CLAT Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification, Age Limit, Minimum Marks & Reservation Policy | How to Study for CLAT PDF Download

CLAT full form is Common Law Admission Test which is a national level entrance examination for admission to NLUs and other premier law colleges in India. To sit for the CLAT exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria, including educational qualification, age limit, minimum marks, and reservation policy.

This EduRev article, provides an in-depth overview of these requirements to help you determine your eligibility for the CLAT exam. Prepare with EduRev Infinity for CLAT to boost your preparation.

What is the CLAT Eligibility Criteria?

The CLAT Eligibility Criteria is a set of requirements that candidates must meet in order to be considered for admission to the participating NLUs through CLAT exam. The official CLAT Exam Eligibility decide whether a candidate is eligible to participate in the exam or not.

• The basic overview of CLAT Eligibility states that the candidates must complete 10+2 for admission in UG programs
• There is no upper age limit for CLAT for candidates appearing for UG Programme and candidates may apply for the exam regardless of their age.

• Additionally, there is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate may make. 
• Indian nationals, as well as NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals, are eligible to take the CLAT exam as per the CLAT exam eligibility criteria. 
• It's important to note that the official verification of the CLAT Eligibility for 2025 will occur during the CLAT exam counseling and final admission process, where candidates will be closely evaluated to ensure that they meet all the necessary requirements.
• It is very important for each and every candidate to go through the detailed CLAT Exam Eligibility to avoid failing last minutes cancellation of the candidature.

Check here: CLAT Exam Handbook

Check here: CLAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern

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CLAT Exam Eligibility: Educational Qualifications

As per CLAT UG eligibility criteria, Candidates must secure the following minimum percentage of marks in their qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2 or an equivalent examination):

• General Category: Fifty-five percent (55%) marks or its equivalent grade in case of candidates belonging to General / OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories
• Reserved Categories: Fifty Percent (50%) marks or equivalent in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST categories.

Note: Note that the conducting authority has the complete right to cancel your candidature if they found that you have not completed the requirements of official CLAT Exam Eligibility.

Check here: List of CLAT exam centres
Check here: CLAT Application Form 

CLAT Exam Eligibility: Age Limit

As per CLAT UG eligibility criteria, there is no age limit for CLAT. 

• Candidates of any age can apply for the CLAT exam. As per the rules and regulations set by the Supreme Court of India, candidates of any age can study law in India. 
• As a result, the Bar Council of India has removed the age limit for CLAT Exam.
• There is no upper age limit but candidates who are planning to apply for the upcoming CLAT Exam must review the other eligibility details for CLAT exam before submitting their application.

Check all about CLAT 2025 Results through: CLAT 2025 Result Dates, Important Highlights, Names & Ranks of CLAT Exam toppers
Check here: List of NLUs in India 

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CLAT Exam Eligibility: Currently Appearing Candidates

As per CLAT UG eligibility criteria, Candidates who are scheduled to take their qualifying examination in March/April are also eligible to take the CLAT exam. So, All those who are appearing in the 12th Standard examination in March/April 2025 are also eligible to fill out the CLAT Application Form.
However, they will need to submit the result of the 12th standard, when they apply for admission, otherwise, they will lose the opportunity to be considered for admission.

• The result of the qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2) shall be submitted by the candidate at the time of admission, failing which the candidate shall be ineligible for admission to the course they may have applied for.
• Students awaiting their results at the time of admission, are also eligible to take admission. In that case, they must submit a certificate issued by the principal of their institution by the specified date to confirm their provisional admission.

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CLAT Exam Eligibility for International Students

International students, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and foreign nationals, who are applying through the NRI, NRI sponsored, or foreign national category, should contact the university authorities for information on the CLAT Eligibility Criteria, including the required documents and other related questions regarding the NRI quota.

• The admissions for NRI/NRI sponsored category aspirants are carried out on the basis of their merit score, and the concerned university will allocate the CLAT Seat Allotment under NRI Quota.
• These candidates must also take the CLAT exam for those National Law Universities (NLUs) that require it as a requirement for admission to the respective category. 
• The CLAT authority will be responsible for shortlisting the candidates based on the official updates to the eligibility criteria.

