CLAT 2026 Counselling: Complete Guide, Dates, Process, Fees & Documents [Official]

Overview: Is the CLAT 2026 counselling fee refundable? How many students are invited for CLAT counselling 2026? This blog answers all these questions related to counselling. 

The CLAT 2026 Counselling dates are out. Do you know that the Consortium has invited all eligible candidates for the five-year integrated undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at National Law Universities participating in CLAT 2026 to join the admissions counselling process? 

This guide gives you a complete overview of CLAT 2026 Counselling, including the registration steps, fees, document checklist, preference-filling strategy, seat allotment rules, and common mistakes students must avoid to secure the best NLU in CLAT 2026 Counselling.

Here's detailed info about the process:

• The CLAT 2026 counselling process begins after the declaration of the results.
• Those who score above the CLAT 2026 Cut-off must register for counselling by visiting the official website, https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2026/.
• Invitations for the CLAT 2026 counselling process have been sent via email to the candidate's registered email address and via SMS to their registered phone number.
• To engage in the admissions counselling process of each round, you must log in to the CLAT 2026 portal on the Consortium of NLUs website.
• The shortlisted candidates can exercise options to accept, revise, or withdraw from the seat allotment.

Have Questions on CLAT 2026? Ask Them Now!

(Note: Below is a new video explaining the CLAT counselling 2026 process. Watch it now for complete info on NLU Preference List 2026 and CLAT 2026 Admission Process. 

You will find the following topics in this blog:

• CLAT 2026 counselling date
• CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration
• NLU Admission Process after CLAT Seat Allotment 2026
• CLAT Counselling 2026 - Seat Allocation Process
• Freeze, Float and Exit options in CLAT 2026 counselling
• How to Raise Grievances Against the CLAT 2026 Admissions Counselling Process?

Explore: CLAT Rank Predictor

CLAT 2026 Counselling: Overview

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance examination for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs across 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.

Following the announcement of CLAT results, a centralised counselling process is conducted to allocate seats to successful candidates.

CLAT 2026 Counselling Dates & Schedule

Check out the table below to know all the important events related to the CLAT Counselling process 2026:

S. No.	Particulars	Schedule
1.	Registration for Admissions Counselling Opens	17 December 2025
2.	Registration for Admissions Counselling Closes	27 December 2025
3.	Publication of First Allotment List	7 January 2026
4.	Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze and Float options and Admission by NLUs	7 January - 15 January 2026
5.	Publication of Second Allotment List	22 January 2026
6.	Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze and Float options and Admission by NLUs	22 January - 29 January 2026
7.	Publication of Third Allotment List	5 February 2026
8.	Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze and Float options and Admission by NLUs for the Third Allotment List	5 February - 12 February 2026
9.	Payment of University Fee (after adjusting for Confirmation Fee and Counselling Registration Fee) to NLU concerned for all candidates who have chosen the Freeze Option in the counselling process for First, Second & Third Allotment Lists (first, second & third rounds of counselling)	24 April 2026
10.	Publication of Fourth Allotment List (Fourth round of counselling starts)	2 May 2026
11.	Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze and Float options and Admission by NLUs for the Fourth Allotment List	2 May - 8 May 2026
12.	Publication of Fifth and Final Allotment List (Fifth round of counselling starts)	15 May 2026
13.	Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze option and Admission by NLUs for the Fifth and final Allotment List	15 May - 20 May 2026
14.	Payment of University Fee (after adjusting for Confirmation Fee and Counselling Registration Fee) to NLU concerned for all candidates who have chosen the Freeze Option in the counselling process of Fourth & Fifth Allotment Lists (fourth & fifth rounds of counselling)	30 May 2026

Explore: CLAT 2026 College List

CLAT 2026 Counselling Process [Step by Step]

CLAT 2026 Counselling: Step-by-Step Process Flow

1. Registration for CLAT 2026 Counselling

Create your account on the official portal and begin your CLAT 2026 Counselling process by verifying your details and confirming eligibility.

2. Payment of Counselling Fees

Pay the required fee to officially participate in CLAT 2026 Counselling. Your application moves forward only after successful payment.

