One of the most common questions law aspirants ask is, “Do Class 12 marks matter for CLAT?“ If you’re a Class 12 student preparing for law entrance exams, it’s natural to wonder how much your board results affect your chances of getting into a National Law University (NLU). In this blog, we will explain the role of Class 12 marks in the CLAT admission process and what matters for securing your seat in a top law college. At CLATapult, we guide students at every step of their CLAT journey from eligibility doubts to final preparation.

Do Class 12 Marks Affect Your CLAT Admission?

The short answer is: Yes, but only to a small extent. Your Class 12 marks do not directly impact your CLAT score, which is based purely on your performance in the entrance exam. However, they do play a role in eligibility and tie-breaking situations. Let’s break it down:

1. Eligibility Criteria

To appear for CLAT UG (Undergraduate), you must meet the following academic requirements:

• You should have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognised board.
  
• General/OBC category candidates need at least 45% marks.
  
• SC/ST candidates need at least 40% marks.

So, yes, your 12th marks do matter in terms of minimum eligibility to appear for the CLAT exam. If you don’t meet the required percentage, you won’t be allowed to sit for the exam or take admission. You can read more on the CLAT Coaching page, where we break down all the important eligibility rules and preparation tips.

2. Tie-Breaker in Admission

In rare cases, two students may score the same marks in CLAT. When that happens, the tie-breaker rules come into play:

• Preference is given to the student with higher marks in Class 12.
  
• If the Class 12 marks are also the same, the older candidate is given preference.

So, while 12th marks aren’t used to calculate your CLAT score, they can give you a slight edge in rare cases.

3. For Integrated Law Programs (Outside CLAT)

Some private law colleges and universities outside the CLAT system (like Symbiosis, Christ University, and private NLUs) may give weightage to Class 12 marks in their admission process. So if you’re applying to those colleges as well, scoring well on the boards helps.

Focus on CLAT, But Don’t Ignore Boards

Even though CLAT is your main target, don’t ignore your Class 12 studies. A decent board score will keep your options open and help you meet the eligibility requirement without stress. To manage both CLAT and boards, join structured coaching classes at CLATapult, where you can balance school and law prep smartly.

Ready to Prepare Smartly? Join CLATapult Today!

At CLATapult, we offer expert coaching to help you prepare for CLAT without affecting your Class 12 performance. Our courses are designed to fit into your school schedule and focus on concept clarity and mock test practice.

📞 Contact us today or visit our About Us page to know how we can help you crack CLAT with ease!

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