The AILET 2026 OBC-NCL category closing rank from the 4th merit list is expected to fall between AIR 500 and AIR 560, based on 2024 and 2025 trends at NLU Delhi.
National Law University Delhi releases up to four merit lists for BA LLB (Hons) admissions until all seats are filled. The 4th merit list is typically the final round and carries the highest (least competitive) closing rank in each category. For OBC-NCL students, this is the last chance to secure a seat before the admissions cycle closes. Students who appeared in AILET 2026 can use the expected range below to gauge their standing before the official list is released on the NLU Delhi portal.
- Total BA LLB (Hons) seats at NLU Delhi 2026: 120 seats, of which OBC-NCL accounts for approximately 24 seats.
- AILET 2025 OBC-NCL final merit list closing rank was approximately AIR 522 based on reported trends.
- AILET 2024 OBC-NCL final merit list closing rank was approximately AIR 457 based on reported trends.
- AILET 2026 OBC-NCL 4th merit list closing rank is expected between AIR 500 and AIR 560.
| Direct Link to AILET 2026 Merit List (Official Portal) |
AILET 2026 OBC-NCL Expected Cutoff by Merit List
The table below shows projected OBC-NCL closing ranks for each merit list round in AILET 2026. These are expected figures based on 2024 and 2025 trends. The official cutoff will be available on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.
| Merit List Round | Expected OBC-NCL Closing Rank (AIR) |
|---|---|
| 1st Merit List | AIR 340 to 380 |
| 2nd Merit List | AIR 420 to 460 |
| 3rd Merit List | AIR 470 to 510 |
| 4th Merit List (Final) | AIR 500 to 560 |
Students belonging to the OBC-NCL category must hold a valid non-creamy layer certificate to claim a seat under this reservation. The certificate must be issued by a competent authority and must be current for the financial year of admission. Students with a rank in the AIR 500 to 560 range should closely track each merit list release on the NLU Delhi portal to know their status in real time.
Round-Wise OBC-NCL Rank Progression
With each new merit list, NLU Delhi fills seats that became vacant after students from the previous round declined offers or secured admission elsewhere. This causes the OBC-NCL closing rank to relax progressively from round to round, typically by 50 to 80 ranks between consecutive lists. Students waitlisted after the 3rd merit list have the best chance of an offer in the 4th and final round.
| Round | Seats Available | Expected OBC-NCL Closing AIR | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Merit List | All 24 OBC-NCL seats offered | AIR 340 to 380 | Shortly after AILET result |
| 2nd Merit List | Seats vacated from Round 1 | AIR 420 to 460 | Approximately 2 weeks after Round 1 |
| 3rd Merit List | Seats vacated from Round 2 | AIR 470 to 510 | Approximately 2 weeks after Round 2 |
| 4th Merit List | Remaining vacated seats | AIR 500 to 560 | Approximately 2 weeks after Round 3 |
Students who receive an offer in the 4th merit list must complete fee payment and document submission within the deadline stated in the offer letter. Seats not accepted within the deadline are permanently removed from that admission cycle.
Previous Year OBC-NCL Cutoff Trends
The table below shows AILET OBC-NCL closing ranks from the final merit list for 2024 and 2025. The upward movement in rank (from AIR 457 to AIR 522) reflects a modest rise in competition and is the primary basis for the 2026 projection.
| Year | OBC-NCL Final Merit List Closing AIR | Total BA LLB Seats | OBC-NCL Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Approximately AIR 457 | 110 | Approximately 22 |
| 2025 | Approximately AIR 522 | 110 | Approximately 22 |
| 2026 (Expected) | AIR 500 to 560 | 120 | 24 |
The seat count for 2026 increased to 120 from 110 in prior years, which adds 2 additional OBC-NCL seats. This marginal increase may provide a slight relaxation in the closing rank compared to a straight-line projection from 2025, partially offsetting the upward trend seen from 2024 to 2025.
Factors Affecting AILET 2026 OBC-NCL Cutoff
Several variables determine where the OBC-NCL closing rank settles in each round:
- Total applicants: A larger applicant pool generally pushes closing ranks higher, making each seat more competitive.
- Seat matrix changes: The 2026 intake rose from 110 to 120 seats, adding two OBC-NCL seats and providing marginal relief on the cutoff.
- Score distribution: A higher proportion of students scoring above a certain threshold intensifies competition among OBC-NCL scorers at the top of the category list.
- Acceptance rate per round: Students who accept seats at other law schools free up OBC-NCL spots in later merit lists, relaxing the closing rank in rounds 3 and 4.
- Certificate rejection at verification: OBC-NCL seats vacated due to invalid or expired certificates return to the pool for the next round, sometimes pushing the final round cutoff slightly higher in rank number.
AILET 2026 OBC-NCL Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the expected AILET 2026 OBC-NCL closing rank from the 4th merit list?
Ans. Based on 2024 and 2025 trends, the expected AILET 2026 OBC-NCL closing rank from the 4th merit list is between AIR 500 and AIR 560. The official figure will be published on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in once NLU Delhi releases the list.
Ques. How many OBC-NCL seats are there in AILET 2026 BA LLB?
Ans. NLU Delhi has approximately 24 OBC-NCL seats in the BA LLB (Hons) program for 2026 out of a total intake of 120. The exact seat matrix is published on the official NLU Delhi website before counselling begins.
Ques. Why does the OBC-NCL closing rank rise from the 1st to the 4th merit list?
Ans. When students who received offers in earlier rounds decline or join other institutions, their OBC-NCL seats are freed up. Students with slightly higher rank numbers then become eligible, which is why the closing rank number increases (becomes less competitive) with each successive merit list.
Ques. What documents do OBC-NCL students need for NLU Delhi document verification?
Ans. Students must carry a valid OBC-NCL (non-creamy layer) certificate issued by a competent authority, AILET 2026 scorecard, Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets, a government-issued identity proof and recent passport-size photographs. The OBC-NCL certificate must be current for the financial year of admission.
Ques. What happens if an OBC-NCL student misses the document submission deadline?
Ans. Failure to complete document verification within the deadline stated in the merit list offer letter results in automatic cancellation of the seat. The seat is then returned to the pool and may be offered in a subsequent round or special round, if conducted.
Ques. Where can students check the official AILET 2026 OBC-NCL cutoff and merit list?
Ans. The official AILET 2026 merit lists, category-wise closing ranks and admission schedule are published on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. Students should check the portal directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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