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The CLAT Counselling 2026 has started for both UG and PG Programmes in December 2025.
After the CLAT Results were declared on 16th December, the consortium of NLUs started the centralised counselling on 17th December 2025 and will continue till 27th December 2025, till 10:00 P.M.
The CLAT Counselling will be conducted in 5 rounds, starting with the first allotment on 7th January 2026, the final round on 15th May 2026 and the final university fee payment by 30th May 2026.
- Only the rank-invited candidates by email/SMS are eligible to register, by paying a counselling fee of Rs.30,000 for general candidates and Rs. 20,000 for reserved candidates.
- In CLAT PG, Preference filling is important, with a minimum of 15 NLUs for UG and 5 NLUs for PG. The allotment will be based on your rank, preference and seat availability.
- After the seat allotment, you can choose one option from freeze (take the seat), float (keep it but upgrade later) and Exit (leave counselling).
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% candidates secured NLU admissions.
Check:
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 maximum number of seats, so all the exited 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?
- CLAT Counselling 2026 Schedule
- How many students are invited for CLAT counselling?
- CLAT 2026 Counselling Process
- What Should You Do After CLAT Seat Allotment: Freeze, Float or Exit?
- CLAT Counselling Fees
- How Do You Register for CLAT Counselling 2026?
- CLAT Counselling 2026: Which Documents Will You Need?
- CLAT Seat Allotment 2026: How Seats Are Assigned
- CLAT 2026 Toppers: Who Secured the Top Ranks?
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 |
|---|---|
| 06:00 P.M., December 17, 2025 to 10:00 P.M., December 27, 2025 | Registration for Admissions Counselling (including payment of Counselling Registration Fee) |
| January 07, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. | Publication of First Allotment List |
| January 07, 2026 (10:00 A.M.) to January 15, 2026 (1:00 P.M.) | Payment of Confirmation Fee for Freeze/Float and Admission by NLUs (First List) |
| 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 |
Source: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
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 |
|
| 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:
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.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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