CLAT Exam 2026: Exam Day Guidelines, Instructions & Important Rules

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Preparing well for CLAT 2026 is important. But knowing the exam day rules is equally crucial. The Consortium of NLUs has released specific guidelines for candidates.

These rules explain what to carry, what's allowed and what's prohibited.

Following these CLAT 2026 exam day instructions will help you avoid disqualification or penalties.

This guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth exam experience.

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CLAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Quick Overview

Category	Details
Reporting Time	Reach at least 60 minutes before exam starts
Gate Closing Time	Entry gates close 30 minutes before exam. Late entry not allowed
Mandatory Documents	Admit card with photo, original government ID, PwD certificate (if applicable)
Permitted Items	Blue/black ballpoint pen, transparent water bottle, analogue watch, face mask, sanitizer
Prohibited Items	Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, study materials, bags, food items
Exam Time	2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Exam Duration	2 hours
Marking Scheme	+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered
Dress Code	Simple clothes without excessive pockets or metallic accessories

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CLAT 2026 Exam Day Schedule: Complete Timeline

Here's the detailed bell schedule for CLAT 2026 exam day:

Time	Bell Type	Purpose
1:30 PM	Long Bell	Candidates enter the test hall
1:50 PM	Short Bell	Distribution of sealed envelopes and important announcements
2:00 PM	Long Bell	Candidates open sealed envelopes. Exam begins
2:15 PM	Short Bell	No entry allowed after this time
2:30 PM	Short Bell	30 minutes completed
3:00 PM	Short Bell	1 hour completed
3:30 PM	Short Bell	1 hour 30 minutes completed
3:50 PM	Short Bell	Warning bell. 10 minutes remaining
4:00 PM	Long Bell	Exam ends. Stop writing immediately

Special Provisions for PwD/SAP Candidates

Candidates with disabilities get extra support during the exam:

They receive 20 additional minutes per hour of exam duration
Scribe facility is available for those who applied in advance
Exam centers have wheelchair-friendly seating and other arrangements

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Documents Required on CLAT 2026 Exam Day

Carrying the right documents is essential for entry into the test center.

Document	Details
CLAT 2026 Admit Card	Download from official website. Paste a recent passport-sized photo
Government-Issued ID Proof	Original and valid ID as per guidelines
PwD/SAP Certificate	Required only for candidates availing special accommodations

Accepted ID Proofs for Indian Nationals

You can carry any of these ID documents:

Aadhaar Card (with updated photo)
Passport
PAN Card
Voter ID Card
Driving License
Ration Card with photo
Photo ID from recognized educational institution
Photo Bank ATM Card
Kissan Photo Passbook
CGHS/ECHS Photo Card
Address Card with photo issued by Department of Posts
Identity Certificate with photo issued by Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar
Disability ID Card issued by State/UT Government

Accepted ID Proofs for International Candidates

Passport
OCI/PIO Card

Important Notes About Documents

All documents must be original, valid and not expired
Photocopies or scanned copies won't be accepted
Candidates without proper documents won't be allowed inside the exam hall

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CLAT 2026: Items Allowed in Exam Hall

Category	Allowed Items
Documents	Admit card and government ID proof
Stationery	Blue/black ballpoint pen, transparent ruler (optional)
Water Bottle	Transparent bottle only
Accessories	Analogue watch, face mask, sanitizer

CLAT 2026: Items Not Allowed in Exam Center

Category	Prohibited Items
Electronic Devices	Mobile phones, smartwatches, digital watches, calculators
Study Materials	Books, notebooks, notes, printed materials
Bags	Handbags, backpacks, any luggage
Accessories	Jewelry, wallets, items that can hide electronic devices
Food Items	Snacks, beverages (unless medically required with prior approval)

Don't carry prohibited items even outside the exam hall. Test centers don't provide storage facilities. Breaking these rules can lead to disqualification or legal action.

CLAT 2026 Seating and Exit Rules

Seating Arrangement

Go to your designated seat number mentioned on your admit card
Staff and seating charts will guide you at the center
Biometric or photo verification may be done to confirm your identity

Rules for Leaving the Exam Hall

Situation	Rule
During Exam	Leave only in emergencies with invigilator approval
After Completing	Submit OMR sheet and sign attendance before leaving
Early Exit	Generally not allowed until exam ends
Post-Exam	Take only permitted materials like question booklet and OMR copy

CLAT 2026: How to Handle Question Paper

Check if all pages are intact and readable when you receive the paper
Report any missing or damaged pages to the invigilator immediately
Don't open the paper before the invigilator instructs you to
Write your name, roll number and other details as instructed
Don't fold, tear or write on areas not meant for your details

CLAT 2026: OMR Sheet Filling Instructions

Use only blue or black ballpoint pen
Darken the circle completely for your answer
Partial or faint marks may not be scanned properly
Don't mark two answers for one question. This will be treated as incorrect

Consequences of Damaging OMR Sheet

Damaged sheets may be rejected
Writing irrelevant information or damaging the barcode leads to disqualification
You're responsible for keeping your OMR sheet filled correctly and undamaged

What You Can Take Home After CLAT 2026 Exam

After the exam ends, you can keep these items:

Your admit card
Question paper
Candidate copy of OMR sheet

CLAT 2026 Dress Code

Clothing	Male Candidates	Female Candidates
Upper Wear	Plain T-shirt or shirt	Plain kurta or top
Lower Wear	Trousers or jeans	Trousers or leggings
Accessories	No watches, jewelry or belts	No jewelry, hair accessories or watches

Avoid clothes with many pockets, zippers or metallic buttons. These may cause delays during security checks.

Special Provisions for Candidates with Illnesses

Category	Details
Medications	Inform staff about prescribed medicines. Carry medical certificate if needed
Isolated Seating	Arranged for candidates with fever, cough or other illness symptoms
Medical Aids	Glucose tablets, inhalers need prior approval from invigilator

CLAT 2026 Exam Hall Conduct Rules

Stay silent and focused throughout the exam
Follow all invigilator instructions
Don't move around unnecessarily
Cheating, exchanging materials or using prohibited items leads to expulsion
Raise your hand if you have any issue with question booklet or OMR sheet

CLAT 2026 Malpractices and Penalties

Malpractice	Penalty
Cheating or Copying	Immediate expulsion. Paper disqualified
Carrying Prohibited Items	Items confiscated. Disqualification from exam
Talking to Other Candidates	Warning or expulsion. Marks may be invalidated
Tampering with OMR Sheet	Disqualification. Possible ban from future CLAT exams
Impersonation	Legal action. Ban from all Consortium exams
Using Electronic Devices	Expulsion and legal action
Disobeying Invigilator	Warning for minor issues. Expulsion for serious offenses
Leaving Without Permission	Answer sheet disqualified
Double Marking on OMR	Answer treated as incorrect. Negative marks applied

Following these CLAT 2026 exam day guidelines will help you stay stress-free and focused on performing your best. Reach the center on time, carry all required documents and follow all rules carefully.