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 guidance for the counselling process.
CLAT 2026 Expected Cut-Off: What Aspirants Should Know
The CLAT 2026 examination was conducted on December 7, and thousands of aspirants are now eagerly analysing their performance to understand their chances of admission to the top National Law Universities (NLUs). Based on last year’s cut-offs, historical data, seat availability, and difficulty-level assessment, the cut-off for leading NLUs is expected to increase moderately this year.
For candidates eyeing the top three NLUs—NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata—scores in the range of 92 to 98+ out of 120 may be required for general category seats.
These early predictions help students gauge their standing shortly after walking out of the examination hall.
CLAT 2026 Expected Cut-Off for Top NLUs (General Category)
The projected cut-offs have been calculated using last year’s closing ranks, difficulty analysis, 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 vary depending on reservation policies.
Previous Year CLAT Cut-Off Trend (General Category)
Here are the round-1 closing ranks and approximate CLAT 2025 scores:
- 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
Rising CLAT Cut-Off Trend (2023–2025)
A consistent upward trend has been observed:
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
The competition grows tighter each year, with demand for top NLUs far outpacing seat availability.
Category-Wise Expected CLAT 2026 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 Influencing CLAT 2026 Cut-Off
- Exam Difficulty Level
If the paper is moderately tough, top NLU cut-offs may exceed 95 for general category candidates.
- Increase in Number of Test-Takers
Annual growth in registrations means higher competition for the top 300 ranks.
- Seat Availability
No significant increase in NLU seats keeps the admission pressure high.
- Previous Year Cut-Off Trends
Data from 2023 to 2025 shows a steady rise across premier NLUs.
CLAT 2026 Score vs Rank Estimate
A tentative prediction based on difficulty analysis:
- 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 CLAT 2026 Aspirants Do Next?
The CLAT 2026 expected cut-off for top NLUs—especially NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata—is likely to range between 92 and 98+, reflecting last year’s rising trend.
Candidates should:
- Compare their expected score with rank predictions
- Check category-wise cut-offs
- Begin shortlisting NLUs based on projected ranks
- Prepare for the CLAT counselling process, which will begin after official results are announced
Staying informed about cut-off trends will help aspirants make strategic decisions during seat allocation and preference selection.
CLAT 2026 Exam Analysis: Difficulty Level, Section-Wise Review, Cut-Off Expectations; Key Highlights
