NLU Students Urge CLAT Consortium to Cut Application and Counselling Fees, Await Response

At present, law candidates applying for CLAT are required to pay ₹4,000 as application fee (₹3,500 for SC/ST candidates), while those allotted a seat have to pay an additional ₹30,000 as counselling fee (₹20,000 for reserved category students).

NLU Delhi

Students from some of the National Law Universities (NLUs) have once again requested Consortium of NLUs, which conducts Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) exam, to respond to their demand for reduction in application and counselling fees.

These NLU students have so far made three written representations to Consortium and other authorities since last year, November 2024. The first letter highlighted financial barriers created by current fee structure. A second representation sent in July 2025, addressed to Consortium, University Grants Commission (UGC), Bar Council of India (BCI) and Ministry of Law and Justice, sought introduction of need-based fee waivers. The third representation in September 2025 requested a virtual meeting with the Consortium’s Executive Body to discuss reforms.

The students have said that none of these letters have received a response or acknowledgement from any of the authorities so far. They have asked consortium to engage with student representatives and consider revisions before CLAT 2027 cycle begins.

At present, law candidates applying for CLAT are required to pay ₹4,000 as application fee (₹3,500 for SC/ST candidates), while those allotted a seat have to pay an additional ₹30,000 as counselling fee (₹20,000 for reserved category students). Student groups argue that these amounts are unaffordable for many aspirants who come from financially weaker backgrounds.

The Consortium recently invited suggestions for reforms in CLAT 2027, but students said that their specific appeal for reducing fees remains unanswered. They have called for greater transparency and dialogue to ensure that the examination process remains accessible to all.