The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 will be one of the most competitive law entrance examinations in India, serving as the gateway to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by 24 National Law Universities (NLUs). Every year, over one lakh aspirants sit for CLAT, and the competition intensifies due to limited seats, high difficulty level, and increasing demand for law degrees. One of the most important aspects that students eagerly wait for after the exam is the CLAT Cut Off. Understanding the expected cut-off and comparing it with previous years’ trends helps aspirants estimate their chances of admission and assess where they stand.
The CLAT 2026 Cut Off will be published shortly after the declaration of the result. The cut-off is released separately for each NLU, category, and course. While top NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata generally maintain higher cut-off marks, newly established NLUs usually have lower cut-off trends. In this detailed guide, we bring you the expected cut-off for CLAT 2026, analysis of past year trends, factors influencing cut off, and expert insights to help you plan your next steps effectively.
Table of Contents
What Is CLAT Cut Off?
The CLAT cut-off represents the minimum score or rank required for admission into a particular NLU. The cut-off varies every year and is influenced by multiple factors such as exam difficulty, number of applicants, number of seats, and candidate category. The cut-off is released in the form of opening and closing ranks for each counselling round.
Typically, the first round sees the highest cut-off, and ranks get more relaxed in subsequent rounds as seats shuffle.
CLAT 2026 Expected Cut Off (Marks & Ranks)
Based on the difficulty level of recent CLAT exams and previous year statistics, the expected cut-off for CLAT 2026 for the top NLUs is given below:
Expected Cut Off for Top 5 NLUs – UG Law (BA LLB)
| NLU Name | Expected Marks | Expected Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 78–85 | 1–100 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 75–82 | 100–260 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 73–80 | 260–500 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 70–77 | 500–800 |
| NLU Bhopal | 68–76 | 700–1000 |
These numbers are indicative and may vary depending on the performance of the candidates and the difficulty of the exam in 2026.
Expected Category-Wise Cut Off (UG)
General Category
Top NLUs: 75–85 marks
Middle NLUs: 55–65 marks
New NLUs: 45–55 marks
OBC Category
Top NLUs: 70–80 marks
Middle NLUs: 50–58 marks
New NLUs: 40–50 marks
SC Category
Top NLUs: 55–63 marks
Middle NLUs: 38–48 marks
New NLUs: 32–40 marks
ST Category
Top NLUs: 50–58 marks
Middle NLUs: 35–40 marks
New NLUs: 28–35 marks
CLAT Previous Year Cut Off Trends
Analysing previous year cut-offs helps applicants get a realistic idea of the competition. Here are the closing ranks for Round 1 in recent years:
2025 CLAT UG Closing Rank (General Category — Top NLUs)
NLSIU Bengaluru: 140
NALSAR Hyderabad: 250
WBNUJS Kolkata: 450
NLU Jodhpur: 760
NLU Bhopal: 1,030
2024 Closing Ranks (General)
NLSIU Bengaluru: 110
NALSAR Hyderabad: 240
WBNUJS Kolkata: 410
Trend Observation
There is a consistent dip in closing marks due to increasing exam difficulty.
However, the number of applicants is rising each year, causing ranks to fluctuate.
Top NLUs maintain stable and high cut-offs compared to newer ones.
Factors Influencing CLAT 2026 Cut Off
Several reasons determine how high or low the cut-off goes each year:
1. Difficulty Level of CLAT 2026
If the exam is difficult, cut-offs drop; if easier, cut-offs rise significantly.
2. Number of Applicants
Higher participation leads to greater competition and higher cut-offs.
3. Number of Seats in NLUs
Seat expansion in some NLUs may reduce the cut-off slightly.
4. Reservation Policies
Category-wise seats lead to different cut-off levels for different groups.
5. Performance of Top-Tier Students
If a large number of students score above 80+, top NLU cut-offs will rise.
CLAT 2026 Expected Cut Off for PG (LLM)
| NLU | Expected Score Range |
|---|---|
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 68–75 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 64–72 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 60–68 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 55–64 |
CLAT 2026 Cut Off: Expected Round-Wise Trends
Round 1 Cut Off
Higher cut-offs, especially for top three NLUs.
Round 2 Cut Off
5–15% relaxation usually observed.
Round 3 Cut Off
Seats get reshuffled; ranks may drop drastically for some NLUs.
How to Estimate Your CLAT 2026 Score?
A good way to estimate cut-off vs. performance:
85+ marks: Very high chance at Top NLUs
70–80 marks: Good chance at mid-tier NLUs
55–65 marks: Possible admission to new NLUs
Strategies to Meet the Cut Off
Here are some tips to target higher marks:
Practice previous year papers.
Focus on reading comprehension and logical reasoning.
Attempt mock tests regularly to improve speed.
Improve accuracy by avoiding guesswork.
Conclusion
The CLAT 2026 Cut Off is expected to follow a pattern similar to past years, with slight variations based on the difficulty level of the exam and number of applicants. Aspirants aiming for top NLUs should target a score of 75–85 marks, depending on the competition. Understanding cut-off trends and analysing past data help candidates set realistic goals and refine their preparation strategy. With dedicated preparation and consistent practice, securing admission to a prestigious NLU is definitely achievable.
