AILET Counselling 2026: Dates, Process, Fees

The AILET 2026 counselling will begin shortly after the results are declared. Since the AILET 2026 exam is scheduled for 14 December 2025, the results are expected within a week, and the counselling is likely to start around 22 December 2025. 

NLU Delhi will invite candidates based on rank, usually three times the number of available seats. If you receive an invite, you must register for the AILET counselling process 2026 by paying the required counselling fee within the next ten days. 

Missing the registration or fee deadline leads to loss of your chance, so staying alert during this period is crucial.

Find the most important details about the AILET 2026 counselling:

ComponentDetails
Mode of CounsellingOnline (Registration + Fee Payment + Document Upload)
Who Gets InvitedCandidates up to 3× the total seats
Registration Fee (Seat Acceptance Fee)₹30,000 (General/OBC/EWS) & ₹20,000 (SC/ST/PwD)
Fee to Confirm Provisional Admission₹50,000 (adjustable in annual fee)
Basis of Seat AllotmentRank, category, reservation rules, document verification
Rounds of Counselling4 regular rounds + spot round (if required)
Documents Required10th & 12th marksheets, ID proof, category certificates, scorecard, admit card
Seat Withdrawal RulesRefund available as per NLU Delhi timelines (10% deduction after last date)
Final ReportingPhysical verification at NLU Delhi after seat allotment
Programs CoveredBA LLB (Hons.) and LLM

These are the important dates for AILET counselling 2026:

EventExpected Date
Admit Card Release26 November 2025
AILET Exam Date14 December 2025
Result Announcement21–24 December 2025
AILET 2026 Counselling BeginsAround 22 December 2025
Counselling Fee Payment Window22–31 December 2025
Provisional Merit List – Round 1Last week of December 2025
Fee Payment (Round 1 Allottees)Within 3–4 days of list
Round 2 ListEarly January 2026
Round 3 & 4 ListsMid–January 2026
Spot Round (If Required)Late January 2026
Final Admission ConfirmationJanuary–February 2026
Orientation / Academic SessionAs per NLU Delhi schedule

These are the different AILET merit lists:

List TypePurpose
Provisional Admission ListOffers a seat to selected candidates
Waiting ListCandidates next in line for vacancies
Admission Offer List (Updated)Revised list after withdrawals
Final Counselling ListFinal batch of admitted candidates

Provisional Admission List

The provisional admission list is the main selection list in the AILET counselling process. It includes candidates who are officially offered a seat in their respective categories. Once listed, the candidate must pay the required admission fee within the deadline to confirm the seat. Failure to pay leads to the seat being released to the next eligible candidate in the waiting list. This list is updated round-wise.

Waiting List

The waiting list includes candidates who are not selected in the first round but still have a strong chance of getting a seat. Their admission depends on withdrawals or unconfirmed seats from earlier rounds. 

Candidates on the waiting list must monitor the portal regularly, as updates in AILET 2026 counselling can happen quickly and require immediate action.

Admission Offer List

The admission offer list is an updated version of the provisional admission list released after withdrawals or unconfirmed admissions. It includes new candidates who now become eligible based on rank movement. It ensures fair distribution of seats and is part of the official AILET counselling 2026 rounds.

Final Counselling List

The final counselling list of AILET is released after all primary rounds conclude. It contains the complete list of students who have successfully paid fees and verified their documents. Once this list is published, only spot rounds or special rounds may follow, depending on remaining vacancies at NLU Delhi.

Checkout more important resources related to AILET Exam here:

AILET 2026 Question PaperAILET Eligibility Criteria
AILET Exam PatternAILET Syllabus
Best Books for AILET PreparationAILET Admit Card
Important Topics for AILET ExamAILET Answer Key
AILET RegistrationDifference between CLAT vs AILET

Below is the step-by-step AILET 2026 counselling process:

1. Check Your Result and Eligibility

Once the AILET 2026 result is declared around 21–24 December, candidates must check their rank and verify if they fall within the counselling invite range. 

AILET invites candidates up to three times the total seats in NLU Delhi. This step marks the beginning of the AILET 2026 counselling process and determines eligibility for the next steps.

2. Register Online for Counselling

Candidates must log in to the official NLU Delhi portal and register for the AILET counselling process by entering personal and academic details. Registration is mandatory even if your rank is within the allotment range. Those who skip registration are not considered for any rounds of seat allocation.

3. Pay the AILET Counselling Fee

To secure participation, candidates must pay the counselling fee (₹30,000 for General/OBC/EWS, ₹20,000 for SC/ST/PwD). This fee is adjusted in your admission fees if selected. Failure to pay within the deadline leads to loss of your chance in the upcoming rounds.

4. Upload Required Documents

Candidates must upload their marksheets, certificates, ID proof, and category documents in the required format. Proper documentation ensures smooth progress in AILET counselling 2026, as verification issues can delay or cancel your seat allotment.

