How Many Attempts Are Allowed for CLAT?
KF
Team Kampus Filter
Student College Research Team
Updated: September 20264 min read
Quick Summary
Attempts Limit: Unlimited | Min Passing Marks: 45% (Gen/OBC)
There is no limit on the number of attempts allowed for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). Candidates can take the UG or PG exam as many times as they wish, provided they meet the minimum qualifying marks and educational prerequisites set by the Consortium of National Law Universities.
One of the most frequently asked questions by aspirants preparing for legal education in India is regarding the restrictions on exam retakes. According to the Consortium of National Law Universities, there is absolutely no restriction on the CLAT number of attempts allowed for either Undergraduate (UG) or Postgraduate (PG) programs. Whether you are appearing straight out of Class 12, taking a dedicated gap year to maximize your score, or pursuing graduation in another discipline, you can register and appear for CLAT repeatedly.
However, while attempt counts are boundless, candidates must strictly satisfy foundational academic thresholds and qualifying percentages. The flexibility of unlimited attempts allows many top rankers to utilize gap years effectively, refining their logical reasoning, legal aptitude, and English comprehension without worrying about exhausting their eligibility chances.
Key Points for Students
- ✓Unlimited attempts permitted for both CLAT UG and CLAT PG examinations.
- ✓Students from National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are fully eligible alongside regular board students.
- ✓No upper age limit for appearing in CLAT UG, making it accessible for mature learners and second-career aspirants.
Although the Consortium does not restrict the number of attempts, candidates must clear specific academic hurdles during their qualifying examinations. For CLAT UG admissions across top-tier National Law Universities (NLUs), general category applicants must secure a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in their Class 12 or equivalent board examination. Reserved category candidates (SC, ST, and PwD) enjoy a relaxed threshold requiring a minimum of 40% aggregate marks.
For CLAT PG aspirants, an LL.B. degree or an equivalent legal qualification from a recognized university is mandatory, requiring at least 50% aggregate marks for general candidates and 45% for SC and ST candidates. Verifying these cutoffs against official prospectus guidelines ensures that repeated attempts translate into valid, counseling-ready scores on results day.
Top NLU Program Overview, Fees, and Placement ROI Matrix
Compare tuition fees, program duration, packages, and ROI ratings
Quick Comparison
| Institution / Program | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Real Avg Package | Top Placement Partners | ROI Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore (B.A. LL.B.) | ₹12.5 Lakhs | 5 Years | ₹16.5 LPA | Shardul Amarchand, Trilegal, Cyril Amarchand | High (9.5/10) |
| NALSAR Hyderabad (B.A. LL.B.) | ₹11.2 Lakhs | 5 Years | ₹15.0 LPA | AZB & Partners, Khaitan & Co, Kochhar & Co | High (9.2/10) |
| WBNUJS Kolkata (B.A. LL.B.) | ₹11.8 Lakhs | 5 Years | ₹14.2 LPA | S&R Associates, L&L Partners, Trilegal | High (9.0/10) |
| NLU Jodhpur (B.A. LL.B.) | ₹10.5 Lakhs | 5 Years | ₹12.0 LPA | ICICI Bank, Vedanta, Talwar Thakore & Associates | Good (8.5/10) |
Step-by-Step Practical Decision Framework for Retaking CLAT
Actionable steps to evaluate institutions before applying
1Step 1
Audit Your Previous Scorecard
Analyze sectional breakdowns in English, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques, and Current Affairs to pinpoint weak zones before registering for another attempt.
2Step 2
Verify Eligibility and Category Certificates
Ensure your academic percentages and state or national category certificates comply strictly with the latest Consortium guidelines to prevent disqualification during counseling.
3Step 3
Evaluate Gap Year vs. Dual Enrollment
Weigh the benefits of dedicating a full gap year solely to mock test simulations versus enrolling concurrently in an undergraduate degree while prepping for the next cycle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common student admission questions
Can NIOS students attempt CLAT without restriction?
Yes, students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are fully eligible to take the CLAT exam any number of times, provided they satisfy the minimum aggregate percentage and other academic prerequisites.
Is there an upper age limit for CLAT UG attempts?
No, the Consortium of NLUs has removed upper age limit restrictions for CLAT UG, allowing candidates of any age to apply and attempt the examination repeatedly.
Are calculators allowed during the CLAT exam?
No, electronic devices such as calculators, smartwatches, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall during the CLAT test.
How does the application fee payment affect registration?
Candidates must ensure successful online remittance of the application fee along with applicable bank transaction charges. Without fee confirmation, registrations remain incomplete and admit cards will not be issued.
Institutional Data & Fee Transparency Disclaimer
Fee structures, cutoff percentiles, and placement statistics published on Kampus Filter are compiled from official university prospectuses, NIRF statutory filings, UGC/AICTE public notifications, and institutional disclosures. All figures represent comparative historical benchmarks and are subject to periodic revisions by respective university governing bodies.
Prospective students and guardians are advised to verify current academic session fees, seat matrices, and admission deadlines directly with the official university admissions office prior to financial commitments. Kampus Filter (operated by Surya Virtixa Technologies) is an independent higher education research directory and does not solicit donations or represent university administration.