CLAT 2026 Allotted Candidates Evaluate Freeze and Float Options

CLAT 2026 candidates are currently evaluating Freeze and Float options following the Round 1 allotment. The deadline for seat confirmation is January 15, 2026.

The national landscape for legal education is focused on the decision-making process of thousands of aspirants who appeared for the Common Law Admission Test. Following the release of the first provisional allotment list on January 7, candidates are now in the critical phase of assessing their assigned seats across various National Law Universities. This period is marked by careful evaluation as students weigh their current status against the potential for higher preferences in upcoming rounds. The Consortium of NLUs has facilitated this by providing distinct operational choices that dictate a candidate's trajectory through the five-round admission cycle.

• The first round results have established the initial cut-offs for premier institutions like NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad.
• Candidates are currently utilizing the four-day window remaining to finalize their choice between locking a seat or seeking an upgrade.
• The portal for these selections is hosted exclusively on the official consortium website, requiring secure candidate login credentials.
• Data suggests a high level of engagement during this round, as the first list often sees the most significant volume of seat allocations.
• Every candidate who has been assigned an NLU must interact with the portal to maintain their status in the overall counselling process.

Technical Comparison of Selection Pathways

The primary focus for students this week involves understanding the technical implications of the three main options: Freeze, Float, and Exit. Each choice carries specific financial and academic consequences that influence how a student will proceed toward the 2026-27 academic session. While some have already secured their top-choice university, others are looking at the statistical probability of moving up the merit list in the second round, which is scheduled for release on January 22.

• The Freeze option is being utilized by those who have achieved their first-preference NLU or are satisfied with their current allocation.
• Choosing the Float option allows a candidate to keep their current seat as a safety net while remaining eligible for a better allocation in later lists.
• Both the Freeze and Float selections are only validated once the non-refundable confirmation fee of ₹20,000 is successfully processed.
• If a candidate finds their current seat unsatisfactory and does not wish to participate further, the Exit option serves as the formal withdrawal method.
• The system does not allow a "slide-back" once a choice is made, meaning a candidate cannot revert to a lower preference after being upgraded.

Financial Deadlines and Procedural Compliance

Adherence to the timeline is the most critical factor for candidates during this evaluation period. The transition from being an "allotted candidate" to a "confirmed student" requires fulfilling both financial and documentary obligations before the mid-January cutoff. The Consortium has clarified that the administrative rounds move strictly according to the calendar, with no provisions for late entries or delayed fee submissions for the first phase.

• The window for exercising these options and paying the confirmation fee closes on January 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
• Digital verification of documents is occurring simultaneously for those who choose to freeze their seats.
• Candidates are monitoring their dashboards for any notifications regarding document discrepancies to ensure their seat status is not compromised.
• The total fee paid at this stage is eventually adjusted against the first-semester university charges at the respective NLU.
• Successive rounds of allotment will depend on the number of vacancies created by candidates who choose the Exit option or fail to pay the fee.

Conclusion

The period between January 7 and January 15 serves as a vital bridge for law aspirants to transition into their professional education. With the first allotment list now active, the responsibility rests on the candidates to carefully evaluate their preferences and complete the necessary portal actions. By choosing between Freeze and Float, students are effectively mapping out their legal career paths for the next five years. The current activity on the official portal reflects the high stakes involved in securing a place within the prestigious NLU network as the first round of 2026 draws to a close.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on law entrance exams and courses, check here: Law Exams List.