CLAT 2026 Qualified Candidates Await Counselling Registration and Choice Filling Dates

The declaration of CLAT 2026 results on December 16 has set the stage for the most crucial phase of the admission cycle. Qualified aspirants are now actively participating in the online counselling process, which serves as the gateway to the prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs). This phase involves meticulous registration, fee payment, and the strategic filling of NLU preferences that will ultimately dictate seat allotment based on merit and category.

CLAT 2026 Counselling Schedule and Registration

The Consortium of NLUs has officially opened the registration window for the 2026 session. Candidates appearing on the "Invite List" must complete their profiles and pay the requisite fees before the portal closes. Timely action is essential, as the first allotment list is scheduled for release in early January.

• Registration Deadline: The window for registration and fee payment closes on December 27, 2025, at 10:00 PM.
• Registration Fees: General category candidates must pay ₹30,000, while SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD candidates pay ₹20,000.
• Allotment Rounds: The Consortium will conduct five rounds of seat allocation, extending from January to May 2026.

NLU Preference Filling and Seat Matrix

Choice filling is a permanent step that requires candidates to rank NLUs in their preferred order. For UG programs, a minimum of 15 preferences is mandatory. The table below outlines the critical dates for the upcoming seat allotment rounds to help aspirants plan their next steps.

• UG Seat Intake: Approximately 4,092 seats are available across 26 participating NLUs for five-year LLB programs.
• PG Seat Intake: Around 1,599 seats are offered for LLM courses based on CLAT PG scores.
• Flexibility: Candidates can edit their preference list multiple times until the December 27 deadline.

Mandatory Documentation and Post-Allotment Steps

Once a seat is allotted, candidates must choose to "Freeze," "Float," or "Exit." Each choice carries specific financial and administrative implications. Keeping verified documents ready ensures a smooth transition during the physical verification stage at the respective NLUs.

• Academic Records: Keep Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, CLAT admit cards, and scorecards accessible.
• Category Certificates: Valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS or Domicile certificates must be in the prescribed government format.
• Admission Options: Selecting "Freeze" confirms your seat, while "Float" allows you to seek a higher-ranked NLU in subsequent rounds.

The admission process is highly competitive, and missing a deadline can lead to the forfeiture of your hard-earned rank. Candidates are strongly advised to monitor the official Consortium portal at consortiumofnlus.ac.in regularly for real-time notifications and to complete their choice filling well before the final hour.