How to register for CLAT: A step-by-step guide

Register for CLAT

The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is a crucial exam for law aspirants seeking admission to prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. To ensure a smooth registration process, it is essential to follow the correct steps carefully. This detailed guide will walk you through the entire registration process, from creating an account to submitting the application fee, making the process easy and understandable.

Step 1: Online Registration

The first step is registering yourself on the official CLAT Consortium website. Follow the instructions below to initiate the process:

Visit the Official Website: Go to https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in
Access the Registration Link: On the homepage, click on the ‘CLICK HERE’ link to open the application window.
Create an Account:
- On the left side of the screen, locate the login form.
- Click on the ‘Don’t have an account? Register’ button.
Fill Out Registration Form: Enter the required information accurately:
- Name: As per your 10th-grade certificate or name change certificate.
- Mobile Number: A valid number, either yours or a parent/guardian’s.
- Password: Create a strong password (minimum 8 characters, with an uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number, and symbol).
Complete Registration: Click ‘Register’ to proceed. An OTP will be sent to your mobile number for verification.

Step 2: Account Activation

Once registered, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Follow these steps to activate your account:

Enter the OTP you received on your mobile.
Activate Account: After entering the OTP, your account will be successfully activated, and a confirmation message will appear.

Step 3: Filling Out the Application Form

Once your account is activated, you will need to log in with your credentials and proceed to complete the CLAT application form. This step is crucial as it requires accurate details about your personal, academic, and communication information. Below is a more detailed explanation of the sections within the form:

Personal Information:
- Applicant Name: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your 10+2 certificate to avoid any discrepancies later.
- Gender and Date of Birth: Ensure your gender and date of birth are accurate, as these are essential for identity verification.
- Parent’s Names: You will need to provide both your father’s and mother’s names, as required in many application forms.
- Nationality: Choose your nationality, which may affect eligibility for certain reservation categories.
Communication Details:
- Correspondence Address: This should be your current residential address where you can be reached for official communication. If your permanent address is the same, you can tick the relevant option to copy the information.
- Mobile Number & Email ID: Provide a valid mobile number and email address for official communication and updates about the exam.
Qualifying Examination Details:
- Exam Qualification: Specify whether you are appearing for, have appeared in, or have already passed your 12th-grade exam.
- Board & Year of Passing: Enter details about your education board and the year you passed (or expect to pass) the qualifying examination.
- Marks: Fill in the percentage of marks you scored in your qualifying exam. If you are still appearing, this can be provided at the time of admission.
Test Centre Preference:
- You will need to select at least three test centers in order of preference from the list of cities where the CLAT exam will be conducted. It’s advisable to choose centers that are convenient and close to your location to avoid travel issues.
College Preferences:
- Indicate your preferences for National Law Universities (NLUs) from the list provided. Your admission will be based on your rank and availability at these colleges, so it is important to carefully consider your top choices.
Reservation & Documents:
- If you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/PWD/BPL), ensure that you select the appropriate option. You will need to upload a valid certificate (in PDF format, size under 1.5 MB) issued by a competent authority to support your claim.
Upload Photograph and Signature:
- Photograph: A front-facing, clear image in JPG/JPEG format.
- Signature: Scanned copy of your signature in JPG/JPEG format.

After entering all the required information and uploading documents, review everything thoroughly to ensure accuracy before moving on to the payment step.

This section of the form is critical as it contains information that will be used throughout the admission process. Be sure to carefully check all details, particularly names, dates, and documents, to avoid any issues later.

Details Required	Description
Personal Information	Name (as per Class 10+2 certificate), gender, DOB, etc.
Communication Details	Residential address, state, district, mobile number, email ID
Qualifying Exam Details	Board, status, month/year of passing, qualifying marks
Test Centre Preference	Select three cities from the list of test centres
College Preferences	Choose NLUs in order of preference
Reservation	If applicable, provide relevant documents in PDF format
Upload Photograph & Signature	Front-facing photograph and signature in JPG/JPEG format

Step 4: Fee Payment

After filling out the application form, the next step is to pay the application fee:

Click ‘Make Payment’ on the dashboard.
Choose a Payment Method: Select your preferred payment option (debit/credit card, net banking, etc.).
Complete the Payment: The application fee details are provided below:

Category	Fee (INR)
General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI	INR 4,000 + charges
SC/ST/BPL	INR 3,500 + charges

Note: An additional bank charge of INR 50 or more will apply. Upon successful payment, a confirmation message will appear on your screen.

Step 5: Download the Application Form

Once the payment is successful:

Download the Form: You can download your submitted application form from the dashboard for future reference.
Save Your Confirmation: Keep a copy of the form and payment confirmation for your records.

Important Notes

Ensure all personal and academic details are accurate before submitting the form. Discrepancies can lead to application rejection.
The ‘Save’ option allows you to pause and return to the form later, preventing loss of entered data.
The Consortium of NLUs may offer a correction window to rectify mistakes in the submitted form. Stay updated via the official website for announcements.
Upload supporting documents (e.g., category certificates) in PDF format, with a maximum file size of 1.5 MB.

Application Process Summary

Here is a quick table summarizing the CLAT registration process:

Step	Action
Step 1	Register online on the official CLAT Consortium website
Step 2	Activate account using OTP sent to registered mobile number
Step 3	Fill in the detailed application form and upload documents
Step 4	Pay the application fee using the payment gateway
Step 5	Download and save the submitted application form

Conclusion

The registration process for CLAT may seem complex at first, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can complete your application smoothly. Make sure to fill in all details carefully, upload the correct documents, and stay aware of any updates on the official CLAT website regarding corrections or deadlines.

This guide provides the comprehensive knowledge needed to successfully register for the CLAT exam and take your first step toward a bright legal career.