5. Seat Allotment Rounds Begin

Based on rank, category, preferences, and the AILET seat allotment process, NLU Delhi releases the provisional admission lists. Selected candidates must pay the next instalment (₹50,000) to confirm their seat. Others remain on the waiting list until the next round.

6. Final Admission Confirmation

Candidates must complete physical verification at NLU Delhi with original documents. After all rounds, the final list of admitted students is published. Only those who complete reporting and verification are officially enrolled.

Registration for AILET counselling is compulsory for all invited candidates. You must:

  • Log in using your registered credentials
  • Fill in personal details
  • Confirm category and reservation status
  • Upload mandatory documents
  • Pay the counselling participation fee

This registration activates your eligibility for the AILET seat allotment process, ensuring you are considered in every round of lists.

Fee TypeAmountCategory
Counselling Registration Fee₹30,000General/OBC/EWS
Counselling Registration Fee₹20,000SC/ST/PwD
Seat Confirmation Fee₹50,000To be paid by candidates who have been allotted a seat
Refund Deduction (After Last Date)10% of seat holding feeAs per NLU Delhi rules

Important Fee Policy Points:

  • The counselling fee is adjusted in the total admission fee if allotted a seat.
  • If a candidate withdraws within the deadline, the refund is processed without deduction.
  • After the official withdrawal deadline, NLU Delhi deducts 10% of the seat holding fee.
  • Candidates failing to pay on time lose their seat immediately.
  • Refunds are processed only through the mode announced by NLU Delhi.

The AILET seat allotment process is completely merit-based and category-wise.

Allocation depends on the following criteria:

  • AILET Rank: Seats are allotted strictly based on the candidate’s merit position.
  • Category Reservation: Each category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD, KM, J&K) has a separate rank list.
  • Document Verification: If the uploaded documents do not match the candidate’s claim, allotment is cancelled.
  • Payment of Fees: Candidates must pay the required admission fee within the timeline to secure the seat.
  • Seat Vacancies After Each Round: If seats remain unfilled, the waiting list is activated for the next round.

This system ensures fairness, transparency, and smooth functioning of the AILET counselling 2026 process.

BA LLB Seats

These are the NLU Delhi seats available for BA LLB through AILET counselling 2026:

CategoryTotal SeatsHorizontal Reservation for PwDSeats After PwD Reservation
General50347
Other Backward Classes (OBC–NCL)24123
Scheduled Castes (SC)17116
Scheduled Tribes (ST)808
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)11110
Subtotal (Indian Nationals)1106104
Foreign Nationals (5) + OCI/PIO (5)10
Total (All Categories)120

LLM Seats

Below is the official NLU Delhi seat matrix for LLM:

CategoryTotal SeatsHorizontal Reservation for PwDSeats After PwD Reservation
General32230
Other Backward Classes (OBC–NCL)15114
Scheduled Castes (SC)11110
Scheduled Tribes (ST)505
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)707
Subtotal (Indian Nationals)70466
Kashmiri Migrant1
Foreign Nationals + OCI/PIO10
Total (All Categories)81

Explore everything you need to know about NLU Delhi here:

NLU Delhi Admission ProcessNLU Delhi 3-Year LLB
NLU Delhi RankingNLU Delhi Placement
DocumentRequirement
AILET 2026 Admit CardMandatory
AILET 2026 ScorecardMandatory
10th Marksheet / CertificateDate of Birth proof
12th MarksheetRequired for BA LLB admission
LL.B. Degree (For LLM)Mandatory for PG
Transfer CertificateFrom last school/college
Migration CertificateRequired at final admission
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)Must match AILET application data
PwD CertificateIf applicable
Photo ID ProofAadhaar / PAN / Passport
Passport-Sized PhotographsRecent photos
Undertaking (If 12th result pending)As per NLU Delhi format

Merit List (Rank List)

The merit list is the complete ranking of all candidates based on AILET scores. It shows AIR, marks, and category rank. However, being high on the merit list does not automatically guarantee admission unless the candidate completes counselling steps.

Counselling List (Admission List)

The counselling list is released round-wise and contains names of candidates who are offered seats. It depends on rank, category, document accuracy, and fee payment.

Important Note on Toppers Opting Out

Every year, several AILET toppers also perform well in CLAT and get admission offers from top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NUJS Kolkata, etc. 

Many choose these institutions, which leads to seat movement and fresh opportunities for candidates lower in rank. Because of this, closing ranks shift significantly across the counselling rounds.

