CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration Dates Still Awaited by Qualified Candidates

The CLAT 2026 counselling registration window officially closed on December 27, 2025, leaving thousands of law aspirants awaiting the first allotment list. Candidates who successfully registered and paid the fees of ₹30,000 or ₹20,000 are now preparing for the next phase of admissions. The Consortium of NLUs will release the first seat allotment result on January 7, 2026. Staying informed about the document verification process and preference locking is essential for securing a seat in top law universities. Discover the complete schedule and mandatory documentation requirements for the upcoming five rounds of counselling.

The journey toward India’s premier National Law Universities (NLUs) reached a pivotal milestone as the registration window for CLAT 2026 counselling officially closed on December 27, 2025. Following the results declared earlier this month, the Consortium of NLUs invited eligible candidates to secure their spot in the centralized admission process. With the registration phase now behind them, thousands of qualified students are shifting their focus toward the first merit list, which will dictate the academic future of high-ranking law aspirants across the country.

Understanding the CLAT 2026 Counselling Roadmap

The admission cycle is designed as a sequential five-round process to ensure that every seat across the 24 participating NLUs is filled based on merit-cum-preference. While the registration portal is now inactive for new entries, the schedule ahead is packed with critical deadlines that require absolute precision from candidates.

• First Allotment Publication: The highly anticipated first seat allotment list is scheduled for release on January 7, 2026.
• Confirmation Fee Window: Candidates allotted seats in Round 1 must pay a non-refundable confirmation fee between January 7 and January 15, 2026.
• Sequential Rounds: The second and third allotment lists are expected on January 22 and February 5, 2026, respectively.
• Final Rounds: The fourth and fifth rounds will take place in May 2026 to finalize the batch for the 2026–27 academic session.

Key Instructions for Registered Candidates

Successfully registering is only the first step. Aspirants must now understand the "Freeze, Float, and Exit" mechanism, which governs how they interact with their allotted seats. Making a wrong choice at this stage can result in the forfeiture of a hard-earned seat or exclusion from further rounds.

• Freeze Option: Select this if you are satisfied with the allotted NLU and do not wish to participate in further rounds of seat upgrades.
• Float Option: Use this to accept the current seat while remaining eligible for a higher-preference NLU in subsequent allotment lists.
• Mandatory Fee: Every candidate who chooses "Freeze" or "Float" must pay the confirmation fee to stay in the process.
• Document Readiness: Ensure that all certificates, including Class 10/12 marks cards and category/domicile certificates, are digitized and ready for NLU verification.

Mandatory Documentation for Admission

Once a seat is secured, the respective NLU will conduct a thorough verification of the candidate’s credentials. Any discrepancy between the application data and the original documents can lead to immediate disqualification.

• Identity Proof: A valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhar Card, Passport, or Voter ID).
• Academic Records: Original mark sheets for Class 10 and Class 12; for PG candidates, the LL.B. degree or equivalent marks statements.
• Special Category Proof: Valid SC/ST/OBC or EWS certificates, along with Domicile or PwD certificates if applicable.
• Entrance Essentials: The CLAT 2026 Admit Card and official Scorecard downloaded from the Consortium website.

In conclusion, the post-registration phase is as competitive as the entrance exam itself. As the first allotment nears, candidates should maintain a vigilant watch on the official portal to ensure no notification goes unnoticed. It is highly recommended that you verify your login credentials today and keep your payment receipts handy to avoid any last-minute technical hurdles.

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