CLAT 2026 counselling is the final and most crucial stage of your NLU admission process. Once the results are announced around 17 December 2025, you will get only a short window-from 19 to 30 December 2025-to register, pay the fee, and submit your NLU preferences.
In CLAT counselling 2026, you will go through five allotment rounds with options like Freeze, Float, and Exit. You must upload the correct documents, choose preferences carefully, and complete payments on time.
We guide you through every step so you understand exactly how the process works and what you need to do next.
CLAT Counselling 2026: Overview
Find the key highlights of the counselling for CLAT 2026:
| Aspect | Details |
| Who Conducts Counselling | Consortium of NLUs |
| Mode of Counselling | Online via CLAT portal |
| Start Date (Expected) | 19 December 2025 (2 days after results) |
| Last Date to Register | 30 December 2025 |
| Counselling Fee | • ₹30,000 (General/OBC) • ₹20,000 (SC/ST/EWS/PwD) |
| Rounds of Counselling | Five rounds with Freeze, Float, Exit options |
| Seat Allotment Basis | CLAT rank + NLU preference + category + seat availability |
| Documents Required | Class 10 & 12 marksheets, CLAT scorecard, category/domicile certificates, ID proof, etc. |
| Seat Confirmation | After payment of NLU admission fee and document verification |
| Refund Timeline | Counselling fee refund expected within 2 months after completion |
| Who Must Apply | Every candidate who wants a seat in NLUs (UG & PG) |
CLAT Counselling Dates 2026
During the CLAT 2026 counselling process, you will go through multiple steps, from registration to five allotment rounds, so tracking dates is essential.
| Event | Date |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | 7 December 2025 |
| CLAT Result 2026 | ~17 December 2025 |
| CLAT Counselling Registration Start | 19 December 2025 (expected) |
| CLAT Counselling Registration Last Date | 30 December 2025 (expected) |
| 1st Allotment List | 1 January 2026 |
| Confirmation Fee (Round 1) | 1–8 January 2026 |
| 2nd Allotment List | 14 January 2026 |
| Confirmation Fee (Round 2) | 14–20 January 2026 |
| 3rd Allotment List | 28 January 2026 |
| Confirmation Fee (Round 3) | 28 Jan – 4 Feb 2026 |
| Payment of University Fee | 14 May 2026 |
| 4th Allotment List | 20 May 2026 |
| Confirmation Fee (Round 4) | 20–24 May 2026 |
| 5th (Final) Allotment List | 29 May 2026 |
| Confirmation Fee (Round 5) | 29 May – 2 June 2026 |
| Final Payment of University Fee | 10 June 2026 |
| Counselling Refund Date | Within 2 months after counselling ends |
What is CLAT Counselling?
CLAT counselling is the official admission process through which seats in the 26 National Law Universities are allotted to candidates based on their CLAT 2026 rank.
After the results are declared, you must register online, pay the counselling fee, and submit your NLU preference list. The Consortium then releases five allotment lists, where you get options such as Freeze, Float, or Exit depending on your seat.
CLAT counselling ensures a transparent, merit-based seat distribution where your rank, category, and preferences decide your final NLU. Admission is confirmed only after document verification and payment of the university fee.
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 3,000 UG seats, nearly 15,000 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 Counselling Process 2026
This is the CLAT counselling process:
1. Register for CLAT Counselling 2026 on the Consortium Portal
After results, you log in to the official CLAT portal using your registered credentials. You confirm your basic details, read the counselling instructions carefully, and complete the CLAT counselling 2026 registration form within the given dates.
2. Pay the CLAT Counselling Fee Online
Once registration is done, you pay the counselling fee online through the available payment modes. Only after successful payment are you considered eligible for seat allotment in all CLAT counselling 2026 rounds conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
3. Fill and Lock Your NLU Preference Order
Next, you choose the NLUs in your preferred order for UG or PG. You must think carefully about ranking, location, fees, and future plans. After finalising, you lock your preference list; this order directly impacts your seat allotment.
