The CLAT 2024 exam is one of the most crucial gateways for students seeking admission to top National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. According to the official Consortium of NLUs announcement, the CLAT 2024 exam date is scheduled for 3 December 2023 (Sunday), from 2 PM to 4 PM in offline mode. This article covers everything — clat 2024 exam date, clat registration 2024 last date, form filling process, fee details, and eligibility criteria — to help you avoid last-minute confusion and focus on preparation.
CLAT 2024 Registration and Application Timeline
The online enrolment process for CLAT 2024 opened on 1 July 2023 and will close on 3 November 2023 (11:59 PM). Candidates must fill and submit the form well before the last date for CLAT registration 2024 to avoid server slowdowns.
| Key Event | Date |
| CLAT 2024 Registration Open | 1 July 2023 |
| CLAT 2024 Registration Last Date | 3 November 2023 |
| CLAT 2024 Exam Date | 3 December 2023 (2 PM – 4 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced on official site |
How to Fill CLAT 2024 Application Form
Filling the CLAT form 2024 requires careful attention to detail. Students must:
- Register on the official consortiumofnlus.ac.in using a valid mobile number and email.
- Verify registration through OTP.
- Log in with registered credentials and fill personal, academic, and category details.
- Upload scanned copies of a recent passport-size photo, signature, and category certificates (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee online:
- Rs. 4,000 for General/OBC/PWD/NRI candidates
- Rs. 3,500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates
- Rs. 4,000 for General/OBC/PWD/NRI candidates
- Submit the form and download a copy for reference.
Remember, once you submit the form, you cannot change the program, category, or BPL field.
Eligibility and NRI/Foreign Category Seats
Indian Nationals, NRIs, and NRI-sponsored candidates must appear for CLAT 2024 if they wish to apply for NLUs that admit through CLAT rankings. Foreign Nationals are exempt but must check individual NLU websites for direct admission policies.
Documents Required for CLAT 2024 Registration
Students must keep the following documents ready before form fill-up:
- Recent passport-size photo (plain background)
- Signature in digital format
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC, if applicable)
- PWD/BPL certificate if applying under special categories
- Original certificates to be produced at admission
All uploads should be in PDF format only.
Admit Card and Exam Day Guidelines
The CLAT 2024 admit card will be available for download closer to the exam date. Candidates must carry:
- Printed admit card
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
- Blue/black ballpoint pen
Report to the test centre at least 45 minutes before the exam time.
CLAT 2024 Exam Pattern and Preparation
CLAT UG 2024 will test English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The paper will have 120 questions to be answered in 120 minutes. Time management and mock practice are key.
Important Tips to Avoid Disqualification
- Double-check spelling of your name and parents’ names as per official documents.
- Fill only one online application form; if multiple forms are filled, the last one will be considered.
- Submit and pay the fee before the last date — incomplete forms are not accepted.
Reservation and Seat Matrix
Each NLU follows its own reservation policy for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates. Students must check the NLU-wise seat matrix available in the CLAT e-brochure before selecting preferences during counselling.
Why Early Registration Matters
Registering early allows students to:
- Choose their preferred test city before centres fill up
- Get more time for mock test practice
- Avoid technical glitches during last-minute rush
CLAT 2024 Counselling Process Explained
The CLAT counselling process is completely online and conducted by the Consortium of NLUs. It typically begins a few days after the result declaration. Students must register separately for counselling by paying a counselling fee:
- Rs. 30,000 for General/OBC candidates
- Rs. 20,000 for SC/ST/BPL candidates
This fee is adjusted against the admission fee at the allotted NLU.
Steps in Counselling and Allotment
- Publication of Merit List: Based on CLAT scores and All India Rank (AIR).
- Counselling Registration: Students pay the fee and submit preferences for NLUs.
- Provisional Seat Allotment: Issued in multiple rounds depending on availability.
- Acceptance or Upgradation:
- Freeze: Lock the seat and complete admission formalities.
- Float: Accept the seat but wait for a higher-preference upgrade.
- Exit: Opt-out of counselling (fee partially refunded).
CLAT 2024 Cutoff Trends
Cutoffs vary by category and NLU. Below is an indicative table based on the previous year’s data to help students set realistic goals.
| NLU | Opening Rank (Gen) | Closing Rank (Gen) |
| NLSIU Bangalore | 1 | ~150 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | ~50 | ~170 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | ~200 | ~400 |
| NLU Jodhpur | ~300 | ~600 |
| MNLU Mumbai | ~450 | ~900 |
These numbers are approximate but reflect the high level of competition.
Importance of Preference Order
Choosing NLU preferences carefully during counselling is vital. Even if your score is moderate, strategic preference filling can get you admission in a good NLU.
Refund and Withdrawal Policy
If you decide not to join after paying the counselling fee, you can withdraw before the last round and receive a partial refund (deduction of administrative charges). No refunds are given after the final allotment list is published.
CLAT PG 2024 Note
For students applying for the PG programme, the process is similar but the syllabus includes Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and other core subjects. The same dates and counselling system apply.
