The crucial counselling process for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2025 has officially commenced. The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has opened the online registration portal for the first round of seat allocation. This is the decisive next step for thousands of aspirants who cleared the CLAT 2025 exam and are now vying for a seat in prestigious law schools across the country.
Registration Deadline and Key Steps
Prospective law students must act swiftly. The window for CLAT 2025 counselling registration for Round 1 closes on December 27, 2025, at 10:00 PM. The entire process is digital and must be completed on the official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Missing this deadline means forfeiting the first opportunity to secure a seat in the current academic cycle.
The registration involves a few critical steps that candidates must follow meticulously:
- Log in to the portal using your CLAT 2025 application credentials.
- Accurately fill in all required personal and academic details.
- Make the online payment for the counselling registration fee.
- Select and lock your preferred NLUs in order of priority.
It is vital to note that once your NLU preferences are locked, they cannot be altered for Round 1. Experts strongly advise completing the process well before the last date to avoid technical glitches and ensure a smooth submission.
Eligibility and Required Documents
Only candidates who have successfully cleared the CLAT 2025 examination and have received an official counselling invitation are eligible to participate. This applies to both undergraduate (LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) programmes. Before starting, aspirants should keep the following ready:
- CLAT 2025 application number and password.
- CLAT 2025 scorecard and rank.
- Relevant academic mark sheets and certificates.
- A valid photo ID proof for verification.
- Details for online fee payment.
Seat Allotment Timeline and Subsequent Rounds
The Consortium is expected to announce the results of the first seat allotment on January 7, 2026. Allocations will be made strictly based on the candidate's CLAT 2025 rank and the order of NLU preferences they submitted during registration.
If allotted a seat, candidates must accept it by paying the requisite admission fee, typically within a week of the allotment result. Failure to pay will lead to the cancellation of the allotted seat, which will then be offered to another candidate in subsequent rounds.
For those who do not receive a seat in the initial round, there is no need for panic. The counselling process will continue with subsequent rounds scheduled for January, February, and May 2026. In these later rounds, candidates will have the opportunity to revise their NLU preferences and try for a better or different seat.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Counselling Journey
To navigate the CLAT counselling process successfully, keep these pointers in mind:
Register early: Do not wait until the final hours of December 27. Early registration mitigates the risk of last-minute website traffic or unforeseen issues.
Verify all details: Double-check every piece of information entered, especially your NLU preference list, before the final lock. This choice is critical for your future.
Stay updated: Regularly monitor the official CLAT consortium portal for any new notifications, updates, or changes to the schedule.
Keep documents handy: Have digital copies of all necessary documents prepared in advance to upload quickly when required.
By following this structured approach, candidates can streamline their CLAT 2025 counselling experience and significantly enhance their chances of securing admission to their desired National Law University.