CLAT 2024 Counselling Process: Selection, Allotment, and Reporting

CLAT 2024 Counselling Schedule: Important Dates and Timelines

Candidates can check the counselling dates form the table given below:

CLAT 2024 Counselling Procedure

The counselling procedure of CLAT 2024 is done via an online centralized system. It is conducted separately for UG and PG programs. The entire process will be done as per the CLAT Calendar created by the conducting authorities.

The stepwise procedure for final admissions to the 21 NLUs is as follows:

1: Publication of 1st indicative list

• The merit list to shortlist candidates for the final admissions will be released on the official website. On merit-cum-preference basis of CLAT 2024 scores, the first list for CLAT counselling will be declared.

2: Counselling fee payment and option available to exercise by provisionally selected candidates

This step is further divided into sub-steps as given below:

• In the counselling process, participation is allowed to a specified number of candidates from various categories against an actual number of seats available with participating NLUs.
• The requisite counselling fee of INR 50,000 must be deposited by provisionally selected candidates.
• Adjustable fee deposited with the CLAT office will be transferred to the participating NLU in which the candidate has taken admission after completion of the admission process.
• In case candidates fail to deposit the fee within a specified time frame, they will lose their right to consideration for admission under CLAT. Besides, their names will also be dropped from the merit list.
• After payment of fee, candidates have to exercise any one of the options listed below:
  • Lock – Candidates choosing ‘Lock’ option confirms his/ her choice of the allotted NLU. Such candidate shall not be considered for further shifting to any other NLUs of his/ her higher choice in case of any vacancy arising thereafter at the subsequent stage during the counselling process.
  • Upward Shifting – Candidates choosing the ‘Shifting’ option are considered against any other vacancies arising in NLUs of his/ her higher choice via subsequent allotment list. There shall be upward shifting in order of candidates’ preferences provided in the application form. There shall be no downward shifting at any stage of the counselling procedure by CLAT 2022.
  • Withdrawal – There is an option to withdraw the fee as well in two ways. 
    • Option 1 – Failing to deposit the requisite fee
    • Option 2 – Choosing the option of withdrawal before final seat allotment list i.e. during the fourth round of CLAT Counselling. 

3: Publication of 2nd list having the names of finalized candidates after payment of counselling fee and additional waitlisted candidates

• A second list will be published by the CLAT office of candidates who have paid counselling fee and reserved seats on participating NLUs.
• In the second list, CLAT will also release a wait list of candidates selected provisionally against dropped out candidates, if any.
• Within the prescribed time period as per CLAT calendar, the requisite counselling fee of INR 50,000 is required to be paid and their seat is required to be reserved.
• From the deposited counselling fee, there will be a deduction of a nominal amount of INR 10,000.
• The entire amount of counselling fee will be forfeited in case of any withdrawal after a stipulated period.

4: Publication of 3rd list allotting seats to candidates

• A comprehensive third allotment list of candidates will be published by CLAT office. Candidates who have paid their counselling fee and reserved their seat in the participating NLUs make to this list.
• This list will include candidates who have paid the counselling fee against the first and second indicative list.
• With the third allotment list, a list of waitlisted candidates, who are provisionally selected against dropped out candidates, will also be released.
• Within the prescribed time period as per CLAT calendar, the requisite counselling fee is required to be paid and their seat is required to be reserved.

5: Completion of admission formalities at the allotted NLUs

• Candidates need to approach allotted NLU to deposit the balance amount towards admission and other fees.
• Carry relevant certificates/documents in original issue issued by the competent authority in support of the various claims made by candidates
• Respective universities check certificates in original at the time of admission.
• No admission in participating NLUs will be allowed to candidates failing to produce required certificates/documents in original or meet the eligibility requirements.
• After the publication of CLAT merit list, the claim for admission and the entire amount of the counselling fee of INR 50,000 is forfeited to candidates who fail to report at the allotted NLU.