CLAT 2026 Counselling: Dates, Process, Fee, Rules

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 CLAT 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:

Download Notification PDF

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	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	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	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	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 (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.

Plan your daily preparation with this CLAT Preparation Planner.

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:

CLAT Exam: All details	CLAT Exam Pattern
CLAT Eligibility Criteria	CLAT Age Limit
CLAT Previous Year Papers	CLAT Cut-off
CLAT Marking Scheme	CLAT Exam Date
Best Books for CLAT Preparation	CLAT Syllabus PDF
CLAT Current Affairs	CLAT Study Material
CLAT Mock Tests

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	CLAT Toppers
CLAT Answer Key	CLATRank Predictor
CLAT Cut Off	CLAT College Predictor
CLAT Marks vs Rank	CLAT 2026 Question Paper
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