How Many Counselling Rounds Will CLAT 2026 Have?

CLAT 2026 Counselling Schedule

CLAT 2026 Counselling Fees

Step-by-Step Counselling Process: Freeze, Float, and Exit

After each allotment list is released, candidates must choose one of three options on the portal: freeze, float, or exit. Failure to act within the counselling round window results in being marked as “Not Interested”.

1. First allotment: Once a seat is offered, the candidate must select one of the following:

   • Freeze: Use this if candidates are fully satisfied with the allotted NLU. Candidates accept the seat permanently, pay the confirmation fee, and exit further rounds.

   • Float: Use this if candidates accept the current seat but wish to be considered for a higher-preference NLU in the next rounds. They must pay the confirmation fee to "hold" their current seat.

   • Exit: Use this to withdraw completely from the CLAT 2026 admission cycle. Any allotted seat is forfeited immediately.

2. Document verification: After choosing Freeze or Float, candidates must upload required documents (e.g., 10th/12th marksheets, caste certificates) for digital verification by the allotted NLU.

3. Confirmation fee payment: A non-refundable fee of Rs 20,000 is required to secure the seat during any round.

4. Final university fee: Candidates who have secured a seat must pay the balance of the university fee by the deadlines in April or May 2026 to finalise their admission.

CLAT 2026 Spot Counselling

After the conclusion of the fifth and final round of the CLAT centralised counselling process on May 15, 2026, the Consortium of NLUs officially closes its centralised admission portal. At this stage, any vacant seats are handed over to the respective NLUs to be managed independently through spot counselling. Spot Counselling allows each university to fill its remaining seats according to its own local norms and internal regulations.

In spot counselling, interested candidates are required to apply directly to the university of their choice by submitting university-specific forms. These application forms are provided through the institution's official website. Admissions are still strictly merit-based and are determined by the candidate’s performance and position on the original CLAT 2026 merit list.