4. Wait for First Seat Allotment List
On the announced date, the Consortium publishes the first allotment list of CLAT 2026. You log in to see which NLU you have been provisionally allotted based on rank, category, and preference. This is your first chance to decide freeze, float, or exit.
5. Choose Freeze, Float, or Exit Option
If you like the allotted NLU, you select Freeze and confirm it. If you want to try for a higher-preference NLU, you choose Float. If you do not wish to continue, you select Exit and leave the counselling process completely.
6. Upload Required Documents
After choosing Freeze or Float, you upload scanned copies of your documents: marksheets, category certificate, domicile certificate, ID proof, and other required files. Clear, legible scans in the correct format ensure smooth verification by the allotted NLU authorities.
7. Pay NLU Admission / Confirmation Fee
You then pay the admission or confirmation fee as instructed by the allotted NLU within the specified window. This payment shows you genuinely want that seat, and it is mandatory to keep your allotment active in the following rounds.
8. Report to Allotted NLU for Final Verification
Finally, you physically report to the allotted NLU on the given dates (or follow their online reporting instructions, if applicable). Officials verify your original documents, confirm eligibility, and complete the admission formalities so your NLU seat becomes fully confirmed.
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 |
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.
Rounds in CLAT Counselling 2026
Round 1 – Initial Allotment
The CLAT first allotment list is expected to be released on 1 January 2026. Candidates get their first provisional NLU based on rank and preference. You must choose Freeze, Float, or Exit and upload documents.
Round 2 – Upgradation & New Allotments
Expected to be released on 14 January 2026, the CLAT 2nd allotment list upgrades floating candidates if seats open up. New candidates who were not allotted earlier may also get seats. Confirmation fee must be paid within the given window.
Round 3 – Final Round Before Long Gap
The third allotment list of CLAT is expected to be released on 28 January 2026, allowing further seat movement. Candidates must again choose Freeze or Float. After this round, the counselling pauses until May due to the academic calendar of NLUs.
Round 4 – Post University-Fee Stage
On 20 May 2026, Round 4 allots seats based on vacancies created after the university-fee payment. Additional upgrades happen for floating candidates.
Round 5 – Final Allotment Round
The last round on 29 May 2026 completes the entire counselling cycle. Seats are finalized, and candidates must pay the remaining university fee to fully confirm admission.
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 |
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
CLAT Counselling Refund – When & How You Get It?
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 Receive Full Refund
- If you withdraw before any seat allotment
- If you never get a seat in all 5 rounds
When You Receive Partial Refund
- If you are allotted a seat but later withdraw
- The Consortium deducts a processing fee
When Refund Is Not Provided
- If you exit after freezing and confirming admission
- If you violate counselling rules or skip required steps
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)
FAQs About CLAT Counselling 2026
CLAT counselling 2026 is expected to begin on 19 December 2025, two days after the result announcement. The exact schedule will be released on the Consortium’s website.
The counselling window is expected to remain open until 30 December 2025. Missing this deadline means you cannot participate in any allotment rounds.
Yes. Candidates who withdraw early or do not get any seat receive a refund. The Consortium usually processes refunds within 2 months, but delays up to 6–12 months have happened in past years.
There are five official allotment rounds for CLAT counselling 2026.
Your allotted seat is cancelled, and you are removed from further rounds.
No. Once locked, preferences cannot be edited for the rest of the counselling process.
Yes. Many NLUs offer domicile quotas for home-state candidates. You must upload a valid state domicile certificate to claim it.
You may still get a seat in Rounds 2–5, depending on vacancies and movement caused by float/exit choices.
Yes. After provisional allotment, NLUs verify original documents during reporting. Any mismatch may lead to cancellation.
Yes, if you choose the Float option and seats open up in higher preferences.
No. Exit is final and irreversible.
You must refer to previous years’ opening and closing ranks for each NLU and compare them with your rank before locking preferences.
Free CLAT Study Material for You:
| CLAT Previous Year Question Paper | CLAT Sample Papers |
| CLAT Topper Interviews | Free CLAT Coaching |
| CLAT Current Affairs | CLAT Mock Test |
Explore CLAT coaching centers across different cities: