Impact of Delay in CLAT Counselling on NLU Admission

By
Nidhi Priya
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The consortium of NLUs that looks after the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) faced legal challenges from the Hon’ble Delhi High Court for a revised merit list published on December 07, 2024. Since CLAT is one of the most prestigious law examinations in India and the gateway to the prestigious National Law Universities, the consortium of NLUs made an immediate response to the allegations. Check out the blog below to dive into the impacts of this judicial intervention and the challenges faced during the admission process due to the legal challenges. 

Delay in CLAT Counselling – Delhi High Court’s Verdict

The answer key published by the consortium of NLUs on December 09, 2024, faced legal challenges by the Delhi High Court as the answers to two questions in the examination were found to be incorrect and as a result, the Delhi High advised the consortium of NLUs to publish a revised answer key in adherence to guidelines issued by the High Court and also the judge bench has ordered the consortium to re-evaluate the answer key due to alleged disputes and procedural lapses. In response to the legal allegations the consortium of NLUs approached for relief to the Delhi High Court but was unfortunately declined any such relief. The consortium of NLUs has now planned to seek help from the Supreme Court of India leaving the guardians and the candidates in a state of anxiety and uncertainty. 

After the legal allegations faced by the Consortium of NLUs, it was important to undergo legal and administrative implications to avoid any further disruptions in the CLAT 2025 Counselling process. Check out below for the steps issues followed in adherence to the order of the Delhi High Court:

  • The consortium has decided to revisit the merit list to ensure adherence to the court’s directives. The complete process will involve a re-evaluation of the evaluation methods, re-verification of the marks obtained by students and addressing any such errors. 
  • The scheduled release of the first merit list was postponed due to legal challenges and as a result, the entire counselling process is delayed. This will heavily impact the admission process of NLUs and other law colleges. 
  • The allegations made on the consortium of NLUs highlight the importance of fairness in any such competitive examinations and emphasise the need for advancement in the counselling process.

Impact on the Candidates on Delayed CLAT Counselling 2025

Due to the delayed timeline of the entire counselling process, the candidates eagerly waiting for the merit list to be announced affected their long-term made plannings for the admission process. The candidates were affected in the following ways:

  • The uncertainty in the release of the merit list increased anxiety and uncertainty among the candidates who prepared hard to secure admission into the top legal colleges. This also disrupted their long-term planning, financial arrangements and academic preparations.
  • The candidates waiting with backup plans to appear for other entrance examinations were forced to make difficult choices potentially disrupting their other opportunities. 
  • The delayed admission process might force the National Law Universities to shorten their curriculum which further may affect the quality of education. 

Changes to be made for Competitive Examinations

After such legal challenges faced by the consortium of NLUs updates and advancements in the evaluation and examination can be helpful to avoid any such disruptions in the future. The following measures can be taken to do so:

  • The consortium has promised regular updates through their official websites to build trust and keep the guardians and candidates informed about the process. 
  • Regular and swift actions must be taken by the Supreme Court to ultimately resolve the issue. 
  • Forming any alternative plans to ensure that the process resumes smoothly without any delays once the legal proceedings are done.

Impact of Delay in CLAT Counselling on NLU Admission – FAQs

What are the challenges the students face due to delays in the CLAT Counselling Process?

Candidates undergo increased anxiety, disrupted plans, and disruption in their academic calendar due to the uncertainty surrounding the release of the merit list and the counselling schedule.

How is the CLAT Counselling Process delay affecting the National Law Universities?

The consortium of NLU when faced with legal challenges will have to revisit the merit list to ensure compliance with the guidelines of the High Court. Due to the postponed release of the merit list, the entire counselling process is delayed.

What is the cause for the delay in the CLAT Counselling Process?

The answers to two questions in the entrance examination were incorrect as a result the consortium of NLU was advised to update the merit list accordingly causing the delay in the entire counselling process.

What are the measures taken to reduce the period for the delay in the CLAT Counselling Process?

The consortium of NLUs thoroughly revised the merit list as advised by the Delhi High Court while ensuring regular updates to the guardians and candidates to avoid future disruptions.

What can be done in future to prevent such delays?

The consortium of NLUs must ensure advanced steps to avoid any further disruptions such as investments towards advanced technology and regular compliance with the guardians and candidates to keep them informed during such cases.