CLAT PG

CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification & Marks Required

Law

Updated on June 15, 2026

CLAT PG 2026 is the gateway to admission into LL.M. programmes offered by participating National Law Universities (NLUs) and other leading law institutions across India. Before applying, candidates must carefully understand the eligibility requirements prescribed by the Consortium of NLUs, as failure to meet these criteria can result in disqualification at any stage of the admission process. The eligibility framework primarily covers educational qualifications, minimum qualifying marks, nationality requirements, and provisions for final-year LL.B. students. Notably, there is no upper age limit for CLAT PG applicants. This article provides a detailed overview of the CLAT PG 2026 eligibility criteria, helping candidates determine their eligibility and prepare for the admission process with confidence.

CLAT PG 2026 Educational Qualification Requirements

To be eligible for CLAT PG 2026, candidates must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree or an equivalent qualification from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI). Both 3-year LL.B. and 5-year Integrated LL.B. degree holders are eligible to apply.

Candidates appearing in the final year of their LL.B. programme are also permitted to apply provisionally. However, they must complete their qualifying degree and produce the required documents at the time of admission. Failure to submit proof of qualification within the prescribed timeline may result in cancellation of admission.

Eligibility Component	Requirement
Qualifying Degree	3-year LL.B. or 5-year Integrated LL.B. from a recognized university
General/OBC/NRI/OCI/PIO Candidates	Minimum 50% marks in LL.B.
SC/ST Candidates	Minimum 45% marks in LL.B.
Final-Year Students	Eligible to apply provisionally
Degree Recognition	Must be recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI)

Meeting the minimum academic requirements is mandatory for participation in the CLAT PG admission process.

CLAT PG 2026 Minimum Marks Requirement (Category-wise)

Meeting the prescribed minimum marks requirement is mandatory for CLAT PG 2026 eligibility. Candidates must have obtained the required aggregate percentage in their qualifying LL.B. degree examination from a recognized university. The relaxation in minimum qualifying marks is available only to candidates belonging to reserved categories as specified by the Consortium of NLUs.

Category	Minimum Aggregate Marks Required
General	50%
OBC	50%
PwD	50%
NRI	50%
OCI/PIO	50%
SC	45%
ST	45%

Candidates who are in the final year of their LL.B. programme must ensure that they obtain the required minimum percentage before the admission process is completed. Failure to meet the prescribed marks criteria may lead to cancellation of candidature even after qualifying the entrance examination.

CLAT PG 2026 Age Limit and Number of Attempts

The Consortium of NLUs does not prescribe any upper age limit for CLAT PG candidates. Applicants of any age can appear for the examination provided they satisfy the educational qualification requirements.

Additionally, there is no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates may appear for CLAT PG multiple times to improve their score and secure admission to their preferred National Law University.

Particular	Details
Upper Age Limit	No upper age limit
Lower Age Limit	No specific lower age limit
Number of Attempts	No restriction
Eligibility Basis	Educational qualification and minimum marks only

This flexible eligibility framework allows both fresh graduates and working professionals to pursue postgraduate legal education through CLAT PG.

CLAT PG 2026 Nationality Criteria and Eligibility for International Applicants

CLAT PG admissions are open to Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), subject to the admission policies of participating National Law Universities.

Foreign Nationals are generally not required to appear for CLAT PG and may seek admission directly under supernumerary or international student quotas offered by individual NLUs. Since admission policies vary across institutions, candidates should verify specific eligibility requirements from their preferred university.

Category	Eligibility Status
Indian Nationals	Eligible to appear for CLAT PG
NRI Candidates	Eligible to appear for CLAT PG
OCI Candidates	Eligible to appear for CLAT PG
PIO Candidates	Eligible to appear for CLAT PG
Foreign Nationals	Usually admitted through separate NLU-specific procedures

Common Documents Required for International Category Candidates

Proof of NRI/OCI/PIO status (where applicable)
Class 10 and Class 12 certificates
LL.B. degree marksheets and certificates
CLAT PG scorecard
Migration certificate (if required)
Transfer certificate (if required)
Character certificate from the last attended institution
Passport-size photographs
Additional documents prescribed by the respective NLU

Candidates are advised to check individual NLU admission brochures for category-specific requirements and seat availability.

