No, there is no penalty fee imposed by CLAT Consortium or NLUs for leaving an NLU to reappear for CLAT and join a better-ranked NLU later. However, there are a few practical and financial points you should clearly understand before taking this decision.

First, from the CLAT Consortium’s side, you are fully allowed to appear for CLAT again even if you are already studying in an NLU. Many students do this every year to improve their rank and move to a higher NLU. There is no restriction, disqualification, or penalty related to reattempting CLAT.

Second, regarding the NLU you are currently studying in:
If you leave the NLU after taking admission, the college will not charge any “penalty” as such, but they may deduct a portion of the fees you have already paid, depending on when you withdraw.
• If you withdraw before classes start or within the UGC refund timeline, you may get most of your tuition fee refunded (excluding registration or processing fees).
• If you withdraw after classes have started or after a few months, the NLU usually does not refund the tuition fee for that semester or year. Hostel and mess fees are also generally non-refundable once the session begins.

Third, documents and migration:
When you leave the NLU, you can request your original documents, transfer certificate, and migration certificate. NLUs are required to return documents; they cannot legally withhold them just because you are leaving.

Fourth, impact on future admissions:
Leaving an NLU does not negatively affect your chances in CLAT counselling the next year. The Consortium does not consider past admissions or withdrawals while allotting seats. Your allotment depends only on your new CLAT rank, category, domicile (if applicable), and preferences.

Finally, practical advice:
If you are confident you can significantly improve your CLAT score and target a much better NLU, reappearing makes sense. However, if the expected improvement is marginal, the financial loss of one year’s fees and the academic gap should be carefully considered.

In summary, there is no penalty fee or legal issue in leaving an NLU to write CLAT again. The only loss you may face is partial or full non-refund of fees already paid, depending on the timing of your withdrawal.

Hello,

No, there is no penalty fee for leaving an NLU just to write CLAT again and join a better NLU.

You are allowed to leave an NLU and re-appear for CLAT next year.

However, keep these points in mind:

• If you leave before joining the NLU , you may lose part of the counselling or seat confirmation fee.

• If you leave after joining the NLU , the semester or admission fees already paid are usually not refunded .

• There is no extra fine or punishment for attempting CLAT again.

• NLUs cannot stop you from writing CLAT again or blacklist you.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Yes, leaving an NLU midway to retake CLAT can involve financial penalties mainly related to your already paid semester fees and potentially losing your security deposit, but there's no direct penalty fee from the CLAT consortium for reattempting CLAT or joining a better NLU.

I hope it will clear your query!!