1. What is CLAT Counselling? Overview & Eligibility
CLAT counselling is the official centralised seat allotment process through which qualified candidates secure admission to one of the 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. The entire process is conducted online by the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) through the official portal at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
Unlike JEE or NEET counselling, CLAT counselling does not involve a separate centralised counselling authority like JoSAA. The Consortium itself manages all 5 rounds of allotment, and the process is entirely web-based | from registration and preference submission to seat allotment and confirmation fee payment.
Only candidates who received an invitation from the Consortium via SMS or email are eligible to register for CLAT 2026 counselling. The Consortium typically invites approximately 5 times the total available NLU seats (around 16,000–20,000 candidates for ~4,000 UG seats) to ensure sufficient participation across all 5 rounds. Receiving a counselling invitation does not guarantee a seat | it merely confirms eligibility to participate in the seat allotment process.
2. CLAT 2026 Counselling Schedule | All 5 Rounds Dates
The Consortium of NLUs released the complete CLAT 2026 counselling calendar alongside the official counselling instructions. Below is the complete schedule with all key dates and deadlines:
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Counselling Registration Begins | December 16–17, 2025 (6:00 PM) | ✓ Done |
| Last Date for Registration & Fee Payment | December 27, 2025 (10:00 PM) | ✓ Done |
| Round 1 | Allotment List Released | January 7, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Round 1 | Confirmation Fee & Freeze/Float Deadline | January 7–15, 2026 (1:00 PM) | ✓ Done |
| Round 2 | Allotment List Released | January 22, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Round 2 | Confirmation Fee & Freeze/Float Deadline | January 22–29, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Round 3 | Allotment List Released | February 5, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Round 3 | Confirmation Fee & Freeze/Float Deadline | February 5–12, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| University Fee Deadline (Rounds 1–3 Freeze Candidates) | April 24, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Round 4 | Allotment List Released | May 2, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Round 4 | Confirmation Fee & Freeze/Float Deadline | May 2–8, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Round 5 (Final) | Allotment List Released | May 15, 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Final University Fee Payment Deadline (Rounds 4–5 Freeze) | May 30, 2026 | Deadline |
CLAT 2027 exam is expected in December 2026, with results in December 2026 and counselling registration starting around December 16–17, 2026. Round 1 allotment typically follows in early January 2027. Bookmark this page | we will update CLAT 2027 counselling dates as soon as the Consortium releases the official schedule (typically July 2026 alongside the information brochure).
3. Step-by-Step CLAT Counselling 2026 Process
The CLAT counselling process follows a clearly defined sequence of steps. Missing any step within the deadline window can result in losing your allotted seat. Here is the complete step-by-step process:
After CLAT 2026 results are declared, the Consortium sends counselling invitations to eligible candidates via registered email and SMS. Only candidates who receive this invitation can register. Approximately 4–5 times the available NLU seats are invited (roughly 16,000–20,000 candidates for ~4,000+ seats). Log in to consortiumofnlus.ac.in and check your dashboard for the counselling option.
Log in to the CLAT portal, navigate to the Counselling Registration section, and complete the registration form. Pay the counselling registration fee online: ₹30,000 for General category and ₹20,000 for SC/ST/Reserved categories. This fee is refundable if you are not allotted any seat at the end of all 5 rounds. Registration is not complete until the fee payment is successful. Ensure your bank account linked to UPI/NetBanking is functional during this window.
Before the registration window closes, fill your NLU preference list. You must select a minimum of 15 NLUs for UG programmes in order of preference. You can list all 24 participating NLUs. This preference list is critical | you will only be considered for allotment in NLUs you have listed. The list can be edited and updated until December 27, 2025. Once the registration closes, the same preference list applies to all 5 rounds. Plan this carefully; see our preference-filling strategy guide in Section 7.
The Consortium releases the allotment list on the scheduled date for each round. Log in to your CLAT account on the allotment date and check your dashboard. You will see either: (a) an NLU allotted to you, or (b) a status indicating you are waitlisted for the current round. If allotted, you must take action within the round's deadline window. If not allotted, you automatically participate in the next round.
