CLAT 2026 counselling has officially begun, and this process will decide admissions to all participating NLUs for both UG and PG programmes. CLAT counselling registration is open from 17 December 2025 (6:00 PM) to 27 December 2025 (10:00 PM).
To participate, eligible candidates must register on the CLAT portal, fill NLU preference list, and pay the counselling fee. The counselling will be conducted in five rounds, starting with the first allotment list on 7 January 2026 and concluding with the final round in May 2026.
Candidates must choose between Freeze, Float, or Exit options in each round and pay confirmation fees within strict deadlines. Missing any step or deadline in CLAT counselling 2026 can result in seat cancellation or removal from the counselling process.
Upcoming CLAT Exams:
CLAT 2026 Counselling: Key Highlights
These are most important things to know about CLAT counselling 2026:
| Key Detail | What You Need to Know |
| Counselling registration window | 17 Dec 2025 (6:00 PM) to 27 Dec 2025 (10:00 PM) |
| Where to register | Only on the CLAT candidate portal (login required) |
| Total counselling rounds | 5 rounds |
| Start of seat allotment | 1st allotment list: 7 Jan 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Preference filling | Mandatory during registration |
| Minimum preferences | – UG: minimum 15 – PG: minimum 5 |
| Preference change rule | You can update many times till the deadline; after that, no changes |
| Counselling registration fee | – General: ₹30,000 – Reserved categories: ₹20,000 |
| Payment mode | Online only through CLAT portal |
| Freeze/Float/Exit options | Must be selected within each round deadlines |
| Confirmation fee | Required for Freeze/Float within the round timelines (amount not mentioned in this notification) |
| University fee payment deadlines | – Freeze in R1–R3: by 24 Apr 2026 (5:00 PM) – Freeze in R4–R5: by 30 May 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Refund rules | Refund depends on seat allotment + your option choices (full/partial/none) |
CLAT 2026 Counselling Dates
Find all the important dates for CLAT counselling 2026:
| Event | Date & Time |
| CLAT 2026 counselling start date | 17 Dec 2025, 6:00 PM |
| CLAT 2026 counselling last date | 27 Dec 2025, 10:00 PM |
| CLAT 2026 1st allotment list date | 7 Jan 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Confirmation fee window (Round 1) | 7 Jan 2026, 10:00 AM to 15 Jan 2026, 1:00 PM |
| CLAT 2026 2nd allotment list date | 22 Jan 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Confirmation fee window (Round 2) | 22 Jan 2026, 10:00 AM to 29 Jan 2026, 1:00 PM |
| CLAT 2026 3rd allotment list date | 5 Feb 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Confirmation fee window (Round 3) | 5 Feb 2026, 10:00 AM to 12 Feb 2026, 1:00 PM |
| University fee deadline for Freeze in R1–R3 | 24 Apr 2026, by 5:00 PM |
| CLAT 2026 4th allotment list date | 2 May 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Confirmation fee window (Round 4) | 2 May 2026, 10:00 AM to 8 May 2026, 1:00 PM |
| CLAT 2026 5th allotment list date (Final) | 15 May 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Confirmation fee window (Round 5 Final) | 15 May 2026, 10:00 AM to 20 May 2026, 1:00 PM |
| University fee deadline for Freeze in R4–R5 | 30 May 2026, by 5:00 PM |
These timelines are strict. Registration + payment must be completed within the window, and every allotment round has its own action deadline. Missing a round deadline can remove you from the process.
What is CLAT Counselling?
CLAT counselling is the official seat allotment process through which NLUs offer UG and PG admissions based on your CLAT rank and your preference list. You register on the CLAT portal, fill your NLU preferences, and pay the counselling fee.
After that, the Consortium publishes allotment lists in multiple rounds. If you get a seat, you must choose an option like Freeze or Float within the deadline and complete the required payments.
Seat allotment is provisional and the final admission depends on document verification by the NLU. In short: counselling is where your rank becomes your actual seat.
How Many Students Are Invited for CLAT Counselling?
Generally, the Consortium invites around five times the total available NLU seats for CLAT counselling. For example, if NLUs collectively offer about 4,000 UG seats, nearly 16,000 candidates receive the invitation. This ensures smooth seat allocation across all rounds, accounting for withdrawals, category shifts, and floating choices.
