The CLAT 2027 eligibility requirements are straightforward—candidates must have passed Class 12 with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) for UG programs, while PG applicants need an LLB degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). There is no upper age limit for both UG and PG courses.
Candidates appearing in qualifying exams are also eligible to apply. Knowing these conditions early ensures a smooth application and admission process.
Also, before applying, you must clearly know the CLAT eligibility criteria, as even a small mismatch can lead to rejection during admission.
CLAT UG Eligibility Criteria (BA LLB)
This is the CLAT 2027 eligibility criteria for UG:
| Parameter | Details |
| Course | Undergraduate (BA LLB / 5-Year Integrated Law Program) |
| Educational Qualification | Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
| Minimum Marks (General/OBC/PwD/NRI) | 45% aggregate |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST) | 40% aggregate |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Appearing Candidates | Eligible (must meet criteria at time of admission) |
| Number of Attempts | No limit |
| Nationality | Indian / NRI / Foreign Nationals (as per NLU rules) |
Also Check: CLAT Exam Pattern
CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria (LLM)
This is the CLAT 2027 eligibility criteria for LLM:
| Parameter | Details |
| Course | Postgraduate (LLM) |
| Educational Qualification | LLB degree (3-year or 5-year) from a recognized university |
| Minimum Marks (General/OBC/PwD/NRI) | 50% aggregate |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST) | 45% aggregate |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Appearing Candidates | Eligible (final year students can apply) |
| Number of Attempts | No limit |
| Nationality | Indian / NRI / Foreign Nationals (as per NLU rules) |
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027 (for UG)
Educational Qualification for CLAT
To apply for CLAT UG, candidates must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Students from any stream—Arts, Commerce, or Science—are eligible.
The key requirement is that the board must be recognized by relevant authorities. This ensures that candidates have a valid academic background before entering a law program.
Minimum Marks Required in 12th for CLAT
Candidates must meet the minimum percentage criteria defined under the CLAT eligibility criteria:
- General / OBC / PwD / NRI: Minimum 45% aggregate marks
- SC / ST: Minimum 40% aggregate marks
These marks are calculated based on the final qualifying examination (Class 12). Failing to meet this requirement can lead to cancellation of admission, even after clearing the exam.
Age Limit for CLAT UG
There is no upper age limit for CLAT UG as per the latest rules. This means candidates of any age group can apply, provided they meet the educational qualification and marks criteria. This flexibility allows both freshers and repeaters to attempt CLAT without restrictions.
12th Appearing Candidates
Students who are currently appearing for their Class 12 exams are also eligible to apply under the CLAT 2027 eligibility requirements. However, they must produce proof of passing the examination with the required minimum marks at the time of admission. If they fail to meet the criteria, their admission will be cancelled.
Nationality Criteria
CLAT UG is open to:
- Indian citizens
- NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)
- Foreign nationals
Admission rules for NRI and foreign candidates may vary across different NLUs, so candidates must check individual university guidelines during counselling.
Read More: Best Books for CLAT Preparation
Number of Attempts in CLAT
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CLAT UG. Candidates can appear for the exam multiple times until they secure a satisfactory rank. This allows aspirants to improve their performance with better preparation in subsequent attempts.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2027 (for PG)
Below is the CLAT LLM eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualification for CLAT PG
To apply for CLAT PG, candidates must have completed an LLB degree (either 3-year or 5-year) from a recognized university. The degree should be approved by the Bar Council of India or a relevant authority. This ensures that candidates have the required legal foundation before pursuing an LLM program.
Minimum Marks Required for CLAT PG
As per the CLAT eligibility criteria, candidates must secure the following minimum marks in their LLB degree:
- General / OBC / PwD / NRI: Minimum 50% aggregate marks
- SC / ST: Minimum 45% aggregate marks
Meeting this requirement is mandatory. If the candidate fails to meet the minimum marks at the time of admission, the candidature can be cancelled.
Age Limit for CLAT PG
There is no upper age limit for CLAT PG. Candidates from any age group can apply, as long as they fulfill the educational qualification and minimum marks criteria. This allows working professionals and repeaters to attempt the exam.
Final Year Appearing Candidates
Final-year LLB students are eligible to apply under the CLAT 2027 eligibility requirements. However, they must complete their degree and provide proof of passing with the required marks during admission. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification.
Number of Attempts for CLAT PG
There is no limit on the number of attempts for CLAT PG. Candidates can appear multiple times to improve their rank and secure admission into top NLUs.
