CLAT 2026 Expected Cut-Off: Predicted Scores, Ranks & NLU Admission Chances -

CLAT 2026 Examination

Get the latest CLAT 2026 expected cut-off analysis based on previous trends, exam difficulty, seat availability, and CLAT 2025 data. Check predicted cut-offs for top NLUs, category-wise scores, rank estimates, and counselling guidance.

Introduction

The CLAT 2026 examination, conducted on December 7, has left thousands of aspirants evaluating their performance and estimating their chances of securing admission to top National Law Universities (NLUs).

Based on previous trends, difficulty level, and seat availability, the cut-offs for top NLUs are expected to rise moderately this year. Early analysis suggests that candidates aiming for premier NLUs must target high scores to secure top ranks.

Expected Cut-Off for Top NLUs

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: Cut-offs may vary depending on category and counselling rounds.

Previous Year Trend

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

Cut-Off Trend Analysis

Over the past few years, CLAT cut-offs have shown a consistent upward trend due to increasing competition and limited seats in top NLUs.

NLSIU Bangalore: Rising from around 92–94 (2023) to 95.5 (2025)
NALSAR Hyderabad: Increased from 89–91 to 94
WBNUJS Kolkata: Grew from 87–88 to 92.75

This trend indicates that aspirants must aim for higher scores each year to remain competitive.

Category-Wise Expected Cut-Off

General Category

Top NLUs: 92–98+
Mid NLUs: 78–90
New NLUs: 65–78

OBC Category

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

SC/ST Category

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

Factors Affecting Cut-Off

Difficulty Level of Exam: Tough papers may slightly lower cut-offs, while moderate papers increase them.
Number of Applicants: Higher participation leads to increased competition.
Seat Availability: Limited seats in top NLUs keep cut-offs high.
Past Trends: Previous years’ data strongly influences expectations.

Score vs Rank Estimate

100+ marks: Rank 1–50
95–100 marks: Rank 50–150
92–95 marks: Rank 150–350
88–92 marks: Rank 350–800
80–88 marks: Rank 800–2000
70–80 marks: Rank 2000–4500

What Should Aspirants Do Next?

Compare expected scores with rank predictions
Check category-specific cut-offs
Shortlist NLUs based on expected rank
Prepare for the CLAT counselling process

Aspirants targeting top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata should aim for scores between 92 and 98+ to stay competitive.

Conclusion

The CLAT 2026 expected cut-off reflects a rising trend driven by intense competition and limited seats. Understanding these trends helps candidates make informed decisions during counselling and increases their chances of securing admission to top law universities.