CLAT 2026 Counselling: Freeze vs Float

CLAT 2026 Counselling is the final and most decisive stage for law aspirants looking to secure a seat in India’s prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs). Once the results are out, the excitement of a high rank quickly shifts to the strategic complexities of the seat allotment process. To navigate this successfully, candidates must master the terminology used by the Consortium of NLUs—specifically the Freeze, Float, and Slide options. Making the wrong choice at this stage could mean losing your seat entirely or missing out on a better-ranked university. 

Here, candidates will know about the CLAT 2026 Counselling Schedule and how to choose between Freeze vs Float to ensure legal career starts on the right note.

What is CLAT Counselling Choices?

CLAT counselling involves candidates making critical decisions about their allocated seats. These decisions, known as Freeze, Float, and Slide, shape your path in subsequent allocation rounds. Knowing these options helps candidates effectively manage their admission process. For CLAT 2026 Counselling, understanding each choice is vital for successful enrolment.

CLAT 2026 Seat Allotment Overview

Candidates who receive a seat in any allotment round (Round 1 to 5) must take action through the official portal. Below are the three primary options available for CLAT 2026, along with the mandatory financial requirements and deadlines.

Critical Warning: If you are allotted a seat and do not select any of the options above by the deadline (e.g., January 15, 2026, 1:00 PM IST for Round 1), your allotment will be cancelled, and you will be barred from further counseling rounds.

Important Dates for CLAT 2026 Round 1

• Allotment List Publication: January 7, 2026

• Deadline for Freeze/Float/Exit: January 15, 2026 (1:00 PM IST)

• Deadline for Fee Payment: January 15, 2026 (1:00 PM IST)

CLAT Counselling Choices in Detail

Navigating CLAT counselling requires understanding the different responses available for seat allotment. Each option has specific implications for a candidate's admission process. To select either Freeze or Float, candidates must pay a non-refundable Seat Confirmation Fee of ₹20,000 within the specified deadline of that round.

Freeze Option

The Freeze option is for candidates who are completely satisfied with their current seat allotment.

• Choosing Freeze confirms acceptance of the assigned college and specific course.

• This action means you will not participate in any further counselling rounds.

• It secures your admission to the National Law University (NLU) offered.

Float Option

Candidates who are not fully satisfied with their allotted seat can use the Float option.

• Float allows you to hold your current seat while hoping for a better NLU from your preferred list in later rounds.

• You remain an active participant in the counselling process for higher preference colleges.

• The current seat is secured until a higher preference is allocated and accepted.

• Paying the ₹20,000 Seat Confirmation Fee is mandatory to keep this option active. If you are allotted a higher-preference NLU in a later round, your previous seat is automatically vacated. CLAT 2026 Freeze vs Float is a key decision point here.

Note: Change of program within the same NLU (e.g., BBA LLB to BA LLB) depends on your preference list and merit. There is no separate 'Slide' button; the 'Float' option covers upward movement in your preference list.

Exit Option

Candidates can choose to exit the counselling process if they no longer wish to continue.

• Selecting Exit means you withdraw your application from CLAT counselling entirely.

• The ₹30,000 (General) or ₹20,000 (SC/ST) counseling registration fee is refundable. However, if you Exit after the final deadline (May 8, 2026), a processing fee of ₹5,000 will be deducted.

• This option offers flexibility if circumstances change or you choose another path.

Key Mechanisms of CLAT Counselling Choices

Candidates must actively select an option after each seat allotment. Not making a timely choice can lead to losing the assigned seat. The CLAT 2026 Counselling Schedule outlines strict deadlines for each decision. For Round 1, choices must be locked and fees paid by January 15, 2026 (1:00 PM IST). Missing this deadline results in automatic disqualification.

Paying the confirmation fee is mandatory for both Freeze and Float options to secure a place or to continue through the rounds. The refund policy mostly applies when using the Exit option. Grasping these mechanisms ensures a smooth CLAT 2026 Counselling process.