CLAT PG 2026 Eligibility for Final-Year LL.B. Students

Candidates appearing in the final year of a three-year LL.B. or five-year integrated law programme are eligible to apply for CLAT PG 2026. Such candidates can submit the application form provisionally and appear for the examination even if their final semester results are not declared at the time of registration.

However, admission to any participating National Law University will remain subject to the candidate successfully completing the qualifying degree and fulfilling the minimum marks requirement prescribed by the Consortium of NLUs.

Particulars	Requirement
Eligible to Apply	Yes
Qualifying Degree	Three-year LL.B. or Five-year Integrated LL.B.
Application Status	Provisional
Degree Completion Requirement	Must complete LL.B. before admission
Proof of Qualification	Mandatory during counselling/admission
Consequence of Non-submission	Admission may be cancelled

Final-year candidates should regularly monitor university result timelines and ensure that all academic documents are available before the counselling and admission process begins.

CLAT UG vs CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria: Key Differences

Candidates often confuse the eligibility requirements of CLAT UG and CLAT PG. While CLAT UG is conducted for admission to integrated undergraduate law programmes, CLAT PG is conducted for admission to LL.M. programmes offered by participating NLUs.

Particulars	CLAT UG	CLAT PG
Qualifying Examination	Class 12 or equivalent	LL.B. Degree
Minimum Marks (General)	45%	50%
Minimum Marks (SC/ST)	40%	45%
Age Limit	No age limit	No age limit
Eligible Appearing Candidates	Class 12 appearing students	Final-year LL.B. students
Programme Offered	Integrated Law Courses	LL.M.

Understanding these differences helps candidates identify the correct examination and admission pathway based on their academic qualifications.

What are the minimum marks required to be eligible for CLAT PG 2026?

Candidates belonging to the General, OBC, NRI, PIO, OCI, and PwD categories must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in their LL.B. degree. Candidates from the SC and ST categories are required to obtain a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination to be eligible for CLAT PG 2026.

Can final-year LL.B. students apply for CLAT PG 2026?

Yes, candidates who are in the final year of their 3-year or 5-year LL.B. programme are eligible to apply for CLAT PG 2026. However, they must produce proof of passing the qualifying degree and meet the prescribed minimum marks requirement at the time of admission.

Is there any age limit for appearing in CLAT PG?

No. The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) does not prescribe any upper age limit for CLAT PG. Candidates of any age can apply, provided they satisfy the educational qualification and minimum marks requirements.

How is the qualifying percentage calculated for CLAT PG eligibility?

The qualifying percentage is calculated based on the aggregate marks awarded in the LL.B. degree by the candidate's university or institution. Applicants should refer to their final marksheets and university grading policies to determine whether they meet the minimum eligibility criteria.

Are both 3-year and 5-year LL.B. graduates eligible for CLAT PG?

Yes. Candidates who have completed either a 3-year LL.B. programme or a 5-year Integrated LL.B. programme from a recognized university are eligible to appear for CLAT PG, subject to the prescribed minimum marks requirement.

Can candidates with a supplementary or backlog in LL.B. apply for CLAT PG?

Candidates with pending backlogs or supplementary examinations may apply if they are otherwise eligible. However, they must clear all required papers and submit proof of completing the LL.B. degree before the admission process concludes, failing which their admission may be cancelled.

Is a degree from a Bar Council of India (BCI)-recognized university mandatory for CLAT PG?

Yes. Candidates must possess an LL.B. degree or an equivalent qualification from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) or another competent authority as prescribed by the Consortium of NLUs.

Are NRI, OCI, and PIO candidates eligible for CLAT PG?

Yes. NRI, OCI, and PIO candidates are eligible to apply for CLAT PG. However, admission policies, reservation provisions, and seat allocation procedures may vary across participating National Law Universities.

Is there any restriction on the number of attempts for CLAT PG?

No. There is no limit on the number of attempts for CLAT PG. Candidates may appear for the examination multiple times as long as they continue to satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Can I get admission if I meet the eligibility criteria but score below the CLAT PG cutoff?

Meeting the eligibility criteria only allows a candidate to appear for the examination and participate in the admission process. Final admission depends on the CLAT PG score, rank, category, seat availability, and the cutoff requirements of participating NLUs.