CLAT 2026: Round-3 Confirmation Fee Window Nears February 12 Closure

The Consortium of National Law Universities has officially activated the Round-3 seat confirmation window for CLAT 2026, following the release of the third merit list on February 5. Allotted candidates must exercise their Freeze or Float options and complete the mandatory ₹20,000 fee payment by February 12, 2026. Failure to comply with this administrative deadline will result in the automatic forfeiture of the seat, marking a decisive turnstile in the centralized admission cycle for the 2026-27 academic session.

The admission Turnstile for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 has entered a high-pressure phase as the Round-3 seat confirmation window nears its conclusion. As of today, February 10, thousands of law aspirants are navigating the Official Consortium Portal to secure their provisional placements in the 24 participating National Law Universities (NLUs). The Consortium has reaffirmed that the deadline for the mandatory fee payment and seat selection is strictly set for 1:00 PM on February 12, 2026. This third round serves as a critical junction for candidates to stabilize their university preferences before the system enters a brief hiatus ahead of the final summer rounds.

Upon logging into the Candidate Dashboard, aspirants must choose one of three distinct pathways. The "Freeze" option is intended for those entirely satisfied with their current NLU allotment, effectively locking the seat and withdrawing from further upgrades. Conversely, the "Float" option allows a candidate to accept the current seat while remaining eligible for a higher-preference university in the fourth round, scheduled for May. According to the CLAT 2026 Counselling Instructions, choosing either option requires the immediate payment of the ₹20,000 confirmation fee, provided it was not paid in previous rounds.

• Freeze: Locks the seat and ends the upgrade process for the candidate.
• Float: Secures the current seat but keeps the door open for a better Turnstile jump in Round 4.
• Exit: Forfeits the allotted seat and removes the candidate from all future 2026 allotment lists.

Mandatory Fees and Document Verification

The administrative Interval between the third and fourth rounds is used by individual NLUs to perform a rigorous audit of candidate credentials. Alongside the fee, students must upload scanned copies of their Class 10 and 12 marksheets, CLAT admit cards, and relevant category certificates. The Official Admission Calendar specifies that while the confirmation fee is handled by the Consortium, the final university balance must be cleared by April 24, 2026, for all "Freeze" candidates. This dual-step Interval ensures that the 2026-27 batch is verified and financially committed well before the academic session commences.

Reconciliation and the Final Seat Matrix

As the current confirmation Interval progresses, the Consortium is also managing a parallel legal Turnstile regarding the UG answer key revision. While the PG merit list remains unaffected, the UG seat matrix may undergo a reconciliation process following recent judicial directives. Aspirants are advised to complete their current formalities based on the February 5 list to maintain their eligibility. Any technical delay on the final day, February 12, will not be considered a valid excuse for missing the payment, making it imperative for students to finalize their transactions at least 48 hours in advance.

Conclusion

The February 12 deadline represents a defining Turnstile for CLAT 2026 aspirants. With the third round being a primary phase for seat stabilization, the current Interval is the last chance for many to secure a spot in the top-tier NLUs before the long wait for the May rounds. By adhering to the strict ₹20,000 fee payment and ensuring the accuracy of their digital documents, candidates successfully bridge the gap between initial testing and formal law school enrollment. As the 2026 admission cycle moves toward the final university fee stage in April, maintaining a proactive stance on the NLU Consortium Website is the only way to ensure a seat in India’s prestigious legal education system.

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