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    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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