The Consortium of National Law Universities has released the complete schedule for CLAT 2026 counselling. Registration for qualified candidates, those who passed CLAT 2026 UG and PG entrances, begins today, December 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM . The deadline to register is December 27, 2025, at 10:00 PM . This process is for students seeking admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs in National Law Universities.
Registration and Preferences
Candidates must register for counselling through the official CLAT website. They need to log in to their CLAT account. An option to “Update NLU Preferences” will appear for invited candidates. This step is mandatory to participate in the seat allocation process.
- Step 1: Visit the official CLAT 2026 counselling website.
- Step 2: Log in using your registered mobile number and password.
- Step 3: Click on “Update NLU Preferences”.
- Step 4: Enter your preferred National Law Universities in order. Consider your choices carefully.
- Step 5: Save your selections.
UG candidates must provide a minimum of 15 preferences . PG candidates must provide a minimum of 5 preferences . Candidates may list more options to increase their chances of securing a seat.
Counselling Rounds and Allotment
The Consortium will publish a merit list after registration concludes. This list ranks candidates based on their CLAT 2026 scores. A total of five counselling rounds will be conducted for admissions to participating NLUs. Each round will release an allotment list based on candidate merit and available seats.
Candidates allotted a seat must pay a confirmation fee to the Consortium. They then decide between ‘Freeze’ or ‘Float’ options for their allotted seat. Choosing ‘Freeze’ accepts the current allocation, confirming the seat. Choosing ‘Float’ indicates interest in a higher preference in subsequent rounds, allowing candidates to wait for better options. Candidates must report for admission and full fee payment to the respective NLU if they choose ‘Freeze’ or are satisfied with their final ‘Float’ outcome. Subsequent allotment lists will depend on the seats available after previous rounds of admissions are completed.
Important Reminders
Candidates must ensure all details are accurate during registration and preference updates. Missing deadlines will result in exclusion from the counselling process. Regularly check the official CLAT website for any updates or notifications regarding the allotment lists and admission procedures. Adhering to the schedule is crucial for securing admission to National Law Universities.
CLAT 2026 Counselling Schedule
| Particulars | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Registration for Admissions Counselling (including fee payment) | December 17, 2025, 06:00 P.M. to December 27, 2025, 10:00 P.M. |
| Publication of First Allotment List (Round 1 begins) | January 07, 2026, 10:00 A.M. |
| Payment of Confirmation Fee for First Allotment List (Freeze/Float options) | January 07, 2026, 10:00 A.M. to January 15, 2026, 01:00 P.M. |
| Publication of Second Allotment List (Round 2 begins) | January 22, 2026, 10:00 A.M. |
| Payment of Confirmation Fee for Second Allotment List (Freeze/Float options) | January 22, 2026, 10:00 A.M. to January 29, 2026, 01:00 P.M. |
| Publication of Third Allotment List (Round 3 begins) | February 05, 2026, 10:00 A.M. |
| Payment of Confirmation Fee for Third Allotment List (Freeze/Float options) | February 05, 2026, 10:00 A.M. to February 12, 2026, 01:00 P.M. |
| Payment of University Fee (for Freeze Option in Rounds 1-3) | April 24, 2026, by 05:00 P.M. |
| Publication of Fourth Allotment List (Round 4 begins) | May 02, 2026, 10:00 A.M. |
| Payment of Confirmation Fee for Fourth Allotment List (Freeze/Float options) | May 02, 2026, 10:00 A.M. to May 08, 2026, 01:00 P.M. |
| Publication of Fifth and Final Allotment List (Round 5 begins) | May 15, 2026, 10:00 A.M. |
| Payment of Confirmation Fee for Fifth Allotment List (Freeze option) | May 15, 2026, 10:00 A.M. to May 20, 2026, 01:00 P.M. |
| Payment of University Fee (for Freeze Option in Rounds 4-5) | May 30, 2026, by 05:00 P.M. |