The Consortium of NLUs has released the CLAT 2026 Round 2 Seat Allotment list on January 22, 2026, on the official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2026. You can check the seat status and select Freeze/Float/Withdraw your options till 29th January 2026.

Direct link to check CLAT 2026 Second Provisional Allotment List
  • The CLAT Counselling is being conducted in 5 rounds, the final round on 15th May 2026, and the final university fee payment by 30th May 2026.
  • Only the candidates who are invited by email/SMS will be eligible to register by paying Rs. 30,000 for general candidates and 20,000 for reserved categories.
  • If you choose the freeze or float option, upload the Class 10 and 12 marksheets, the CLAT 2026 admit card, the character/conduct certificate & the transfer certificate.

Every year, around 3,200 UG seats and 1,200 PG seats are offered by CLAT. In CLAT 2025, around 75,000 candidates appeared, of whom less than 6% secured NLU admissions.

Check:

CLAT Counselling 2026

Key Summary

In this Article, we have discussed about CLAT Counselling, including the Admission Calendar, Process & Seat Allotment.

  • The CLAT Counselling is done to fill the maximum number of seats, so all the existing and upgraded seats will be filled easily.
  • From all the invited candidates, only 4 out of 10 will get final admission in NLUs.
  • The CLAT focuses more on seat availability, rather than giving equal chances in every round.
  • The Top NLUs have few seats, so they close in the first 1-2 rounds.
  • A lot of candidates, who choose to float their seat, will move up by 1-3 NLU as their preferences.

What happens in CLAT counselling?

The CLAT Counselling is a centralised, rank-based allocation process conducted by the consortium of NLUs. The qualified candidates are given the UG and PG seats in different NLUs based on rank, preference and seat availability in multiple rounds.

  • With a total of 5 counselling rounds, you can upgrade the colleges without losing their seat, by floating the current seat.
  • The Top NLUs close 60 to 70% of seats in the first 2 rounds, with less number of seats.
  • If you miss any deadline, to choose Freeze/Float/Exit, there will be an automatic exit, regardless of what their rank is.
  • The counselling fee is different, along with a separate university fee, which is used for final locking admission.

Check this video by @12minutestoclat to know about the step-by-step registration along with the seat allotment process.

Check: CLAT Legal Edge Top Rankers

Ques. Does qualifying CLAT automatically make me eligible for counselling?

Ans. No, qualifying CLAT will not guarantee you eligibility in counselling. The Candidates who will be invited by consortium of NLUs, based on their ranks can register for counselling.

  • A Lot of candidates will not be selected because of limited number of NLU Seats.
  • The Invitation will be sent by Email/SMS along with your portal.
  • If you will not receive any invitation, you will not be eligible for counselling, regardless of what your score is.

Ques. Is CLAT counselling based on marks or All India Rank?

Ans. The CLAT Counselling depends upon the AIR, not your raw marks. The Marks will determine your rank, the seat allotment will follow the AIR, along with your preferences and category.

Factor Role in Counselling
CLAT Marks Used only to calculate AIR
All India Rank Primary allotment criterion
NLU Preferences Decides college order
Category/Domicile Applied during allotment

Ques. Can I change my NLU preferences after seat allotment starts?

Ans. No, your preference will not be changed once the seat allotment will begin. The NLU Preferences are locked after the deadline of registration.

  • The Seat allotment in all the rounds will follow a proper order.
  • The Preferences will be editable, before the registration will close.
  • The Same preference list will be applied to all counselling rounds.
  • The Option of float will allow upgradation of seat, without any preference change.

CLAT Counselling 2026 Schedule

The CLAT Counselling will be conducted in multiple-rounds, by a centralised seat allocation process, which will be conducted by a consortium of NLUs for UG and PG Programmes.

It has started in December 2025 and will continue until May 2026, which will allow you to upgrade seats across multiple rounds as per their ranks and preferences.

