Vani Jha
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially released the CLAT 2026 Answer Key, bringing relief and clarity to thousands of law aspirants across the country. With the publication of the provisional answer key and the candidate response sheets, students can now analyse their performance, estimate their scores, and decide whether to file objections.
The release of the answer key is a significant milestone in the CLAT admission process. It ensures transparency and allows every candidate to verify their answers before the final result is prepared.
Why the CLAT 2026 Answer Key Matters
The answer key helps candidates:
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Cross-check their responses
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Calculate expected marks using the official marking scheme
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Identify errors or discrepancies
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Raise objections (if any) within the specified deadline
Since CLAT follows a competitive ranking structure, even a slight difference in score can affect admission to top NLUs. Hence, reviewing the answer key carefully is essential.
How to Download the CLAT 2026 Answer Key
Follow these simple steps to download the official answer key and response sheet:
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Visit the official CLAT website – Go to the Consortium’s official portal.
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Log in to your account – Use your registered mobile number and password.
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Select the ‘Answer Key’ tab – The link for the CLAT 2026 provisional answer key will be visible on your dashboard.
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Download the Answer Key PDF – Choose your question paper set and download the file.
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Download your Response Sheet – Click on the response sheet link to view and save your attempted answers.
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Compare your answers – Match your responses with the official key to estimate your score.
How to Calculate Your Score Using the CLAT 2026 Answer Key
CLAT follows a straightforward marking system:
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+1 for each correct answer
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–0.25 for every incorrect answer
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0 for unanswered questions
To calculate your estimated score:
Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 1) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 0.25)
This estimated score will help you assess your chances of securing a seat in top NLUs.
The release of the CLAT 2026 Answer Key marks the beginning of the result and counselling phase. Candidates are encouraged to download the key, verify their answers, and prepare for the next steps confidently. If you believe there’s an error, make sure to raise objections within the official timeline provided by the Consortium.