CLAT Second Merit List 2026 – Latest Updates, How to Check and Important Deadlines

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is India’s central entrance exam for admission into National Law Universities (NLUs) and other legal programs. Held annually, it’s one of the most competitive exams in the legal education space.

Why Are Merit Lists Important?

Merit lists determine which candidates are eligible for admission to various NLUs. After the exam results, the consortium releases these lists in rounds — first, second, and usually more — based on seat availability, candidate preferences, and performance.

Background: CLAT 2026 Exam and Counselling

The CLAT 2026 exam concluded in December 2025, and counselling sessions started soon after to allocate seats. These counselling rounds are where the merit lists play a critical role in determining who gets admitted where and when.

In a nutshell:

CLAT 2026 Exam: Conducted in late 2025.

Counselling Rounds: Multistage process to assign seats based on merit and preference.

Second Merit List: A follow-up round ensuring more candidates get a fair spin based on leftover vacancies and updated rankings.

CLAT 2026 Second Merit List – Key News

Release Date and Time

The CLAT Second Merit List 2026 was officially released on January 22, 2026, at around 10:00 AM IST — straight from the Consortium of NLUs’ official counselling portal.

This update has been widely reported in major educational news outlets, including Business Standard, India Today, NDTV Education, and Times of India.

Official Announcement by Consortium of NLUs

The consortium publishes the second merit list separately for each participating NLU, making it easy for candidates to see their seat allotments based on their CLAT ranks and category.

Media Response

News portals have been actively covering the development with important details like how to check the list, download it, and what steps you need to take next as a candidate.

How to Check the CLAT Second Merit List 2026

Finding your name in the CLAT 2026 second merit list doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you:

Step-by-Step Checking Guide

Visit the official CLAT counselling portal: consortiumofnlus.ac.in.

Locate the section for “CLAT 2026 Second Provisional Allotment List.”

Download the PDF and save it for future reference.

Official Website URL

The best place to check the second merit list is the official site: consortiumofnlus.ac.in — the trusted portal maintained by the Consortium.

Understanding Seat Allotment in Round 2

What the Second Merit List Actually Means

This list is a second chance for candidates who:

Did not get a seat in the first round, or

Opted for a “float” option hoping for a better placement.

Essentially, it’s your updated ticket in the CLAT counselling journey, helping you land a better NLU or confirming your previously allotted one.

Freeze, Float, Exit Options Explained

Once you see your seat on the second merit list, you’ll choose from three options:

Freeze: Confirm the given seat permanently.

Float: Keep this seat but still try for a better one in later rounds.

Exit: Walk away from the counselling process.

Your choice here impacts your chances in future rounds, so pick wisely!

Important Dates and Deadlines

The second merit list went live on January 22, 2026. Once released:

The confirmation fee window for Freeze/Float is January 22 to January 29, 2026 (1 PM).

Missing this deadline could lead to losing your seat — so stay punctual!

Conclusion

The CLAT Second Merit List 2026 represents an exciting and decisive phase in the legal admissions journey. Whether you’re securing your spot or hoping for a better seat, understanding the process makes a big difference. With the official list released and steps laid out clearly, now’s the time to take confident action — check your allotment, confirm your choice, and get ready to begin your next academic chapter!