CLAT 2028 Complete Guide: Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Registration & Counselling
Securing a top NLU seat isn’t about magic it’s about daily discipline, smart strategy, and timely decisions. CLAT 2028 will be the gateway to BA LL.B. and LL.M. seats across National Law Universities (NLUs). If you’re wondering where to begin, this is your one-stop CLAT 2028 guide—dates, eligibility, registration, syllabus, pattern, fees, admit card, result, cut-off, counselling, and participating NLUs, all in one place.
Important: Official dates and notifications for CLAT 2028 will be announced by the Consortium of NLUs. Keep checking the official portal for updates.
CLAT 2028 Quick Answer
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | CLAT 2028 (UG for 5-year BA LL.B.; PG for LL.M.) |
| Conducting body | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) |
| Mode | Offline, pen–paper (OMR) — as per recent cycles |
| Typical exam month | Historically held in December (check official notice for CLAT 2028 exam date) |
| Eligibility | UG: Class 12 or equivalent; PG: LL.B./equivalent (see detailed criteria below) |
| Official site | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
Source: Consortium of NLUs (official) — check for the CLAT 2028 notice.
CLAT 2028 What You Will Get in This Blog
- A clear CLAT 2028 overview, exam date tracker, and important highlights
- Eligibility, registration and application form walkthrough (with checklists)
- Exam pattern, CLAT 2028 syllabus, preparation roadmaps and resources
- Fees, admit card, exam centres, answer key, result, cut-off and counselling
- Participating NLUs list and how to prioritise your options
Here’s how to use this guide: skim the Quick Answer, bookmark the Dates section, complete Registration steps early, and follow the Preparation plan week by week.
CLAT 2028 Overview
CLAT 2028 is the national-level entrance test for admissions to UG (5-year integrated law) and PG (LL.M.) programmes at participating NLUs and select affiliated institutions. It assesses reading, reasoning, current affairs, quantitative aptitude, and legal reasoning (UG), and law subjects (PG).
CLAT 2028 Exam Date
Short answer: The CLAT 2028 exam date will be announced by the Consortium of NLUs. Historically, CLAT UG/PG has been scheduled in December, but candidates should check the official site for the exact date.
Now, let’s pin down dates and updates.
| Aspect | Insight for CLAT 2028 |
|---|---|
| Official CLAT 2028 exam date | Not announced yet |
| Most probable exam window | First Sunday of December 2027 |
| Probability of December exam | Very high (based on recent CLAT cycle) |
| Expected exam day | Sunday |
| Likely time slot | Afternoon session (historically used in recent years) |
| Why CLAT 2028 is actually a 2027 exam | CLAT is named after the admission year, but conducted one academic session earlier |
| Students eligible | Students appearing in Class 12 during 2027–28 |
| Ideal preparation start | Class 11 (2026–27 session) |
| Months available from June 2026 | ~18 months before likely exam |
| Most critical preparation period | January–September 2027 |
| Last 90-day phase | September–November 2027 |
| Expected competition trend | Higher than CLAT 2026 and CLAT 2027 due to increasing law aspirants |
| Biggest differentiator by 2028 | Reading speed + legal reasoning accuracy rather than GK memorization |
| Safe target score for top NLUs* | 90+ (depends on difficulty level) |
| Expected counselling cycle | December 2027 – May 2028 |
| College joining | July–August 2028 |
What is CLAT 2028? (UG & PG explained)
- UG CLAT 2028: Tests comprehension-driven Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs & GK, Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
- PG CLAT 2028: Focuses on law subjects through comprehension-based questions on Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and core areas.
Who conducts CLAT 2028? Consortium of NLUs
The Consortium of NLUs administers CLAT 2028, publishes the official brochure, manages registration, conducts the exam, releases answer keys/results, and coordinates centralised counselling.
How CLAT 2028 fits into NLU admissions cycle
- Notification and CLAT 2028 registration open months before the exam.
- Exam is typically scheduled in December.
- Results, cut-offs and counselling follow soon after, leading into the next academic year.
Expected timeline: when official dates are usually released
- Notification and brochure: Typically released a few months before the exam.
- CLAT 2028 exam date: Expected around December (tentative trend).
- Admit card: Usually 1–2 weeks before exam day.