After receiving your allotment, you must choose one of three options within the round's action deadline. Freeze: Accept the allotted NLU and lock your seat. Float: Accept the allotted NLU temporarily while trying for a higher preference in the next round. Exit: Withdraw from counselling. Not making any choice within the deadline is treated as an automatic Exit | you lose your seat. This is one of the most critical decisions in the entire process.
If you choose Freeze or Float, you must pay a non-refundable Confirmation Fee of ₹20,000. This fee is paid only once during the entire counselling process and is adjusted against the final university fee. If you choose Float in Round 1 but get an upgrade in Round 2, you do not pay the confirmation fee again. If you Exit after paying the confirmation fee, this amount is forfeited.
After freezing your seat, upload all required documents (see Section 8 for the complete checklist). Documents must match your CLAT application and category claims. Incorrect or mismatched documents can lead to seat cancellation even after allotment. The allotted NLU's admission team verifies uploaded documents.
Pay the remaining university fee (after adjusting counselling registration fee and confirmation fee) to your allotted NLU by the specified deadline. Candidates who froze in Rounds 1–3 had a university fee deadline of April 24, 2026. Rounds 4–5 freeze candidates had a deadline of May 30, 2026. Finally, physically report to the NLU on the specified date with all original documents for final document verification and admission completion.
CLAT counselling deadlines are absolute. Missing the action window for any round (even by a minute) results in automatic Exit | you lose both your allotted seat and the confirmation fee. Set calendar reminders for each round's deadline. The Consortium does not grant extensions for individual candidates.
4. Freeze vs Float vs Exit | Detailed Explanation
The choice between Freeze, Float, and Exit is the single most important decision you make during CLAT counselling. Here is a detailed breakdown of each option:
You accept the allotted NLU and do not want further upgrades. Your seat is locked. You will not be considered for any subsequent counselling rounds.
- You received your first or top NLU preference
- You are satisfied with the allotted NLU's ranking, fees, and location
- You do not wish to risk losing the seat
- The NLU is among the top-tier (NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS, GNLU)
You accept the current allotted NLU as a safety net but want to try for a higher-preference NLU in the next round. Your current seat is held. The system automatically upgrades you if a better option opens.
- You got a seat but not your top preference
- Your rank is on the border for a higher-preference NLU
- There are still 2–3 counselling rounds remaining
- You are willing to continue through the process
You withdraw completely from the CLAT counselling process. Your allotted seat is reallocated. The counselling registration fee is refundable (minus ₹5,000 if exiting after May 8, 2026 deadline).
- You secured admission at a non-NLU law school (e.g., Jindal, Symbiosis)
- You are dropping a year to attempt CLAT 2027
- You no longer wish to pursue law
- You received a foreign university admission offer
| Feature | 🟢 Freeze | 🔵 Float | 🔴 Exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Status After Choice | Locked / Confirmed | Held (provisional) | Forfeited |
| Considered in Next Round? | No | Yes (auto-upgrade) | No |
| Confirmation Fee (₹20,000) | Must pay | Must pay | Not required |
| Reg Fee Refund | Adjusted in university fee | Adjusted in university fee | Full refund* |
| Risk Level | None (seat secured) | Low (seat held as fallback) | High (cannot re-enter) |
| Can You Change Later? | No | Yes (can Freeze in next round) | No |
| Best For | Satisfied with allotment | Want a better NLU | Not joining NLU |
* Refund of registration fee is subject to ₹5,000 deduction if Exit is selected after May 8, 2026 (Round 4 deadline). Full refund for candidates not allotted any seat.
If you are allotted a seat and do not select any option (Freeze/Float/Exit) within the round's deadline, you are automatically treated as having chosen Exit. You lose your allotted seat AND the confirmation fee (if already paid). The counselling registration fee will be refunded (with ₹5,000 deduction if after May 8). This is the most common reason for seat loss in CLAT counselling. Always take action before the deadline.
5. CLAT 2026 Counselling Fee Structure & Refund Policy
The CLAT counselling process involves two distinct fee payments: the Counselling Registration Fee (paid upfront before allotment) and the Confirmation Fee (paid after receiving a seat, if you choose Freeze or Float).
- Not allotted any seat after all 5 rounds → Full refund of registration fee, no deduction.
- Exit before paying confirmation fee (within deadline) → Full refund of registration fee.
