CLAT Round-3 Confirmation Fee Window Opens for Freeze and Float Options

The Consortium of NLUs has officially opened the payment gateway for the CLAT 2026 third allotment confirmation fee today, February 5. Candidates selecting Freeze or Float options must submit the ₹20,000 fee by February 12 to validate their provisional admission. Detailed instructions on seat retention, document verification, and withdrawal policies are now available on the official portal for all law aspirants.

Following the release of the third merit list today, February 5, 2026, the Consortium of National Law Universities has activated the payment portal for the mandatory seat confirmation fee. This financial milestone is essential for candidates who have been allotted a seat for the first time or those who have successfully secured an upgrade in this round. To maintain their provisional admission status, students must navigate the portal and select their preferred course of action before the upcoming deadline. This stage of the counselling process is designed to solidify the seat matrix before the system enters a brief hiatus ahead of the final rounds in May.

Understanding the Confirmation Fee and Seat Options

The payment of the seat confirmation fee is a non-refundable transaction required from all candidates who choose to either 'Freeze' or 'Float' their current allotment. According to the official counselling instructions, this step ensures that the seat is reserved within the national law university system.

• Fee Amount: Every candidate must pay a sum of ₹20,000 through the online portal to validate their selection.
• Freeze Choice: This option is for those entirely satisfied with their current NLU; once selected, the candidate is removed from further upgrade considerations.
• Float Choice: This allows candidates to hold their current seat while remaining eligible for a higher-preference university in the fourth round.
• Consequences of Inaction: Failure to complete the payment by the deadline will result in the automatic cancellation of the seat, and the candidate will be forced to withdraw from the remainder of the process.

Important Deadlines and Financial Protocols

The Consortium has established a strict timeline to ensure the administrative side of the 2026 admission cycle remains on track. Candidates are urged to review the updated schedule on Shiksha to avoid missing critical windows.

• Payment Window: The gateway remains open from 10:00 AM today until 1:00 PM on February 12, 2026.
• Fee Adjustment: The ₹20,000 confirmation fee, along with the initial registration fees, will be deducted from the final tuition balance payable to the respective NLU in April.
• Document Verification: Alongside the fee, candidates must ensure all digital copies of their 10th and 12th marksheet are uploaded for university review.
• University Fee Deadline: For all 'Freeze' candidates from Rounds 1 to 3, the final university fee payment must be cleared by April 24, 2026.

Refund Rules and the Withdrawal Process

For students who decide to pursue other opportunities, understanding how to formally withdraw is vital to protect their initial investment. The refund policy as explained by Careers360 details the specific conditions under which registration fees are returned.

Conclusion

The activation of the third round payment link marks a decisive moment for candidates to either lock in their current law school or take a calculated risk on a future upgrade. While the immediate focus is on the February 12 deadline, students must also keep the April document verification and final fee deadlines in mind. The Consortium has reiterated that technical issues on the final day will not be considered a valid reason for missing the payment window. Therefore, aspirants are advised to finalize their admission choices early to ensure a seamless transition into their professional legal education.