CLAT 2026 Analysis – Difficulty Level, Expected Cut-Offs, Section Review & Admission Guidance
CLAT 2026 (Common Law Admission Test) has concluded for UG (BA LLB) and PG (LLM) aspirants across India. As one of the most competitive law entrance exams in the country, CLAT 2026 sets the benchmark for admission to premier institutions like NLU Delhi*, NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NUJS Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur, and more.
This Balaji Admission CLAT 2026 analysis gives you a complete overview of:
- Section-wise difficulty and number of good attempts
- Expected cutoff marks for top NLUs
- Score vs Rank predictions
- Changes in CLAT pattern (if any)
- Detailed strategy for counselling, NRI quota, and management-level seats
Based on student feedback, expert evaluations, and nationwide test trends, this is the most accurate and updated CLAT 2026 analysis you need.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Updated)
The CLAT Consortium retained the simplified format introduced earlier, designed to test reading comprehension, reasoning, and legal aptitude.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 22–24 | 22–24 |
| Current Affairs & GK | 24–26 | 24–26 |
| Legal Reasoning | 28–32 | 28–32 |
| Logical Reasoning | 22–26 | 22–26 |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–12 | 10–12 |
Total Questions: 120
Negative Marking: –0.25 per incorrect answer
CLAT 2026 Difficulty Level – Overall Analysis
Overall, the exam difficulty can be categorized as Moderate. Some sections were easier than last year, while a few, especially GK, saw a rise in difficulty due to unpredictable topics.
🔥 Key Highlights
- The paper was balanced, but time management remained crucial
- Legal Reasoning was lengthy but not tricky
- GK section featured deep-current topics, confusing many students
- Quant had fewer but calculation-heavy questions
- Expected cut-offs for top NLUs may slightly dip compared to last year
Section-Wise CLAT 2026 Analysis
1️⃣ English Language (Easy to Moderate)
- Passages straightforward
- Focused on grammar-based inference
- Good Attempts: 18–20
2️⃣ GK & Current Affairs (Moderate to Difficult)
- Unexpected, deeper questions on international affairs
- Few static GK elements returned
- Good Attempts: 15–17
3️⃣ Legal Reasoning (Moderate)
- Lengthy passages, but predictable logic
- Majority focused on constitutional and contract topics
- Good Attempts: 22–25
4️⃣ Logical Reasoning (Easy)
- Strong critical reasoning focus
- Pattern familiar from previous years
- Good Attempts: 18–21
5️⃣ Quantitative Techniques (Moderate)
- Questions required careful reading
- Arithmetic & data sets dominated
- Good Attempts: 6–8
CLAT 2026 Expected Cut-Offs – Top NLUs
Based on preliminary response trends, here are the projected cut-offs:
| NLU | Expected Rank | Expected Score |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 1–85 | 92–98 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 86–130 | 88–92 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 131–240 | 83–88 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 241–330 | 81–85 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 331–450 | 78–83 |
Note: Cut-off may vary based on normalization and final difficulty judgment.
CLAT 2026 Score vs Rank Predictor
| Score | Expected Rank Range |
|---|---|
| 95+ | Top 50 |
| 90–94 | Top 150 |
| 85–89 | 150–300 |
| 80–84 | 300–450 |
| 70–79 | 450–900 |
This score mapping helps determine the likelihood of getting top NLUs through the main counselling rounds.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Process – What Students Must Know
After result declaration in January 2026, the CLAT Consortium will initiate centralized counselling:
- Registration & preference filling
- Seat allotment rounds (usually 3–5)
- Fee payment, documentation, admission confirmation
Many students lose out due to incorrect preference orders, misunderstanding NRI quota rules, or late documentation. Balaji Admission helps students navigate the entire process efficiently.
Call: +91 9372006910
NRI, Management Quota & Special Category Seats in NLUs
Some NLUs such as NALSAR, GNLU, WBNUJS, NLU Delhi* (via AILET), and others offer:
- NRI / NRI Sponsored seats
- Foreign Nationals category
- Special category admission seats
The seat structure, documentation, and fee slabs differ significantly among NLUs.
Balaji Admission provides:
- Seat eligibility guidance
- Documentation help
- Application & counselling support
- Institute-level interaction assistance
To explore legal education pathways under these categories:
+91 9372006910
Useful Links for Law & Other Professional Admissions
- Symbiosis NRI & Management Quota Guide
- Mithibai College Direct / Management Admission
- SP Jain Mumbai Direct Admission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Was CLAT 2026 tougher than last year?
Sections like GK and Quant were slightly tougher, but English and Logical Reasoning were easier. Overall, the difficulty is Moderate.
Q2. What is a safe score for NLSIU Bangalore?
A score of 95+ marks is typically required.
Q3. Do NLUs offer Management Quota seats?
Many NLUs offer NRI / NRI-Sponsored seats, which operate differently from regular counselling.
Q4. When will CLAT 2026 results be announced?
Expected in January 2026.
Q5. How can Balaji Admission assist in CLAT-related admissions?
We help with NRI quota guidance, documentation support, and counselling strategy to secure the best law college options.
Need Help with NRI / Management Quota Law Admissions?
Balaji Admission helps students secure admissions in leading law colleges under NRI, special category, and institute-level pathways.
Call Us Now: +91 9372006910
Start your legal career with the right guidance.
