Now that the CLAT 2026 exam is behind you, the next big step is understanding where you stand. The CLAT 2026 Answer Key plays an important role here — it helps you check your responses, estimate your score and get an idea of your chances for admission to leading National Law Universities.
The CLAT 2026 Answer Key.
✔️ what the answer key is
✔️ when it will release
✔️ how to download it
✔️ unofficial sources
✔️ how to calculate marks
✔️ expected cut-offs
✔️ rank estimation
✔️ objection procedures
✔️ tips after the exam
What Is The CLAT Answer Key and Why Is It Important?
The answer key is an official PDF document published by the Consortium soon after the exam. It mentions:
- All questions
- Their correct options
- Clarification if any question was withdrawn or revised
This document allows students to check:
✔️ How many questions they got right
✔️ How many they got wrong
✔️ Their expected score
It brings transparency into the evaluation process and reduces anxiety for students eagerly waiting for results.
Types of CLAT 2026 Answer Keys
The Consortium releases the key in two stages:
1) Provisional Answer Key
- Uploaded within 24 hours after the exam
- Open for objections
- Carries the first set of solutions
Students can review this, identify doubtful questions, and challenge answers if they have valid reasoning.
2) Final Answer Key
- Released after objections are reviewed
- Updated with corrections
- Used for result calculation and score normalisation
This is the official and binding solution sheet.
When Will the CLAT 2026 Answer Key Release?
Based on previous examinations:
- The provisional answer key may be published the same evening or the next day.
- The final answer key is usually released within 3–7 days.
Students are advised to keep checking:
✔️ Consortium portal
✔️ Registered email
✔️ Official announcements
How To Download CLAT 2026 Answer Key (Step-By-Step Guide)
Once the answer key is released, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Consortium website
- Find the link titled CLAT 2026 Answer Key
- Choose your stream — UG or PG
- Download the PDF
- Save or print it for analysis
Tip: Download the question paper PDF as well for cross-checking answers.
Unofficial CLAT 2026 Answer Keys Released After The Exam
Download CLAT 2026 Answer Key Here: Link
How To Calculate Your CLAT 2026 Score Using The Answer Key?
The CLAT marking scheme is simple:
✔️ +1 for every correct answer
✔️ –0.25 for every wrong answer
✔️ No deduction for unanswered questions
Score Calculation Formula:
(Correct Answers × 1) – (Wrong Answers × 0.25)
For example, if you got 92 correct answers and 20 wrong:
92 – (20 × 0.25) = 92 – 5 = 87
This estimated score helps predict your rank.
Expected CLAT 2026 Cut-Offs (Based On Previous Patterns)
Cut-off depends on difficulty level, number of candidates and seats. However, historically:
- NLSIU Bengaluru: 93–100
- NALSAR Hyderabad: 90–95
- WBNUJS Kolkata: 88+
- NLU Jodhpur: 85+
A score in the 90s generally places aspirants among top NLUs.
Factors Affecting Cut-Off This Year
Some key factors:
✔️ Difficulty of paper
✔️ Normalisation
✔️ Number of applicants
✔️ Performance gap between toppers
If the exam turns out to be tough, cut-offs may drop 2–4 marks.
How To Raise Objections Against CLAT 2026 Answer Key
If you find a doubtful answer, here is how you challenge it:
- Login to your consortium account
- Open objection window
- Select question number
- Upload supporting proof from authentic sources
- Pay fee if applicable
- Submit within given deadline
The Consortium examines all challenges and issues a revised final key.
CLAT 2026 Result and Merit List: When To Expect Them?
Generally:
- Final answer key - Results released within a week
- Results include: scorecard, merit list, and ranking
- Counselling starts soon after declaration
Students should remain active on the portal during this period.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Process
The counselling phase is crucial, especially for top rankers. The steps include:
- Online registration
- Seat allotment
- Payment of fee
- Document upload and verification
- Upgradation or freeze options
Since seat movement depends on ranks, early registration matters.
Expected Ranking Range Based on Probable Scores
Although actual score distribution varies:
- 100+ score → Rank < 10
- 95–100 → Top 50
- 90–95 → Top 150
- 85–90 → Top 400
- 80–85 → Top 800
- 75–80 → Top 1200
Advice for Students Right After The CLAT Exam
Many aspirants feel anxious after the paper. Here are some practical tips:
✔️ Don’t judge yourself immediately — wait for analysis
✔️ Compare at least 2–3 answer keys
✔️ Prepare documents early for counselling
✔️ Explore other exams like AILET, SLAT, LSAT-India
✔️ Talk to mentors rather than panic groups on social media
- NLU admissions are competitive
- Backup exam timelines are close
- Scholarship and coaching offers need score predictions
- Students want to plan hostel and city options in advance
Hence, answer key searches see a massive surge the same day of the exam.
FAQs About CLAT 2026 Answer Key
All FAQs (H4)
Will CLAT 2026 answer key be released on the same day?
Most likely within 24 hours.
Can I challenge answers?
Yes, during provisional phase.
Are coaching answer keys reliable?
They give estimate, but always check official key for final ranking.
How many days after answer key do results come?
Usually within 5–7 days.
Does wrong answer have penalty?
Yes, –0.25 per incorrect response.
