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.
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 |
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.
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.
On Question asked by student community
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