How to track official CLAT 2028 dates (official site, NLU notices)
- Check consortiumofnlus.ac.in regularly.
- Follow official NLU social handles and websites.
- Subscribe to SMS/email alerts on the Consortium portal.
| Event | UG (Trend) | PG (Trend) |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | Mid-year to early autumn | Mid-year to early autumn |
| Exam month | December (historically) | December (historically) |
Check: CLAT Important Topics
CLAT 2028 Important Highlights
- UG & PG conducted on the same day (as per recent cycles)
- Offline OMR mode; English language; pan-India centres
- Centralised counselling by the Consortium post result
Key changes to watch for:
- Any tweak in number of questions or time limit
- Minor shifts in section weightage or marking scheme
- Updated reservation matrix or participating NLUs list
| Aspect | Last known trend | What to watch in 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Offline OMR | Same unless notified |
| Duration | 2 hours (UG/PG) | Confirm in brochure |
| Negative marking | -0.25 (UG/PG) | Confirm in brochure |
CLAT 2028 Eligibility Criteria
Note: Exact CLAT eligibility criteria and relaxations are confirmed in the official brochure. Use the table below as a quick reference and verify before applying.
| Criterion | UG (BA LL.B.) | PG (LL.M.) | Relaxations & Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Class 12 or equivalent (appearing/qualified) | LL.B. or equivalent (appearing/qualified) | Category certificates for SC/ST/OBC/EWS; PwD certificate; domicile proofs (if applicable) |
| Minimum marks | General/EWS/OBC: typically 45%; SC/ST: typically 40% | General/EWS/OBC: commonly 50%; SC/ST: commonly 45% | Exact percentages to be confirmed in CLAT 2028 brochure |
| Age limit | No upper age limit (as per recent trends) | No upper age limit (as per recent trends) | Keep ID proof, photos, signatures ready |
| Attempts | No cap reported | No cap reported | Name and DOB should match ID and certificates |
Documents checklist:
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets (UG); LL.B. mark sheets (PG)
- Government ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Category/EWS/PwD/domicile certificates (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph and signature (as per specs)
CLAT 2028 Registration Process
Follow this CLAT 2028 registration process to avoid last-minute errors:
- Create account: Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in, register with a valid email and mobile number; verify OTPs.
- Profile setup: Enter name (as per Class 10 certificate), DOB, gender, category, nationality, and communication address.
- Programme selection: Choose UG (BA LL.B.) or PG (LL.M.); confirm test city preferences.
- Uploads: Upload a recent colour photo, signature, and required certificates in specified formats/sizes.
- Academic details: Enter Class 10/12 (UG) or LL.B. (PG) details exactly as on mark sheets.
- Reservation claims: Select applicable categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD/domicile/NRI/NRI-sponsored) with valid proofs.
- Preview: Use “Preview” to spot typos, wrong category, or unverified uploads.
- Pay fees: Proceed to secure online payment; wait for success confirmation and save the receipt.
- Print application: Download the CLAT 2028 application form PDF and fee receipt for future reference.
- Monitor dashboard: Track status, correction windows (if any), and admit card updates.
Tips:
- Use a laptop/desktop, stable internet, and the latest browser.
- Name, DOB and category must match your documents.
- If payment fails, wait 24 hours and check bank statement before retrying.
CLAT 2028 Application Form
Here’s how to fill the CLAT 2028 application form accurately.
Filling the form field-by-field checklist
- Candidate details: Name, DOB, gender, nationality, category
- Contact: Email, mobile, address with PIN
- Academics: Class 10, 12 (UG) or LL.B. (PG) — board/university, year, marks
- Programme: UG/PG, test cities (3–5 preferences)
- Reservations: Category/EWS/PwD/domicile/NRI (attach certificates)
- Declarations: Read and tick carefully before submission
Photo & document specifications
| Upload | Format | Size (typical) | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo | JPG/JPEG/PNG | ~20–200 KB | Light background, no shadows, recent |
| Signature | JPG/JPEG/PNG | ~10–100 KB | Dark ink, white background |
| Certificates | As per portal | Scan clearly; name/DOB readable |
Preview, edit window and correction policy
- Use Preview to catch mistakes before payment.
- If a correction window is announced, fix errors within the deadline.
