The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has concluded the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026, held on December 7, 2025, across hundreds of centres in India. With over 92,000 applicants and a high turnout across both UG and PG programmes, attention now shifts to the provisional answer key, scheduled for release on December 10 at 5 PM. Alongside the key, students will be able to raise objections until December 12.
This year’s exam also saw detailed expert reviews, official question paper releases, and strong participation across categories, shaping an important phase in the CLAT 2026 admission cycle.
Key Takeaways on CLAT 2026 Answer Key, Exam Day Data and Download Process
- Provisional answer key releases on December 10, 2025 at 5 PM.
- The objection window remains open from December 10 to December 12 (till 5 PM).
- A total of 92,344 candidates applied, including 75,009 UG and 17,335 PG applicants.
- Attendance was notably high: 96.83% UG, 92.45% PG, and 548 PwD candidates.
- Exam conducted across 156 centres, 93 cities, 25 states, and 4 Union Territories.
- The question paper comprised 120 MCQs, with +1 for correct and –0.25 for incorrect answers.
- Unofficial answer keys for all sets were released on the exam day.
- Official answer key and question papers available at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Counselling fee: ₹30,000 (General) and ₹20,000 (SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
Nationwide CLAT 2026 Exam: Centres, Timings and Candidate Participation
CLAT 2026 was conducted on December 7, 2025, between 2 PM and 4 PM, with an additional 40 minutes allotted for PwD candidates. The exam spanned 156 centres across 25 states, 93 cities, and four Union Territories.
A key logistical update this year included a venue shift for candidates originally assigned to a centre in Lucknow. They were relocated to Lucknow Public College, A-Block, Rajajipuram, ensuring the exam proceeded smoothly without disruption.
Out of 92,344 total applicants, the male-to-female ratio stood at approximately 0.72:1, indicating higher female participation. Attendance figures reflected strong interest, with 96.83% UG and 92.45% PG candidates appearing.
Difficulty Level and Expert Analysis of the CLAT 2026 Question Paper
Expert reviews released soon after the exam classified CLAT 2026 as moderately difficult overall. Section-wise analysis revealed:
- Legal Reasoning – Moderately difficult
- Logical Reasoning – Moderately difficult
- Quantitative Techniques – Moderately difficult
- English Language – Easy
- Current Affairs & General Knowledge – Easy
These early analyses helped students gauge performance and estimated scores prior to the official answer key release.
Unofficial Answer Keys Released Across All Sets
Immediately after the test, academic experts and coaching institutes released unofficial answer key PDFs for Sets A, B, C, and D. These included:
- Set-wise solutions
- Correct answers for all sections
- Question-wise explanations
Candidates were able to calculate estimated marks using the CLAT marking scheme:
Total Score = (Correct Answers × 1) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.25)
Though useful for initial assessment, candidates were advised to rely on the official key for accurate results.
How to Download the Official CLAT 2026 Answer Key
The official provisional answer key will be available from December 10 at 5 PM. Candidates can download it using these steps:
- Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in
- Click on the CLAT 2026 Answer Key link
- Log in using your registered mobile number and password
- Open the Provisional Answer Key / Master Question Paper
- Download and save the PDF
The official question paper PDFs for both UG and PG have also been uploaded on the website by the Consortium.
CLAT 2026 Objection Window: Dates, Fee and Step-by-Step Guide
Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key from December 10 (5 PM) to December 12 (5 PM). Only online submissions will be accepted.
Steps to File Objections:
- Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in
- Log in with registration number and password
- Click on the Provisional Answer Key Objection link
- Choose the programme, section and question
- Upload supporting documents in PDF format
- Pay the ₹1,000 per question objection fee
- Submit after review
If the objection is declared valid, the fee will be refunded.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Key Features
| Feature | Details |
| Mode | Pen-paper (offline) |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Medium | English |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, –0.25 for incorrect |
This format was followed for both UG and PG exams.
Official CLAT 2026 Question Paper PDFs Released by Consortium
Following the exam, the Consortium published the official question paper PDFs for all sets for both UG and PG candidates. These documents include the exact questions asked in the test and serve as the primary reference for verifying answers.
Candidates can access them from the CLAT 2026 section on the official website.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Process and Category-Wise Fees
Candidates who clear the exam must re-register for counselling, where they can select up to 15 preferences for NLUs and programmes in each round.
Counselling Fee Structure:
- ₹30,000 – General category
- ₹20,000 – SC, ST, OBC, PwD candidates
Though candidates have requested reduced objection and application fees, the Consortium has not issued any updates regarding changes.
Spiritual Insight: Understanding Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s Unique Knowledge
As thousands of students await their CLAT 2026 results and prepare for the next stage of their academic journey, many seek clarity, peace, and purpose beyond competitive exams. At this point, the spiritual teachings of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj offer a distinct perspective. His knowledge emphasises that true success is not limited to academic achievement but lies in understanding the deeper purpose of human life.
Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj explains the eternal path of devotion described in the sacred scriptures and highlights the importance of connecting with the Supreme God through true worship based on scriptural evidence. His teachings guide individuals toward inner stability, freedom from mental stress, and a life rooted in righteousness. For students navigating pressure, uncertainty, and expectations, this spiritual wisdom provides strength and direction, reminding them that education and spirituality together lead to a balanced, fulfilling life.
What Candidates Should Focus on Before Final Results
With the provisional answer key releasing on December 10, candidates must verify their responses thoroughly and submit objections, if required, before the December 12 deadline. After reviewing challenges, the Consortium will publish the final answer key, followed by the result and rank list.
CLAT 2026 has marked another year of growing interest in legal education, with high participation and transparent processes ensuring a smooth journey toward admissions in India’s premier National Law Universities.
FAQs on CLAT 2026 Answer Key Release, Download Guide and Objection Process
1. When will the CLAT 2026 provisional answer key be released?
The CLAT 2026 provisional answer key will be released on December 10, 2025, at 5 PM on the Consortium’s official website.
2. How can candidates download the CLAT 2026 answer key?
Visit consortiumofnlus.ac.in, open the CLAT 2026 section, log in, and download the provisional answer key and master question paper PDF.
3. What are the CLAT 2026 answer key objection dates?
The objection window will remain open from December 10, 2025, at 5 PM to December 12, 2025, at 5 PM.
4. What is the objection fee for CLAT 2026 answer key challenges?
Candidates must pay ₹1,000 per question while submitting objections. The fee is refunded if the objection is accepted.
5. How many candidates appeared for the CLAT 2026 exam?
CLAT 2026 received 92,344 applications, with 96.83% UG and 92.45% PG candidates appearing, including 548 PwD candidates.
