With the CLAT 2026 results already declared on 16–17 December 2025, qualifying candidates must now participate in the CLAT 2026 counselling process to secure admission into National Law Universities (NLUs) and affiliated law programmes. This guide outlines official counselling dates, registration steps, fee details, seat allotment rounds, document requirements, and key actions you must take for a successful admission outcome.
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The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has released the counselling timeline for UG and PG admissions based on CLAT 2026 ranks.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Timeline (Official)
Counselling Registration Opens: 17 December 2025 (Evening)
Counselling Registration and Fee Payment Deadline: 27 December 2025 (by 10 PM)
First Allotment List: 7 January 2026
Confirmation & Admission (Round 1): 7–15 January 2026
Second Allotment List: 22 January 2026
Third Allotment List: 5 February 2026
Fourth Allotment List: 2 May 2026
Fifth & Final Allotment List: 15 May 2026
The counselling process will be conducted in five sequential rounds to allocate seats until all vacancies are filled.
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Step 1: Register for CLAT Counselling Online
Successful applicants must visit the official CLAT 2026 portal at consortiumofnlus.ac.in and complete online registration. You must:
1. Log in using your CLAT credentials (registration number and password).
2. Confirm personal and academic details.
3. Agree to counselling terms and proceed to fee payment.
Note: Registration is mandatory for all qualified candidates. Missing this step disqualifies you from seat allotment.
Step 2: Pay CLAT 2026 Counselling Fee
After registration, candidates must pay the CLAT counselling fee online. Fee amounts vary by category:
General: ₹30,000
SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD: Approx. ₹20,000 (India-wide norms)
Tips:
Keep payment proof and transaction ID ready for verification.
Registration is considered complete only after successful fee payment.
During counselling registration, candidates must prepare a preference list of NLUs in the order they wish to join. Seat allotment is based on:
Your CLAT 2026 All India Rank (AIR)
Your category rank
Preference list order
Seat availability in each round
Once you submit and lock your NLU preferences, they generally cannot be edited later.
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After preference submission, the Consortium releases allotment lists at scheduled dates. Each candidate can choose one of three options:
Freeze: Accept the allotted seat and exit further rounds.
Float: Accept the seat but remain eligible for a higher preference in later rounds.
Exit: Withdraw from the counselling process entirely.
Important: Candidates must respond by the deadline for each list, or their seat allotment may be forfeited.
Read More: CLAT 2026 Cutoff: What to Expect vs Last Year
Prepare clear scanned copies or PDFs of the following before attending counselling:
CLAT 2026 Scorecard
CLAT Admit Card
Class 10 & 12 Certificates
Category Certificate (if applicable)
PwD Certificate (if applicable)
Proof of Date of Birth
Passport/Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
Passport-size photograph
Any other certificate required by specific NLUs
Uploading accurate documents ensures smooth verification and avoids delays.
Once a seat is allotted and you have chosen Freeze or Float:
Pay the confirmation fee and required university fees.
Download your admission letter or offer letter.
Report to the allotted NLU within the specified date.
Complete document verification at the NLU.
If you choose Exit, your registration fee is typically refunded, but check the official notification for precise refund policies.
Read More: CLAT 2026 Section-Wse Strategy for All Subjects
Missing the registration deadline (16–27 Dec 2025 window)
Uploading incomplete or incorrect documents
Ignoring seat confirmation fee deadlines
Failing to update or lock the NLU preference list
Not understanding Freeze vs Float vs Exit options
The CLAT 2026 counselling process is the decisive phase where ranks turn into seat allotments. With registrations open from 17 December to 27 December 2025, and multiple allotment rounds scheduled through January to May 2026, every step must be completed accurately and on time.
Remember: timely registration, correct preferences, and complete documentation are the keys to securing a seat in your preferred National Law University. Successful participation in CLAT counselling ensures your place in one of India’s top law programmes.
1. Can I change my NLU preference list after the first allotment?
No. Once the preference list is locked during counselling registration, it cannot be edited in later rounds.
2. What happens if I miss one counselling round in CLAT 2026?
If you fail to respond (Freeze/Float/Exit) within the deadline of a round, your allotted seat is forfeited and you may be removed from further counselling.
3. Is counselling mandatory even if my rank is very high?
Yes. Even AIR 1 candidates must register and complete CLAT counselling to secure admission to any NLU.
4. Will my seat be cancelled if documents are uploaded incorrectly?
Yes. Incorrect, mismatched, or invalid documents can lead to cancellation of the allotted seat during verification.
5. Can I participate in CLAT counselling while waiting for another exam result?
Yes. You can participate in CLAT counselling and later choose to Exit if you decide not to join an NLU.
6. Are all NLUs covered under the CLAT 2026 counselling process?
Only NLUs participating in the Consortium counselling are included. Some private universities use CLAT scores but conduct separate admissions.
7. Does choosing “Float” reduce my chances in later rounds?
No. Floating keeps your current seat safe while allowing you to be considered for higher-preferred NLUs.
8. Is there any offline counselling or physical reporting during rounds?
No. All counselling rounds are conducted online. Physical reporting happens only after final seat confirmation at the allotted NLU.