3. Preference Filling of NLUs

Select and arrange NLUs based on your goals, past cut-offs, and personal priorities. This is one of the most crucial stages of CLAT 2026 Counselling.

4. Seat Allotment Rounds

The consortium releases allotment lists based on merit, preferences, and category. Every round of CLAT 2026 Counselling may bring movement, so stay alert.

5. Freeze / Float / Exit Options

After allotment, choose to Freeze (lock seat), Float (wait for a higher NLU), or Exit (withdraw). Making the right choice here can significantly impact your CLAT 2026 Counselling outcome.

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CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration Process

There are five stages to the CLAT 2026 registration process, from filling in your NLU Preference to paying the CLAT counselling fee.

STEP 1: Log in to the CLAT Account 

• Visit CLAT's official webpage.
• Use your registered cellphone number and password to log in.
• In your login account, go to counselling registration and fee payment.

STEP 2: Add/Modify CLAT NLU Preference List 2026

When participating in CLAT counselling for 2026, one of the key steps involves selecting your preferences for National Law Universities (NLUs). Here's a detailed breakdown of how to approach this:

When to Fill NLU Preferences?

• Initial Stage: You should select at least 15 NLU preferences while completing the CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration Process.
• Considerations: Choose NLUs carefully after evaluating all alternatives, such as location, ranking, specializations, the number of seats, CLAT scores and rank of each NLU.

Modifying NLU Preferences: 

• Flexibility: You can change your NLU preferences later, but this must be done before a deadline.
• How to Modify: Log back into your CLAT account and update your preferences before the deadline.

Importance of Accurate Preferences:

• Admission Based on Preferences: Remember, you will only be considered for admission to your chosen NLU.
• Safe Strategy: If you choose any five NLUs, you will be allowed to compete only in those five NLUs, not in the remaining NLUs, even if seats are available in the remaining NLUs, and you may be able to earn a seat based on ranking. To be on the safe side, it is recommended that all 22 institutions be selected.

Do you know how to fill CLAT Preference List?

Deadline Awareness: Be aware of the deadline for modifying your preferences. Missing this deadline means you'll have to stick with your initial choices.

Final Considerations:

• Research: Do thorough research on each NLU to make an informed decision.
• Ranking and Preferences: Your CLAT exam ranking and NLU preferences will be crucial in your admission process.

STEP 3: Pay the CLAT 2026 Counselling Fees

Here are the important points to consider about CLAT Counselling Fees:

• You must pay Rs. 30,000/ to block the seat for the General category/ Rs. 20,000/- for ST/ SC/ OBC/ BC/ EWS/ PWD (based on the All India Category) and other reservation candidates. 
• Only students registered for counselling will be considered (All NLUs are to verify the documents and accept the candidate after receiving the fee at their end. Update the details online as 'Accepted' or 'Not Accepted' with reasons.)
• The fee payment can be made only online via debit/credit card or NEFT.
• If paying through a debit/credit card, be ready with the card details, such as the cardholder's name, validity, and CVV. Fill in all the details in the payment gateway and make the payment.
• If paying through NEFT, you must log in to your registered bank with your username and password. Select the 'Add' option and enter the beneficiary name, account number, address, and interbank transfer limit in the fields.
• You should take a printout of the fee payment proof for security purposes, which might help during the refund.
• You should note that the application fee, once paid, will not be refunded under any circumstances.
• Payments must be made solely over the Internet. You are encouraged to make payments on time to minimise payment-related difficulties.
• The Consortium is not responsible for any Payment-Related Difficulties. You must wait until you see the notification "Payment Successful."
• Payment requests received beyond the deadline due to transaction problems or other reasons will be ignored.
• Only those applicants who complete the counselling registration procedure will be considered for seat allocation.
• You will be excluded if you do not complete/participate in the counselling registration process.
• If you are over and above the intake, you will be invited and registered for the CLAT counselling process; thus, simply registering for the process will not guarantee a place.
• If you were not invited to the counselling process in the first round, you may be summoned in subsequent rounds if openings in that category occur.

