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

The Consortium of National Law Universities has officially activated the Round-3 seat allotment for CLAT 2026.Law aspirants who secured a spot in the third merit list must complete their seat confirmation by February 12, 2026.The process involves a mandatory payment of ₹20,000 for those choosing the 'Freeze' or 'Float' options via the portal. Successful candidates are required to upload their academic documents and category certificates for institutional verification.

The admission cycle for the 2026-27 academic year has entered a decisive phase as the Consortium of NLUs continues the seat confirmation process for the third allotment list. Released on February 5, the Round-3 merit list has opened new opportunities for thousands of law aspirants aiming for the 25 participating National Law Universities. Candidates have been granted a window until February 12, 2026, to finalize their admission choices and secure their provisionally allotted seats in either the undergraduate or postgraduate law programmes.

Strategic Choices: Mastering Freeze, Float, and Exit Options

Upon receiving an allotment in the third round, every candidate is faced with a critical decision-making process. The CLAT 2026 counselling framework provides three distinct pathways: Freeze, Float, and Exit. Selecting the "Freeze" option signifies that the aspirant is satisfied with the current NLU and does not wish to be considered for further upgrades in Rounds 4 or 5. Conversely, the "Float" option allows a candidate to hold their current seat while remaining eligible for a higher-preference NLU in the subsequent rounds scheduled for May 2026.

• Mandatory Fees: Both Freeze and Float selections require a non-refundable seat confirmation fee of ₹20,000, which must be paid before the February 12 deadline (1:00 PM IST).
• Automatic Forfeiture: Inactivity during this window is treated as a lack of interest. Failure to select an option or pay the fee results in the automatic cancellation of the allotted seat.
• Exit Protocol: Aspirants who find the current allotment unsuitable and wish to withdraw from the entire 2026 cycle can choose the "Exit" option, which removes them from all future allotment lists.

Document Verification and Institutional Reporting

The Consortium of National Law Universities has streamlined the digital verification process to ensure authenticity. Alongside the fee payment, candidates must upload clear scanned copies of their 10th and 12th-grade mark sheets, CLAT 2026 admit card, and relevant category or domicile certificates. These documents undergo a preliminary review by the allotted NLU, and any discrepancy found during this stage can lead to the immediate revocation of the admission offer.

Looking Toward the Final Vacancy Rounds

As the Round-3 window progresses, the focus shifts to the remaining seat matrix at top-tier institutions like NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad. Once the February 12 deadline passes, the official website will undergo a reconciliation process to identify vacant spots for the upcoming May rounds. Aspirants are cautioned that the "Float" facility is typically only available until the fourth round, making the current third round a critical junction for those hoping to move up their preference list.

Conclusion

The Round-3 seat confirmation window for CLAT 2026 represents a vital milestone for law aspirants across India. With the February 12 deadline looming, candidates must exercise their Freeze or Float options with precision to safeguard their future in legal education. By adhering to the strict fee payment and document upload protocols set by the Consortium of NLUs, students ensure their transition into the prestigious National Law University system remains secure and valid as the 2026 admission cycle moves toward its final stages.