CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria 2027: Complete Guide for LLM Aspirants in India
Verified by Lawsection.in editorial team | Last Updated: February 17, 2026
The Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate programmes (CLAT PG) is the primary national-level entrance examination for admission to LLM programmes offered by National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.
Every year, a significant number of candidates are rejected or face counselling issues not because of poor rank, but due to misunderstanding eligibility criteria—especially regarding qualifying degrees, minimum marks, and final-year status.
This pillar post explains the CLAT PG eligibility criteria in a clear, verified, and student-friendly manner, aligned with the latest admission rules and official notifications issued by the exam authority.
What Is CLAT PG?
CLAT PG is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission to one-year LLM programmesoffered by participating NLUs across India.
The exam tests:
- Advanced legal comprehension
- Constitutional and jurisprudential understanding
- Ability to interpret legal passages
Admission is strictly subject to eligibility conditions prescribed by the Consortium and individual NLUs.
CLAT PG Eligibility Criteria 2027
1. Educational Qualification (Mandatory)
To be eligible for CLAT PG, a candidate must:
- Hold an LL.B degree (3-year or 5-year) from:
- A recognised university or
- An institution approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI)
This requirement is non-negotiable and applies to all categories.
2. Minimum Marks Required in LL.B
The minimum qualifying marks differ by category:
| Category | Minimum Percentage Required |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / PWD / NRI | 50% aggregate marks |
| SC / ST | 45% aggregate marks |
Candidates must meet the minimum percentage at the time of admission, not merely at the time of application.
3. Final-Year LL.B Students: Are They Eligible?
Yes. Final-year LL.B students are eligible to apply for CLAT PG, provided that:
- They submit proof of passing LL.B at the time of admission, and
- They meet the minimum marks requirement prescribed for their category.
If a candidate fails to produce the qualifying certificate within the stipulated time, admission will be cancelled, irrespective of CLAT rank.
4. Age Limit for CLAT PG
There is no upper age limit for appearing in CLAT PG.
Candidates of any age can apply, provided they fulfil the educational and marks criteria.
Is Work Experience Required for CLAT PG?
No. Work experience is not mandatory for CLAT PG eligibility.
However:
- Some NLUs may give academic preference or value to candidates with legal practice or research exposure during admission evaluation.
- This does not affect basic eligibility, only merit assessment at certain universities.
Category-Wise Eligibility Clarification
Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD)
- Reservation benefits are applicable as per NLU and State Government rules.
- Valid category certificate issued by a competent authority is mandatory.
- Reservation eligibility does not relax the requirement of an LL.B degree.
NRI / Foreign National Candidates
- NRI candidates usually apply through CLAT PG or NRI quota, depending on NLU policy.
- Foreign nationals may be exempt from CLAT but must satisfy:
- Degree equivalence
- Minimum academic standards set by the university
Candidates should verify individual NLU admission brochures.
Important Notes on University-Specific Eligibility
While CLAT PG sets minimum national eligibility, individual NLUs may have:
- Subject-specific LLM specialisations
- Additional academic requirements
- Institution-specific admission rules
To explore NLU-wise LLM programmes, visit our Law College Directory.
Common Eligibility Mistakes CLAT PG Aspirants Must Avoid
- Assuming any postgraduate law degree is acceptable
- Ignoring minimum marks requirement
- Applying without BCI-recognised LL.B degree
- Not verifying final-year completion timelines
- Relying solely on coaching information instead of official notifications
How CLAT PG Eligibility Impacts Admission & Counselling
Meeting eligibility criteria is checked at multiple stages:
- Application scrutiny
- Counselling registration
- Document verification
- Final admission
Failure at any stage leads to disqualification, even with a high CLAT PG rank.
Related Law Entrance Exams you must explore
- Law Exam hub (full guide about law exams in India)
- CLAT Exam (UG & PG guide)
- AIBE Exam (All India Bar Examination)
- UGC NET Law (Eligibility & Syllabus)
Conclusion
Understanding CLAT PG eligibility criteria is the first and most important step for any LLM aspirant. A clear grasp of qualification requirements, minimum marks, and documentation timelines can prevent last-minute rejection and ensure a smooth admission process.
Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates can confidently focus on preparation, rank improvement, and strategic NLU preference filling.
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Source Verification Statement
This article is prepared by the Lawsection.in Editorial Team, based on:
- Official admission notifications released by the Consortium of National Law Universities
- CLAT counselling rules and seat allotment guidelines
- Verified academic and legal education sources
Candidates are advised to cross-check final eligibility conditions from the official CLAT website and the respective NLU admission brochures before applying.