Do you know the difference between CLAT Marks vs Rank?

STEP 4: Completing CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration

• This step follows the payment of the counselling fee.
• Navigate to the registration section on the CLAT counselling portal.
• Fill out the counselling registration form. This may include confirming personal and educational information.
• Once the form is filled out, submit it. You might receive an email or a notification confirming your registration.

STEP 5: Download Application Form

• This step comes after you have filled in all necessary details and completed the registration process.
• Look for a button or link to download the application form, usually available on the submission confirmation page or in your CLAT account.
• Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. Use it as a reference for any future steps in the counselling and admission process.

Have you checked CLAT Cut off?

Documents Required for CLAT 2026 Counselling

• 10th or equivalent marks statement 
• 12th or equivalent marks statement
• Admit Card 
• Character Certificate / Conduct Certificate
• Transfer / Migration Certificate
• Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC, etc.) if applied and allotted under the Reserved Category
• PWD Certificate, if applied for and allotted under the PWD category 
• Domicile / Residence Certificate, if applied and allotted under the domicile/resident category seats
• Do you have any other supporting documents to claim your seat for the category you have applied for (e.g., Wards of Serving/Retired Defence Personnel, EWS certificate, Sons/daughters of Ex-servicemen/Defence service personnel)

Documents Required for CLAT PG 2026 Counselling

• 10th or equivalent marks statement 
• 12th or equivalent marks statement
• Admit Card
• Marks Statements of LL.B. / B.L. or equivalent Degree
• Character Certificate / Conduct Certificate 
• Transfer / Migration Certificate
• Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC, etc.) if applied and allotted under the Reserved Category
• PWD Certificate, if applied and allotted under the PWD category
• Domicile / Residence Certificate, if applied and allotted under domicile/resident category seats
• Do you have any other supporting documents to claim your seat for the category you have applied for (e.g., Wards of Serving/Retired Defence Personnel, EWS certificate, Sons/daughters of Ex-servicemen/Defence service personnel)

Check: CLAT Passage Solving Questions for Critical Reasoning

CLAT 2026 Seat Allotment Process

The Consortium releases five counselling lists, one after the other. 

1 - First Provisional Seat Allotment List

The Consortium will provide the first provisional seat allotment list, including only those applicants who have completed the counselling registration process as outlined above.

If you are on the First List, you will have THREE options, as mentioned below:

a) Accept the Allotted Seat (Lock Seat) ✅ - In these options, you can lock the seat you have been offered, confirm the seat, and debar to shift your choice to any other NLU in the current counselling round. This option is activated every counselling round after the publication of the symptomatic seat allotment list.

b) Apply for Upgrade 🔁 - This option is open to you in the second round of counselling. Also, this option applies to only those who have participated in the first round and have not yet locked their seats.

The seats are given to you automatically in the event of a vacancy in your selected NLU. However, it is based on your selection from the following allotment list.

c) Exit from CLAT Admission Process🚪 If you opt to quit the admission process, you will forfeit your present seat and will not be considered for allocation in the following lists. As mentioned below, there are two ways to withdraw the fee. 

2 - Second Provisional Seat Allotment List

Only those applicants who have completed the counselling procedure will be considered for the 2nd provisional seat allotment list, which the Consortium will release.

If you are given seats for the first time on the second list, those who requested an upgrade in the prior list will have the options listed below.

• Accept the seat that has been assigned to you (Locking the Seat)
• Apply Upgrade Request
• Exiting the CLAT admission procedure

3 - Third Provisional Seat Allotment List

Only those applicants who have completed the counselling procedure will be considered for the 3rd provisional seat allotment list, which the Consortium will release.

If you are given seats for the first time in the Third List, those who requested an upgrade in the prior list will have the options listed below.

• Accept the seat that has been assigned to you (Locking the Seat)
• Apply Upgrade Request
• Exiting the CLAT admission procedure

4 - Fourth Provisional Seat Allotment List

Only those applicants who have completed the counselling procedure will be considered for the 4th provisional seat allotment list, which the Consortium will release.

