The national law-entrance exam CLAT 2026, conducted by Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) on 7 December 2025, has now entered a crucial post-exam phase with the publication of its provisional answer key. The release marks the first step toward enabling candidates to check their responses, estimate scores, and prepare for forthcoming counselling and admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes across India’s top law schools.
When and Where: Release Schedule & How to Access
- The provisional answer key for CLAT 2026 is scheduled to be released on 10 December 2025, 5:00 PM IST.
- Candidates can download the set-wise PDF (Sets A, B, C, or D) from the official website — consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The key will be published along with the official question paper.
- The answer key is released online only; hard-copy distribution is not provided.
What the Answer Key Contains & How to Use It
The CLAT answer key includes:
- Correct answers (options A/B/C/D) for all questions from the exam.
- Separate keys for each set to accommodate variations in question-order across exam centres.
- The official question paper (passages + questions), enabling candidates to cross-verify their marked responses.
How to Estimate Your Score:
- +1 mark is awarded for each correct answer; –0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect one. Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
- By comparing their answers with the key and applying this scheme, aspirants can estimate their probable aggregate score — helpful for anticipating performance before the official results.
Objections, Final Key & Result Timeline
- With the provisional key release, an objection window will open from 10 December to 12 December 2025 (5:00 PM IST). Candidates spotting errors (in questions or answers) can submit objections online
- After review of objections, CNLU will publish a final answer key, which will serve as the basis for preparing the official results.
- Results — and subsequently the All-India Rank lists — are expected by mid to late December 2025, paving the way for counselling and seat allocation to begin soon after.
Why the Answer Key Matters — For Students and Legal Education
Early Performance Assessment & Transparency
The provisional answer key allows tens of thousands of aspirants to quickly benchmark their performance, identify errors, and project their likely standing — rather than waiting for the final results. This fosters transparency and gives clarity, especially to those aiming for top NLUs under tight cutoffs.
Opportunity to Challenge Mistakes
If there are errors in question framing or answer-key inaccuracies, the objection window offers a fair chance for rectification — safeguarding students’ interests and ensuring evaluation justice.
Strategic Planning Ahead of Counselling
Estimated scores help candidates anticipate which NLUs or law streams (BA LLB vs. LLM) they might be eligible for, enabling them to prepare for counselling — documents, priorities, and back-up options — early and calmly, rather than in last-minute rush.
Boosting Confidence & Reducing Anxiety
For many aspirants, CLAT is among the first major competitive tests in life. Having access to the answer key shortly after the exam reduces uncertainty and helps in mental preparation for next steps — whether it’s admission, retake plans, or alternate paths.
What Next: After the Answer Key
- Download final answer key & wait for result notification — This will confirm the official marks and All-India Rank.
- Participate in counselling & seat allotment — Based on the rank, candidates get preference for National Law Universities across India.
- Document verification & admissions — Shortlisted candidates must complete verification formalities per NLU requirements.
- For those falling short — explore alternate law college admissions or next-year attempts
Takeaway for CLAT 2026 Aspirants
The CLAT 2026 answer key is more than just a PDF — it is the first window to knowing where you stand. It sharpens clarity, offers transparency, and empowers you to chart your next move — whether that’s celebrating a good performance, planning counselling strategy, or, if needed, preparing for a second attempt with lessons learnt.
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Last Updated on: Monday, December 8, 2025 1:51 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Monday, December 8, 2025, 1:50 pm | News Categories: Education
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