finish the test and then focus on your board exams or other commitments without conflict.
Understanding CLAT 2026 – Exam Overview & Pattern
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a national-level law entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of NLUs for admission into undergraduate (5-year LL.B) and postgraduate (LL.M) programs at premier National Law Universities. CLAT 2026 scores will be accepted by 22 NLUs and other participating institutions across India. In other words, a good rank in CLAT can secure you a seat in one of the top law schools in the country. The test is highly competitive – tens of thousands of students compete for a few thousand NLU seats each year – so understanding the exam pattern and preparing strategically is crucial.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern (UG): The undergraduate CLAT 2026 exam will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 120 minutes. These questions are divided into five key sections that assess different skill areas:
- English Language – comprehension passages, vocabulary, grammar
- Current Affairs & General Knowledge – current events, static GK
- Legal Reasoning – understanding legal principles and applying them
- Logical Reasoning – analytical puzzles, critical reasoning questions
- Quantitative Techniques – basic math aptitude (data interpretation, arithmetic)
Each question carries equal weight, and there is usually a negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer (so accuracy matters). The UG CLAT 2026 pattern is designed to test reading ability, critical thinking, and analytical skills rather than rote legal knowledge. Knowing the pattern helps you allocate preparation time appropriately – for example, English and Legal Reasoning typically have lengthy passages, so practice reading quickly with good comprehension.
(Note: CLAT also has a PG exam for law graduates, but here our focus is on the UG exam for 5-year integrated LL.B programs.)
How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 (Active Prep Strategy)
Now that you know the CLAT 2026 exam date and pattern, it’s time to gear up for preparation. With the exam on December 7, 2025, you have a defined timeline to cover the syllabus and practice thoroughly before the big day. Here are some student-friendly tips to help you prepare in an organized, effective way:
- Start Early & Plan Smart: Don’t wait until the last minute. Create a study schedule that covers all five sections each week. For instance, you might dedicate specific days to particular subjects (e.g., Mondays for English and Logical Reasoning, Tuesdays for Legal Reasoning, etc.). Starting early gives you ample time for multiple revisions and avoids last-minute cramming.
- Build Strong Fundamentals: Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing facts. Strengthen your vocabulary and reading skills for English, brush up on basic math formulas for Quant, and read daily news for Current Affairs. Clear fundamentals will help you tackle tricky questions with confidence.
- Practice with Past Papers: Solve previous years’ CLAT papers to get acquainted with the question style and difficulty. Timed practice with actual exam papers will improve your speed and accuracy. It also helps identify which sections you need to work on more.
- Take Regular Mock Tests: Make mock tests an integral part of your prep. Simulate exam conditions at least once every week initially, and more frequently as the exam approaches. Taking full-length mocks not only tests your knowledge but also builds stamina for the 2-hour exam. Analyze your performance after each mock – see which questions you got wrong and why, and adjust your strategy. (Pro tip: Treat mocks like the real exam – strict timing and no interruptions.)
- Focus on Reading & Legal Reasoning: A large part of CLAT is reading-intensive. Develop a habit of reading newspapers, editorials, and legal articles daily to improve comprehension skills and stay updated on current affairs. For legal reasoning, familiarize yourself with common legal principles (even though prior legal knowledge isn’t required, understanding how to think logically in legal scenarios is key).
- Revise and Stay Consistent: Make short notes or flashcards for quick revision of important facts (like landmark Supreme Court judgments, Constitution articles, vocabulary words, math formulas, etc.). In the last few weeks, focus on revision and taking more mocks rather than learning new topics. Consistency is crucial – it’s better to study 2-3 hours daily than 10 hours once a week.
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Planning Your Study Timeline Before the CLAT 2026 Exam Date
With the exam in early December, plan your months in advance. As of now, adjust your study plan to the countdown:
- August – October 2025: These are the core preparation months. Aim to finish the entire syllabus by October. Use this period to learn concepts and practice sectional tests. By the end of October, you should have taken a few full-length mocks to gauge your level.
- November 2025: This is the revision and intensive practice month. Since the CLAT 2026 exam date is in the first week of December, use November to fine-tune your performance. Take 2-3 mock tests per week in November if possible. Work on speed and accuracy, and iron out any persistent weak spots. Solve additional questions in areas where you score low. Also, stay updated with October-November current affairs (as they could be asked).
- Last Week Before Exam (Late Nov – Early Dec): In the final 7-10 days, avoid starting any new topics. Focus on consolidating what you’ve already learned. Do a final revision of important points in each section. Take a couple of lightweight mocks or sectional tests just to keep the momentum, but don’t overburden yourself. Prioritize rest and a positive mindset – a fresh and calm mind on exam day will help you perform better.