CLAT Counselling Fees
The CLAT counselling fees for General category students is ₹30,000, and for other categories is ₹20,000.
| Category | CLAT Counselling Fee |
| General | ₹30,000 |
| OBC / SC / ST / EWS / PwD | ₹20,000 |
Before you start the CLAT 2026 counselling registration, you must pay a one-time counselling fee to the Consortium. This amount is used to block your seat temporarily and is later adjusted or refunded as per the official refund rules.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Process
Below is how the CLAT 2026 counselling process works:
Step 1: Check Your Invitation on Portal (Every Round)
You will be invited as per rank list and the admissions matrix. You can receive email, SMS, and a portal notification, but the safest method is logging in and checking your dashboard during each round.
Step 2: Login and Start Counselling Registration
Once invited, login to your CLAT account and begin the counselling registration process. Registration is only valid after completing preferences and the fee payment within the counselling registration timeline.
Step 3: Update NLU Preferences Carefully
Click “Update NLU Preferences” and arrange NLUs in your true priority order. You must give at least 15 preferences for UG and 5 for PG. You will be considered only for the NLUs you list.
Step 4: Recheck Programme + Seat Matrix Before Finalising
Before locking your order, review NLU programmes and seat matrix details. A strong preference list reduces the chance of missing a seat due to too few preferences or poor ordering.
Step 5: Pay the Counselling Registration Fee Online
Pay ₹30,000 (General) or ₹20,000 (reserved categories) through the portal. Wait for the “Payment Successful” message. Registration is incomplete without successful payment confirmation.
Step 6: Track Allotment Lists and Deadlines
After registration, monitor each allotment list release date. If you are allotted a seat, you must act within the round deadline. If you do nothing within the time window, you can be treated as “Not Interested”.
Step 7: Choose Freeze / Float / Exit on Time
If allotted a seat, choose one option within the round. Freeze means you accept and stop participating further. Float means you keep the seat but try for a higher preference (only up to Round 4). Exit means leaving counselling.
Step 8: Pay Confirmation Fee (When Required)
For Freeze or Float, you must pay the confirmation fee within the specified round window. This fee is adjusted against the NLU fee later, and it is not refunded if you exit or fail admission requirements.
Step 9: Upload Documents and Complete NLU Verification
Keep scanned documents ready and upload as required. Your allotted NLU will verify details. Any discrepancy can lead to cancellation, so documents must match your application and category claims.
Step 10: Pay Remaining University Fees to the NLU
After adjusting counselling registration fee and confirmation fee, pay the remaining university fee to the allotted NLU by the deadline. Missing the university fee deadline can lead to seat cancellation and forfeiture of confirmation fee.
CLAT 2026 Counselling: Seat Allotment Process
Below is the CLAT allotment list process:
1. Seats Are Allotted Strictly on Rank + Category Merit
The system starts by arranging all candidates according to their CLAT 2026 All India Rank within their respective categories (General, SC, ST, EWS, PwD, etc.). Higher ranks are processed first, ensuring merit is always the primary factor in seat allocation.
2. Your NLU Preference List Directly Decides Your Seat
Once your turn comes, the system checks your preference order from top to bottom. If a seat is available in your first preferred NLU under your category, it is allotted automatically. If not, it moves to the next preference until a seat is found. This is why preference order is crucial.
3. Reservation, Domicile, and Seat Availability Influence Allotment
Allotment also depends on the number of seats available in each category, along with reservation rules, NLU-specific domicile quotas, and supernumerary seats. This is why a student with a lower rank in a reserved category may get a seat where a higher-ranked General category student may not.
4. Vacant Seats Are Reallocated in Later Rounds
When candidates choose Exit, fail to pay fees, or upgrade through the Float option, seats become vacant. These are re-offered in the next round.
Floating candidates keep their existing seat while being considered for a better preference, making the movement dynamic across all five rounds.
Freeze, Float, Exit in CLAT Counselling
Know the meaning of freeze, float, and exit in CLAT counselling process:
1. Freeze Option
Choosing Freeze means you are fully satisfied with the NLU allotted to you in that round and want to secure it permanently. You will no longer be considered for upgradation in later rounds.
