The first merit list, published on Wednesday, indicates the National Law University (NLU) allotted to eligible candidates based on their Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 rank, stated preferences, and seat availability. Alongside the allotment list, the consortium has also released the cut-off ranks for individual NLUs, offering applicants clarity on admission trends for the current academic year.
According to CNLU officials, the first allotment initiates the multi-round counselling process, during which candidates must either accept the allotted seat, apply for an upgrade in subsequent rounds, or exit counselling within prescribed timelines. Failure to act within deadlines may lead to forfeiture of the allotted seat.
To check the CLAT 2026 first provisional allotment status, candidates must visit the official portal and log in using their registered mobile number and password. Once logged in, the allotment details will be displayed on the screen, which candidates are advised to download and save for future reference. The portal also allows candidates to view and download the CLAT 2026 cut-off PDF for specific NLUs by selecting the relevant option under the CLAT 2026 tab.
The cut-off ranks provide insights into category-wise and university-wise closing ranks, helping aspirants assess their chances in upcoming counselling rounds. This year’s cut-offs reflect sustained demand for top NLUs, while newer institutions have also recorded competitive closing ranks, indicating broader interest across the NLU network.
The consortium has advised candidates to regularly monitor the official website for updates related to seat acceptance fees, document verification, and the schedule for subsequent counselling rounds. Candidates opting to accept the seat must complete the required formalities within the stipulated period to secure admission.
CLAT Counselling 2026 is being conducted entirely online to ensure transparency and accessibility for candidates across the country. Legal education experts note that early rounds often see significant movement as candidates reshuffle preferences, making it crucial for aspirants to stay informed and adhere strictly to deadlines.
With the first provisional allotment now out, the counselling process is expected to progress swiftly, culminating in final admissions ahead of the new academic session at NLUs nationwide.
