National Law Universities (NLUs) across India are witnessing renewed concern among students over the rising costs associated with the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). The Consortium of National Law Universities, which oversees the administration of CLAT, has yet to respond to multiple representations submitted by NLU student representatives seeking a reduction in application and counselling fees.
Background: CLAT Fees Under Scrutiny
CLAT is a highly competitive entrance examination that determines admissions to the prestigious National Law Universities in India. Over the years, the application and counselling fees for CLAT have steadily increased, placing a significant financial burden on aspirants, especially those from economically weaker sections.
In November 2024, NLU student representatives first submitted a formal representation to the Consortium highlighting both financial and procedural barriers in the existing CLAT fee structure. The students emphasized that the high fees limit access to legal education for many deserving candidates.
Repeated Representations Remain Unacknowledged
Despite consistent efforts, the Consortium has not acknowledged any of the three representations sent by students.
- First Representation – November 2024:
This initial submission outlined the financial difficulties faced by students and suggested reconsideration of the fee structure to make the exam more accessible. - Second Representation – July 2025:
In July 2025, a joint representation was submitted not only to the Consortium but also to key regulatory bodies, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Bar Council of India (BCI), and the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. This communication proposed need-based waivers and more equitable counselling procedures to ensure fair opportunities for all candidates. - Third Representation – September 2025:
The third representation was a formal request from nominated NLU student representatives for a virtual meeting with the Executive Body of the Consortium. The goal was to discuss potential reforms and provide the students’ perspective directly to decision-makers.
Despite these repeated efforts, students report that there has been no official response or acknowledgment from the Consortium. In their latest representation, they explicitly stated:
“Despite these repeated and well-substantiated communications, the Consortium has not issued any acknowledgement or response to date.”
Students Call for Transparent Consultations
NLU students are now urging the Consortium to formally acknowledge their representations and initiate consultative processes aimed at reforming the CLAT application and counselling fees. They stress that engaging with student representatives is essential to ensure that any policy changes are inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the financial realities of aspirants.
The student demands highlight the need for:
- Need-Based Fee Waivers: Providing partial or full fee waivers for candidates from economically weaker sections.
- Equitable Counselling Structures: Streamlining counselling processes to reduce procedural barriers and ensure fair access to seats.
- Transparent Decision-Making: Opening channels for dialogue with students to incorporate their perspectives in policy reforms.
Public Engagement for CLAT 2027 Reforms
In a positive step, earlier this month, the Consortium invited suggestions from members of the public to help implement reforms for CLAT 2027. This move signals a recognition of the need for broader consultation, although students stress that responses to their formal representations must also be prioritized.
Engaging students, educators, and stakeholders in meaningful dialogue is critical for ensuring that reforms do not disproportionately disadvantage any group of candidates. With India’s legal education landscape becoming increasingly competitive, accessibility and affordability must remain central concerns.
The Broader Impact of High CLAT Fees
The rising CLAT fees not only affect aspirants’ ability to appear for the exam but also have downstream consequences on the diversity and inclusivity of NLUs. Many talented candidates from rural or underprivileged backgrounds are deterred from applying due to financial constraints, potentially limiting the pool of future legal professionals in the country.
Students argue that addressing the fee issue is not just a matter of convenience but one of social justice and educational equity. By introducing need-based waivers and streamlining counselling procedures, the Consortium can make legal education more inclusive and uphold the values of fairness and accessibility.
Calls for Action
NLU student representatives are now calling on the Consortium to:
- Acknowledge Submissions: Publicly recognize the receipt of student representations.
- Engage in Dialogue: Arrange consultations with student representatives to discuss feasible reforms.
- Implement Reforms: Take concrete steps to reduce application and counselling fees, particularly for underprivileged candidates.
- Ensure Transparency: Regularly communicate updates regarding fee structures and procedural changes to all stakeholders.
These actions, they argue, will not only address immediate concerns but also strengthen the credibility and responsiveness of the Consortium in the long run.
Conclusion
The issue of high CLAT fees is a pressing concern for students aspiring to join India’s top National Law Universities. Despite repeated representations by student bodies, the Consortium’s silence has created frustration and uncertainty.
The upcoming CLAT 2027 reforms present an opportunity for the Consortium to address these concerns proactively. By acknowledging student voices, introducing need-based fee waivers, and ensuring transparent counselling processes, the Consortium can make the exam more accessible and equitable for all candidates.
NLU students and aspirants alike await a timely response, hoping that the reforms will pave the way for a fairer and more inclusive legal education system in India.
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