Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is an entrance gate providing a platform to students who covet to seek admission in undergraduate law degrees such as BA LLB (Hons) in premier law related universities in India. The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) conducts CLAT, a set of national-level entrance examination assessing aptitude of a student in such fields like English, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, Quantitative Techniques as well as General Knowledge. Although it is time to study and prepare the CLAT, every aspirant needs to be aware of the eligibility criteria of CLAT and then only they can direct their preparations towards the same. These standards of eligibility are not merely ad hoc mode of procedure- they become a pass or fail determination of eligibility to be permitted to take the exam and be considered for the admission. These are educational qualification, minimum mandated marks, age levels, and nationality. Even scoring highly in the test is not enough to make a candidate pass when even a single requirement is not fulfilled. Therefore, proper knowledge and achievement of all eligibility measures will be the first and the most important step towards the career of an attorney in law via CLAT.

CLAT Eligibility Criteria to enter into CLAT UG

In order to seek admission into the undergraduate course at CLAT, an applicant should have cleared Class 12 or a similar exam with a recognized board that is CBSE, ISC, or boards across the states. The marks in the qualifying examination kept as an aggregate determine the eligibility. Candidates that will fall in the general, OBC category, and others that come in the category of unreserved ones should have a score of at least 45 percent marks. On the contrary, the SC and ST candidates are shown eligibility by scoring minimum 40% marks. It should be noted that students are also eligible to appear in the same year in their class 12 board examination and apply, however the students will be required to submit the proof of clearing the exam with the necessary marks during the counselling. Failure to do this will attract cancellation of admission. Thus, besides being ready to appear in CLAT, one shall also perform well in board exams to fulfil the CLAT Eligibility Criteria.

What Everybody Ought to Know About Age Limit for CLAT UG

Most students usually get confused on whether there are age limits to the candidates taking undergraduate courses through CLAT. The response is comforting, that there is no age cap to those who participate in the CLAT UG exam. This implies that students of any age difference, those who took a break in academics, and those who want to change their career, can seek the admission in CLAT without any doubts to become a lawyer. This is inclusive policy and treats all people equally in terms of opportunity irrespective of their age. Nevertheless, it is advisable to do so where the student enters during the process of getting an admission to check the age policies under those of individual National Law Universities (NLUs) because some of the private or state-run colleges may have some age criteria for receiving admission or placements. Even though CLAT has no age limit per se, there may be some institutions that use their own rules of admission. Hence, in the process of CLAT preparation, candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with information regarding the eligibility of the exam as well as the specific requirements of the candidate (university-wise).

Nationality and Category-related Exemptions with CLAT UG

CLAT UG also opens itself to Indian national citizens and those who are Non-Resident Indian (NRIs), Overseas Indian Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOS) and Foreign Nationals. Although Indian nationals are eligible to apply directly through CLAT exam, international students and NRIs require a different admission process through the NRI or foreign National quota, depending on the university. All the NLU have their policies regarding international applicants and it is recommended that they should visit the official websites of the universities to know certain requirements. There are also some relaxations and benefits offered by CLAT UG to the reserved category candidates i.e. SC, ST, OBC, and PwD (Persons with Disabilities). These are by way of minimum marks in qualifying test, reservation in seat assignments and even fee relaxations too. At registration, candidates are to make sure that they upload legal and genuine documents to support their category. Any misrepresentation of any information or even faulty documents can cause the rejection of the application.

Appearing Candidates and Temporary Qualification

Another benefit of the CLAT Eligibility Criteria is that candidates can also take the examination even when they are in Class 12 now, which is one of the most convenient parts of the eligibility parameters. This enables candidates to commence the law entrance way immediately after school without the need for a gap year. Such candidates, however, are expected to make sure that at the point where their board results are announced, they have met the basic requirement in terms of marks. In the CLAT, counselling and admission, they must show evidence that they have cleared the required percentage in the qualifying exam. Otherwise, this will cancel the seat, despite performing well in the entrance exam. Thus, while preparing for CLAT, the students also need to pay attention to their good results in the board exams. It is both important and necessary to balance both school studies and entrance exam training so as to be eligible and get approved to higher NLUs. Temporary eligibility must not be considered lightly since there are all conditions to meet in order to be selected.

The relevance of carrying out an eligibility check before any application.

Meeting the CLAT UG Eligibility Criteria is a compulsory matter, and not a case of choice to appear in the exam and to get admission in any one of the NLUs. The application form needs the student to write down the elaborate details of their educational background, category and the rest of the eligibility factors. Giving wrong information, producing false documentation or failing to understand the CLAT Eligibility Criteria results in getting disqualified at any point, either during time of registration, counselling or even when a seat has been allotted. Thus, it is advisable that all applicants are advised to read the official notification issued by the Consortium of NLUs carefully before applying. In case there is confusion, then they are supposed to clarify it formally, or they can consult the school counsellors. Being aware and vigilant helps prevent candidates from facing hurdles they do not necessarily have to face in their admission process. Being eligible is not only an attitude of a responsible person, but also protects a strong base of the further admission process that is bound to happen after cracking the CLAT exam.