Students from several National Law Universities (NLUs) have requested the Consortium of NLUs to reduce the CLAT application and counselling fees. They argue that the current fee structure creates financial barriers for many law aspirants.
Current CLAT Fee Structure
At present, candidates applying for CLAT 2025 are required to pay:
Category | Application Fee (INR) | Counselling Fee (INR) |
General | 4,000 | 30,000 |
SC/ST | 3,500 | 20,000 |
Student groups highlight that these fees are unaffordable for candidates from weaker economic backgrounds.
Student Representations to Authorities
Since November 2024, NLU students have sent three written representations to the Consortium and other authorities:
- First Letter (Nov 2024): Highlighted financial barriers created by the current fee structure.
- Second Letter (July 2025): Addressed to the Consortium, University Grants Commission (UGC), Bar Council of India (BCI), and Ministry of Law and Justice, requesting need-based fee waivers.
- Third Letter (September 2025): Requested a virtual meeting with the Consortium’s Executive Body to discuss possible reforms.
According to students, none of these letters have received a response or acknowledgement so far.
Call for Transparency and Dialogue
While the Consortium recently invited suggestions for CLAT 2027 reforms, the students claim that their specific appeal for reducing fees has not been addressed. They urge the authorities to engage with student representatives and consider revisions before the CLAT 2027 cycle begins to make the process more accessible.
