AILET 2026 Counselling: Third Merit List Formalities & May Schedule

National Law University (NLU) Delhi is currently overseeing the post-allotment formalities for the AILET 2026 third merit list, which was officially released on February 4. Shortlisted candidates for the B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. programs must finalize their provisional admission confirmation by February 10, with the balance fee due by April 30. As the February 2026 window progresses, the university is preparing for the Fourth Merit List release in early May to conclude the 2026-27 law admission cycle.

The National Law University (NLU) Delhi has reached a stable mid-point in its centralized counselling cycle for the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) 2026. Following the declaration of the Third Provisional Merit List on February 4, the university has successfully concluded the initial fee deposit window for the selected candidates as of February 10, 2026. Currently, the administrative focus has shifted toward document verification and the reconciliation of remaining vacancies. This screening phase is essential for maintaining the integrity of the 120 B.A.LL.B. and 81 LL.M. seats available for the 2026-27 academic session. The official NLU Delhi portal continues to serve as the exclusive platform for candidates to track their admission status and download the necessary offer letters.

Post-Allotment Formalities and Fee Structure

For candidates successfully placed in the first three rounds, the university has mandated a strict enrollment protocol. While the provisional admission confirmation fee of ₹50,000 has been collected from the third-list candidates, the official NLU Delhi fee notification specifies that the balance university fee must be remitted by April 30, 2026. Failure to comply with this deadline results in the automatic cancellation of the provisional offer. The university has clarified that the initial counselling registration fee (₹30,000 for General; ₹20,000 for reserved categories) will be adjusted against the total payable fee for the first semester, ensuring a streamlined financial transition for the incoming cohort.

• Third Merit List Release: February 4, 2026.
• Provisional Fee Deadline: February 10, 2026 (11:00 AM).
• Refund Process Commencement: March 15, 2026 (for non-allotted registered candidates).
• Balance Fee Payment Deadline: April 30, 2026.
• Fourth Merit List Release: May 5, 2026.

Upcoming Milestones: Fourth List and Spot Rounds

The AILET 2026 counselling schedule includes a significant gap between February and May to allow for the completion of school-level boards and other national entrances. The Fourth Provisional Merit List is officially scheduled for declaration on May 5, 2026. This list will cater to any vacancies arising from candidates who fail to pay the balance fee in April or those who withdraw their seats to join other NLUs. Furthermore, if seats remain unfilled after May 9, the university may conduct a physical "Spot Round" at its Sector-14, Dwarka campus. This phase is particularly critical for candidates on the waiting list who have maintained their eligibility through the centralized screening process.

• Invitee Ratio: Approximately 3 candidates for every available seat.
• Withdrawal Policy: Candidates withdrawing after the specified deadlines forfeit their registration fee.
• Merit Revision: No fresh AILET scores are accepted; the list is strictly based on the December 14, 2025, exam.
• Documentation: Character certificates (not older than 6 months) and Migration certificates are required for final reporting.

Conclusion

As the February 16 milestone marks the end of the third round’s immediate activity, NLU Delhi remains committed to a transparent and merit-driven admission process. The university’s proactive communication via the AILET 2026 login dashboard ensures that all enrollment milestones are met with precision. For candidates who did not secure a seat in the first three rounds, the refund of the counselling fee will be initiated through the original payment source after March 15. The 2026 session is poised for a smooth commencement on July 1, following the finalization of the May allotment rounds. Aspirants are encouraged to maintain their digital credentials and keep their academic portfolios ready for the final verification stage in the coming months.