CLAT 2026 Third Merit List Postponed after Allahabad HC orders revision of results
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CLAT 2026 Third Merit List Postponed after Allahabad HC orders revision of results

Sansar Singh ChhikaraUpdated on 05 Feb 2026, 10:00 AM IST

The Consortium of NLUs has postponed the CLAT 2026 third allotment list which was schedule for today, February 5, 2026. The decision came after the Allahabad HC had ordered the revision of the CLAT 2026 merit list on February 3, 2026. The decision came in a dispute between Avneesh Gupta vs Consortium of NLUs where the former alleged that the consortium did not consider his objections in the final answer key, even though the Consortium’s Expert Committee had found his objection to be valid. The CLAT 2026 counselling has been deferred until further notice. The Consortium will publish the CLAT 2026 revised counselling schedule shortly on its website.

CLAT 2026 Third Merit List Postponed after Allahabad HC orders revision of results
CLAT 2026 Third Merit List Postponed after Allahabad HC orders revision of results

Allahabad HC’s decision on CLAT 2026’s answer key dispute

Aspect

Summary of Court Order

Case Title

Avneesh Gupta (Minor) vs. Consortium of National Law Universities

Court

High Court of Judicature at Allahabad

Bench

Justice Vivek Saran, J. (Single Bench)

Date of Judgment

February 3, 2026

Writ Petition No.

WRIT-C No. 45517 of 2025

Issue Involved

Avneesh Gupta alleged his objections were not considered in the final answer key even though the Expert Committee found his objections valid.

Petitioner’s Contention

Gupta had raised three objections which were accepted by the Expert Committee but not reflected in the final answer key, leading to loss of marks and rank

Consortium’s Argument

Allahabad HC lacked territorial jurisdiction, and courts should not interfere in expert academic evaluations

Court’s Ruling

The court held that under article 26 it had jurisdiction as part of the cause of action arose in Ghaziabad, where the exam was conducted

Key Procedural Lapse Found

The Oversight Committee overruled the Expert Committee’s decision on one question without providing any reasons

Court’s Finding

The Expert Committee’s opinion must prevail in the absence of recorded reasons for disagreement by the Oversight Committee

Final Direction

Consortium of NLUs directed to revise the CLAT 2026 merit list by awarding marks for the disputed question in accordance with the Expert Committee’s answer

Impact on Admissions

Admissions already completed shall not be disturbed; the revised merit list to apply for future admission rounds

Outcome

Writ petition partly allowed; unreasoned decision of Oversight Committee quashed

Consortium’s clarification on Allhahbad HC’s order

The Consortium of NLUs has provided a detailed clarification regarding the Allahabad HC’s order. The CLAT 2026 third merit list which was scheduled to be published at 10 am on February 5 has now been postponed. Furthermore, the CLAT 2026 counselling has been deferred until further notice. The Consortium of NLUs had filed a Special Appeal against the single-judge order in a division-bench at Allahabd HC. The Consortium also ensured it may take all possible legal steps to ensure that the admissions already done in first and second rounds of CLAT counselling are not affected by the decision.

CLAT 2026 Counselling Postponed - Key Points

Point

Summary

High Court Order

Revision of CLAT UG 2026 merit list directed

Reason

Question No. 9 (Booklet C & equivalents) to be treated with two correct options – B and D

What Changes

Marks to be awarded to candidates who chose either option

Impact on Already Allotted Seats

No impact on candidates allotted seats in counselling Round 1

Counselling Update

3rd UG admission list (Feb 5, 2026) deferred

Next Step

Consortium to file a Special Appeal against the judgment

Further Schedule

Revised counselling timeline to be announced later

The Consortium of NLUs will shortly publish a revised schedule for CLAT 2026 counselling. Candidates are advised to wait for the official notification. Also, keep track of this space for developments on the Special Appeal hearing, CLAT 2026 revised counselling schedule and more.

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