CLAT 2026 Second Merit ListCLAT 2026 Second Merit List has been released on January 22, 2026 , on the official Consortium of NLUs website consortiumofnlus.ac.in . This list shows which National Law Universities (NLUs) have been allotted to candidates based on their CLAT 2026 rank, category, and NLU preferences submitted during counselling.
To download the second merit list, students must go to the official CLAT website, then navigate to the notifications section and click on the link for the 2nd Provisional Allotment List. The list will be available in PDF format for each NLU, and candidates can view it online and download a copy for future reference.
CLAT Second Merit List 2026 Release Status | Released |
|---|---|
| Direct Link | CLAT Second Merit List 2026 |
The second merit list for CLAT 2026 is prepared after the first round of counselling. It includes candidates who were upgraded from a lower‑preference NLU, those who opted for “Float” in round 1, and some new candidates who were not allotted a seat earlier but now qualify due to vacant seats or improved ranks in the revised list. This list used to inform candidates about their second round NLU seat allotment in CLAT 2026 counselling. Those whose names appear in this provisional list can choose from three options:
- Freeze (keep the current seat)
- Float (upgrade to a better NLU in later rounds)
- Exit (withdraw from counselling)
Students must note that this CLAT merit list 2026 is just a provisional allotment list. To secure or confirm their seat, candidates must pay the confirmation fee to the Consortium and the university admission fee by the specified deadline, otherwise the allotted seat will be cancelled and offered to the next candidate.
CLAT 2026 Second Merit List (OUT) LIVE Updates
06 30 AM IST - 23 Jan'26
Next Steps After CLAT Second Merit List
The journey doesn't end with the second merit list. Whether you have opted for Freeze or Float, the next few days are critical for document submission and fee payment. Students who did not make it to the CLAT second merit list 2026 should prepare for the third round. Congratulations to all who secured their desired NLUs!
06 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26
CLAT Counselling 2026 NLU Fee Structures and Financial Planning
Once you are allotted a seat in the CLAT second merit list 2026, you must consider the fee structure. Most NLUs charge between Rs 2.5-5 lakh per year for the 5‑year BA/BBA/BCom LLB programme, but the exact fee varies by university, location, and hostel/mess inclusion. Students should research scholarship options and education loans immediately
05 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26
Preparing for the Third Round of CLAT Counselling
The CLAT 2026 second merit list sets the baseline for the third round's opening ranks. As per expert analysis and opinions, even if you are within 50-100 ranks of the closing cutoff in the second counselling merit list, you have a strong chance in the next phase.
04 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26
Validity of CLAT 2026 Provisional Merit List
It is important to remember that the CLAT second merit list 2026 is "provisional." This means your admission is subject to document verification and meeting the eligibility criteria set by the respective NLU. Being on the merit list is the first step, but the final confirmation only happens after the university approves your submitted documents during the second round of clat counselling.
03 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26
What Happens if No Seat is Allotted in CLAT Round 2 Counselling?
If your name does not appear in the CLAT 2026 second merit list, do not lose hope. You will remain eligible for the subsequent rounds of the counselling automatically, provided you have already registered for the process.
02 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26
Category-Wise Expectations for CLAT 2nd List
The CLAT 2026 second merit list will include separate cutoffs for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories. Experts say that in the second round of CLAT counselling, seat movement is usually higher in reserved categories than in the general category.
01 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Closing Ranks of National Law University, Jodhpur - General Category
Parameter UG PG Reservation Seats 56 seats 41 seats AIR Cut‑Off (Approx.) 340 480 Category Rank Cut‑Off 340 480 12 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Closing Ranks of RMLNLU, Lucknow - General Category
Parameter UG PG Reservation Seats 80 seats 20 seats AIR Cut‑Off (Approx.) 776 312 Category Rank Cut‑Off 776 312 11 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Closing Ranks of Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur - General Category
Parameter UG PG Reservation Seats 55 seats 45 seats AIR Cut‑Off (Approx.) 770 850 Category Rank Cut‑Off 770 850 10 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Closing Ranks of GNLU, Gandhinagar - General Category
Parameter UG PG Reservation Seats 81 seats 26 seats AIR Cut‑Off (Approx.) 392 342 Category Rank Cut‑Off 392 342 10 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Closing Ranks of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab - General Category
Parameter UG PG Reservation Seats 133 seats 60 seats AIR Cut‑Off (Approx.) 1094 884 Category Rank Cut‑Off 1094 884 09 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Specialized Courses Cutoffs
These specialized programs are seeing increased interest compared to previous years:
- WBNUJS BSc LLB (Criminology): Closed at AIR 582.
- NLIU Bhopal (Cyber Security): Closed at AIR 695.
09 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Closing Ranks of WBNUJS, Kolkata - General Category
Parameter UG PG Reservation Seats 52 seats 52 seats AIR Cut‑Off (Approx.) 327 449 Category Rank Cut‑Off 327 449 08 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Closing Ranks of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad - General Category
Parameter UG PG Reservation Seats 54 seats 28 seats AIR Cut‑Off (Approx.) 162 122 Category Rank Cut‑Off 162 122 08 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2025 Round 2 Closing Ranks of NLSIU, Bengaluru - General Category
Parameter UG PG Reservation Seats 121 seats 48 seats AIR Cut‑Off (Approx.) 108 88 Category Rank Cut‑Off 108 88 07 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2nd Merit List 2026: Technical Support for Fee Payment
The Consortium has advised candidates to avoid last-minute payments. If a transaction fails but the amount is deducted, candidates should wait for 24 hours before re-attempting or contact clat@consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
07 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2026 Seat Confirmation Fee Refund Policy Clarification
If a candidate chooses to withdraw after paying the confirmation fee but before the final round, a deduction of Rs 5,000 is usually applied. However, withdrawals after the final deadline (May 30, 2026) result in total forfeiture of the confirmation fee.
