Law Admissions 2026 Begin with CLAT Counselling and NLSAT Applications in Focus

Start your 2026 legal career with our comprehensive guide to Law Admissions. We cover the crucial CLAT 2026 counselling schedule, including the first allotment list on January 7, and essential NLSAT application deadlines. Stay ahead with detailed eligibility criteria, fee structures, and the step-by-step NLU seat allotment process. This article is your one-stop resource for navigating the competitive landscape of India's premier national law universities this year.

The dawn of 2026 marks a pivotal moment for thousands of legal aspirants across India. As the New Year begins, the focus shifts from high-stakes entrance exams to the intricate processes of seat allotment and new application cycles. The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially transitioned into the counselling phase for CLAT 2026, while the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is actively accepting registrations for its prestigious three-year LLB program via NLSAT.

CLAT 2026 Counselling and Seat Allotment Schedule

The centralized admission process for 25 participating NLUs is currently the top priority for UG and PG candidates. Following the results declared in December 2025, the journey to secure a seat now depends on merit-cum-preference.

• First Allotment List: Candidates should prepare for the first seat allotment list scheduled for release on January 7, 2026.
• Response Options: Upon allotment, students must choose between 'Freeze' to secure the seat, 'Float' to aim for a higher preference, or 'Exit' to withdraw.
• Fee Requirements: Secure your spot by paying the confirmation fee within the specified window for each round; failure to do so results in forfeiture of the seat.
• Subsequent Rounds: The counselling will span five rounds, stretching through May 2026 to ensure all vacant seats are filled.

NLSAT 2026: Applications for 3-Year LLB Open

For graduates from any discipline looking to pivot into law, the NLSAT 2026 remains the primary gateway to NLSIU Bengaluru. Unlike the 12th-grade entry model, this process targets mature learners and career switchers.

• Application Window: The portal is currently open and will remain active until March 23, 2026.
• Eligibility Standards: General category applicants require a minimum of 45% in their bachelor's degree, while SC/ST/OBC-NCL and PwD candidates need 40%.
• Exam Structure: Prepare for a two-part offline paper on April 26, 2026, featuring an objective Part A and a subjective Part B testing legal reasoning and writing.

Document Readiness and Eligibility Verification

Success in law admissions is as much about bureaucracy as it is about brains. Aspirants must ensure their digital and physical folders are ready for upcoming verification rounds.

• Category Certificates: Ensure OBC-NCL or EWS certificates are updated as per the latest financial year requirements.
• Final Year Students: If you are currently in your final semester, maintain your aggregate scores to meet the contingency requirements for the final offer.
• Preference Locking: Remember that NLU preferences locked during the CLAT registration cannot be changed in subsequent rounds.

In conclusion, the first quarter of 2026 is a test of patience and precision for law students. Whether you are tracking the January 7th allotment or drafting your NLSAT application, staying informed is your greatest advantage. We recommend that all candidates consistently monitor the official Consortium and NLSIU portals for real-time notifications to ensure no deadline is missed.

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