The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has officially set the 2026-27 law admissions cycle in motion by releasing the CLAT First Allotment List 2026. Published on January 7, 2026, the list represents the culmination of the December 7 entrance exam and a highly competitive counseling registration phase.
For the thousands of aspirants who appeared for the Common Law Admission Test, this first list is a moment of both relief and critical decision-making. Whether you have secured your dream NLU or are still on the waiting list, the window for action is narrow. Candidates have until January 15, 2026 (1:00 PM) to complete their seat confirmation formalities.
Following the announcement of the CLAT 2026 Toppers List with Marks, the Consortium has now moved to the seat allocation phase
How to Check Your CLAT First Allotment List 2026 Status
The Consortium has hosted the result on its centralized portal. To avoid technical delays due to high traffic, candidates are advised to follow this specific login procedure:
- Official Website: Navigate to the official website of the Consortium of NLUs at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Access the Portal: Look for the ‘CLAT 2026’ tab on the home page.
- Secure Login: Enter your Registered Mobile Number and Password in the login box.
- Check Allotment: Once logged in, click the ‘Seat Allotment’ link on your personal dashboard.
- Status Check: Your status will show the specific NLU and program (UG or PG) allotted to you. If no seat is allotted, it will indicate “No Allotment” for this round.
- Download Letter: Successful candidates must immediately download their Provisional Allotment Letter for future verification.
Detailed CLAT 2026 Round 1 NLU Cut-offs (General Category)
The 2026 cut-offs have seen a marginal spike compared to last year, reflecting the increasing difficulty and competition. Below are the opening and closing ranks for the top 10 NLUs in the General Category:
| National Law University (NLU) | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 1 | 101 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 17 | 148 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata (BA LLB) | 102 | 284 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 118 | 310 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 163 | 376 |
| NLIU Bhopal (BA LLB) | 149 | 431 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 383 | 481 |
| HNLU Raipur | 434 | 736 |
| NLU Odisha (BA LLB) | 459 | 800 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 411 | 747 |
For a detailed breakdown of opening and closing ranks across all 24 NLUs, check our comprehensive guide on CLAT Cut-off 2026.
The “Freeze, Float, Exit” Decision: A Rational Guide
The most crucial part of the CLAT counseling process is understanding the three options provided to you after allotment. You must exercise one of these before the January 15 deadline.
The Freeze Option (Seat Locking)
- Definition: You accept the seat and university allotted to you and do not want to participate in any further rounds of counseling.
- When to Choose: If you have been allotted your #1 preferred NLU.
- Action Required: Pay the non-refundable confirmation fee of ₹20,000. You will then proceed to upload documents and pay the remaining university fees by April 24, 2026.
The Float Option (Upgrade Request)
- Definition: You accept the currently allotted seat but want a chance to upgrade to a higher-preference NLU in subsequent rounds (Round 2, 3, etc.).
- When to Choose: If you are satisfied with the NLU but would prefer an NLU higher up in your preference list.
- Action Required: You MUST pay the ₹20,000 fee to stay in the system. If you get an upgrade in the next list (Jan 22), your current seat is automatically vacated.
Unsure if you should ‘Float’ for a better NLU? Use our CLAT College Predictor 2026 to see your chances of upgrading in the second or third allotment lists based on your rank
The Exit Option (Withdrawal)
- Definition: You are unhappy with the seat or have decided not to pursue NLU admissions this year.
- When to Choose: Only if you have a backup plan (like a private law school) and do not want to be considered for further NLU lists.
- Warning: Once you exit, your name is removed from all future 2026 counseling rounds.
The first allotment is just the beginning. To understand the full schedule and detailed rules of the admission process, refer to our step-by-step guide on CLAT Counseling 2026.
Mandatory Documents for CLAT 2026 Counseling
Candidates must upload scanned copies of original documents on the portal. Ensure your files are clear and in PDF format.
- CLAT 2026 Admit Card
- Class 10 Statement of Marks (Proof of Age)
- Class 12 Statement of Marks
- Character Certificate from the institution last attended.
- Transfer/Migration Certificate
- Caste/Category Certificate (If applying under SC, ST, OBC, or EWS).
- Domicile Certificate (If claiming a regional reservation seat).
Important Dates for Your Calendar
| Event | Date |
| First Allotment Window Closes | Jan 15, 2026 (1:00 PM) |
| Second Allotment List Release | January 22, 2026 |
| Third Allotment List Release | February 5, 2026 |
| Last Date for University Fee Payment | April 24, 2026 |
| Fourth Allotment List Release | May 2, 2026 |
| Fifth and Final List Release | May 15, 2026 |
Final Word of Advice for Aspirants
Don’t wait until the final hour of January 15 to make your payment. Bank servers and the Consortium portal often face high load during the last 60 minutes. If you are choosing the Float option, remember that movement in the second list is often significant for mid-tier NLUs, while the top 3 NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS) see very little change after Round 1.
For any technical assistance, candidates can contact the Consortium helpdesk at clat@consortiumofnlus.ac.in or call 080-47162020.