CLAT Counselling Admission Calendar 2026

Schedule Particulars
January 22, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Publication of Second Allotment List
January 22, 2026 (10:00 A.M.) to January 29, 2026 (1:00 P.M.) Payment of Confirmation Fee for Freeze/Float and Admission by NLUs (Second List)
February 05, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Publication of Third Allotment List
February 05, 2026 (10:00 A.M.) to February 12, 2026 (1:00 P.M.) Payment of Confirmation Fee for Freeze/Float and Admission by NLUs (Third List)
By April 24, 2026 (5:00 P.M.) Payment of University Fee to confirm admission (for Freeze in first three rounds)
May 02, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Publication of Fourth Allotment List
May 02, 2026 (10:00 A.M.) to May 08, 2026 (1:00 P.M.) Payment of Confirmation Fee for Freeze/Float and Admission by NLUs (Fourth List)
May 15, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Publication of Fifth and Final Allotment List
May 15, 2026 (10:00 A.M.) to May 20, 2026 (1:00 P.M.) Payment of Confirmation Fee for Freeze and Admission by NLUs (Fifth List)
By May 30, 2026 (5:00 P.M.) Payment of University Fee to confirm admission (for Freeze in fourth and fifth rounds)

Check:

Ques. Are all five counselling rounds mandatory for every candidate?

Ans. No, candidates do not need to participate in all 5 rounds. The CLAT Counselling will allow you to exit early by choosing freezing their seat only if they are satisfied with the allotted seat.

  • The Participating will be continued only if a candidate is thinking to stay in that college.
  • If a candidate will freeze the seat, counselling will end for that candidate.
  • By Floating, the candidate will be continued for the next round.

Ques. Which counselling round sees the maximum seat movement?

Ans. In CLAT Counselling, major changes are done in round 2, which includes seat upgradation, exit and non-joiners from the first round.

Round Seat Movement
Round 1 High (initial allotment)
Round 2 Very High (maximum upgrades)
Round 3 Moderate
Rounds 4–5 Low (vacancy filling)

How many students are invited for CLAT counselling?

The Consortium of NLUs does not invite all the CLAT-Qualified Candidates for counselling. Whereas, the invitations are sent only to candidates with a realistic rank range, as per the total available seats in NLUs and previous year trends.

CLAT Expected Counselling Invitation

  • If you are invited, you are eligible to participate; it does not mean seat confirmation.
  • The Invitations are generally sent 3 times as per the total seats for exits and non-joiners.
  • Candidates who score beyond a certain rank do not receive counselling SMS, even if they are qualified.
  • Only 35 to 40% of invited candidates will secure and confirm an NLU Seat.
Programme Total Seats (Approx.) Candidates Invited for Counselling
UG (5-year LLB) 3,200 seats 8,000–9,000 candidates
PG (LLM) 1,200 seats 2,500–3,000 candidates
Overall 4,400 seats 10,000–12,000 candidates

Check: CLAT Merit List

CLAT 2026 Counselling Process

The CLAT Counselling Process is a centralised process in which the candidates will get admission into NLUs by using a seat matrix, which is updated after every round.

The inactive Candidates are removed automatically, increasing competition after every round.

As per the previous-year analysis, around 60 to 70% seats are filled by Round 2, which is used for seat upgradation and filling vacancies.

Stage-Wise CLAT Counselling Process

Stage Description
Counselling Invitation Only candidates within the eligible rank range receive email/SMS invites
Registration & Fee Payment Candidates register online and pay the counselling fee to confirm participation
Preference Filling Candidates submit NLU preferences (UG: minimum 15, PG: minimum 5)
Seat Allotment (Round-wise) Seats are allotted based on rank, preferences, category, and availability
Candidate Decision After allotment, candidates choose Freeze, Float, or Exit
Seat Upgradation Floating candidates may get higher-preference NLUs in the next rounds
Final Allotment Last round confirms remaining seats with no further upgrades
University Fee Payment Candidates pay the NLU admission fee to lock the seat
Admission Confirmation Document verification and reporting to the allotted NLU

Ques. How does CLAT decide which NLU I get in each round?

Ans. The NLU Rank is decided by your rank, preference, category and available seats. The Consortium of NLU has a different algorithm which allocates the highest preference which is available for AIR in that round.