Remember, CLAT 2026 being in December means you likely have a window after the exam to relax or shift focus to board exam prep (if you’re in Class 12). Use that as motivation to give your best effort to CLAT, knowing other things can be managed later. By following a structured plan and practicing consistently, you’ll walk into the exam on 7th December with confidence.
Lawfren’s Free CLAT 2026 Preparation Resources (Study Materials, Mocks & More)
One of the biggest advantages for CLAT 2026 aspirants this year is the availability of free, high-quality preparation resources through Lawfren’s CLAT UG initiative. Lawfren (the team behind CLATUG.com) is an initiative by students of NLU aimed at democratizing law entrance prep. Having produced multiple top rankers in 3-year LL.B entrance exams like NLSAT, NAIET, DET, and CNLU-ET, the Lawfren team is now bringing their successful approach to conquer CLAT UG. And the best part? All resources are provided completely free to students.
Here’s what Lawfren offers to help you crack CLAT 2026 without spending a fortune on coaching:
- Comprehensive Study Materials: Get access to curated notes and study materials for all CLAT sections on clatug.com. These materials cover important concepts, formulas, legal principles, vocabulary, and more – distilled by NLU students who know what CLAT expects. The content is regularly updated and tailored for the CLAT 2026 syllabus, so you can trust that you’re studying what actually matters.
- All-India Ranked Mock Test Series: Lawfren provides a free CLAT 2026 mock test series with an All-India ranking system. This means every mock you take on clatug.com will show you where you stand among thousands of aspirants nationwide. Competing on a national leaderboard helps you gauge your preparation level in real time. The mock tests come with detailed solutions and performance analysis, so you can learn from your mistakes. By attempting these mocks, you’ll get used to the exam format and build the confidence to ace the actual test.
- Free Video Lectures & Tutorials: Stuck on a tricky logical puzzle or not sure how to approach Legal Reasoning passages? Lawfren has you covered with free lecture series available on our website and YouTube channel. These expert-led video lectures break down complex topics into easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you prefer studying Quantitative Techniques through step-by-step video explanations or revising Current Affairs via weekly video summaries, you’ll find a wealth of content at your fingertips – all for free.
- Community Support (Telegram Group): Preparing by yourself doesn’t mean you’re alone. Join our vibrant community of CLAT aspirants and mentors on Telegram (join our group at t.me/clatselfprep). It’s a space to discuss doubts, share study tips, get important updates, and stay motivated by interacting with peers who are on the same journey. Our CLAT Self-Prep Telegram group is moderated by NLU students and past toppers who can provide guidance when you need it. Sometimes, a quick clarification in the group can save you hours of confusion you’d have alone.
- Guidance from Past Toppers: The Lawfren team has mentored students who cracked exams like NLSAT and others, and we bring those insights to CLAT prep. Through articles on clatug.com and live doubt-clearing sessions, we share strategies that worked for toppers. For example, how to read newspapers for CLAT GK, how to improve speed in the English section, or how to approach legal reasoning even if you haven’t studied law before – these valuable tips are shared regularly as part of our initiative.
Why choose Lawfren’s resources? Simply put, it’s free and it works. Our approach with NLSAT (through NLSAT.in) proved that dedicated self-study with the right guidance can produce rankers without expensive coaching. We are now applying the same proven approach to CLAT UG. By leveraging our free resources, you ensure that you have everything you need to succeed – from materials and mocks to mentorship and community support – without any financial barrier. This initiative is by students, for students, driven by the passion to see every hardworking aspirant make it to their dream NLU.
Also, don’t forget to subscribe to and keep track of the Lawfren YouTube channel. We regularly post free lecture videos, quick tips, and webinar sessions there. It’s a great way to learn on the go – be it a 15-minute concept capsule or a 2-hour live workshop on CLAT strategy. Hit the notification bell so you never miss a useful session!
Conclusion
With the CLAT 2026 exam date set for December 7, 2025, the countdown has begun. Use the official schedule to plan your preparation milestones, and take advantage of the abundant free resources now available. Lawfren’s clatug.com platform is here to support you every step of the way – from mastering the syllabus to benchmarking your performance with mock tests. Stay focused, stay consistent, and keep your motivation high. Remember, cracking CLAT is not just about hard work but also about smart work and the right guidance. With a clear study plan and Lawfren’s support, you can approach the exam with confidence and conquer CLAT UG, just as many have done in other exams through our initiative.
Best of luck for CLAT 2026! Keep an eye on the dates, prepare diligently, and we hope to see you secure that coveted NLU seat. Now, let’s get studying – December 7, 2025, isn’t far away!
(Join our Telegram community at t.me/clatselfprep and visit clatug.com for all the free CLAT prep content. Subscribe to Lawfren’s YouTube for lecture updates.)