Resources for CLAT Preparation:
| Online CLAT Coaching | CLAT Study Material |
| CLAT Coaching in Park Street | CLAT Mock Test |
| CLAT Coaching in Kolkata | CLAT Previous Year Papers |
CLAT 2027 Eligibility Criteria for Reserved Categories
Reservation in CLAT plays an important role during admission, especially for candidates from SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and other special categories. While the CLAT eligibility criteria remain largely the same, certain relaxations and benefits are provided to ensure fair opportunities.
Relaxation in Minimum Marks
Reserved category candidates get relaxation in qualifying marks:
SC / ST: Minimum 40% marks in Class 12 (UG) and 45% in LLB (PG)
Compared to 45% (UG) and 50% (PG) for General/OBC candidates
This relaxation makes CLAT more accessible to students from reserved categories.
Reservation Policies in NLUs
Each National Law University (NLU) follows its own reservation policy under the centralized CLAT counselling process. Common categories include:
- SC (Scheduled Caste)
- ST (Scheduled Tribe)
- OBC (Other Backward Classes)
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section)
- PwD (Persons with Disabilities)
The percentage of reserved seats varies from one NLU to another.
Domicile-Based Reservation
Many NLUs provide state domicile reservation, giving preference to candidates from the home state. This can significantly impact cut-offs and admission chances.
Special Category Reservations
Some NLUs also offer reservations under special categories such as:
- Women candidates
- NRI / NRI-sponsored candidates
- Kashmiri migrants
- Defence personnel wards
These categories may have separate eligibility rules depending on the university.
Important Note for Candidates
Candidates applying under reserved categories must provide valid certificates during counselling and admission. Failure to produce proper documents can lead to cancellation of the reserved seat benefit.
Check More: CLAT 2027 Preparation Strategy
CLAT Eligibility Criteria vs Admission Criteria
Many aspirants confuse eligibility with admission, but both are completely different stages. Understanding this difference helps you avoid false assumptions during preparation and counselling.
CLAT Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply)
Eligibility defines the minimum requirements to appear for the exam.
- Based on qualification, marks, and age limit
- Same basic rules for all candidates
Example: 45% in Class 12 for UG, no age limit
If you meet these conditions, you can fill out the CLAT registration form and appear for the exam.
CLAT Admission Criteria (Who Gets a Seat)
Admission depends on your performance in the exam and counselling process.
- Based on CLAT rank, cut-offs, and seat availability
- Varies across NLUs
- Influenced by category, domicile, and preferences
Simply being eligible does not guarantee admission into any NLU.
Common Mistakes Students Make in CLAT Eligibility
- Not checking minimum marks requirement for their category
- Assuming eligibility guarantees admission into NLUs
- Ignoring category-wise relaxation rules
- Applying without valid or updated certificates
- Confusion between eligibility and counselling criteria
- Not verifying recognized board/university status
- Assuming age limit restrictions exist when there are none
- Not confirming eligibility as an appearing candidate
- Missing deadline to submit proof of qualifying exam
- Relying on outdated eligibility information
Also Check: CLAT 2027 Notification
Documents Required for CLAT Eligibility Verification
| Document | Purpose |
| Class 10 Marksheet | Proof of date of birth |
| Class 12 Marksheet / Certificate | Proof of qualifying examination for UG |
| LLB Marksheet / Degree | Proof of qualification for PG |
| CLAT Admit Card | Identity verification during counselling |
| CLAT Scorecard | Required for admission process |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) | To claim reservation benefits |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | For disability reservation |
| Domicile Certificate (if applicable) | For state quota eligibility |
| NRI Certificate (if applicable) | For NRI/NRI-sponsored category |
| Government ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) | Identity verification |
| Passport Size Photographs | Required for documentation and records |
Read More: CLAT 2028 Exam Date
FAQs About CLAT Eligibility Criteria
No, there is no upper age limit for both UG and PG programs.
General/OBC candidates need 45%, while SC/ST candidates need 40% in Class 12.
Yes, students who have completed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply for CLAT UG.
Yes, both Class 12 (UG) and final-year LLB (PG) students can apply, subject to meeting criteria at admission.
No, there is no limit on attempts. You can appear multiple times.
Yes, students from Arts, Commerce, or Science streams are eligible.
Basic eligibility is the same, but admission criteria and reservations may vary across NLUs.
No, you must meet the minimum marks requirement, otherwise your admission will be cancelled.
You need marksheets, certificates, ID proof, and category/domicile certificates if applicable.
Yes, there is no restriction on gap years or number of attempts.
No, but it is required if you want to claim state quota benefits in certain NLUs.
No, there is no subject restriction for CLAT UG eligibility.
Your admission or reserved category benefit may be cancelled.