The Deciding factors are:

  • All India Rank (AIR)
  • Locked NLU preference order
  • Category/domicile reservation
  • Seats available in that round

Ques. Is counselling conducted separately for UG and PG programmes?

Ans. Yes, CLAT UG and PG Counselling will be conducted separately. Both UG and PG Programmes have different seat matrix, rank list and cutoffs, even if the timeline is similar for counselling.

Aspect UG Counselling PG Counselling
Programme 5-year LLB LLM
Rank List UG AIR PG AIR
Seat Pool 3,200 seats 1,200 seats
Preferences Min 15 NLUs Min 5 NLUs

Ques. What happens to seats left vacant after each round?

Ans. The Vacant seats are recycled in the next round. The Seats become vacant due to Exit Choices, non-payment and immediate upgradation.

Reason for Vacancy Seat Status Next Round
Candidate exits Re-allotted
Candidate upgrades Old seat re-enters pool
Fee not paid Seat cancelled & reused

What Should You Do After CLAT Seat Allotment: Freeze, Float or Exit?

After each round of seat allotment in CLAT Counselling, you should be active and respond properly on the counselling website, which is managed by Counsortium of NLUs.

The CLAT Post-Allotment Options will decide if you will secure your current seat, aim for an upgradation, or leave the counselling process.

CLAT Post-Allotment Options

  • The Freezing of a seat means locking your admission. Once the seat is frozen, it cannot be changed in the further rounds.
  • The Float means upgrading the seats later, as per previous year analysis, around 30 to 40% upgradation is conducted in rounds 1 and 2.
  • If you choose exit, you will be permanently removed from all the remaining rounds.
Option What It Means Best For Whom
Freeze Accept the allotted NLU and exit further counselling rounds Candidates are satisfied with their current NLU
Float Accept the seat but stay eligible for higher-preference NLUs Candidates aiming for an upgrade without risk
Exit Withdraw from counselling and forfeit the allotted seat Candidates are not interested in NLUs anymore

Check:

Ques. What is the safest option between Freeze and Float?

Ans. The Freeze is the best option, if you are satisfied with your allotted NLU. The Freezing will lock your seat permanently, under the counselling process which is run by consortium of NLU.

Freeze vs Float

Option Risk Level Outcome
Freeze Lowest Seat confirmed, no further rounds
Float Low Seat retained, upgrade possible

Ques. Can I switch from Float to Freeze in later rounds?

Ans. Yes, you can freeze your seat in the later rounds after floating the current seat.

  • The Floating will keep your seat secured while allowing upgradation, after being satisfied, you can freeze your seats in next rounds, in which you will get your preferred NLU.
  • The Floating will not risk your current seat and you can freeze only after seat allotment.

Ques. Does choosing Exit affect future CLAT attempts?

Ans. By Exiting, your future CLAT Exam will not be affected, it will only remove you from current counselling process. As it has no impact on eligibility, attempt or future CLAT Ranking.

Aspect Impact
Future CLAT attempts None
Exam eligibility Unaffected
Counselling (current year) Permanently closed

CLAT Counselling Fees

The CLAT Counselling fees are required, a one-time payment, which is required to participate in centralized seat allotment process by the consortium of NLUs.

This will confirm the candidate’s intent to compete for NLU Seats and will get serious candidates.

CLAT Counselling Fees 2026

Category Counselling Fee
General / OBC / EWS ₹30,000
SC / ST / PwD ₹20,000

How Do You Register for CLAT Counselling 2026?

The CLAT Counselling Registration is done to get entry into the centralised and seat allocation process, which is conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.

The Candidates who will receive an official invitation as per the CLAT Rank can register, which makes it rank-based rather than an open process.

CLAT Counselling Registration Overview

Aspect Details
Eligibility Only rank-invited CLAT 2026 candidates
Mode of Registration Online through CLAT Candidate Portal
Registration Window December 17 – December 27, 2025
Counselling Fee
  • ₹30,000 (General)
  • ₹20,000 (SC/ST/PwD)
Preference Requirement UG: Minimum 15 NLUs, PG: Minimum 5 NLUs
Editable Preferences Allowed until registration deadline
Without Registration No seat allotment, regardless of rank

Check: CLAT 2026 Cutoff

CLAT Counselling 2026: Which Documents Will You Need?