- Exit after May 8, 2026 (Round 4 deadline) without paying confirmation fee → Refund minus ₹5,000 processing charge.
- Exit after paying confirmation fee → Registration fee refunded; confirmation fee (₹20,000) forfeited.
- Failed to complete university fee payment by deadline → Treated as Exit; seat cancelled; confirmation fee forfeited; registration fee refunded.
6. How CLAT Seat Allotment Works | NLU-Wise Data
CLAT seat allotment is a rank-based, preference-driven process. Understanding the mechanics helps you predict allotments and make better Freeze/Float decisions.
How the Allotment Algorithm Works
The Consortium's allotment algorithm processes candidates in order of All India Rank, from Rank 1 downward, within each category. For each candidate, the system checks their preference list from top to bottom and allots the first available NLU that has a seat in their category. Key rules:
| Rule | Details | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Priority | Higher-ranked candidates are processed first in every round | A Rank 1 candidate gets first pick of any NLU in any category |
| Preference Order Matters | System allots the first available NLU from your preference list | Listing NLSIU as Preference 1 but HNLU as Preference 2 means you skip NLUs ranked between them |
| Category Seat Limits | Each NLU has fixed seats per category (General, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD) | Reserved category candidates compete within their category pool |
| Float Mechanism | Float candidates hold current seat; system tries to upgrade in next round | You cannot move DOWN in preferences by floating | only up or stay |
| New Seats Each Round | Seats vacated by Exiters and candidates who selected higher NLUs become available | Lower-ranked candidates can get into NLUs with tighter cutoffs in later rounds |
CLAT 2026 NLU-Wise Approximate Seat Matrix
| NLU | Total UG Seats* | General | EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 120 | 49 | 12 | 32 | 18 | 9 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 140 | 58 | 14 | 38 | 21 | 9 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 120 | 49 | 12 | 32 | 18 | 9 |
| NLU | Total UG Seats* | General | EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 180 | 74 | 18 | 49 | 27 | 12 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 200 | 82 | 20 | 54 | 30 | 14 |
| HNLU Raipur | 240 | 99 | 24 | 65 | 36 | 16 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 240 | 99 | 24 | 65 | 36 | 16 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 200 | 82 | 20 | 54 | 30 | 14 |
| CNLU Patna | 180 | 74 | 18 | 49 | 27 | 12 |
| NLUO Cuttack | 180 | 74 | 18 | 49 | 27 | 12 |
| NUSRL Ranchi | 160 | 66 | 16 | 43 | 24 | 11 |
* Seat matrices are approximate estimates based on official NLU data and past years. Actual seats may vary. Verify at consortiumofnlus.ac.in for official 2026 seat matrix.
7. How to Fill NLU Preference List | Strategy Guide
Filling your NLU preference list is arguably the most consequential part of CLAT counselling. A poorly filled preference list can cost you a better NLU seat. Here is how to approach it strategically:
Include every NLU you would actually be willing to attend | even as a fallback option. The system can only allot you to NLUs you've listed. Missing an NLU from your list means you permanently lose the chance for that NLU, even if your rank is eligible.
List NLUs strictly in the order you actually want them | your most desired at Preference 1. The algorithm finds the best available option from the top of your list. Listing NALSAR above NLSIU (for example) means if both have seats, you get NALSAR, not NLSIU.
Listing only NLSIU and NALSAR and skipping all mid-tier NLUs is a high-risk strategy. If your rank doesn't reach either, you get no allotment at all. Experts recommend listing a minimum of 20–24 NLUs unless you are in the top 200 ranks.
You cannot change your preference list after the registration window closes. The same list applies to all 5 rounds. Some candidates try to game the system by misunderstanding this rule | the preference list is fixed after December 27, 2025.