- For critical mistakes post-deadline, contact the Consortium helpdesk with proof.
CLAT 2028 Application Fees
Note: CLAT 2028 fees will be confirmed in the official notification. Historically, fees have varied by category, and candidates should refer to the official CLAT 2028 notification for exact amounts.
| Category | Application fee (indicative) | Payment modes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | As per official notice | Net banking/UPI/cards | Bank/portal charges may apply |
| SC/ST/PwD | As per official notice (concessional) | Net banking/UPI/cards | Keep fee receipt safely |
| Question papers | Optional paid add-on (recent cycles) | Online | Useful for practice |
Refunds: Generally non-refundable once paid. Late fee policy (if any) will be specified in the CLAT 2028 brochure.
Troubleshooting payment:
- If money is debited but not updated, wait one settlement cycle and recheck dashboard.
- Avoid multiple rapid retries; contact bank and Consortium support with transaction ID if unresolved.
CLAT 2028 Exam Pattern
What is the CLAT 2028 pattern? The Consortium will confirm in the brochure. Based on recent trends, expect a comprehension-centric paper with negative marking.
| Feature | UG (BA LL.B.) | PG (LL.M.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Offline, OMR | Offline, OMR |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Question type | MCQs (passage-based) | MCQs (comprehension of legal texts) |
| Sections | English RC, Current Affairs & GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques | Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, core law subjects via passages |
| Total questions | As per official notice | As per official notice |
| Marking | +1 per correct, -0.25 per wrong (trend) | +1 per correct, -0.25 per wrong (trend) |
| Medium | English | English |
Pro tip: Train for reading speed and accuracy. CLAT 2028 pattern rewards tight time management and careful option elimination.
CLAT 2028 Syllabus
Use this CLAT 2028 syllabus breakdown to focus on high-yield topics.
- Reading Comprehension (English)
- High-priority: Main idea, inference, tone/attitude, context vocabulary, author’s argument, application questions
- Focus: 450–500 word passages; aim 160–180 wpm reading with 80% accuracy
- Current Affairs & GK
- High-priority: Polity, economy, landmark SC judgments, international organisations, awards/summits, science & tech in news, sports in news
- Focus: 8–10 quality monthly compilations; daily newspaper + monthly revision
- Legal Reasoning (UG)
- High-priority: Principles & facts application, contracts, torts, criminal law basics, constitutional law fundamentals, legal maxims
- Focus: Apply rules to new fact patterns; avoid prior legal knowledge bias
- Logical Reasoning
- High-priority: Strengthen/weaken, assumptions, conclusions, cause–effect, analogy, paradox, statement–argument, syllogisms
- Focus: Argument structure and option elimination
- Quantitative Techniques
- High-priority: Percentages, ratios, averages, profit–loss, SI/CI, time–work, time–speed–distance, data interpretation (tables/graphs)
- Focus: Speed arithmetic + DI with minimal calculation errors
- PG (LL.M.)
- High-priority: Constitutional Law (FRs, DPSPs, basic structure), Jurisprudence, administrative law, contract, tort, criminal law, IPR (trend-based)
- Focus: Comprehension of legal extracts and precise application
Weekly plan example:
- Week 1–4: Build reading habit (45–60 mins/day), basics in quant, 2 sectional tests/week
- Week 5–8: Full mocks every weekend; revise monthly GK; maintain error logs
- Week 9–12: Alternate-day mocks; drill weak areas; 1–2 FLTs midweek
Recommended sources:
- Newspapers: The Hindu/Indian Express; monthly CA compilations
- Books: Standard RC and CR practice sets; Quant basics (NCERT + workbooks)
- Practice: Previous year papers and Consortium sample questions
CLAT 2028 Admit Card
CLAT 2028 admit card: Download from the Consortium portal using your registered credentials once released.
When and how admit cards are issued
- Login to consortiumofnlus.ac.in with your registered email/mobile and password.
- Click “Admit Card/Download Hall Ticket”; select exam (UG/PG); download PDF.
- Print on A4; carry original government ID on exam day.
How to download and details to verify on admit card
- Verify name, photo, signature, roll number, test centre, reporting time, and instructions.
- Match DOB and category with your application.
What to do if admit card is missing or has errors
- Clear cache, try a different browser, or log in after 1–2 hours.
