Consortium of NLUs is updating counselling guidelines and seat allotment schedules for candidates who qualified in CLAT 2026

Stay updated with the latest CLAT 2026 counselling guidelines and seat allotment schedules released by the Consortium of NLUs. This guide covers the mandatory registration process, key deadlines for five allotment rounds, and essential document requirements for law aspirants. Learn how to navigate the Freeze, Float, and Exit options effectively. Ensure your admission to top National Law Universities by following the official timeline and fee structure. Monitor the official portal for real-time updates on seat matrix and eligibility.

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially initiated the centralized admissions process for CLAT 2026. Following the declaration of results on December 16, 2025, the registration window for counselling is now open for all qualified undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) candidates. Aspirants must strictly adhere to the updated guidelines to secure their seats in the prestigious 25 participating NLUs. Participation in the counselling process is mandatory for all candidates seeking admission for the 2026-27 academic session.

Mandatory Registration and Preference Filling

The first step toward securing an NLU seat is the successful completion of the online registration. The Consortium has emphasized that only candidates who receive an official invitation based on their rank are eligible to register.

• Registration Window: The portal remains open from December 17, 2025, until 10:00 PM on December 27, 2025.
• Counselling Fee: General category candidates must pay ₹30,000, while SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates are required to pay ₹20,000.
• NLU Preferences: UG aspirants must submit at least 15 NLU preferences, while PG candidates must provide a minimum of 5 choices.
• Finality of Choices: Once the December 27 deadline passes, preferences are locked and cannot be altered in subsequent rounds.

Comprehensive CLAT 2026 Allotment Schedule

The seat allotment process will be conducted in five distinct rounds. Candidates must monitor the specific dates for each allotment to ensure they do not forfeit their provisional admission.

Navigating Seat Acceptance: Freeze, Float, and Exit

Upon allotment, candidates are presented with three critical choices. Understanding these options is vital for strategic movement across the merit lists.

• Freeze Option: Choose this if you are satisfied with the allotted NLU; this secures your seat and ends your participation in further rounds.
• Float Option: This allows you to hold your current seat while remaining eligible for an upgrade to a higher-preference NLU in the next round.
• Exit Option: If you no longer wish to participate in the admissions process, selecting "Exit" results in the forfeiture of the current seat and any claims to future rounds.
• Confirmation Fee: A non-refundable confirmation fee of ₹20,000 is mandatory for those choosing Freeze or Float to maintain their spot in the system.

Conclusion

The CLAT 2026 counselling phase is a high-stakes period requiring precision and timely action. With five rounds of allotment scheduled through May 2026, aspirants must stay organized and keep all digital documentation ready for verification. Any delay in fee payment or document submission will lead to automatic disqualification. Aspirants are strongly advised to log in to the official Consortium portal immediately to complete their registration and verify their NLU preference list.

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