CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2028: Age, Marks & Qualification

CLAT Eligibility Criteria - Breaking It Down

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Check Your Eligibility For CLAT 2028

A CLAT score opens doors to some of the best NLUs in India, including NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad. However, before applying, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Understanding the CLAT 2028 eligibility requirements in advance helps avoid any issues during the admission process. Here are the key points you should keep in mind:

What Is the Minimum Percentage Required for CLAT?

You need at least 45% in Class 12 if you are in the General, OBC, or EWS category. If you are in the SC, ST or PwD category, you need at least 40%. Equivalent grades are accepted.

This percentage is based on your Class 12 marks. It is not a minimum score you must get in CLAT. Check your category before you apply.

What Is the Educational Qualification for CLAT UG?

CLAT UG is for 5-year integrated law courses such as BA LL.B., BBA LL.B., BCom LL.B. and BSc LL.B. To apply, you must either:

• Have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent exam from a recognised board, or
• Be appearing in the qualifying exam in the year you apply

If you are still in Class 12, you can apply. You will need to show proof of passing at the time of admission.

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What Is the CLAT 2028 Age Limit?

There is no age limit for CLAT UG. The Consortium has not set a minimum or a maximum age.

• You can apply at any age, whether you have just finished Class 12 or are a repeater, as long as you meet the Class 12 marks rule.
• No age proof is needed for eligibility. Only your academic and category documents matter.

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What Is the CLAT Tie-Break Rule?

If two or more students get the same score, the Consortium ranks them in this order (as per the previous year rules):

• Higher marks in the Legal Reasoning section
• Higher age (the older candidate is ranked above the younger one)
• Computerized draw of lots, if the tie persists

Age is used only to break a tie. It never decides whether you are eligible.

Practise with CLAT previous year papers.

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Who Can Apply for CLAT 2028?

CLAT UG is open to students from any stream, with no limit on attempts. Class 12 students, droppers, NRIs, and foreign nationals can all apply, subject to the conditions below.

Can 12th Appearing Students apply for CLAT 2028?

Yes, students appearing in Class 12 in the relevant academic year can apply for CLAT 2028. However:

• You must show proof of passing at the time of admission or document verification.
• If you miss the deadline set by the university, you can lose your seat

Can Droppers apply for CLAT?

Yes, droppers can apply for CLAT. There is no upper age limit, no restriction on attempts, and no bar on gap-year candidates. As long as you meet the academic eligibility criteria, you are eligible to apply.

Can Commerce, Science, or Arts Students apply for CLAT?

Yes. CLAT is open to students from all streams: Arts/Humanities, Commerce, Science, or any equivalent recognised stream, as long as you meet the qualification and minimum marks requirements.

Can Compartment / Supplementary Students apply for CLAT?

You may be able to apply if you clear your qualifying exam before the admission or document verification deadline. Keep these in mind:

• You must finally pass Class 12.
• You must have the minimum marks for your category.
• You must submit your documents by the deadline of the NLU you are allotted.

Check the admission timeline carefully.

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CLAT Reservation Criteria 2028: Category-Wise Seats

Reservation at CLAT NLUs works in two layers. The first is by category (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS). The second is for PwD candidates and, at some NLUs, women or defence-dependent categories. Many NLUs follow the pattern below, but exact seat numbers differ for each NLU:

Important: Reservation can vary NLU by NLU, not nationally. Several NLUs also keep 25% to 50% of seats for students from their own state, which leaves fewer All-India seats at that NLU. Check the NLU seat matrix of your preferred NLU before you fill your counselling choices, and upload a valid category certificate in your application to claim any quota.

NRI / Foreign National / NRI Sponsored Category

Indian Nationals and NRIs can appear for CLAT subject to applicable eligibility criteria. Candidates seeking admission under NRI/NRI Sponsored or Foreign

Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs are eligible to apply for CLAT, subject to meeting the academic eligibility criteria.

NRI / NRI Sponsored Category:

• Students under this category must appear for and qualify for CLAT.
• Seat intake and eligibility conditions vary by NLU.
• Applicants should check the respective university's brochure for specific requirements.

Foreign National Category:

• Foreign nationals can apply for CLAT and are generally required to hold a valid passport.
• Some NLUs admit Foreign National candidates directly on merit, without requiring CLAT.
• Other NLUs may still require them to appear for CLAT.
• Candidates should verify the exact process with their preferred NLU.

Final seat allotment under these categories depends on the individual NLU's brochure, documentation, and admission timeline.

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Who Is NOT Eligible for CLAT 2028?

You are not eligible for CLAT UG if:

• You have not passed Class 12 and are not appearing in it in the year you apply.
• You scored below 45% in Class 12 (below 40% for SC/ST/PwD).
• You want admission to a 3-year LL.B. course. CLAT UG is only for 5-year integrated law programmes.
• You do not submit proof of passing Class 12 by the deadline of your allotted NLU, even after clearing the exam.

There is no age bar and no limit on attempts, so your age or number of attempts alone never makes you ineligible.

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How to apply for CLAT 2027?

CLAT 2028 registration is expected to open around August 2027 on the official website of the Consortium of NLUs. For reference, CLAT 2027 registration ran from August 3 to October 31, 2026. Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can fill in the form. Read the full CLAT registration process. You will need to enter:

• Personal information
• Communication details
• Educational qualifications
• Category details
• Preferred NLU choices
• Other relevant information as required in the form

Only candidates who complete the registration process successfully and pay the prescribed application fee will be eligible to appear for CLAT 2028 .

Documents Required for CLAT 2028 Application Form

For the complete list with format specifications (photo size, signature format, category certificate templates), check our detailed guide: Documents Required to Fill CLAT Application Form.

Candidates should be ready with:

• Class 10 certificate/mark sheet (for date of birth proof)
• Class 12 mark sheet/passing certificate
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• NRI / OCI / PIO supporting documents (if applicable)
• Valid ID proof
• Any additional documents required by the allotted NLU

CLAT 2028 Application Fees

The CLAT 2028 fee will be confirmed in the official notification. The application fees below is based on the previous year trends:

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Key Takeaways

• You must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent exam, or be appearing in it.
• General, OBC and EWS students need at least 45% marks.
• SC, ST and PwD students need at least 40% marks.
• There is no upper age limit for CLAT UG.
• Students from Science, Commerce and Arts can all apply.
• The CLAT 2028 rules will be confirmed in the official notification, expected around July 2027.

Read our CLAT Result Success Stories.