The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a crucial gateway for students aspiring to join the top National Law Universities (NLUs) and other prestigious law schools in India. Once the exam is over, students often find themselves in a state of uncertainty about what to do next.
Step 1: Checking Your CLAT Result
Once the CLAT results are announced, the first step is to check your score and rank. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of CLAT (https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in).
- Log in using your registered credentials.
- Download and print your scorecard for future reference.
Your scorecard will contain details such as your total marks, All India Rank (AIR), and category rank. Understanding where you stand in terms of rank will help you determine the NLUs or other law schools you may be eligible for.
Step 2: Understanding the CLAT Cut-off
Each NLU has a different cut-off based on factors such as:
- The number of available seats.
- The number of applicants.
- The difficulty level of the CLAT exam.
- Reservation policies for different categories.
The cut-off ranks for top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata are usually high, whereas lower-ranked NLUs may have more flexible cut-offs.
Step 3: Participating in CLAT Counseling
The CLAT counseling process is conducted online by the Consortium of NLUs. Here’s how it works:
1. Registration for Counseling
- Eligible candidates must register for the counseling process by paying a non-refundable counseling fee (usually around ₹30,000 for General category and ₹20,000 for reserved categories).
- This fee is later adjusted in the admission fee if you secure a seat.
2. Filling in Your Preferences
- Candidates must list their preferred NLUs in order of priority.
- It’s crucial to research the faculty, placements, infrastructure, and location of each NLU before finalizing your choices.
3. Seat Allotment Rounds
The seat allotment process takes place in multiple rounds:
- First Allotment: Based on your rank and preference, you may be allotted a seat in an NLU.
- Options After Allotment:
- Accept the seat – Pay the required admission fee and confirm your admission.
- Upgrade to a better option – If you prefer a higher-ranked NLU and your rank allows, you can opt for an upgrade in the next round.
- Exit the process – If you don’t want to take admission through CLAT counseling, you can opt out.
- Subsequent Rounds: If seats remain vacant, further rounds of allotment take place, where students are moved up based on merit and availability.
Step 4: Finalizing Your Admission
Once you accept an allotment, you need to complete the admission formalities:
- Pay the required admission fees as per the NLU guidelines.
- Submit necessary documents, including:
- CLAT scorecard
- 10th & 12th mark sheets
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (if applicable)
- Identity proof (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
- Some universities may require physical verification of documents.
Failure to complete the admission process within the given timeline may result in losing your seat.
Step 5: Exploring Alternative Options
If you do not get into your preferred NLU, do not lose hope. Consider these alternatives:
1. Private Law Colleges Accepting CLAT Scores
Several reputed private law colleges also accept CLAT scores for admission. Some of these include:
- Jindal Global Law School (JGLS)
- NMIMS School of Law
- UPES Dehradun
- ICFAI Law School
2. Appearing for Other Law Entrance Exams
If your CLAT score isn’t enough for an NLU, you can attempt other law entrance exams such as:
- AILET (for NLU Delhi)
- SLAT (for Symbiosis Law School)
- LSAT India (for JGLS and other private colleges)
- MH CET Law (for government and private law colleges in Maharashtra)
3. Preparing for CLAT Next Year
If law is your passion and you are determined to get into a top NLU, you may consider taking a drop year and reattempting CLAT with better preparation. Analyze your weak areas and improve your strategy.
Step 6: Preparing for Your Law School Journey
If you have secured admission, it’s time to get ready for law school. Here are some things you can do:
1. Brush Up on Legal Basics
Start reading about basic legal concepts, landmark judgments, and the Indian Constitution. Books like “Introduction to the Constitution of India” by D.D. Basu can be helpful.
2. Work on Your Communication Skills
Strong verbal and written communication is essential for law students. Engage in debates, read newspapers, and practice legal writing.
3. Networking and Internships
Join law-related forums, follow legal blogs, and start looking for internships. Many firms and NGOs offer short-term internships for law aspirants.
Conclusion
The journey after CLAT does not end with the exam. Navigating the post-CLAT phase efficiently is crucial to securing the best possible law school for your career. Whether you proceed with counseling, explore private colleges, or prepare for another attempt, make sure you take informed decisions that align with your long-term goals. Stay positive and keep working towards your dream of becoming a legal professional!