CLAT 2026 First Merit List Released Jan 7 | NLU Counselling

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 first merit list will release on January 7, 2026 . Candidates can check their allotment status on the official website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in . The Consortium of National Law Universities will publish separate, institution-specific merit lists for each participating National Law University (NLU).

Registered candidates who secure a placement in this initial merit list must complete subsequent steps. They need to choose one of three options: freeze, float, or withdraw their seat. The timeline for admissions against the first merit list spans from January 7 to 15, 2026 . Failure to act within this window may result in forfeiture of the allotted seat.

Selecting the ‘freeze’ option confirms a candidate’s full acceptance of the NLU seat currently allotted. This choice indicates satisfaction with the offered institution and program. Opting to ‘freeze’ finalizes the admission process for that specific seat in the first counselling round. Candidates choosing this option must then proceed to pay the required admission fees to secure their place, as stipulated by the NLU Consortium.

The ‘float’ option provides a different approach. It allows a candidate to provisionally accept the current seat while simultaneously expressing interest in a higher-ranked NLU preference for subsequent counselling rounds. This strategic choice keeps the present seat secure but leaves open the possibility of an upgrade. Candidates electing ‘float’ must also pay the necessary fees to maintain their position in the counselling process and to hold their current allotted seat. Their preferences will be considered if seats become available in later rounds.

Choosing to ‘withdraw’ removes a candidate entirely from the CLAT 2026 counselling process. This action signifies rejection of the allotted seat and any further participation. Candidates who withdraw should be aware of financial implications. They may incur penalties or lose a portion of previously paid application or counselling fees, depending on the official withdrawal policy published by the NLU Consortium. A withdrawal is final for the current counselling year.

How to Check CLAT 2026 First Merit List

Candidates must follow a clear set of steps to access and download the CLAT 2026 counselling first merit list online. Prepare your login credentials before starting this process.

• First, navigate to the official CLAT 2026 website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in .
• Locate the designated login window or portal on the homepage.
• Input your registered mobile number accurately into the first field.
• Enter your confidential password into the second field.
• Click the ‘Submit’ button to access your candidate dashboard.
• The CLAT 2026 first allotment list will then display on your screen.
• Carefully verify all details, including your name, roll number, and the specific NLU allotted.
• Download the allotment result document. Retain a digital and/or print copy for your records and for the subsequent admission procedures.

CLAT 2026 Key Information

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 caters to both undergraduate and postgraduate law aspirants. The entrance examination for the 2026-27 academic year concluded in December 2025.