The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2027 is expected to be one of the most significant editions of the exam, as the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) has initiated a major reform process that may reshape the format and evaluation of CLAT for both UG and PG candidates. With an expert committee reviewing the exam structure and public suggestions already collected, CLAT 2027 is positioned for meaningful changes that future aspirants must stay updated with. Here are the latest developments, based on official news reports and educational sources.
Reform Committee Constituted for CLAT 2027
One of the biggest updates is the formation of an expert committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra. This committee has been tasked with recommending structural, pedagogical, and assessment reforms aimed at making CLAT more effective, student-friendly, and aligned with global standards. The Consortium invited public suggestions until 4 November 2025, indicating a participatory approach to shaping the future of the exam.
The committee is expected to review key aspects such as:
Question distribution
Sectional difficulty
Evaluation methods
Transparency and fairness in the counselling process
Any recommendations may directly influence the pattern of CLAT 2027.
Tentative Exam Timeline
While the official notification is yet to be published by CNLU, multiple reputed sources estimate the following timeline:
Registration begins: August 2026
Exam date: First Sunday of December 2026 (likely 6 December 2026)
Admit card release: Mid-November 2026
Result announcement: January 2027
These dates are based on previous trends and early reporting. Aspirants should regularly monitor the official consortium website for confirmation.
Fee Concerns Raised by NLU Students
Recent reports highlight that students from various National Law Universities have urged the consortium to reduce the CLAT application and counselling fees. Many candidates find the fee structure financially burdensome, and the appeal for a more inclusive policy has been gaining traction. The consortium is yet to respond formally, but this topic is expected to remain central as CLAT 2027 approaches.
Expected Seat Matrix for NLUs
Preliminary updates indicate that the participating NLUs for CLAT 2027 will remain largely consistent with the previous year. Approximate UG seat counts at top NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata remain in the expected range, although official numbers will be shared closer to the exam cycle. Aspirants must track changes in domicile quotas, new campuses, and increased intake, if any.
What This Means for Aspirants
CLAT 2027 marks a shift towards a more refined, possibly restructured exam. Aspirants must focus on:
Strengthening core skills in reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and legal aptitude
Staying agile to adapt to any pattern changes
Following official notifications closely
Institutions and preparation platforms must update study modules dynamically, keeping aspirants aligned with upcoming reforms.
