CLAT 2026 Counselling Process: How to download CLAT Result Card

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has released the official CLAT 2026 Counselling Process under which the admission to the Five-year integrated courses of Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) Law programs for the academic year 2026-27 will be conducted.

For those applying with a hope of getting a seat in their preferred NLU, knowing the counselling procedure is as crucial as obtaining a good rank. In the write-up, procedures and details about counselling, the cost of studies, refund policy, and necessary deadlines are discussed with a view to making the content easy to understand.

Check Your CLAT 2026 Result! 

CLAT Counselling 2026

CLAT 2026 counselling is a centralised seat allocation process, and it is organised by the Consortium of NLUs. The seats are allocated on:

• All India Rank 
• Category
• NLU preference list
• Seats available

Candidates registering for counselling successfully are the only ones eligible for seat allocation.

CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration Dates

Start Date: 17 December 2025 (6:00 PM)

Last Date: 27 December 2025 (10:00 PM)

The shortlisted candidates will receive counselling invitations through:

• Registered email ID
• SMS on the registered mobile number
  CLAT candidate portal

Step-by-Step CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration

Step 1: Update NLU Preferences

• Log in to your CLAT account
• Click on ‘Update NLU Preferences’
• Minimum preferences required:
• UG Programmes: 15 NLU
• PG programmes: 5 NLUs
• Preferences can be updated several times before the deadline
• Your seat allotment will take place only for the NLUs of your choice

Applicants can only choose to move up in their list of preferences.

Step 2: Pay Counselling Registration Fee

• General category: ₹30,
• SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PWD categories  ₹20,000
• Online Payment must be made before it closes
• Only when payment is successful is registration accomplished

Must Read: CLAT 2026 Rankers List

CLAT 2026 Counselling Process

The CLAT 2026 Counselling Process will be carried out in five rounds from January 2026 to May 2026. The candidates who do not receive a seat in the first round automatically proceed to the next round.

Freeze, Float, and Exit Options Described

Freeze Option

• Selected if one is content with the assigned NLU allocation.
• You will not be evaluated for further rounds
• Confirmation fee payment is compulsory

Float Option

• This option should be selected by an applicant who wishes to have a good chance of being shortlisted for the higher preference.
• You keep the existing position while waiting for an upgrade
• Available only till the fourth round

Exit Option

• Select this option if you want to opt out of the counselling process
• The allocated seat is cancelled
• Confirmation fee, if applicable, is not refundable

If the candidate does not choose any of the options within the stipulated timeline, the candidate will be considered not interested and will be removed from the counselling process.

Also Check: CLAT 2026 Expected Cut-Offs

CLAT 2026 – Best Colleges-Personal Insights

Applicants are expected to upload scanned copies of the following required documents:

• CLAT 2026 Admit Card
• Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets
• Character and Transfer Certificate
• Category, domicile, or PWD certificates (if applicable)

Admission is tentative until the documents are verified through the allocated NLU.

Refund Policy for Counselling Registration Fee

If no seat is allocated after the fifth round, a full refund is given

• Partial deductions may be relevant if the Exit option is exercised after certain deadlines
• Confirmation Fee: This is non-refundable whatsoever
• Refunds are credited to the same account from which the payment was made from
• Significance of Complying with the Counselling Program

Missing deadlines for:

• Registration
• Option selection
• There
• Payment Fee

will result in the cancellation of the seat and the loss of the fees. Candidates are advised to adhere to the counselling schedule strictly.