  • Pay the required admission confirmation fee within the deadline.
  • Upload all documents in the required format; mismatched certificates may lead to cancellation.
  • Keep checking the official NLU Delhi website and your email daily.
  • Attend physical verification on the assigned date.
  • Keep multiple copies of your marksheets and certificates.
  • Ensure category certificates are valid and updated as per NLU Delhi rules.
  • Recheck name, DOB, and category details to avoid last-minute issues.
  • Candidates can withdraw their admission within the deadline announced by NLU Delhi.
  • Withdrawals before the final deadline get a full refund (after necessary administrative processing).
  • Withdrawals after the last date result in a deduction of 10% of the seat holding fee, as per university policy.
  • Refunds are initiated only through the official NLU Delhi portal and may take time to process.
  • If a candidate fails to complete verification or misses deadlines, the fee may be forfeited as per the withdrawal policy.
  • Missing fee payment deadlines, leading to automatic seat cancellation.
  • Uploading incorrect or blurred documents, causing verification delays.
  • Not checking email/SMS notifications daily, resulting in missed updates.
  • Providing mismatched category certificates, risking seat loss.
  • Assuming seat will remain reserved without payment, which is never the case.

Check the NLU Delhi fees:

For BA LLB

Fee HeadAmount (INR)
Admission Fee (One Time)₹10,000
Tuition Fee (Per Annum)₹1,56,000
Academic Services & Facilities₹43,000
Student Welfare Fund₹7,000
Utility Services₹20,000
Refundable Estate Deposit (One Time)₹25,000
Hostel Charges (Per Annum)₹89,000
Mess Charges (Per Annum)₹45,000
Total (First Year)₹3,95,000

For LLM

Fee HeadAmount (INR)
Admission Fee (One Time)₹10,000
Tuition Fee (Per Annum)₹1,56,000
Academic Services & Facilities₹43,000
Student Welfare Fund₹7,000
Utility Services₹20,000
Refundable Estate Deposit (One Time)₹25,000
Total (Per Year)₹2,61,000

Note: Hostel accommodation is not provided for LL.M. students due to limited availability.

Find the expected AILET cut-off 2026 below, showing opening and closing ranks:

CategoryFor UGFor PG
General60–6550–60
OBC480–540180–230
EWS260–310170–220
SC1350–1550450–520
ST2500–3000700–850
PwDAs per categoryAs per category

Resources for AILET Preparation:

AILET Mock TestsOnline AILET Coaching
AILET Previous Year Question PaperAILET Current Affairs
AILET Study Material
ComponentDetails
Total Seats (LL.M.)81 seats
Horizontal PwD Reservation5% across all categories
Supernumerary SeatsKashmiri Migrants (2), OCI/PIO (5), Foreign Nationals (4)
Who Gets Counselling Invite?Approximately three times the number of seats in each category (rank-based)
Mode of CounsellingEntirely online (registration, fee payment, document upload) 
Counselling Registration FeeGeneral/OBC/EWS: ₹3,000; SC/ST/PwD: ₹2,000
Seat Confirmation Fee₹50,000 to be paid after each provisional list
Rounds of PG Counselling4 Rounds + Final Reporting
Refund After WithdrawalCounselling fee refunded only to candidates who registered but did not secure a seat
Refund Deduction After Last Date10% of seat confirmation fee deducted for late withdrawals
Document Requirements10th & 12th mark sheets, LL.B. degree, category certificates (issued after April 2024), character certificate 
Important Certificate RuleOBC-NCL certificate must be issued by Govt. authorities on or after April 1, 2024; EWS also after April 1, 2024
Fee Payment RulesLate fee payments strictly not accepted; payment must show “Successful” status 
Hostel AvailabilityNo hostel facility for LLM (non-residential program)
Final Admission RequirementPhysical verification + submission of original documents upon reporting
First Year Fee (LL.M.)₹2,52,000 (Tuition: 1,47,000; Facilities: 43,000; Welfare Fund: 7,000; Utility Services: 20,000; Estate Deposit: 25,000)
Undertaking Format (If LL.B. result pending)Candidates must submit LL.B. marks by June 1, 2025 or seat will be cancelled
When will AILET Counselling 2026 begin?

AILET counselling 2026 is expected to start around 22 December 2025, a few days after the results. The process begins with counselling invites and registration.

How will I know if I am invited for counselling?

NLU Delhi will publish a counselling invite notification on its website, and candidates will also receive emails or SMS alerts. Only those within the rank range (up to 3× of seats) are invited.

How many candidates are invited for AILET counselling?

NLU Delhi invites approximately three times the number of seats in each category, separately for BA LLB and LLM, based on AIR and category rank.

Is AILET counselling conducted online or offline?

The entire counselling registration process-fee payment, document upload, and list updates-is online. Final document verification happens offline at NLU Delhi.

Is the counselling fee refundable?

Yes, but only for candidates who registered but were not allotted a seat. Once you secure a seat and then withdraw, refund rules apply.

How many counselling rounds are conducted?

Typically four rounds, followed by a spot round if seats remain vacant.

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