- If details are wrong or admit card not available, contact the Consortium helpdesk immediately with your application number and proof.
CLAT 2028 Exam Centres
- Allocation: CLAT exam Centres are allotted based on your preferences and availability on a first-come-first-serve logic (as per capacity).
- Centre change: Allowed only if the Consortium opens a window/notice—don’t rely on it; choose wisely during application.
Sample exam cities (indicative):
- North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Dehradun
- West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bhopal
- South: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi
- East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Guwahati
- Central/others: Raipur, Ranchi, Nagpur, Indore
Accessibility:
- PwD candidates should upload valid certificates; request scribe/extra time as per policy and within deadlines.
Travel planning tip: Reach the city a day early; do a route check to your centre; carry a backup pen, extra mask (if required), and a transparent water bottle.
CLAT 2028 Preparation Tips
Here’s a practical roadmap you can actually follow.
- 60-day plan
- Weeks 1–4: Concept building + reading habit (daily 45–60 mins), 3 sectional tests/week, start a GK journal.
- Weeks 5–8: 2 full-length mocks/week, analyse within 24 hours; topic-wise drills for weak areas.
- 30-day plan
- Mocks: 3 FLTs/week; simulate 2-hour strict conditions.
- Revision: Error logs, formula sheets, landmark judgments/current affairs timelines.
- Last-week sprint
- Daily: 1 sectional or mini-mock; light GK revision; sleep hygiene; keep brain fresh.
Practice strategy:
- Use previous year papers to calibrate difficulty.
- Target accuracy: 80%+ in RC/LR/Legal; 70%+ in Quant/DI.
- Time allocation (UG example): RC 30–32 mins, Legal 35–38 mins, GK 12–15 mins, LR 25–28 mins, Quant 12–15 mins.
Coaching vs self-study:
- Coaching helps with discipline and peer benchmarks.
- Self-study works if you’re consistent with mocks and error analysis.
“I treated every mock like the real thing—no phone, no pausing. In 6 weeks, my score moved from 62 to 92.” — TopRankers alumnus, mock journey snapshot
CLAT 2028 Answer Key
CLAT 2028 answer key: The Consortium generally releases a provisional key shortly after the exam, opens an objection window, and then publishes the final key.
How to proceed:
- Download the provisional CLAT 2028 answer key and your OMR response sheet (if provided).
- Compare answers; note disputed questions.
- Submit objections with evidence within the deadline; pay the objection fee if applicable.
- Final key is released; results are based on this version.
Snippet: Check the official portal for the CLAT 2028 answer key release and objection window.
CLAT 2028 Result
- Declaration: CLAT 2028 result is announced online; login to download your scorecard and All India Rank (AIR).
- Tie-breakers/normalisation: Refer to the official brochure for the exact year’s policy (often includes age, correct answers, or other criteria).
- What to do next: Check your rank vs preferred NLUs, prepare documents, and get ready for counselling registration.
Example: If your score aligns with past closing ranks for NLUs like NLUJ or HNLU, keep those high in your choice list; use a realistic–ambitious–safe mix.
CLAT 2028 Cut-Off
CLAT 2028 cut off refers to the closing ranks at which seats are allotted in each round for each NLU and category. They vary by NLU reputation, seat matrix, and category.
| NLU (example) | Category | Past trend: closing rank (illustrative) |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bengaluru | General (UG) | Very low AIR (top ranks) |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | General (UG) | Very low AIR (top ranks) |
| NLU Jodhpur | General (UG) | Competitive AIR |
| HNLU Raipur | General (UG) | Mid-competitive AIR |
How to use: Compare your AIR with previous years’ closing ranks to estimate chances, but rely on live round-wise allotment data during CLAT 2028 counselling.
Snippet: CLAT 2028 cut-offs will be announced during counselling—check official NLU/Consortium updates.
CLAT 2028 Counselling Process
A step-by-step walkthrough so you don’t miss a beat.
- Registration: Login, pay counselling fee (if applicable), and confirm participation.
- Choice filling: Arrange NLUs in your true preference order (you can’t “game” this—be honest).
- Allotment Round 1: Provisional seat offered based on AIR, category, and preferences.
- Options post-allotment: Accept/Freeze, Float/Upgrade (if allowed), or Exit (as per policy).
