CLAT PG 2026 Cutoff: Complete Guide to Merit Lists, Fourth Allotment, NLU Opening & Closing Ranks
Quick Snapshot: What's New for CLAT PG 2026 Cutoff
The Consortium will publish the CLAT PG Fourth Merit List on May 2, 2026 . This is the key update you need if you are waiting for a final allotment.
The CLAT LLM exam was held on December 7, 2025 . The CLAT PG 2026 Cutoff (opening and closing ranks) is being used by 19 NLUs for admission to the one-year LLM programme.
Counselling and all allotment rounds are conducted online by the Consortium. If you chose the float option earlier, you are eligible for the fourth allotment round.
Important Dates and Timeline (At-a-glance)
Below are the confirmed dates from official updates and published notices.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CLAT LLM 2026 exam date | December 7, 2025 |
| CLAT PG Fourth Merit List release | May 2, 2026 |
| Article last updated | April 15, 2026 |
Keep checking the Consortium portal (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) for any sudden changes or additional counselling windows.
CLAT PG 2026 Cutoff: Uses and What a Cutoff Means
A cutoff in CLAT PG terms usually refers to rank thresholds NLUs use to offer seats. Opening rank is the first rank called in a round; closing rank is the last rank offered a seat in that round.
NLUs publish cutoffs separately and often release category-wise lists (General, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD, NRI, etc.). Your category will determine which opening and closing ranks apply to you.
CLAT scores are not just for LLM admissions. Recruiters at some Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) also consider CLAT PG scores for legal positions, so a good rank can open placement or recruitment avenues.
Factors That Shape the CLAT PG 2026 Cutoff
Several variables push cutoffs up or down. Here are the main ones you should track.
- Number of applicants and how they performed in the exam. Stronger performance generally raises cutoffs.
- Category-wise reservation: reserved seats lower the closing ranks for respective categories.
- The total seat matrix at each NLU. Fewer seats usually mean higher cutoffs.
- Reputation and demand for a particular NLU or specialisation. Top NLUs with limited seats see the highest cutoffs.
You should treat published opening and closing ranks as snapshots of demand for each round, not fixed guarantees.
NLU Opening & Closing Ranks — Key Figures from CLAT PG 2026
These opening and closing ranks are taken from the published CLAT PG 2026 data. Use them to benchmark where you stand.
| NLU | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore | 8 | 154 |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 19 | 215 |
| WBNUJS, Kolkata | 137 | 623 |
| National Law University, Jodhpur | 185 | 748 |
| Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar | 37 | 494 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya NLU, Lucknow | 12 | 101 |
| Rajiv Gandhi NLU, Patiala | 239 | 1143 |
| NUALS, Kochi | 232 | 1396 |
| NLU Odisha, Cuttack | 680 | 1222 |
| NUSRL, Ranchi | 529 | 1230 |
| DSNLU, Visakhapatnam | 766 | 1727 |
| The Tamil Nadu NLU, Tiruchirappalli | 926 | 1368 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 202 | 734 |
| MNLU Nagpur | 626 | 1568 |
| MNLU Aurangabad | 1088 | 1739 |
| Himachal Pradesh NLU, Shimla | 617 | 1577 |
| Dharmashastra NLU, Jabalpur | 899 | 1809 |
| Hidayatullah NLU, Raipur | 494 | 1095 |
| GNLU Silvassa Campus | 718 | 1200 |
How to read this table: if your rank falls between opening and closing rank for a particular NLU in the same counselling round, you would have been eligible for allotment in that round.
Category-wise Cutoffs and Missing Data — What We Don't Have Yet
The Consortium and individual NLUs typically publish category-wise cutoffs, but a single consolidated table with all category-wise numbers and a full seat matrix is not available in the published material we have.
Information gaps you should be aware of:
- Complete category-wise cutoff numbers for each NLU are not compiled in one public document.
- A consolidated seat matrix (total seats per NLU and per category) is not provided in the notices we saw.
- Detailed reservation percentage breakdowns by NLU and specific tie-breaker rules were not included in the summary data available here.
If you need these specifics, check the official NLU webpages and the consortium portal. They publish individual NLU seat matrices and reservation rules from time to time.
Step-by-Step: How to Download CLAT PG Merit Lists and Check Your Allotment
You will use the Consortium portal for all allotment downloads and counselling actions. Follow these steps.
- Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in and log in with your credentials.
- Find the ‘Allotment / Merit List’ or ‘PG Counselling’ section.
- Click the merit list link for the required round (first, second, third, fourth).
- Download the PDF and search for your name, roll number or CLAT rank.
- If allotted, download the allotment letter. Save a PDF copy and take a printout for reporting.
If you had chosen the float option in the previous round, you remain eligible for the fourth allotment. If you chose freeze earlier, you cannot participate in further rounds for that seat.
Documents Required for Seat Allotment and Admission Verification
Carry originals and multiple photocopies. The Consortium requires verification before you can confirm admission.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Copy of CLAT 2026 application form | Keep a hard copy and PDF. |
| CLAT 2026 scorecard | Mandatory at time of admission. |
| CLAT 2026 admit card | For identity verification. |
| Class 10 marksheet | For age/identity proof. |
| Class 12 marksheet | Academic records. |
| Caste certificate (if applicable) | Must be in correct format and issuing authority. |
| Specially-abled (PwD) certificate (if applicable) | Required for reservation. |
| NRI or Sponsored NRI certificate (if applicable) | For NRI/sponsored seats. |
| Domicile certificate (where required) | Some NLUs ask for state domicile proof. |
| Recent passport-sized photographs | As per NLU specifications. |
| Call letter / allotment letter | Download and carry printed copy. |
Double-check validity dates and format requirements on the allotment letter and the NLU page before you travel for reporting.