| AIR Range (General) | Preference Strategy | Recommended NLUs to List |
|---|---|---|
| AIR 1–100 | List top 5 NLUs; all others optional | NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS, GNLU, NLU Jodhpur + any 5 more |
| AIR 101–300 | List top 6–10 NLUs + 10 more as safety | NALSAR, NUJS, GNLU, NLU Jodhpur, MNLU Mumbai + Tier 2 NLUs |
| AIR 301–600 | List Tier 2 NLUs first + all Tier 3 | GNLU, NLU Jodhpur, MNLU + HNLU, RMLNLU, CNLU, NLUO + all others |
| AIR 601–1,500 | List all 24 NLUs in honest order | HNLU, RMLNLU, CNLU, NLUO, NUSRL + full list of all participating NLUs |
| AIR 1,501–5,000 | List all NLUs; target Tier 2–3 | All 24 NLUs; focus on Tier 3 NLUs with seats available after initial rounds |
| AIR 5,001+ | List all NLUs; float through all rounds | List all 24; chances are in newer/smaller NLUs with vacant seats in later rounds |
8. Documents Required for CLAT 2026 Counselling
Documents must be uploaded in scanned format during the online counselling process and originals must be produced when reporting to the allotted NLU. Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and match your CLAT application data. Any discrepancy can result in seat cancellation.
The OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate must be issued in the current financial year (2025–26). Certificates issued in the previous financial year are typically not accepted. Many candidates lose their reserved category seat because of an expired OBC-NCL certificate. Obtain a fresh certificate from the concerned authority before counselling registration. This is one of the most common document errors in CLAT counselling.
9. Reporting to NLU | Document Verification & Admission
After paying the full university fee, candidates must physically report to the allotted NLU on the specified admission date. This is the final step to complete admission. Here is what to expect:
The NLU's admission office verifies all original documents against the uploaded scans. Any mismatch between your CLAT application, uploaded documents, and originals can result in cancellation of admission. Bring all documents in original along with self-attested photocopies.
Each NLU specifies its own reporting/admission date which typically falls after the completion of counselling rounds. For CLAT 2026, most NLUs had admissions/orientation in May–June 2026. Check your allotted NLU's official website for exact reporting dates.
After document verification, pay the remaining balance of the university fee (total annual fee minus the registration fee and confirmation fee already paid to the Consortium). Fee structures vary by NLU | top NLUs charge ₹1.5L–₹2.2L per year for the 5-year BA LLB programme.
After admission completion, attend the NLU's orientation programme. Hostel allotment for residential NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS, GNLU, NLU Jodhpur, etc.) typically follows within the first week. Accommodation is available on campus for most NLUs but may require a separate application.
10. CLAT PG Counselling 2026 (LLM Admissions)
CLAT PG is the LLM entrance examination conducted alongside CLAT UG. The counselling process for PG programmes largely follows the same structure but with key differences:
| Feature | CLAT UG Counselling | CLAT PG Counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Preferences | 15 NLUs | 5 NLUs |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with 45% marks (40% SC/ST) | LLB/BA LLB with 50% marks (45% SC/ST) |
| Total Seats | 4,500+ across 24 NLUs | 500–700+ across participating NLUs |
| Registration Fee | ₹30,000 / ₹20,000 | Same | ₹30,000 / ₹20,000 |
| Programme Duration | 5 Years (BA LLB/BBA LLB) | 1 Year (LLM) |
| Cutoff Ranks | As per cutoff data page | Separate PG rank-based cutoffs |
| Counselling Rounds | 5 Rounds | 5 Rounds (same schedule) |
CLAT PG counselling follows the same calendar as UG counselling. LLM candidates at NLSIU, NALSAR, and NUJS are in high demand with very tight cutoff ranks. For the complete CLAT PG cutoff and counselling data, visit our CLAT PG 2026 page.
11. Common CLAT Counselling Mistakes to Avoid
Based on trends from CLAT 2024 and 2025 counselling, here are the most frequently made mistakes that cost candidates their NLU seat:
12. CLAT 2027 Counselling | What to Expect
If you are preparing for CLAT 2027 (exam expected December 2026), here is what the counselling process is likely to look like based on historical patterns and CLAT 2026 data:
| Event | CLAT 2026 (Actual) | CLAT 2027 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Date | December 7, 2025 | December 2026 (TBA) |
| Results Declaration | December 16, 2025 | December 2026 |
| Counselling Registration Opens | December 16–17, 2025 | ~December 16–17, 2026 |
| Registration Closes | December 27, 2025 | ~December 27, 2026 |
| Round 1 Allotment | January 7, 2026 | ~January 7, 2027 |
| Final Round | May 15, 2026 | ~May 2027 |
| Counselling Rounds | 5 Rounds | 5 Rounds (expected) |
| Registration Fee (Expected) | ₹30K (Gen) / ₹20K (Reserved) | ₹30K–₹35K (may increase) |
| Participating NLUs | 24 NLUs | 24–26 NLUs (may add new) |
Use the CLAT 2026 Cutoff data to identify your target NLU based on your expected rank. Map which NLUs align with your category and score band. Research each NLU's placement record, specialisation, fees, and campus culture now | so that when counselling opens, you are ready to fill your preference list in minutes, not panic-filled hours.
