CLAT 2026 Revised Merit List Hearing at Allahabad HC on 13 Feb

The Allahabad High Court has scheduled a fresh hearing on 13 February 2026 in the legal dispute over the CLAT 2026 revised merit list. The case concerns a petition challenging the evaluation of certain answers in the CLAT entrance test final answer key, which led to a court order to revisit the merit list published for undergraduate admissions. This judicial proceeding arises after the High Court earlier directed the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) to revise the CLAT 2026 merit list by treating both options of a disputed question as correct. The consortium has filed a Special Appeal (No. 135 of 2026) against that order, and the Division Bench will hear the matter early on 13 February, likely from around 10 AM.

What the Case Is About?

The case stems from a candidate’s objections to the evaluation of answers in the CLAT 2026 final answer key. The petitioner argued that the expert panel’s approved response to a specific question was not reflected in the Consortium’s final key, despite that panel finding multiple options technically correct. A single-judge bench previously ruled partly in favour of the student and ordered the merit list revision as a result. The consortium’s appeal now challenges that decision and the procedural basis for mandating a merit list overhaul. How the High Court’s Division Bench responds will determine whether the updated merit list stands and how it affects upcoming counselling rounds.

Impact on CLAT Counselling and Merit Lists

Due to the ongoing legal process, the CLAT 2026 counselling schedule, particularly for subsequent rounds beyond the initial two, has been disrupted. The release of the third merit list and later allotment lists has been postponed until the appeal proceedings conclude and the final merit list situation is clarified. The Consortium has also emphasised that seats already allotted in Round 1 and Round 2 of counselling remain unaffected by the pending revision, protecting candidates who have already secured admissions.

What Happens Next?

After the 13 February hearing, the court could either uphold the earlier direction for a revised merit list or overturn it, directing the consortium to maintain the existing rankings. A final decision will directly influence upcoming rounds of CLAT 2026 seat allotment and counselling schedules, which remain on hold until the legal outcome is declared. Students awaiting CLAT counselling updates are advised to monitor announcements from the Consortium of NLUs and the Allahabad High Court cause list for real-time status on the hearing and any changes to counselling dates or merit lists.