Check the AILET Merit List 2026 release date, category-wise rank list, and PDF download link for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. programs. Know how NLU Delhi prepares the merit list, the difference between All India Rank and Category Rank, and details about the counselling and admission process.
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The AILET merit list 2026 will determine the final admission to the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. programs offered by the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) and the AILET 2026 merit list was released on January 8, 2026. The second provisional merit list will be released on January 21, 2026. The third provisional merit list is scheduled to be published on February 4, 2026. The fourth provisional merit list will be released on May 5, 2026.
The merit list will be published on the official website nationallawuniversitydelhi.in in PDF format. Candidates can download it directly and check their All India Rank (AIR), category rank, and qualifying status.
The merit list is an important part of the admission process because it ranks candidates based on their AILET results, reservation categories, and available seats. AILET 2026 Merit lists for the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. courses will be announced separately, as they have different provisional lists for counselling rounds.
Candidates who take the AILET 2026 exam on December 14, 2025.
AILET Merit List 2026 Release Date
The AILET 2026 results for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs are released on the official website. NLU Delhi has issued the AILET 2026 merit list on January 8, 2026, shortly after the results are declared.
The important dates related to both B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) counselling are tabulated below:
| Event | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) |
| AILET 2026 Exam Date | December 14, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | December 18, 2025 |
| First Merit List | January 8, 2026 |
| Second Provisional Merit List | January 21, 2026 |
| Third Provisional Merit List | February 4, 2026 |
| Fourth Provisional Merit List | May 5, 2026 |
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AILET 2026 Merit List of Qualifying Candidates
The AILET 2026 merit list PDF will contain the names and ranks of candidates who have successfully qualified based on their performance in the exam.
Separate lists are published for:
- All India Merit List (General category candidates)
- Category-wise Merit Lists (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, PwD, Kashmiri Migrants, and Foreign Nationals)
- Program-wise Lists for both B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. courses
The AILET B.A. LL.B. merit list 2026 will include applicants shortlisted for the 5-year integrated legal programme, whereas the AILET LL.M. merit list 2026 will include qualified postgraduate candidates eligible for the one-year LL.M. course.
Also sometimes the AILET provisional merit lists are issued prior to the final list, allowing candidates to confirm their admission through counseling and fee payment.
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How Is the AILET 2026 Merit List Prepared?
NLU Delhi prepares the AILET merit list 2026 based on the marks obtained by candidates in the entrance examination.
The following criteria are evaluated during the preparation process:
Total Marks Scored in AILET 2026
- Candidates are rated based on their total marks out of 150.
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Candidates with higher marks in the Logical Reasoning portion will be ranked higher.
- If the candidates are still deadlocked, the elder candidate is ranked higher.
- If a tie remains, the rank is determined by a computerized lot draw.
Category-based Segregation:
- After computing raw scores and resolving ties, distinct lists are generated for each reserve category in accordance with the NLU Delhi admission policy.
Seat Matrix Consideration:
- The number of seats available in each category influences how many candidates make the final merit list for counseling.
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Details Included in AILET Merit List 2026
The AILET 2026 merit list will contains crucial candidate and examination details such as:
- Candidate’s Full Name
- Roll Number and Application Number
- AILET 2026 Marks Obtained
- All India Rank (AIR)
- Category Rank
- Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD etc.)
- Admission Status (Shortlisted / Waiting List)
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What Is the Difference Between AILET All India Rank (AIR) and Category Rank?
Many candidates often get confused between All India Rank (AIR) and Category Rank in the AILET merit list.
Here’s a simple explanation:
| Rank Type | Meaning | Significance |
| All India Rank (AIR) | Overall position of the candidate among all AILET 2026 test-takers | Determines eligibility for general category seats |
| Category Rank | Position of the candidate within their reservation category | Used for admission under category-specific quotas (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, etc.) |
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AILET 2026 Counselling and Admission Process
The AILET 2026 counselling process will be conducted online through the official website of NLU Delhi.
Steps in the Counselling Process:
- Online Registration: Shortlisted candidates must register for counselling using their login credentials.
- Payment of Counselling Fee: A non-refundable counselling fee (around ₹30,000 for General and ₹20,000 for SC/ST categories) must be paid within the stipulated time.
- Seat Allotment: NLU Delhi releases provisional admission lists in multiple rounds based on rank, category, and seat availability.
- Document Verification: Candidates must upload or submit documents for verification.
- Final Admission Confirmation: Once verified, candidates must pay the admission fee and confirm their seat.
Failure to participate in any round or pay the appropriate fee may result in the revocation of candidature.
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Conclusion
The AILET Merit List 2026 is an important entrance to one of India's top law schools, NLU Delhi. It not only decides your All India Rank, but also helps you through the counselling and seat allotment process. Candidates should visit the official website on a frequent basis for updates on result declaration, merit list publication, and counselling schedules to avoid missing critical deadlines.
With diligent preparation and prompt follow-up, candidates can take the next step toward a successful legal career at NLU Delhi.
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