WBNUJS, Kolkata (West Bengal) holds different conditions in order to give admissions, which are mentioned as follows:

• A total of 17 seats are there for aspirants wishing to be admitted to the UG Programs. On the other hand, there will be no seats for the students seeking admission to the PG Program.
• CLAT Office shall hold the duty of issuing the list of candidates who are eligible for CLAT Admission under this category.

Note: You should contact the concerned university directly for admission formalities, minimum eligibility for CLAT, documents required, and other related queries for seeking admission under NRI Quota.

Documents Required for NRI Candidates at the time of CLAT Admission

If you belong to the NRI category, you must submit the documents below at the time of admission.

• Copy of Valid Indian Passport of the Student
• Visas acquired in the last 12 months
• Certificate from the local embassy stating that the person is an NRI/OCI or PIO Card

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CLAT Exam Eligibility: Sponsors for NRI Students

Individuals who wish to sponsor candidates for the CLAT Exam must have a first-degree relationship with the student and must be residing abroad as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI). If a candidate has no parents or close relatives or is under the care of another nearest relative, they may also be considered for admission according to the official CLAT Eligibility Criteria.

Documents Required for Sponsored NRI Candidates

The following are important documents that are required for sponsored NRI candidates as per the official CLAT Eligibility Criteria:

• A copy of the valid Indian passport of the sponsor
• A copy of the visas obtained by the sponsor in the last 12 months
• A certificate from the local embassy confirming that the sponsor is an NRI/OCI or holds a PIO card
• An affidavit from the sponsor indicating an interest in the student's education and willingness to fund their education for the next 5 years. 

Check here: Complete list of Documents Required for CLAT Exam
Check here: Important books for CLAT exam

CLAT Eligibility Tie-Breaker Score

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) has a tie-breaker score system in place for the undergraduate admission process. In case two or more candidates have the same score in the CLAT exam, the tie-breaker score will be used to determine their relative ranking. The tie-breaker score is calculated using the following criteria:

• Higher marks in the legal aptitude section of the CLAT exam.
• Older age of the candidate.
• If the tie still persists then the luck of the draw will be applied as the final method of tie-breaking.

This tie-breaker system ensures that candidates with a similar score are ranked based on specific criteria and helps in determining the final admission list. Note that the Tie-breaker score is only used when necessary and is dependent on the official CLAT Eligibility criteria set by the consortium of NLUs.

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CLAT 2024-2025 Eligibility Criteria: Application Form

Once the admission notification is released, candidates can access the CLAT 2024-2025 application form by following the guidelines below:

• Register and create a CLAT login using personal details such as name, email ID, contact number, and password.
• Fill in the CLAT Application Form, which requires candidates to upload a passport-size photograph, signature, personal information, communication details, and educational qualifications.
• Choose the NLUs based on your preference and select three exam centers.
• If applicable, provide your reservation details before submitting the CLAT Application Form.
• After submitting the form, make payment online using credit/debit/UPI or net banking as per the registration fee mentioned below.

Following these guidelines will help candidates fill out the CLAT application form with ease.

Before filling out the CLAT application, candidates must be aware of the eligibility requirements. After verifying their eligibility, candidates can fill out the application form carefully, ensuring that all details are entered correctly. It is essential to note that once the application form is submitted, there will be no opportunity to edit it. Therefore, candidates must double-check the information provided before submitting the application form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CLAT Exam Eligibility

What is the minimum percentage required to be eligible for the CLAT exam?

Candidates should have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST category).

Is there an upper age limit for the CLAT exam?

No, there is no upper age limit for CLAT Exam..

How many attempts are allowed for the CLAT exam?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for CLAT UG exam.

Can candidates who are appearing for the 10+2 exam apply for the CLAT exam?

Yes, candidates who are appearing for the 10+2 or equivalent examination in the current academic year are also eligible to apply.

Are there any relaxations in the eligibility criteria for reserved category students?

Yes, there is a relaxation of 5% in the minimum percentage required for SC/ST category.

Is it necessary to have studied specific subjects in 10+2 to be eligible for the CLAT exam?

No, there is no specific subject criteria for CLAT UG.