Last Updated: April 2026
The CLAT cutoff 2026 is the single most critical number for every law aspirant. In 2025, over 70,000 students competed for approximately 2,500 seats across 22 National Law Universities (NLUs). Knowing the NLU-wise CLAT cutoff ranks helps you set realistic targets and choose the right preparation strategy.
This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of CLAT cutoff 2026 — NLU-wise expected ranks, previous year trends, category-wise cutoffs, and what score you need to secure admission at your dream NLU.
What is CLAT Cutoff?
The CLAT cutoff is the minimum rank (not score) at which a candidate gets admitted to a particular NLU in a given category. Unlike many entrance exams, CLAT admission is rank-based, not marks-based. Even a 0.25-mark difference can separate hundreds of candidates.
The Consortium of NLUs releases the cutoff after each round of seat allotment. There are typically 3-4 rounds of counselling, and cutoffs change with each round.
CLAT Cutoff 2026 — NLU-wise Expected Ranks (General Category)
| NLU | Location | Expected Cutoff 2026 | 2025 Cutoff (Approx) | Seats (UG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | Bangalore, Karnataka | Under 50 | ~45 | 120 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | Hyderabad, Telangana | 50–150 | ~130 | 120 |
| NUJS Kolkata | Kolkata, West Bengal | 150–300 | ~280 | 120 |
| NLU Jodhpur | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | 300–500 | ~450 | 120 |
| HNLU Raipur | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | 500–800 | ~750 | 100 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 500–900 | ~850 | 180 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | 800–1200 | ~1100 | 120 |
| RGNUL Patiala | Patiala, Punjab | 1200–2000 | ~1800 | 120 |
| CNLU Patna | Patna, Bihar | 2000–3000 | ~2700 | 120 |
| MNLU Mumbai | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 400–700 | ~600 | 120 |
| MNLU Nagpur | Nagpur, Maharashtra | 1500–2500 | ~2200 | 60 |
| DNLU Jabalpur | Jabalpur, MP | 3000–5000 | ~4500 | 60 |
| TNNLU Tiruchirappalli | Trichy, Tamil Nadu | 2500–4000 | ~3500 | 120 |
Note: NLU Delhi (NLU-D) is NOT part of the Consortium and does NOT accept CLAT. It conducts its own entrance exam — AILET.
CLAT Cutoff Trends: 2023–2025
| NLU | CLAT 2023 Cutoff | CLAT 2024 Cutoff | CLAT 2025 Cutoff | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | ~38 | ~42 | ~45 | ↑ Slightly Rising |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | ~115 | ~122 | ~130 | ↑ Rising |
| NUJS Kolkata | ~260 | ~270 | ~280 | ↑ Steady |
| NLU Jodhpur | ~420 | ~435 | ~450 | ↑ Steady |
| CNLU Patna | ~2500 | ~2600 | ~2700 | ↑ Rising (better recognition) |
Category-wise CLAT Cutoff
CLAT follows the reservation policy as per Government of India norms. Category-wise expected cutoffs for NLSIU Bangalore 2026:
- General / EWS: Under Rank 50
- OBC: Under Rank 120
- SC: Under Rank 300
- ST: Under Rank 500
- PWD: Under Rank 200
CLAT Score vs Rank — What Score Gets What Rank?
| Score Range (out of 120) | Expected Rank | Best NLU Expected |
|---|---|---|
| 105–120 | 1–50 | NLSIU Bangalore |
| 100–105 | 50–200 | NALSAR Hyderabad |
| 95–100 | 200–500 | NUJS / NLU Jodhpur |
| 90–95 | 500–1000 | HNLU / GNLU / MNLU Mumbai |
| 85–90 | 1000–2000 | RMLNLU / RGNUL Patiala |
| 80–85 | 2000–4000 | CNLU Patna and others |
| Below 80 | 4000+ | Lower NLUs / waitlist |
Factors That Affect CLAT Cutoff Every Year
- Difficulty level of the paper: A tougher paper lowers the cutoff score but the rank cutoff stays similar.
- Number of applicants: With 70,000+ students, even marginal score differences matter.
- Number of seats: GNLU has 180 seats; DNLU has only 60 — affecting cutoffs significantly.
- State domicile quota: Many NLUs reserve 25-50% seats for state domicile candidates — check carefully.
- NLU popularity trends: Rising placement records at certain NLUs push their cutoffs higher year on year.
How to Use CLAT Cutoff Data for Your Preparation
Once you know your target NLU, work backwards:
- Identify the cutoff rank for your category at your target NLU
- Map that rank to the required score (use the table above)
- Set a score target 5–8 marks higher than needed (buffer for tough paper day)
- Take weekly CLAT mock tests on CLAT Gurukul’s free mock test platform
- Track your percentile improvement month by month
For personalised guidance, explore our CLAT online courses and CLAT coaching in Patna.
Practice Quiz: CLAT Cutoff and NLU Knowledge
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Frequently Asked Questions — CLAT Cutoff 2026
What is the expected CLAT cutoff 2026 for NLSIU Bangalore?
The expected CLAT 2026 cutoff rank for NLSIU Bangalore (General category) is under 50. Historically, this NLU has always had the tightest cutoff, requiring a score of 105+ out of 120. Candidates with reservation benefits may get admission up to rank 300.
Does CLAT cutoff change every year?
Yes, CLAT cutoff changes slightly every year based on paper difficulty, number of applicants, and number of available seats. However, the top NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS) maintain consistently high cutoffs. The trend is slightly upward year-over-year.
Can I get CNLU Patna through CLAT from Bihar?
Yes. CNLU Patna has a state domicile quota for Bihar students. The cutoff for Bihar domicile candidates is significantly lower than the general cutoff. Bihar students with an All India rank of 5,000–8,000 may still secure admission through the state quota. Check the official Consortium website for updated seat matrix.
What is the CLAT cutoff for OBC category at NALSAR?
For NALSAR Hyderabad, the OBC category cutoff rank is typically around 250–350, compared to General category cutoff of around 130. OBC candidates need a score approximately 5–7 marks lower than the General category benchmark.
How many rounds of CLAT counselling are there?
The Consortium of NLUs typically conducts 3–4 rounds of seat allotment counselling. After each round, vacated seats go into the next pool. Cutoffs generally rise slightly in later rounds as candidates with lower ranks fill remaining seats.
Start your CLAT 2026 preparation with CLAT Gurukul’s full course. Check our CLAT Syllabus 2027 and free CLAT mock tests to benchmark your preparation today.