If you are given seats for the first time in the Fourth List, those who requested an upgrade in the prior list will have the options listed below.

• Accept the seat that has been assigned to you (Locking the Seat)
• Apply Upgrade Request
• Exiting the CLAT admission procedure

5 - Fifth Provisional Seat Allotment List

Only those applicants who have completed the counselling procedure will be considered for the 5th provisional seat allotment list, which the Consortium will release.

If you are given seats for the first time in the Fifth List, those who requested an upgrade in the prior list will have the options listed below.

• Accept the seat that has been assigned to you (Locking the Seat)
• Exiting the CLAT admission procedure

Note: 

• If you do not apply for any of the choices mentioned above, i.e., (a), (b), or (c), within the given period, you will be deemed uninterested in the admission process, and your candidacy will be rejected. You will lose your seat and be dropped from counselling.
• Upgrade requests from past years will be considered if the price has been paid and the procedures have been fulfilled at the designated NLU on the lists.
• Those who did not receive an allocation on this CLAT merit list will have to wait for the next one.

Freeze, Float and Exit Options in CLAT 2026 Counselling

Understanding the Freeze, Float, and Exit options in CLAT 2026 counselling is crucial for making informed decisions. Here's a detailed explanation of each:

Freeze Option

A candidate who selects the freeze option in the first, second or third round of counselling must pay the remaining University fee to the NLU concerned by May 14, 2026.

Here's the information about the Freeze Option in CLAT 2026 counselling:

Aspect	Details
Purpose	To confirm your satisfaction with the allocated seat.
When to Choose	Select this if you're happy with the NLU you've been allotted and don't want to participate in further counselling rounds.
Outcome	Your admission to the chosen NLU is secured, and you won't be considered in subsequent counselling rounds.
Finality	This final decision indicates that you're content with the current allotment.

Float Option

Here is the table summarising the Float Option in CLAT 2026 Counselling:

Aspect	Details
Purpose	To keep options open for better seats while holding onto the current one.
When to Choose	Opt for this if you accept the current seat but are still open to being considered for better options in the upcoming rounds.
Process	You maintain your current seat while staying in the pool for future rounds.
Risk and Reward	The previous seat is automatically relinquished if you get a better seat in the next rounds. If not, you keep your current seat.

Exit Option

Here's the table summarising the Exit Option in CLAT 2026 counselling:

Aspect	Details
Purpose	To withdraw from the counselling process entirely.
When to Choose	Use this option if you decide not to participate in the counselling at any stage.
Outcome	You'll be effectively exiting the counselling process, and your name will not be considered in future rounds.
Irreversibility	This is a final decision, meaning you cannot re-enter the counselling process once you opt for exit.

Closure of Admission by Consortium of NLUs 

1. You must visit the Consortium website regularly for updates.
2. You must also visit the websites of member NLUs for details about the fee to be paid and the documents to be submitted for acceptance of their candidature.
3. You must check the individual NLU websites for further vacancies after the closure of the fifth list by the Consortium. Admission against vacancies, if any, shall be made by individual NLUs strictly by the CLAT-2025 Merit List.

Note - Any such candidate who fails to pay their balance University Fees by this date will be deemed to have chosen the Exit option and will forfeit their seat and the Confirmation Fee, and will receive a refund of the Counselling Registration Fee after a deduction of Rs. 5,000/.

Have you checked the CLAT Exam Analysis?

Grievances Redressal Process Against CLAT 2026 Counselling

The Consortium of National Law Universities establishes a Grievance Redressal Committee to receive and address grievances.

You may only file a grievance regarding the first two rounds of the CLAT 2026 Counselling Process.

Grievances against the Admissions Counselling Process may be raised ONLY by candidates who have completed the registration process and paid the Counselling Registration Fee for the CLAT 2026 Admissions Counselling Process conducted by the Consortium.

Here is the process of raising grievances:

1. Log in to your CLAT account.
2. Click the ‘Submit Grievance’ button.
3. State the nature of your grievance.
4. Describe your grievance (max. 1,000 characters).
5. Upload supporting documents.
6. Click the Submit button.

