Category-wise CLAT Cutoffs

The CLAT cutoffs represent the minimum scores or ranks required for admission into National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. These cutoffs vary each year and are influenced by multiple factors such as the number of applicants, the exam's difficulty level, and each NLU's reservation policies. Understanding the expected cutoffs helps candidates target their preparation more effectively.

Key Factors Affecting CLAT 2025 Cutoffs

Reservation Policies:
Each NLU follows a reservation policy, with specific seats reserved for General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories. Some NLUs also have domicile-based reservations, where candidates from the home state benefit from lower cutoffs.
Competition:
With more than 58,000 candidates appearing for CLAT 2024 (UG) and 10,000 for CLAT PG, the competition is fierce. A higher number of applicants increases the cutoff scores, particularly for top-tier NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad
Difficulty of the Exam:
The level of difficulty of the paper also significantly impacts the cutoff. A more difficult exam usually results in lower cutoffs, while an easier paper can push cutoffs higher.
Seats Available:
In 2025, there are approximately 3,700 seats available for undergraduate programs across all NLUs. A larger seat intake can sometimes result in slightly lower cutoffs.

Expected CLAT 2025 Category-wise Cutoffs

The table below outlines the expected cutoff ranks and marks for the top NLUs based on previous trends:

Category	Expected Rank (Top NLUs)	Expected Marks
General	Up to 1000	100-105
OBC	Up to 2000	85-90
EWS	Around 500 (NLSIU, NALSAR)	90-95
SC	Up to 3000	70-75
ST	Up to 6000	60-70

Domicile Reservations and Their Impact

Several NLUs, including NLSIU Bengaluru, NUALS Kochi, and CNLU Patna, offer domicile reservations for candidates from their respective states. This allows these candidates to secure seats at lower ranks, often lowering the cutoff scores for the state quota.

For example:

NLSIU Bengaluru: Expected EWS cutoff rank for 2025 is around 500, but it may go lower due to domicile reservations.
NALSAR Hyderabad: Similar trends are expected, with differential cutoffs for local students

Steps to Check CLAT 2025 Category-wise Cutoffs

Visit the official CLAT website and click on the merit list link.
Log in with your application number and date of birth.
View the merit list and cutoff ranks for your category.
Download and print the CLAT 2025 cutoff list for future reference.

Previous Years' CLAT Cutoff Trends

Here’s a look at the CLAT 2024 cutoff ranks for top NLUs based on the fifth allotment round:

NLU	General Rank	OBC Rank	SC Rank	ST Rank
NLSIU Bengaluru	1-102	107-971	372-3007	224-7487
NALSAR Hyderabad	4-167	189-1116	319-3574	263-6083
WBNUJS Kolkata	140-279	Reserved	2056-4503	2856-8860
NLU Jodhpur	112-379	487-1424	3574-5178	4411-8960
GNLU Gandhinagar	8-464	1284-1858	4988-6175	7712-11580

Note: These are trends from the 2024 exam, and while they provide a good reference, the actual cutoff ranks for 2025 may vary.

Important Tips for Managing CLAT Cutoffs

Set Realistic Goals: Use cutoff trends to estimate the rank and score required for admission into your preferred NLU. Target a rank within your category’s expected range.
Prepare for Legal Reasoning:
Given the weight of the Legal Reasoning section in tie-breaking scenarios, performing well here can boost your overall rank.
Keep Track of Updates:
CLAT cutoffs are dynamic, influenced by factors like the number of applicants and exam difficulty. Monitor official announcements for the latest trends and cutoffs.
Document Preparation:
Ensure that all required documents for reservation categories are prepared before counseling. Missing documentation may disqualify you during the admission process.

Conclusion

Understanding the category-wise cutoffs for CLAT 2025 can help you strategically approach your preparation. By analyzing previous trends, setting realistic goals, and keeping up with the latest updates, you can increase your chances of securing a seat in one of the top NLUs.

Stay focused, aim high, and use this information to guide your preparation towards success.