What is CLAT counselling?
CLAT counselling is the process through which candidates who qualify the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) are offered seats in participating NLUs based on their rank, category, and preference.
The Consortium of NLUs manages this entire process online — from registration to final seat allotment. CLAT counselling is your formal route to securing a seat in one of India’s top law institutes.
Who can participate in CLAT counselling?
Only candidates who appear on the CLAT merit list and meet the cut-off criteria for their preferred NLUs are eligible.
Usually, the top 3,000 to 4,000 rank holders are invited in the first round, depending on the number of seats and the preferences filled during the application.
Steps in the CLAT counselling process
Here’s how the 2025 CLAT counselling will likely unfold (based on past years):
1. Registration for counselling
Shortlisted candidates must register online on the Consortium’s official website within the announced dates.
- Pay the counselling registration fee:
- ₹30,000 for General category
- ₹20,000 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories
- Choose your preferred NLUs in the order of priority
- Confirm your participation in the counselling round
Note: Failing to register on time will lead to disqualification, even if you cleared the CLAT exam.
2. Publication of seat allotment list
After registration, the Consortium will release the first seat allotment list based on:
- Your CLAT rank
- Your reservation category
- Your NLU preferences
- Availability of seats
You’ll see one of the following statuses:
- Allotted: You’ve been offered a seat
- Waitlisted: You’re on hold and might be considered in later rounds
- Not allotted: You didn’t qualify in this round, but stay updated for future lists
3. Seat acceptance or upgrade
If you’ve been allotted a seat, you can:
- Accept the seat: Freeze your allotment by paying the confirmation fee
- Apply for upgrade: Retain your seat and stay eligible for higher preferences in the next round
- Exit counselling: Withdraw from the process entirely
If you don’t respond within the deadline, your allotment will be automatically cancelled.
Document verification process
Once you accept a seat, the NLU will begin the online document verification. Make sure your documents are:
- Properly scanned and clearly legible
- Uploaded in the required format (PDF/JPEG)
- Submitted within the given time frame
Essential documents required:
- CLAT admit card
- CLAT scorecard
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph
- ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID)
Each NLU may request additional documents — keep an eye on your registered email for notifications.
Understanding the CLAT seat matrix
The seat matrix refers to the total number of seats available across NLUs, divided by course, category, and quota (like domicile or special reservation).
Each NLU has:
- All India seats
- State domicile seats
- Reserved category seats (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)
For example:
- NLSIU Bengaluru has around 240 seats for BA LLB
- NALSAR Hyderabad offers around 132 seats
- GNLU Gandhinagar offers both BA LLB and B.Com LLB
You can view the full seat matrix on the official CLAT counselling page provided by the Consortium or visit trusted portals like CLAT counselling.
Understanding the seat breakup helps you realistically gauge your chances of getting into a specific NLU based on your rank and category.
Important dates to remember
While exact dates for 2025 aren’t out yet, here’s a general timeline based on previous years:
- CLAT exam: December 2024
- Results announced: January 2025
- Counselling registration begins: 1–2 days after result declaration
- First allotment list: Mid to late January
- Document verification & seat confirmation: January–February
Always keep checking your registered email and the official CLAT website for updates.
Common mistakes to avoid
CLAT counselling is time-sensitive and detail-driven. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Missing deadlines: The entire process moves quickly. Late responses can cost you your seat.
- Wrong document upload: Incomplete or blurry files can lead to rejection during verification.
- Poor NLU preference order: Research before ranking NLUs. A random order could reduce your chances of getting a better seat.
- Not checking emails: Most updates will come through email or SMS. Stay alert.
What happens after final seat allotment?
After the final round of counselling:
- Your seat is confirmed
- You pay the remaining fees to the NLU directly
- The academic session begins (usually by July–August)
Some NLUs may offer spot counselling rounds if there are vacant seats. Keep checking updates even if you’re not selected in the first few rounds.
Helpful links for CLAT aspirants
- CLAT exam preparation – strategies, mock tests, and expert tips
- CLAT exam syllabus – detailed section-wise breakdown
- CLAT exam centres – check city-wise exam locations for 2025
Final thoughts: be prepared, stay alert, and act smart
CLAT counselling 2025 is more than just filling out forms — it’s your final step toward securing admission into India’s top law universities. Stay organised, follow the official schedule closely, and make informed choices at every stage.
And remember, this process isn’t just about marks — it’s about strategy, timing, and awareness. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest CLAT updates, mock tests, and expert prep material. Register with GoFillForm today and get personalised support for your law school admissions.