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NLU Admission Process After CLAT 2026 Seat Allotment

The NLU admission process following the CLAT seat allotment in 2026 involves several key steps. Here's a detailed look at each step:

Payment of Admission Fee:

• To confirm your seat at the NLU.
• Each NLU has its fee structure, so the amount you must pay may vary.
• These might differ from one NLU to another. Standard methods include online transfer, bank draft, or other digital payment options.
• Be aware of the fee payment deadline, as missing it could result in losing your allotted seat.

Document Verification:

• To authenticate your academic and personal credentials.
• Typically includes your CLAT scorecard, CLAT admit card, 10th and 12th-grade mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), and other necessary documents.
• Ensure you have all original documents, as photocopies might not be accepted.
• This usually happens at the NLU you have been allotted.

Seat Confirmation:

• Once your documents are verified, you need to confirm your seat.
• This might involve handing over certain documents to the NLU.
• If there's any remaining fee after the initial payment, it needs to be cleared at this stage.

Orientation and Induction Program:

• These programs are designed to welcome new students and introduce them to life at the NLU.
• They often cover the academic curriculum, key rules and regulations, and other essential aspects of campus life.
• This is also a chance to meet fellow students and faculty.

CLAT Counselling Fee Refund Policy 2026

• If you do not get a seat after the Consortium releases the CLAT 5th allotment list, the total amount paid (INR 30,000 or INR 20,000) will be refunded to you without any deduction.
• If you choose to exit the counselling process or do not accept any of the seats offered in any of the first 4 allotment lists notified by the Consortium, an amount of (INR 30,000 or INR 20,000) will be refunded.
• After the 4th CLAT allotment list, if you withdraw, the Consortium will deduct INR 5,000 from the counselling fee as a penalty for blocking the seat and disadvantaging awaiting candidates.
• If you are found ineligible based on the documents/information they provided, an amount of INR 5,000 will be deducted, and the balance will be refunded.

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Tips for Smart Seat Preference Planning

1. Start with a clear mind

Before you begin filling your choices during CLAT 2026 counselling, sit down and note what matters most to you — campus culture, placements, location, faculty, or affordability. This helps you shortlist colleges that genuinely match your goals.

2. Study each NLU instead of going by hype

Many students follow trends and later regret their picks. Explore every NLU’s strengths, student life, and academic environment. The more informed you are, the easier it becomes to navigate CLAT 2026 counselling confidently.

3. Check previous cut-offs for direction

Cut-off trends help you understand your chances, but they shouldn’t limit you. Use them as a guide while preparing your preference list for CLAT 2026 counselling, not as a strict rulebook.

4. Sort colleges into Dream, Safe, and Backup

This balances ambition and practicality. It also ensures you make the most of available options in CLAT 2026 counselling without depending on luck alone.

5. Fill in as many preferences as possible

Leaving choices blank reduces opportunities. A wider list increases your chances of securing a seat in CLAT 2026 counselling, even if your rank fluctuates in later rounds.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

Choosing colleges based on peer pressure

What works for someone else may not work for you. Make decisions that align with your future, especially when CLAT 2026 counselling plays such a crucial role.

Ignoring practical factors

Weather, distance from home, hostel rules, and safety often get overlooked but can shape your overall college experience.

Being unrealistic about rank movement

Hope is good, but overconfidence can ruin your CLAT 2026 counselling outcome. Keep expectations balanced and choices flexible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CLAT 2026 Counselling is a crucial phase for aspiring law students to determine their admission to prestigious NLUs.

Here are the key takeaways:

• CLAT counselling involves seat allotment, choice locking, and upgrade options.
• Counselling fees may or may not be refundable, depending on the circumstances.
• Students are invited for counselling based on their CLAT ranks.
• The main options are accepting the allotted seat, applying for an upgrade, or exiting the admission process.
• Seat allocation is based on availability and preferences from the allotment list.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, you can navigate CLAT 2026 counselling effectively, secure your desired seats, and pave the way for a successful legal career. Good luck!