CLAT UG 2026 counselling process has been postponed due to an ongoing legal dispute over the final answer key. The CLAT 2026 Final Answer Key, published on December 16, 2025, was challenged before the Allahabad High Court over the evaluation of a Logical Reasoning question in the Undergraduate examination.

The matter relates to Question 9 of Booklet C and its equivalent sets. After hearing the petition, the Court observed that the question could be considered as having two correct answers and directed the Consortium of NLUs to revise the Final Answer Key and update the merit list accordingly.
Since the counselling schedule is based entirely on the finalised merit list, the Consortium placed the admission process on hold and later filed an appeal against the earlier order. The case is currently under consideration, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2026. A clearer timeline for the revised merit list and counselling rounds is expected after the hearing.
 

Until a final decision is reached, the updated counselling dates remain pending. Any official announcement regarding the revised schedule will determine when the seat allotment process resumes.

CLAT 2026 Counselling Dates

Check out the table below for the important dates related to CLAT counselling 2026:

For a detailed schedule, check CLAT 2026 Dates

CLAT UG 2026 Counselling Process

CLAT 2026 counselling begins once the Consortium of NLUs announces the exam results. To secure admission into an NLU, you must carefully follow the steps mentioned below. Each stage is designed to guide you through registration, preference selection, seat allotment, and final admission formalities:

• CLAT UG 2026 Counselling Registration: If you have a valid CLAT UG 2026 score, you can register for the counselling process by logging into your CLAT account and paying the registration fee. After the declaration of the results, candidates must submit the list of preferred NLU for admission.
• Release of CLAT UG 2026 Allotment List: After the registration is concluded, the authorities will release the allotment list. This list will include the names and details of candidates who have been shortlisted for admission in that specific round.
• Exercising Freeze/Float/Exit: Shortlisted candidates must select one of the three options: Freeze, Float, or Exit. Those who are satisfied with their allotted seat or have received their first NLU preference should opt for the "Freeze" option. Those who are not happy with the seat allotted or have not secured their top preference and wish to be considered in the next round, should select the "Float" option. Candidates who no longer wish to participate in the counselling process must select the "Exit" option. If a candidate does not select any of these options, they will automatically be treated as having exited the counselling.
• Payment of Confirmation Fee: Candidates opting for either the Freeze or Float option are required to pay a confirmation fee of INR 20,000. This amount will later be adjusted against the remaining university fees payable at the time of admission.
• Payment of Confirmation Fee: Candidates must submit the university fee within the given deadline to finalise their seat allotment.
• Reporting & Document Verification: Candidates must report to their allotted institute to complete document verification and complete the necessary admission formalities.

CLAT UG Counselling 2026 Invite List

Based on the CLAT 2026 Result, the Consortium of NLU will prepare a counselling invite list. All eligible candidates will be notified through SMS or email, inviting them to take part in the counselling process. These candidates can register for counselling by validating the invitation through their CLAT account. To complete the registration, they must login to their account, pay the counselling fee, and upload the required documents.

How to Register for CLAT UG Counselling 2026?

If you are shortlisted, then the counselling authority will send you the invitation through your registered email and mobile number. You will also find the invitation available in your CLAT account. To register for the CLAT counselling 2026, follow these steps:

• Go to the official website at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
• Login to your CLAT 2026 account and validate the counselling invitation.
• Select the "Make Payment" option.
• Provide your bank details to ensure that any refunds, if applicable, are credited to you.
• Make payment for the CLAT 2026 counselling registration fee to finish your registration.
• Upon the payment confirmation, the registration process will be considered complete.

Required Documents for CLAT UG 2026 Counselling

These are the documents that you will need for the CLAT 2026 counselling:

• Marksheet of Class 10^th/12^th
• CLAT 2026 Admit Card
• Character Certificate/Conduct Certificate from the Educational Institute last attended
• Transfer/Migration Certificate from the Educational Institute last attended
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• PwD/SAP Certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile/Residence Certificate (if applicable)
• Any other supporting documents necessary to claim your seat for the category you have applied to

NLU Preference List for CLAT UG 2026 Counselling

After the CLAT 2026 results are declared, login to your CLAT account and submit your NLU preferences. To maximise your chances of admission, it is advisable to list at least 15 NLUs, though you can select more since there is no upper limit. You will only be considered for admission to the universities you included in your preference list. To decide the order of your choice, you can check the rank-wise NLU list before submitting your preferences.

• Visit the official website at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
• Login to your CLAT account.
• Click on update preferences.
• Select the NLUs in the order of preference.

CLAT UG 2026 Counselling Fees

During the CLAT 2026 counselling process, you will need to pay three categories of fees. The details of these charges are provided in the table below:

CLAT UG Counselling Fees

The table below shows the types of fees that you have to pay during the CLAT counselling:

Refund of CLAT UG Counselling Fees

In certain situations, candidates may be eligible for a refund of their CLAT 2026 counselling registration fee. However, under specific conditions, the counselling fee may also be forfeited. All refunds will be credited to the same bank account that they have provided during registration. The detailed information is provided below:

• If a candidate does not secure a seat through the CLAT counselling process, the entire counselling registration fee will be refunded.
• Candidates who opt for the exit option during CLAT 2026 counselling will receive a full refund of the counselling registration fee.
• For candidates who choose the freeze or float options, the confirmation fee will not be refunded.
• Candidates who select the freeze or float option and pay the confirmation fee but later withdraw from the process will lose the confirmation fee. Their counselling registration fee will be refunded in full if the exit is made before the specified deadline, or after a deduction of INR 5,000 if the exit is exercised beyond that date.
• If the NLUs declare a candidate ineligible during document verification at the time of admission, the counselling registration fee will be refunded with a deduction of INR 5,000.

Key Takeaways for CLAT UG Candidates

• Prepare Documents in Advance: Gather all required certificates (category, domicile, academic records, etc.) in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Submit Preferences Wisely: List at least 15 NLUs (or more, since there is no upper limit) to maximise your admission chances.
• Provide Accurate Bank Details: Ensure your bank account information is correct for refund processing, if applicable.
• Track Deadlines: Be mindful of exit options and refund rules, as exiting after deadlines may lead to deductions.
• Keep Copies: Save payment receipts, acknowledgement slips, and preference submission for future reference.