CLAT 2026 cut-off: Check expected and last year's cut-offs for admission to top Law Universities

The CLAT 2026 exam was held today, December 7, and aspirants are now closely tracking the expected cut-off for admissions to top National Law Universities (NLUs). Based on CLAT 2025 cut-offs, past admission trends, seat availability, and difficulty-level analysis, the cut-off for leading NLUs is expected to rise moderately this year. For students aiming at the top three NLUs, scores between 92 and 98+ out of 120 may be required.

The expected cut-offs give candidates a realistic idea of where they stand just hours after walking out of the exam halls.

CLAT 2026 Expected cut-off for top NLUs (General category)

The projected cut-offs are calculated using last year’s data, exam difficulty assessment, and available seats.

• NLSIU Bangalore: Rank 1–120 | 98+ marks
• NALSAR Hyderabad: Rank 120–260 | 95+ marks
• WBNUJS Kolkata: Rank 260–450 | 92+ marks
• NLU Jodhpur: Rank 450–800 | 88+ marks
• GNLU Gandhinagar: Rank 800–1200 | 86+ marks
• NLIU Bhopal: Rank 1200–1700 | 84+ marks
• HNLU Raipur: Rank 1700–2600 | 82+ marks
• RMLNLU Lucknow: Rank 2600–3300 | 80+ marks
• NLU Odisha (Cuttack): Rank 3300–4200 | 78+ marks
• CNLU Patna: Rank 4200–5200 | 75+ marks

Note: Category-wise cut-offs will be lower depending on reservation norms.

Previous Year CLAT Cut Off Trend

Here are the actual round-1 closing ranks and approximate scores from CLAT 2025 for the General category:

• NLSIU Bangalore: Rank 120 | 95.5 marks
• NALSAR Hyderabad: Rank 260 | 94 marks
• WBNUJS Kolkata: Rank 450 | 92.75 marks
• NLU Jodhpur: Rank 800 | 89 marks
• GNLU Gandhinagar: Rank 1200 | 87.5 marks
• NLIU Bhopal: Rank 1700 | 85 marks
• HNLU Raipur: Rank 2600 | 82 marks
• RMLNLU Lucknow: Rank 3300 | 80 marks
• CLAT cut-off trend shows steady rise (2023–2025)

The data from the past three years shows a clear upward movement in scores needed for top law colleges.

NLSIU Bangalore:
2025: 95.5
2024: 93–95
2023: 92–94

NALSAR Hyderabad:
2025: 94
2024: 90–92
2023: 89–91

WBNUJS Kolkata:
2025: 92.75
2024: 88–89
2023: 87–88

Cut-offs for top NLUs continue to climb as competition intensifies and seats remain limited.

Category-wise expected CLAT 2026 cut-off

General category (expected score)

• Top NLUs: 92–98+
• Mid NLUs: 78–90
• Newer NLUs: 65–78

OBC category (expected score)

• Top NLUs: 88–95
• Mid NLUs: 72–86
• New NLUs: 60–72

SC/ST category (expected score)

• Top NLUs: 68–80
• Mid NLUs: 55–70
• New NLUs: 45–55

What decides the CLAT 2026 cut-off this year?

1. Exam difficulty
If the paper remains moderately tough, top NLUs will likely demand scores above 95.

2. Rising number of test-takers
With registrations increasing each year, the race for the top 300 ranks is tighter than ever.

3. Seat availability
No major seat expansion has been reported, keeping competition intense.

4. Past year trends
Data from 2023 to 2025 shows a consistent rise in cut-offs.

CLAT 2026 score vs rank estimate

This early prediction helps candidates map their performance with likely outcomes:

• 100+ marks: Top 50
• 95–100: Rank 50–150
• 92–95: Rank 150–350
• 88–92: Rank 350–800
• 80–88: Rank 800–2000
• 70–80: Rank 2000–4500

What CLAT candidates should do next

The expected CLAT 2026 cut-off for top NLUs such as NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad and WBNUJS Kolkata is likely to stay between 92 and 98+, following last year’s pattern. Aspirants who appeared for today’s exam can use the score–rank estimate and category-wise cut-offs to judge their admission chances. As official ranks and results are announced, students should begin shortlisting NLUs based on their projected scores and prepare for counselling rounds.