CLAT 2026 Sets the Tone for Law Admissions as Counselling Awaits in the New Year

As of December 31, 2025, CLAT 2026 aspirants have officially moved into the final stages of the NLU admission cycle. With registration and preference filling concluded, the legal education landscape is set for a significant shift. This article covers the upcoming seat allotment rounds, mandatory document verification steps, and essential fee submission timelines for 2026. Stay informed on the January 7th merit list release and the sequential counselling process across all participating National Law Universities.

The legal community concludes 2025 on a high note as the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 results and subsequent counselling registrations have now paved the way for the next generation of lawyers. Following the nationwide exam held on December 7, the Consortium of NLUs has moved with precision to ensure a streamlined entry into the Academic Year 2026-27. For thousands of aspirants, the focus now shifts from performance to placement, as the first major milestone of the new year—the publication of the First Allotment List—is scheduled for January 7, 2026.

Key Deadlines and the 2026 Counselling Timeline

The admission journey is a marathon, not a sprint. While the registration window closed on December 27, 2025, the sequential nature of the allotment process requires candidates to remain vigilant throughout the first half of the coming year.

• First Merit List: Set to be released at 10:00 AM on January 7, 2026.
• Confirmation Fee Window: Candidates allotted seats in Round 1 must pay the confirmation fee by January 15 to secure their spot.
• Sequential Rounds: Subsequent lists are expected on January 22 (Round 2) and February 5 (Round 3).
• Final Vacancy Rounds: The fourth and fifth rounds will take place in May 2026 to fill any remaining vacant seats across the 24 participating NLUs.

Navigating Seat Options: Freeze, Float, and Exit

Once a seat is allotted, candidates must make a strategic choice that determines their future participation in the counselling process. Understanding these terms is vital for maximizing NLU placement.

• Freeze Option: This indicates the candidate is satisfied with the allotted seat and does not wish to be considered for higher preferences in further rounds.
• Float Option: This allows a candidate to accept the current seat while remaining eligible for an upgrade to a higher-preference NLU if a vacancy arises.
• Exit Option: If a candidate chooses to withdraw from the entire admission process, they must select "Exit" to forfeit their claim and stop further participation.

Mandatory Documentation for NLU Admission

Securing a seat is only half the battle; the other half is successfully clearing the document verification phase. Any discrepancy during this stage can lead to immediate disqualification.

• Academic Proof: Keep original mark sheets for Class 10 and Class 12 (or equivalent) ready for submission.
• Identity & Rank: Ensure you have your CLAT 2026 Scorecard and Admit Card downloaded and printed.
• Category Certificates: Valid SC/ST/OBC/PwD or Domicile certificates must be in the prescribed format.
• Reporting: Physical reporting to the allotted university usually follows the final fee payment in April or May.

As the clock strikes midnight on 2025, the focus for law aspirants remains fixed on the official portal. Candidates are strongly advised to regularly monitor the Consortium of NLUs official website at consortiumofnlus.ac.in to ensure they do not miss the January 7th allotment notification.