CLAT 2026 Round-3 Seat Confirmation Window Continues Until February 12

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has opened the seat confirmation window for CLAT 2026 Round-3 counselling. Candidates who have been allotted seats in the third merit list must exercise their "Freeze" or "Float" options and pay the mandatory confirmation fee by February 12, 2026. This comprehensive report covers the vital steps for seat acceptance, document verification, and the financial requirements necessary to secure admission into India's premier law institutions for the 2026-27 academic session.

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially activated the third round of seat allotment and confirmation for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT 2026). The online portal is currently processing thousands of student requests following the release of the third provisional merit list. This specific phase of the admission cycle is a critical turnstile for law aspirants who have successfully cleared the national entrance exam. Candidates who find their names in the third list are required to take immediate action through the official CLAT 2026 portal to secure their provisional admission. The window for paying the non-refundable seat confirmation fee will remain open until 1:00 PM on February 12, 2026. This period provides a narrow but essential interval for students to evaluate their university placements and commit to their legal education journey. Failure to complete the fee transaction or choose a relevant option before the February 12 deadline will result in the automatic cancellation of the allotted seat, effectively removing the candidate from the current counselling cycle.

Seat Acceptance Options and Protocols

During this third round, candidates are presented with strategic choices that will define their future at the National Law Universities.

• Freeze Option: This selection is for those entirely satisfied with their current NLU allotment. By choosing "Freeze," a candidate locks their seat and exits further upgrade rounds.
• Float Option: This allows a candidate to hold their current seat while remaining eligible for a higher-preference university in the fourth round.
• Exit Option: Candidates who no longer wish to participate in the CLAT 2026 admission process can choose to withdraw entirely.

This strategic turnstile requires careful consideration of the seat matrix and previous cut-off trends. The administrative interval between the third and fourth rounds is brief, making it imperative for students to finalize their preferences without delay.

Financial Requirements and Verification

The seat confirmation process is backed by a strict financial and administrative framework designed to maintain the integrity of the merit list.

Payment must be made online through the candidate dashboard. This ₹20,000 fee serves as a security deposit and will be adjusted against the final tuition balance at the allotted NLU. Furthermore, candidates must upload scanned copies of their 10th and 12th marksheets, CLAT 2026 admit card, and category certificates for verification. Any discrepancy found during this turnstile phase can lead to immediate disqualification. The verification interval allows NLUs to vet the academic credentials of incoming students before the final fee payment deadline in April.

Conclusion

As the February 12 deadline approaches, the pressure on candidates to finalize their CLAT 2026 admission choices continues to mount. This third round represents a significant turnstile in the 2026 admission calendar, transitioning from initial testing to formal university enrollment. Students must utilize this remaining interval to ensure all digital documents are in order and that the confirmation fee is processed well ahead of the 1:00 PM cutoff. With the fourth allotment list not scheduled until May, this February window is the last chance for many to secure a seat in the primary spring admission phase. By adhering to the official guidelines provided by the Consortium, law aspirants can successfully navigate these final administrative hurdles and begin their professional legal training.

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