The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially released the CLAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key on December 10, 2025, at 5 PM. Candidates who appeared for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) can now download the CLAT 2026 Answer Key PDF directly from the official website—consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
The CLAT 2026 exam was conducted on December 7, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM in pen-and-paper mode. As the exam carried a total of 120 marks, the release of the answer key brings an opportunity for candidates to cross-check their responses and calculate their probable scores before the declaration of the final results.
In this detailed blog, we bring you live updates, steps to download the answer key, objection guidelines, important dates, and more.
What is the CLAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key?
The provisional answer key is the first version of the answer sheet released by the Consortium. It contains all the correct answers to the questions asked in the CLAT 2026 exam. This allows candidates to:
- Verify their answers
- Calculate expected marks
- Identify discrepancies
- Raise objections (if any)
After reviewing all objections submitted by candidates, the Consortium releases the Final Answer Key, and the CLAT 2026 Result is prepared based on this final version.
CLAT 2026 Answer Key Release Details
- Provisional Answer Key Release Date: 10 December 2025 (5 PM)
- Exam Date: 07 December 2025
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen-and-Paper)
- Total Marks: 120
- Official Website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
With the answer key now available, candidates can calculate their marks based on the marking scheme (1 mark for each correct answer; 0.25 mark deduction per wrong answer).
How to Download CLAT 2026 Answer Key PDF?
Downloading the answer key is simple. Follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
- Click on the link titled ‘CLAT 2026’
- Log in using your registered mobile number and password
- Find the link that says “CLAT Answer Key 2026 PDF”
- Click, download, and save the PDF for your reference
Make sure to download both UG and PG answer keys if you applied for both exams.
How to Use CLAT 2026 Answer Key to Calculate Score?
To calculate your expected CLAT score:
- Add +1 for every correct answer
- Deduct 0.25 marks for every wrong answer
- Unanswered questions carry no penalty
This helps you estimate your score even before the final results are out, giving you a fair idea of your expected rank and NLU chances.
CLAT 2026 Objection Window – Raise Challenges
The Consortium allows candidates to challenge or raise objections against any answer they believe is incorrect.
Important Points About Objection Window:
- The objection window opens after the provisional answer key release.
- Candidates get 2–3 days to raise objections.
- Objections must be submitted online through the candidate login portal.
- Supporting documents or evidence are mandatory for each objection.
- A nominal fee may be charged per objection.
After reviewing all objections, the Consortium releases the Final Answer Key 2026, after which no further challenges are accepted.
CLAT 2026 Final Answer Key – What Happens Next?
The Final Answer Key is usually released within a few days after objections are reviewed. It contains corrected answers (if any changes were made). The CLAT 2026 Result is prepared strictly based on the final key.
Once the final key is released, candidates cannot raise further objections.
CLAT 2026 Answer Key – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CLAT 2026 Exam | 07 December 2025 |
| Provisional Answer Key | 10 December 2025 |
| Final Answer Key | December 2025 |
| CLAT 2026 Result | December 2025 |
| Counselling Begins | January 2026 |
These dates are crucial for candidates tracking the next steps in the admission process.
What After CLAT 2026 Answer Key?
After verifying answers and estimating scores, candidates should:
✔ Check Expected Rank
Your estimated score can help you predict your approximate CLAT rank.
✔ Prepare Documents for Counselling
Keep educational certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and ID proof ready.
✔ Track Cut-Off Trends
Each NLU releases cut-offs separately, so keep checking official announcements.
✔ Wait for Final Result
Once the results are out, you will be notified about the counselling process.
Why is the CLAT Answer Key Important?
The answer key ensures transparency in evaluation. It also:
- Helps candidates identify discrepancies
- Builds trust in the examination process
- Provides clarity before result declaration
- Allows students to mentally prepare for counselling
For many aspirants, this is the first major step in shaping their law career, making every update crucial.
Conclusion
The release of the CLAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key marks a significant milestone for thousands of aspirants. With the official answer key now available, candidates should promptly download the PDF, calculate their estimated scores, and raise objections if required.
The next steps involve the release of the Final Answer Key, CLAT 2026 Results, and the commencement of counselling in January 2026.
Stay tuned to bharatnaukri.com for real-time updates on CLAT results, cut-offs, counselling procedures, and more.