After freezing, you must upload documents and pay the confirmation fee on time. This option is ideal when the allotted NLU matches your goals, rank expectations, and preference.
Example:
If you are allotted NLIU Bhopal in Round 1 and it is your top choice, selecting Freeze ensures you keep this seat and skip the remaining rounds.
2. Float Option
Choosing Float means you are accepting your current seat for safety, but still want to be considered for a higher-preference NLU in upcoming rounds. Floating does not cancel your existing seat; it simply keeps the possibility of upgradation open.
This option is ideal when you want a better NLU but do not want to risk losing the current one.
Example:
If you are allotted HNLU Raipur in Round 1 but your higher preference included NLU Jodhpur, choosing Float keeps the HNLU seat safe while allowing movement toward NLUJ in later rounds.
3. Exit Option
Choosing Exit means you are withdrawing completely from the CLAT 2026 counselling process. You will not be considered for any further allotment in any round.
This option is used only when you no longer want admission through CLAT or have secured admission elsewhere.
Example:
If you decide to join a non-NLU law college or drop another year for CLAT 2027, selecting Exit removes you from the entire counselling cycle.
More important resources for CLAT exam:
Rounds in CLAT Counselling 2026
There are 5 rounds in CLAT counselling 2026:
Round 1 (1st Allotment List) — 7 Jan 2026, 10:00 AM
This is the first seat allotment list of CLAT 2026 based on rank and preferences. If you get a seat, you must choose Freeze or Float and complete the confirmation fee and admission steps within 7 Jan (10 AM) to 15 Jan (1 PM).
Round 2 (2nd Allotment List) — 22 Jan 2026, 10:00 AM
Seats in the CLAT 2026 2nd allotment list are reallocated after Round 1 actions. Upgradation can happen if you floated and higher preference seats open. Required actions must be completed within 22 Jan (10 AM) to 29 Jan (1 PM).
Round 3 (3rd Allotment List) — 5 Feb 2026, 10:00 AM
The 3rd allotment list of CLAT 2026 continues allotment and upgradation. Candidates still floating can move to a higher preference if available. Complete confirmation fee and admission steps within 5 Feb (10 AM) to 12 Feb (1 PM).
Round 4 (4th Allotment List) — 2 May 2026, 10:00 AM
The 4th allotment list of CLAT 2026 is released in May to fill seats that remain vacant after earlier university fee deadlines. You can still use Float here, but actions must be completed within 2 May (10 AM) to 8 May (1 PM).
Round 5 (Final Allotment List) — 15 May 2026, 10:00 AM
This is the final centralised allotment round. Float is not allowed in Round 5. You must choose Freeze or Exit and complete the process within 15 May (10 AM) to 20 May (1 PM).
CLAT 2026 Counselling Refund
The CLAT counselling fee (₹30,000 for General, ₹20,000 for reserved categories) is refundable depending on your choices and withdrawal stage. Usually, refunds are processed within 2 months after counselling ends.
However, students have repeatedly reported delays-some had to follow up multiple times with the Consortium, and refunds took 6–12 months in previous years.
When You Get a Full Refund
You get a full refund of the counselling registration fee if you are not allotted any seat even after Round 5, or if you exit without choosing Freeze/Float. Refunds are initiated to the same bank account used for payment, so keep it active during counselling.
When You Don’t Get a Refund
The confirmation fee is not refunded if you exit after choosing Freeze/Float, fail to pay fees to the NLU within deadlines, or are found ineligible during verification. In such cases, your allotted seat is cancelled and the confirmation fee is forfeited.
