The Consortium of NLUs is currently preparing the CLAT 2026 second allotment list, scheduled for release on January 22. Aspirants who opted for the float option in Round 1 or those awaiting their first seat assignment can check their status on the official portal. Shortlisted candidates must complete fee payment by January 29 to confirm their admission.

Following the conclusion of the first round of seat acceptance yesterday, the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has shifted its focus to the allotment of the second merit list. The upcoming list, which is being finalized based on the vacancies remaining after the Round 1 confirmation window, is set to go live on the official website on January 22 at 10:00 AM. This round is particularly significant for law aspirants who are looking for a shift in their assignment to a higher-preference university through the "Float" mechanism.

Tracking Seat Movement and Upgradation

The preparation of the second list involves a complex reconciliation of seats that were either "Exited" or not confirmed by the January 15 deadline. Data from the Consortium suggests that while top-tier NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad saw nearly 100% occupancy in the first allotment cycle, mid-tier universities are likely to see more movement. Candidates who were not assigned a seat in the first round are automatically considered for this assignment, provided they successfully completed the initial counseling registration.

• Upgradation Logic: Students who chose the "Float" option in Round 1 will be considered for a higher-preference NLU if a vacancy arises.
• New Entries: Ranks that were just outside the first-round cutoffs are expected to find a place in this allotment.
• Confirmation Fee: If a new seat is assigned, the candidate must pay a non-refundable confirmation fee of ₹20,000 by January 29.
• Document Status: Any candidate receiving a fresh assignment must immediately upload their Grade 10 and 12 marksheets and category certificates for digital verification.

Navigating the Freeze, Float, and Exit Options

The Consortium has reiterated that once the second list is released, candidates must act promptly within the seven-day window. Choosing the right option is vital; for instance, selecting "Freeze" will lock the current seat and remove the candidate from further rounds. Alternatively, the "Float" option allows the student to hold their current seat while remaining eligible for a better university in the third list, scheduled for February 5.

• Freeze: Confirms the current seat; no further movement possible in subsequent rounds.
• Float: Keeps the current seat as a safety net while eyeing an upgrade; only available if the current option is not the candidate's first preference.
• Exit: Completely withdraws the candidate from the counseling process.
• University Fee: Candidates who "Freeze" their seat in this round must pay the remaining balance to the respective NLU by April 24, 2026.

CLAT 2026 Counseling: Round 2 Key Milestones

To help students stay organized, the following table details the upcoming dates for the second stage of the centralized counseling process.

Conclusion

As the January 22 release date approaches, the atmosphere among CLAT 2026 candidates is one of cautious optimism. The second allotment represents a major opportunity for those on the cusp of the opening ranks to secure their place in a premier law school. With the counseling process remaining strictly online, students are advised to keep their login credentials ready and monitor the Consortium's dashboard to ensure they don't miss their allotted assignment window.

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