CLAT 2026 Qualified Candidates Continue Waiting for Counselling Registration Schedule

With the CLAT 2026 counselling registration window officially closed, thousands of law aspirants are now awaiting the first merit list. The Consortium of NLUs is set to release the initial seat allotment results in early January. This article covers the upcoming admission schedule, essential document requirements, and what candidates should do while waiting. Stay updated on NLU seat allotment and the next steps for securing your admission.

The registration for CLAT 2026 counselling officially concluded on December 27, 2025, leaving qualified candidates in a state of anticipation. Following the declaration of results on December 17, the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) provided a ten-day window for candidates to submit their preferences and pay the requisite registration fees.

For the academic year 2026-27, the competition remains fierce, with over 92,000 candidates having appeared for the entrance test. As the portal for new registrations has now closed, the focus shifts to the processing of the first provisional merit list. This list is the gateway for students to secure seats in the 25 participating NLUs across India.

Upcoming Admission Schedule and Important Dates

Aspirants must keep a close watch on the official timeline to ensure they do not miss crucial admission formalities. The seat allotment process is conducted in five sequential rounds. Below is a structured view of the immediate schedule:

CLAT 2026 Counselling Timeline

• Candidates must pay the confirmation fee for "Freeze" or "Float" options within the specified window.
• The first round usually sees the highest cut-offs for top-tier institutions like NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad.
• A total of five rounds will be held, concluding with the final allotment in May 2026.

Essential Documentation and Post-Allotment Steps

Once the first merit list is released on January 7, 2026, allotted candidates will need to act swiftly. The transition from being a "qualified candidate" to an "admitted student" involves rigorous document verification.

• Document Readiness: Ensure you have your CLAT 2026 admit card, scorecard, and Class 10/12 mark sheets ready.
• Category Certificates: Valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS or PwD certificates must be in the prescribed format for reservation claims.
• The Freeze/Float Dilemma: Candidates must decide whether to "Freeze" (lock) their seat or "Float" (opt for a better preference in the next round).

Failure to choose an option or pay the confirmation fee by January 15 will result in the forfeiture of the allotted seat. It is vital to understand that the initial allotment is provisional and subject to successful verification by the respective NLUs.

Conclusion and Next Steps for Aspirants

The current waiting period is a crucial time for aspirants to organize their financial and academic paperwork. While the rush of the exam and registration is over, the administrative phase of the admission process is just beginning. Candidates should utilize this time to research the fee structures and hostel facilities of their preferred NLUs to make an informed decision when the allotment is published.

Aspirants are strongly advised to regularly monitor the official Consortium portal at consortiumofnlus.ac.in and check their registered email for any specific updates regarding seat allotment status.