Counselling Process Explained: Online Allotment, Float Option and Deadlines
Counselling is fully online through the Consortium. Each round issues a merit list or allotment and a deadline to accept the seat.
What float, freeze and slide mean:
- Float: You accept the current allotment provisionally but remain in the pool for higher-preference seats in later rounds. You must accept the provisional seat within the deadline or it will lapse.
- Freeze: You accept and confirm the allotted seat and will not be considered in subsequent rounds.
- Slide: A limited option some NLUs provide to shift between specialisations or campuses; check the NLU’s rules.
After allotment you typically have to:
- Pay the admission fee or token fee online within the stated window.
- Upload or present original documents for verification as directed.
- Report to the NLU campus by the reporting deadline, if required.
Because specific round-wise deadlines and timelines change, monitor the consortium portal closely once the fourth merit list is published on May 2, 2026 .
Interpreting Cutoffs: Strategy for Different Rank Ranges
Where you stand determines your realistic options and next moves. Here’s a simple strategy based on rank bands.
If your rank is inside the top 200
You can aim for flagship NLUs such as NLSIU and NALSAR. Keep options open by choosing float if you want to try for a higher-preference NLU in subsequent rounds.
If your rank is 200–800
Consider NLUs like WBNUJS, GNLU, MNLU Mumbai and NLU Jodhpur as realistic targets. Prioritise NLUs by programme strength and placements rather than only brand.
If your rank is 800+
Newer NLUs, regional campuses and non-NLU law colleges accepting CLAT scores are practical choices. Also look at lateral opportunities like fellowships, research courses, or private law colleges with strong faculty.
Remember: cutoffs vary by category. If you belong to a reserved category, compare category-specific closing ranks rather than general ranks.
Gaps Aspirants Should Watch For and How to Compensate
Some data is still scattered or missing in public summaries. Here’s how to handle those gaps.
- Fee structures: Many NLU LLM fees are published on individual NLU sites. If a consolidated fee table is not available, check each NLU’s fee page or prospectus.
- Seat matrix: If total seats per NLU or per category are not listed centrally, visit NLU-specific pages or past merit lists to estimate current numbers.
- Historical trends: Use the previous 2–3 years’ merit lists to spot movement in cutoffs. That gives you a sense of whether cutoffs are rising or falling.
- PSU recruitment: For PSU hiring through CLAT scores, check PSU notifications and NLU placement pages. PSU shortlisting criteria can change year to year.
If you need exact fee numbers, seat counts or reservation breakdowns now, go to the official NLU pages — especially for the NLUs you are targeting.
Fees (What We Know and What You Must Check)
A consolidated fee table for LLM programmes across NLUs is not available in the published summary data. Below is a quick reference — where fees are not published centrally, you must check the NLU website.
| NLU | LLM Fee (as per NLU page) |
|---|---|
| NLSIU, Bangalore | Not published centrally — check NLSIU official page |
| NALSAR, Hyderabad | Not published centrally — check NALSAR official page |
| WBNUJS, Kolkata | Not published centrally — check WBNUJS official page |
| GNLU, Gandhinagar | Not published centrally — check GNLU official page |
| Others | Check respective NLU prospectus or fee notification |
Do not delay fee checks. Fee amounts and refundable vs non-refundable breakup can affect your decision to accept or decline an allotted seat.
Practical Checklist After Fourth Merit List (May 2, 2026)
Here’s what you should do immediately after the fourth merit list is released.
- Download the fourth merit list PDF and your individual allotment letter. Save multiple copies.
- If allotted, confirm the seat online within the deadline. Choose float or freeze carefully.
- Arrange originals of all documents listed in the documents table for verification.
- Pay admission/token fee online and keep transaction receipts.
- Note campus reporting deadlines and travel plans if physical reporting is required.
- If not allotted, consider waitlist options, private college admissions or alternative law programmes.
Where to Track Official Updates
All official merit lists, counselling timelines, and notices are published on the Consortium of NLUs website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
For NLU-specific fees, seat matrices and reservation clarifications, visit each NLU’s official admissions or prospectus page.
FAQs — Fast Answers (Based on Official Updates)
When was CLAT LLM 2026 conducted?
CLAT LLM 2026 was conducted on December 7, 2025 .
When will the fourth PG merit list be released?
The fourth merit list is scheduled for release on May 2, 2026 .
How many NLUs accept CLAT PG 2026 scores?
19 National Law Universities accept CLAT PG 2026 scores for admission to the one-year LLM programme.
Where are merit lists published?
Merit lists and all allotment notices are published on the Consortium of NLUs official portal: consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
What documents are mandatory at the time of admission?
You must carry your CLAT 2026 scorecard, admit card, application form copy, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, and any applicable category or PwD certificates. Recent passport photos are required as well.
Can candidates who chose float participate in the fourth allotment?
Yes. Candidates who opted for the float option earlier are eligible to participate in the fourth allotment round.
Are CLAT PG scores used for PSU recruitment?
Yes. Several PSUs have used CLAT PG scores in the past for hiring legal professionals. Check specific PSU notifications for current shortlisting rules.
Where can I find category-wise cutoffs and tie-breaker rules?
Category-wise cutoffs and detailed tie-breaker rules are usually published by the Consortium or individual NLUs. If they are not available centrally, refer to the respective NLU pages and the official consortium notices.
Sources, Further Reading and Next Steps
Primary official updates are published on the Consortium of NLUs site. For fee structures, seat matrices and reservation details, visit the specific NLU admissions pages.
If you are waiting for the fourth merit list on May 2, 2026 , prepare your documents now and plan fee payment logistics. That will help you act fast when the allotment opens.
Good luck — and keep an eye on the consortium portal for the official fourth merit list and counselling instructions.