CLAT Exam Fees 2025: Category-Wise Form Fees, Payment Process & Mistakes to Avoid

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Introduction

The CLAT exam is a prominent entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduate law programs at various National Law Universities (NLUs) and other participating institutions across India. The examination assesses candidates’ aptitude in areas such as English, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Aptitude, among others.

One important aspect of the CLAT process is the payment of exam fees, which varies based on the candidate’s category. General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates are required to pay Rs. 4,000, while SC/ST/BPL category candidates have a reduced fee of Rs. 3,500. However, these fees do not cover additional bank transaction charges.

To facilitate a smooth payment process, candidates must carefully follow the guidelines provided by the Consortium of NLUs (CNLU). This includes paying the fee exclusively online, reviewing and acknowledging any bank transaction charges, and ensuring accurate completion of the application form.

CLAT Form Fees 2025: Category-Wise Registration Fee

The Consortium of NLU charges the CLAT exam fee based on the category of students. They have different fees for general/OBC/PwD/PIO/NRI candidates and have different SC/ST/BPL category students. The table below represents the CLAT form fees:

Category of Students CLAT Exam Fees
General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates Rs.4,000
SC/ST/BPL category candidates Rs.3,500

CLAT Form Fees: Important Pointers to Note

There are some important guidelines released by the CNLU for the students before paying the CLAT exam fee. These guidelines are:

  • The application fee must be paid exclusively online. This fee does not cover bank charges, so applicants need to pay these additional service charges along with the application fee during the online payment process. 
  • The exact bank transaction charges will be shown on the payment gateway page after the payment method is selected. 
  • Once the payment method is chosen, the bank service/transaction charges to be paid will be displayed on the payment gateway page. 
  • Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. If an applicant submits multiple application forms, the fees for the previous forms will not be refunded.

CLAT Form Fees for General/OBC Students

The Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) has set the CLAT form fees for 2025, with different fees for different categories of students. General, OBC, PwD, NRI, PIO, and OCI candidates need to pay Rs. 4,000 as their CLAT form fees in 2025.

You must pay this fee online, and it doesn’t cover bank transaction charges. You’ll see these extra charges on the payment page after you choose your payment method. Remember, the application fee is non-refundable.

CLAT Form Fees for SC/ST/BPL Category Students

The Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) has set the CLAT form fee at Rs. 3,500 for SC, ST, and BPL category students for 2025. You must pay this fee online, and it doesn’t include bank transaction charges. You’ll need to pay these extra charges, which will be shown on the payment page after you select your payment method. 

Once you choose your payment method, the exact bank charges will appear on the screen. Remember, the application fee is non-refundable. If you submit more than one application form, you won’t get a refund for the earlier forms. These rules help make the fee payment process clear and fair for everyone.

How to Pay the CLAT Exam Form Fees 2025

The law aspirants must be aware of a concise payment process in order to avoid payment failure. The payment process is the final and important step for the CLAT exam application form filling. Here are the detailed instructions regarding how to pay the CLAT exam form fees 2025:

Register on the CLAT Portal

  • Visit the official CLAT website.
  • Click on the registration link and create an account by providing your email ID and mobile number.
  • Verify your email ID and mobile number through the OTP sent to you.

Fill Out the Application Form

  • Log in to your account using the credentials provided.
  • Complete the application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact details.
  • Upload the required documents, such as your photograph, signature, and any other necessary certificates.

Select Your Category

  • Choose your category (General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI or SC/ST/BPL) to determine the application fee amount.
  • Ensure you select the correct category, as this will affect the fee you need to pay.

Choose the Mode of Payment

  • After filling out the form, proceed to the payment section.
  • Select the mode of payment, which can be through credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.

Review Bank Charges

  • The payment gateway will display the bank transaction charges based on your chosen payment method.
  • Review the total amount, including these additional charges.

Complete the Payment Process

  • Enter your payment details and complete the transaction.
  • Ensure that you do not refresh the page or click the back button during the transaction to avoid any issues.

Confirmation of Payment

  • Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation message on the screen.
  • You will also receive an email and SMS confirming the payment and submission of your application form.

Save the Receipt

  • Download and save the payment receipt for your records.
  • It is advisable to take a printout of the receipt and the completed application form for future reference.

You can also check your application status by logging in to your CLAT account to check the status of your application. Students must ensure that the payment has been successfully processed and their application is complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While CLAT Form Fees Payment

When paying the CLAT form fees, it’s important to be cautious to avoid common mistakes that could delay or complicate your application process. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Incorrect Details: Double-check all personal and academic details before submitting the form. Incorrect information can lead to rejection or complications later.
  • Wrong Category Selection: Ensure you select the correct category (General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI or SC/ST/BPL). Choosing the wrong category can affect the fee amount and eligibility.
  • Multiple Form Submissions: Avoid submitting multiple application forms. If you do, the fees for previous forms will not be refunded.
  • Late Payment: Pay the application fee well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues, such as heavy online traffic or technical glitches.

FAQs

Are there any fees for the CLAT exam?

Yes, there is a fee for the CLAT exam. For General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates, it is Rs. 4,000, and for SC/ST/BPL category candidates, it is Rs. 3,500, excluding bank transaction charges.

The CLAT fee is high to cover the costs associated with administering the exam, including logistics, technology, staffing, and other operational expenses. Additionally, it helps maintain the quality and standards of the examination process, ensuring a fair and efficient assessment for all candidates.
For the CLAT 2025 application, the fee is Rs. 4,000 for General, OBC, PwD, NRI, PIO, and OCI candidates. For SC, ST, and BPL category candidates, the fee is Rs. 3,500. These fees exclude additional bank transaction charges.
The average salary after clearing the CLAT exam can vary widely depending on factors such as the employer, location, specialization, and individual performance. However, graduates from top law schools may expect starting salaries ranging from Rs. 6 to 15 lakhs per annum in law firms, corporate sectors, or public sector undertakings.
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