06 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2026 Second Merit List: University Fee Deadlines for "Freeze" Candidates
For those who choose the Freeze option in Rounds 1, 2, or 3, the deadline to pay the remaining University Fee (after adjusting for the confirmation fee) is April 24, 2026.
06 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT Second Round 2026 Counselling "Exit" Option
Choosing the Exit option is permanent. Once you exit, you forfeit your current seat and cannot re-enter the CLAT 2026 counselling process for any subsequent rounds.
05 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2nd Merit List 2026: No Change in Allotment? Don’t Panic
Many candidates may see "No Change" in their status. This occurs when no vacancy opened up in your higher-preference NLUs. You remain in the process automatically for Round 3 unless you choose to "Exit."
05 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2026 NLSIU Bengaluru Gender Parity Data
Recent data released alongside the CLAT 2nd merit list indicates that only 3 out of 26 NLUs have achieved gender parity. NLSIU Bengaluru currently reports approximately 38% women students, highlighting ongoing discussions about diversity in top-tier law schools.
04 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
Document Checklist for CLAT Counselling Round 2
Candidates must upload scanned copies of the following for verification:
- CLAT 2026 Admit Card (duly signed by the invigilator).
- Class 10 & 12 Marksheets/Certificates.
- Character Certificate and Transfer/Migration Certificate.
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable for ST/SC/OBC/EWS).
- Domicile Certificate (for state-specific reservation).
04 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2026 Second Round Counselling "Float" Option
Choose Float if you want to hold your current seat but are still hoping for an upgrade to a higher-preference NLU in the third round. You must pay the Rs 20,000 confirmation fee to keep your "Float" status. Failure to pay will result in the loss of the current seat.
03 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT Round 2 Counselling 2026 Understanding the "Freeze" Option
If you are satisfied with your current allotment and do not wish to participate in further rounds of CLAT counselling, select Freeze.
Action Required: Pay the confirmation fee and complete NLU-specific admission formalities.
Result: Your seat is locked and you will not be considered for upgrades in Round 3.
03 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2026 Second Merit List: Confirmation Fee Window Opens
Candidates who have been allotted a seat for the first time or wish to secure their upgraded seat must pay a Confirmation Fee of Rs 20,000. The window is active until January 29, 2026 (1 PM).
02 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
Troubleshooting Portal Issues for CLAT 2nd List Download
As the CLAT second merit list 2026 has been released, the official website may experience heavy traffic. If you face delays in the download, experts suggest clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. It is important to stay patient and not panic, as the CLAT 2026 second merit list will remain available on the dashboard for several days.
02 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2026 Second Counselling Merit List Importance
The second counselling merit list is an important document for those who did not receive an allotment in the first round. It represents the first major movement of seats as students opt out or fail to pay the confirmation fee. Successfully appearing in the CLAT second merit list 2026 allows candidates to participate in the remaining admission stages.
01 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
Expert Insights on CLAT 2026 Second Merit List Movement
Based on previous trends, experts suggest that the CLAT second merit list 2026 might see a significant shift in the middle-order ranks. Since many top-rankers have already secured their seats in the first round, the second round of clat counselling often opens doors for students who were on the waiting list. This year, the CLAT 2026 second merit list is expected to reflect a marginal dip in cutoffs for the top five NLUs, providing relief to many.
01 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
How to Use CLAT Second Merit List for Admission?
Once you check the second merit list, the next step is to choose your preference: Freeze, Float, or Exit. If you are satisfied with the allotted college in the clat 2026 second merit list, you must select the 'Freeze' option. Experts suggest that students who are hoping for a higher preference NLU should opt for 'Float.'
12 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
Format of the Released CLAT Second Merit List 202
The CLAT second merit list 2026 has been released as public NLU-wise PDFs . The PDF contains the ranks of all candidates who have been allotted seats in that specific university.
12 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26
Details to Verify in CLAT Second Merit List 2026
When checking the CLAT 2026 Second Merit List, verify these points carefully:
- All India Rank
- CLAT 2026 Admit Card Number
- Category & Reservation
- Seat Allotment
- Seat Type
11 30 AM IST - 22 Jan'26
How to Download CLAT 2026 Second Merit List
- Go to the official Consortium website.
- Navigate to the notifications column and look for the '2nd Provisional Allotment List' notification.
- You can then view the NLU-wise PDFs.
- It is important to download and save a copy of your allotment letter for the second round of CLAT counselling and the following physical verification.
11 00 AM IST - 22 Jan'26
Official Portal for CLAT 2026 Second Merit List Download
Students must visit the official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in, for the CLAT second merit list 2026 download. The portal will host the NLU-wise allotment lists in PDF format. Candidates are advised to avoid third-party websites and rely only on the official link only for merit list.
10 45 AM IST - 22 Jan'26
CLAT 2nd Merit List Released!
The Consortium of National Law Universities has announced the CLAT second merit list 2026! Candidates are advised keep their admit card numbers ready to check their allotment status immediately to avoid last-minute portal traffic issues.
