CLAT 2026 Qualified Candidates Enter New Year Awaiting Counselling Registration Dates

As 2025 draws to a close, CLAT 2026 qualifiers have successfully completed their registration. Discover the upcoming first merit list release date and the next steps for seat allotment. This guide covers the essential January 2026 schedule for UG and PG law aspirants. Stay informed on document verification and NLU admission procedures for the upcoming academic session.

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2025, thousands of law aspirants across India are transitioning into a pivotal year for their legal careers. Following the declaration of results on December 16, 2025, qualified candidates have just concluded the intensive online counselling registration period. With the registration window having officially shut on December 27, the focus now shifts from rank-checking to seat-securing. The first week of 2026 is set to be a landmark period as the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) prepares to unveil the initial provisional allotment list, marking the beginning of the end of a rigorous journey.

Upcoming Counselling Milestones and Deadlines

The transition into January brings a structured timeline that every registered candidate must follow to ensure their seat is not forfeited. The automation of the process means deadlines are absolute, and aspirants must stay vigilant.

• First Allotment List: The Consortium will release the first provisional seat allotment results on January 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
• Confirmation Window: Candidates allotted seats in the first round must pay the confirmation fee between January 7 and January 15, 2026.
• Subsequent Rounds: A second allotment list is scheduled for January 22, 2026, followed by a third list on February 5, 2026.
• Final Rounds: The fourth and fifth rounds will take place in May 2026 to fill any remaining vacancies across the 24 participating NLUs.

CLAT 2026 Key Dates and Events

Essential Actions: Freeze, Float, and Exit

Upon receiving an allotment, candidates face three critical choices that determine their trajectory in the admission process. Understanding these options is vital for strategic seat management.

• Freeze Option: If a candidate is satisfied with the allotted NLU, they select 'Freeze' to secure the seat and withdraw from further rounds.
• Float Option: This allows candidates to accept the current seat while remaining eligible for an upgrade to an NLU higher on their preference list.
• Exit Option: If a candidate no longer wishes to participate in the CLAT 2026 admission cycle, they can exit, but this results in the forfeiture of the current seat.

Document Readiness and Verification Requirements

While the process is online, the verification of credentials remains a cornerstone of the admission cycle. Aspirants should utilize the first week of January to organize their digital and physical folders.

• Academic Proofs: Ensure clear copies of Class 10 and 12 marksheets, along with graduation certificates for PG candidates.
• Entrance Essentials: Keep the CLAT 2026 scorecard and admit card accessible for portal uploads.
• Identity & Category: Valid Aadhaar or Passport copies, and category/domicile certificates (if applicable), must be ready for NLU-specific verification.

Conclusion

Entering 2026 represents a fresh chapter for law school hopefuls. While the waiting period can be anxious, staying organized and adhering to the Consortium's schedule will pave the way for a smooth admission. Candidates are strongly advised to regularly monitor the official portal at consortiumofnlus.ac.in to track their allotment status and download their offer letters as soon as they are issued.