When You Get a Partial Refund
If you had a seat with Freeze/Float till Round 4 and then exit, refund depends on timing: full refund if exit is before 8 May 2026, 1:00 PM; after that, ₹5,000 is deducted. Also, if an NLU finds you ineligible during document verification, ₹5,000 is deducted from the counselling registration fee refund.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
| CLAT Result 2026 | CLAT Toppers 2026 |
| CLAT Answer Key 2026 | CLAT 2026 Rank Predictor |
| CLAT Cut Off 2026 | CLAT College Predictor 2026 |
| CLAT Marks vs Rank 2026 | CLAT Question Paper 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Objection Form |
Documents Required for CLAT Counselling 2026
| Document Name | Purpose | Notes |
| CLAT 2026 Scorecard | Rank verification | Download from Consortium portal |
| Class 10 Marksheet | Date of birth proof | Mandatory |
| Class 12 Marksheet | Eligibility verification | Must show passing status |
| Transfer Certificate (TC) | School/college exit proof | From last attended institution |
| Migration Certificate | Required by NLUs | Some NLUs insist strictly |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) | Reservation claim | Must follow state/central format |
| EWS Certificate | EWS reservation | Validity for 2025–26 cycle |
| PwD Certificate | Disability quota | Issued by competent medical authority |
| Domicile Certificate | State quota | For domicile reservation NLUs |
| Photo ID Proof | Identity verification | Aadhaar/Passport/Driving Licence |
| Recent Passport Size Photos | Verification | Clear and updated |
| NRI/NRI-Sponsored Documents | For NRI quota | Passport, sponsor letter, etc. |
Checklist for CLAT 2026 Counselling
Below is a quick, practical checklist you must follow before and during registration so you don’t miss anything:
Before Registration
✔ Keep your CLAT login credentials ready
✔ Check your AIR rank, category rank, and scorecard
✔ Read all CLAT counselling instructions on the official portal
✔ List your NLU preferences based on rank, fees, and location
✔ Scan all required documents in the correct format
✔ Keep debit/credit card or UPI ready for counselling fee payment
During Registration
✔ Log in to the Consortium website and complete the profile
✔ Re-check personal details, category, and academic information
✔ Pay the counselling fee (₹30,000 or ₹20,000)
✔ Fill the NLU preference list carefully
✔ Double-check your preferences before locking
✔ Submit the form and download the acknowledgement
After Registration
✔ Track allotment round dates carefully
✔ Decide Freeze/Float/Exit based on your goal
✔ Upload clear scanned copies of all documents
✔ Pay the NLU confirmation/university fee on time
✔ Save every receipt and allotment letter
✔ Follow NLU-specific reporting instructions
Common Mistakes to Avoid During CLAT Counselling 2026
- Selecting NLU preferences randomly without checking rank trends
- Waiting until the last day to register or pay the fee
- Uploading unclear or incorrect documents
- Not understanding Freeze, Float, and Exit options
- Locking the wrong NLU preference order
- Missing seat confirmation deadlines after allotment
- Forgetting to pay the NLU’s university fee on time
- Relying on WhatsApp rumours instead of official instructions
- Assuming lower NLUs will automatically upgrade later
- Ignoring domicile seat rules or category certificate validity
- Not saving receipts, allotment letters, or proof of payment
- Failing to follow up during document verification
- Skipping physical reporting because of confusion about dates
- Believing that a good rank guarantees your top NLU (it depends on category + preference order)
Law Colleges Information Related to CLAT:
| NLSIU Bangalore | NLU Prayagraj |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | NLU Delhi |
| NLU Jodhpur | NLIU Bhopal |
| NUJS Kolkata | IIULER Goa |
| GNLU Gujarat | RMNLU Lucknow |
| NLU Ranchi | MNLU Nagpur |
| NLU Shimla |
FAQs About CLAT Counselling 2026
17 December 2025 from 6:00 PM.
27 December 2025 till 10:00 PM.
Five rounds.
₹30,000.
₹20,000 for SC/ST/OBC/BC/EWS/PwD.
Yes, counselling registration fee refund depends on the refund rules mentioned by the Consortium.
7 January 2026 at 10:00 AM.
No. Requests after the last date are not accepted.
Minimum 15 preferences.
Minimum 5 preferences.
Freeze means you accept the allotted seat and do not participate in further rounds.
Float means you keep your seat but stay eligible for a higher preference seat in next rounds (till Round 4).
No. Round 5 allows only Freeze or Exit.
You can be treated as “Not Interested”, lose the seat, and be removed from counselling.
No. Registration does not guarantee admission.
24 April 2026 by 5:00 PM.
30 May 2026 by 5:00 PM.
Refunds are initiated to the same bank account used for payment; account must remain functional.
Yes, after central counselling closes, NLUs may fill vacant seats as per their norms.
Free CLAT Study Material for You:
| CLAT Previous Year Question Paper | CLAT Sample Papers |
| CLAT Mock Test | Free CLAT Coaching |
| CLAT Current Affairs |
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