CLAT 2026 Exam Date Announced: Pathway to Promising Legal Careers

The CLAT 2026 exam is scheduled for December 7th, providing a gateway to prestigious law programs across India. With over 75,000 candidates participating annually, this exam opens doors to lucrative careers in corporate law, litigation, and judicial positions. The Consortium has released the admit card, which is essential for exam entry. Graduates from National Law Universities can expect attractive job offers and various career paths, making CLAT a significant step for aspiring legal professionals. Learn more about the exam structure and career opportunities in this comprehensive overview.

By Ambika Singh Dec 2, 2025, 14:54 IST

Overview of CLAT

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) stands as one of the most esteemed law entrance examinations in India, facilitating admissions to 26 National Law Universities nationwide. Annually, more than 75,000 candidates participate in this competitive exam.

CLAT 2026 Exam Schedule

The date for the CLAT 2026 has been officially set for December 7th. This examination provides opportunities for admission into five-year integrated LLB and LLM programs. The Consortium of National Law Universities has also made the admit card available, which is essential for entry into the exam center. This card includes critical details such as the exam center's name, date, time, and important instructions. Candidates should verify all information on the admit card, including their name, date of birth, photograph, and signature. Any discrepancies should be reported to the consortium without delay.

Understanding CLAT

CLAT is recognized as a gateway to the Indian legal profession, offering not just educational opportunities but also pathways to lucrative careers. The exam caters to integrated courses like BA-LLB, BBA-LLB, and BCom-LLB, making it a pivotal step for aspiring legal professionals.

Career Opportunities Post-CLAT

1. Corporate Law: Graduates from National Law Universities (NLUs) often receive attractive job offers from leading firms, with starting salaries ranging from ₹15 to ₹25 lakh per annum.

2. Litigation: Graduates can pursue careers as litigation lawyers, gaining prestige and increasing earnings with experience.

3. Judicial Positions: NLU graduates can take exams like PCS-J to become civil judges or judicial magistrates, which are esteemed government roles.

4. Law Firms: Top law firms in India actively recruit from NLUs, offering packages between ₹20 to ₹30 lakh.

5. Corporate Legal Advisors: Many companies seek legal advisors for guidance on legal and financial matters.

6. Legal Research and Public Policy: CLAT graduates can also explore careers in legal research and public policy within various judicial and governmental institutions.

Structure of the CLAT Course

The CLAT program has streamlined the path to a law degree, allowing students to complete both a bachelor's degree and an LLB in five years, compared to the previous six-year requirement. In the final two years, students can specialize in areas such as corporate law, constitutional law, trade law, or criminal law. Experts affirm that students from any academic background are eligible to take the CLAT.