- Document upload & verification: Submit mark sheets, category certificates, ID proof, photos, etc.
- Seat acceptance fee: Pay within the deadline to retain your seat.
- Subsequent rounds: Upgrades/waitlists proceed as per availability; follow dashboards and emails.
- Reporting to NLU: Complete institute-level formalities by the stipulated date.
Documents required (sample):
- Scorecard, admit card, Class 10/12 (UG) or LL.B. (PG) mark sheets
- Transfer/character certificate, migration (if required)
- Category/EWS/PwD/domicile certificates (if applicable)
- Photo ID and recent photos
Sample timeline (indicative):
- Day 0: Result + counselling registration opens
- Day 3–5: Choice filling
- Day 7: Round 1 allotment
- Day 7–10: Fee payment/document upload
- Day 12+: Round 2 onwards
Tie-breakers, waitlists, and spot rounds: Follow Consortium notices; policies can differ slightly each year. Watch deadlines—most seat losses happen due to missed dates, not merit.
CLAT 2028 Participating NLUs
Note: Participating NLUs colleges and intake are confirmed annually. Refer to each NLU’s latest e-brochure for exact seat matrix and category-wise reservation.
| NLU | City/State | Programmes (UG/PG) | Approximate Intake (varies by year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bengaluru | Bengaluru, Karnataka | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad, Telangana | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| WBNUJS | Kolkata, West Bengal | BA/BSc LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| NLU Jodhpur | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | BA/BBA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| GNLU | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | BA/BCom/BSc/BBA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| HNLU | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| RMLNLU | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| RGNUL | Patiala, Punjab | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| NUALS | Kochi, Kerala | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| NUSRL | Ranchi, Jharkhand | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| DSNLU | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| TNNLU | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | BA/BCom LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| MNLU Mumbai | Mumbai, Maharashtra | BA/BBA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| MNLU Nagpur | Nagpur, Maharashtra | BA/BBA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| MNLU Aurangabad | Aurangabad, Maharashtra | BA/BBA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| NLUO | Cuttack, Odisha | BA/BBA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| NLU Assam (NLUJAA) | Guwahati, Assam | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| HPNLU | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| DNLU | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| CNLU | Patna, Bihar | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| NLIU | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
| NLU Tripura | Agartala, Tripura | BA LL.B., LL.M. | As per NLU brochure |
How to prioritise NLUs:
- Consider faculty strength, internships, placement reports, mooting culture, fees, scholarships, and proximity to metros/courts.
- Download each NLU’s latest e-brochure for intake, hostel, fee structure, and specialisations.
Conclusion
CLAT 2028 will reward sharp reading, disciplined practice, and timely paperwork. From eligibility and CLAT 2028 registration to the CLAT 2028 syllabus, pattern, admit card, result, cut-off, counselling, and participating NLUs this guide gives you the complete picture. And guess what? Small daily wins compound fast.
Action checklist:
- Create a study calendar: 45–60 mins reading + 1–2 hours practice daily; start mocks early.
- Complete CLAT 2028 application form carefully; keep documents and fee receipts organised.
- Bookmark the Consortium site; set weekly reminders to check CLAT 2028 important dates and notices.
Now comes the crucial part start today. Show up tomorrow. Repeat. Your NLU story begins with the next study session.
CLAT 2028 FAQs
What is the CLAT 2028 exam date?
The Consortium will announce it officially; historically, CLAT is held in December. Check the official site regularly for CLAT 2028 exam date updates.
How to register for CLAT 2028?
Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in, create an account, fill details, upload documents, choose test cities, and pay the fee. Save the CLAT 2028 application form and receipt.
What is the CLAT 2028 syllabus?
UG covers RC, GK/Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quant; PG focuses on Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and core law areas via passages.
What is the CLAT 2028 eligibility for UG?
Class 12 or equivalent (appearing/qualified). Minimum marks as per category will be confirmed in the brochure. No upper age limit as per recent trends.
What is the CLAT 2028 eligibility for PG?
LL.B. or equivalent (appearing/qualified). Category-wise minimum marks will be specified in the official brochure.
Is there negative marking in CLAT 2028?
Based on recent cycles, -0.25 for each wrong answer is likely. Confirm in the CLAT 2028 exam pattern section of the brochure.