13. Frequently Asked Questions | CLAT Counselling 2026
CLAT 2026 counselling was conducted in 5 rounds. Round 1 allotment was released on January 7, 2026. Round 2 on January 22, Round 3 on February 5, Round 4 on May 2, and Round 5 (final) on May 15, 2026. The entire process concluded with a final university fee payment deadline of May 30, 2026. After Round 5, any remaining vacant seats may be filled by individual NLUs through their own processes.
The CLAT 2026 counselling registration fee was ₹30,000 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL category candidates and ₹20,000 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Additionally, a non-refundable Confirmation Fee of ₹20,000 was payable when choosing Freeze or Float after receiving a seat allotment. This confirmation fee is paid only once and is adjusted against the final university fee.
Freeze means you accept the allotted NLU seat permanently and will not be considered for further rounds. Use Freeze when satisfied with your allotment. Float means you accept the current seat as a safety net but wish to try for a higher-preference NLU in the next round. If an upgrade is available, the system automatically moves you up. If not, your current seat is retained. Float is ideal when you got a good NLU but not your top choice, and there are still rounds remaining.
Yes, the counselling registration fee (₹30,000 or ₹20,000) is refundable in the following cases: (1) You are not allotted any seat after all 5 rounds | full refund. (2) You choose Exit before the final deadline without having been allotted a seat | full refund. (3) You choose Exit after the Round 4 deadline (May 8, 2026) | refund minus ₹5,000 processing charge. However, the Confirmation Fee (₹20,000) paid after choosing Freeze/Float is non-refundable if you subsequently Exit or fail to complete admission.
For CLAT UG counselling, you must list a minimum of 15 NLUs. However, experts strongly recommend listing all 24 participating NLUs unless you are in the top 100–200 ranks and are certain you only want a specific top NLU. Not listing an NLU means you cannot be allotted that NLU regardless of your rank. For PG programmes, a minimum of 5 preferences is required. The preference list can be updated until the registration deadline (December 27, 2025 for CLAT 2026).
If you receive a seat allotment but do not take any action (Freeze/Float/Exit) within the round's deadline, you are automatically treated as having chosen Exit. Your allotted seat is forfeited and reallocated to the next eligible candidate. If you had already paid the Confirmation Fee, it is forfeited. The counselling registration fee is refunded (with ₹5,000 deduction if after the final deadline). You cannot re-enter the counselling process. Always set reminders and act before the deadline.
No. NLU Delhi (National Law University, Delhi) does not participate in CLAT counselling. NLUD conducts separate admissions through AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), which is a distinct examination. NLUD is not a member of the Consortium of NLUs for CLAT purposes. If you want admission to NLUD, you must appear for AILET separately. All other major NLUs | including NLSIU Bangalore (#1), NALSAR Hyderabad (#2), WBNUJS Kolkata, GNLU, NLU Jodhpur, HNLU, RMLNLU, and all others | participate in CLAT counselling.
The Consortium sends counselling invitations to approximately 4–5 times the total available NLU seats. If your CLAT rank is outside this cut-off (typically beyond rank 18,000–20,000), you may not receive an invitation. If you believe you should have received one but didn't | check your spam folder, verify your registered email, and log in directly to the CLAT portal at consortiumofnlus.ac.in. If the Counselling Registration option doesn't appear in your dashboard, it means your rank is outside the invitation threshold for that cycle.
CLAT 2027 counselling dates have not yet been announced (as of May 2026). Based on historical patterns, CLAT 2027 registration is expected to open in July 2026 for the exam itself. Counselling registration for CLAT 2027 is expected to begin around December 16–17, 2026 (after the December 2026 exam and results). Round 1 allotment would follow in early January 2027. LawGuru India will update this page as soon as the Consortium releases the official CLAT 2027 information brochure.