In CLAT Counselling, you have to upload and verify certain documents to confirm your eligibility, category status and academic credentials.

With missing or incorrect documents, your seat can be cancelled, even after the consortium of NLUs has allotted it.

Documents Required for CLAT Counselling are:

CLAT Counselling 2026: Which Documents Will You Need?

Source: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

CLAT Seat Allotment 2026: How Seats Are Assigned

The CLAT Seat Allotment 2026 is a centralized, rank-based allocation process which is conducted by Consortium of NLUs, where seats are allocated based on your rank, NLU Preference, category and seat availability.

  • The Seat Allotment will be conducted in different rounds, and it will be updated after every round.
  • The Seats will be allocated on the merit and preference basis, not based on the marks.
  • The Higher-ranked candidates can get priority access in top NLUs in initial rounds.
  • Most of the top-tier NLUs, will close in initial 1-2 rounds, whereas other rounds will have a benefit in mid-to-lower ranks.

Opening & Closing Ranks in CLAT Seat Allotment

The CLAT Opening and Closing Rank will show the rank range in which seats will be allotted for a particular NLU and its category.

The Candidates in the top 500 ranks, will have strong chances in Tier-1 NLUs, whereas ranks upto 1,500 to 1,800 remain competitive in mid-tier NLUs.

Expected CLAT UG Opening & Closing Ranks (Top NLUs)

NLU Opening Rank Closing Rank
NLSIU Bengaluru 1 120
NALSAR Hyderabad 10 180
WBNUJS Kolkata 40 260
NLUD Delhi 50 320
NLU Jodhpur 90 420
GNLU Gandhinagar 120 520
RMLNLU Lucknow 350 1,200
HNLU Raipur 500 1,600

Check: CLAT College Predictor

CLAT 2026 Toppers: Who Secured the Top Ranks?

The CLAT Toppers are candidates who get the highest AIR in the exam which is held by consortium of NLUs.

These toppers will get seat in top NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderbad, and WBNUJS Kolkata in the first counselling rounds.

CLAT 2026 Top Rankers

All India Rank (AIR) Candidate Name Score (Approx.)
AIR 1 Geetali Gupta 112.75 / 119
AIR 2 Parv Jain 111.75
AIR 3 Rohan Joshi 111.75
AIR 9 Manvi Yadav 110
AIR 26 Yash Varshan Pratap 107.75
AIR 29 Roshan Sengupta 107.75

Ques. What happens if I miss a counselling deadline by mistake?

Ans. If you will miss your counselling deadline, it will be an automatic exit from the counselling.

  • As the CLAT do not allow any late actions. If you will fail to register, pay fees, or select freeze/float/exit on time, you will be removed permanently.
  • Even if the candidate is AIR 1 and they miss the deadline, it will be not be continued.

Ques. How many counselling rounds do candidates usually need to secure a seat?

Ans. A lot of candidates will get seat in 1-3 rounds, as per your rank. The CLAT Counselling will be done in 5 rounds, but most of the admission will be conducted on early basis.

Round Seat Activity Trend
Round 1 Top NLUs, highest seat lock-in
Round 2 Maximum upgrades & closures
Round 3 Limited movement
Rounds 4–5 Vacancy filling only

Ques. Can counselling dates change after registration begins?

Ans. Yes, the counselling dates can change, but their is no official notification for the same.

The Consortium of NLUs can revise the counselling dates because of technical, administrative and legal reasons, the updates for the same will be announced by the official website.

Ques. Does category reservation apply in every counselling round?

Ans. Yes, CLAT Reservation is applicable in every round. The Vertical and horizontal reservation will be enforced in different rounds.

  • The Category-wise seats will be filled fast.
  • The Unfilled reserved seats will be converted as per the rules.

Ques. What happens if I don’t select any option after allotment?

Ans. If you will not select any option you will be automatically exited from counselling. If no option for Freeze/Float/Exit option is selected in the deadline, the system will treat it as Exit.

There is no response after allotment, if any deadline is missed.