The AILET 2026 cutoff is the minimum closing rank needed for admission at National Law University (NLU) Delhi. It covers the BA LLB (5-Year Hons) and LLM programmes. NLU Delhi releases the cutoff through merit lists after the result. The 4th and final merit list was released in May 2026, confirming definitive closing ranks for all categories.
The AILET 2026 final cutoff has been declared. The General/UR closing rank for BA LLB stood at approximately 71 as per the 3rd merit list. Visit nationallawuniversitydelhi.in for the official 4th merit list closing ranks by category.
Here are the key highlights of the AILET 2026 cutoff:
- The General/UR closing rank for BA LLB 2026 was approximately 71 as per the 3rd merit list. The 4th and final list may show a slightly higher rank number.
- For OBC candidates, the closing rank for BA LLB 2026 stood at approximately 522.
- The ST category closing rank for BA LLB 2026 was approximately 2,889.
- Around 22,532 candidates appeared for BA LLB 2026, competing for just 120 seats at NLU Delhi.
- The LLM programme had 81 seats with approximately 2,787 candidates appearing in 2026.
- NLU Delhi released 4 merit lists in 2026. Each list extends closing ranks as seats are vacated and filled.
- 30% of seats in each category are reserved for female candidates as supernumerary seats, with a separate closing rank.
Key Summary
- The AILET 2026 final cutoff is declared. NLU Delhi released the 4th and final merit list in May 2026.
- The General/UR closing rank for BA LLB was approximately 71 (3rd merit list). Confirm the final figure on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.
- About 22,532 candidates competed for 120 BA LLB seats. AILET is among the most competitive law entrance tests in India.
- The OBC closing rank was approximately 522. ST candidates needed a rank within 2,889 for BA LLB 2026.
- The General category closing rank shifted by 10 ranks from 2025 (rank 61) to 2026 (rank ~71). Competition is slightly broader this year.
What is the AILET Cutoff 2026?
The AILET cutoff is the lowest closing rank at which a seat is allotted in any given merit list round. NLU Delhi releases the cutoff as part of merit lists after the result is declared. You must rank within or above the closing rank for your category to receive an admission offer.
There are two types of cutoffs in AILET. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum marks needed to appear in the merit list. The admission cutoff is the closing rank at which seats are filled in each merit list round. Only the admission cutoff determines whether you get a seat at NLU Delhi.
Previous Year Official AILET Cutoff
The table below shows AILET BA LLB closing ranks across the last five years. NLU Delhi used a marks-based cutoff until 2022. From 2023 onwards, it switched to a rank-based system.
| Year | Cutoff Format | General/UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Closing Rank | ~71* | ~200 | ~522 | ~1,200 | ~2,889 |
| 2025 | Closing Rank | 61 | ~198 | 522 | ~1,080 | 2,889 |
| 2024 | Closing Rank | ~65 | ~170 | ~470 | ~950 | ~2,500 |
| 2023 | Closing Rank | ~82 | ~140 | ~430 | ~850 | ~2,100 |
| 2022 | Marks (out of 150) | 87.75 | ~71 | ~63 | ~58 | ~53 |
*2026 data reflects closing rank from the 3rd merit list. Final closing ranks from the 4th merit list are available on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. Data for 2022 is expressed in marks (out of 150); NLU Delhi switched to rank-based cutoffs from 2023 onwards. Tilde (~) values are based on merit list progression data.
Source: National Law University Delhi Official Website
The General category closing rank tightened from rank 82 in 2023 to rank 61 in 2025 — a shift of 21 ranks across two years. In 2026, it eased back to approximately 71, a change of 10 ranks from 2025. This suggests a slightly broader competitive band at the top this year.
Ques. What is the difference between the AILET qualifying cutoff and the admission cutoff?
Ans. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum marks needed to earn a rank in the merit list. The admission cutoff is the closing rank at which the last seat is filled in a given round. You must clear both — score enough to get ranked, and rank well enough to fall within the closing rank for your category.
AILET Cutoff 2026: Important Dates
All major events in the AILET 2026 cutoff and counselling cycle are listed below. All events are complete for the 2026 admission cycle as of today.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AILET 2026 Exam | December 7, 2025 | Over |
| Result Declaration | December 18, 2025 | Over |
| Counselling Registration Opens | December 19, 2025 | Over |
| Counselling Registration Closes | December 27, 2025 | Over |
| 1st Merit List Released | January 8, 2026 | Over |
| 2nd Merit List Released | January 21, 2026 | Over |
| 3rd Merit List Released | February 4, 2026 | Over |
| 4th (Final) Merit List Released | May 2026 | Over |
Factors Affecting AILET Cutoff
Several factors decide where the AILET cutoff lands each year. Understanding these helps you set a realistic target rank.
- Total seats available: NLU Delhi offers 120 BA LLB seats and 81 LLM seats. Fewer seats mean tighter cutoffs every year.
- Number of candidates appearing: In 2026, over 22,500 students appeared for 120 BA LLB seats. A larger applicant pool pushes the closing rank to a lower number, meaning you need a better rank.
- Difficulty of the exam paper: A tougher paper leads to lower raw scores across the board. This can ease the cutoff rank slightly for some categories.
- Category-wise seat distribution: NLU Delhi allocates seats separately for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates. Each category has its own closing rank.
- Female supernumerary quota: 30% of seats in each category go to female candidates as a supernumerary reserve. Their closing rank is tracked separately from the general pool.
- Number of merit list rounds: NLU Delhi releases up to 4 merit lists. Candidates who decline seats in earlier rounds open vacancies for the next list, easing the closing rank each round.
- Vacancy carry-forward: If many candidates withdraw after accepting, later merit lists absorb those seats. This is why the 4th list always shows the widest closing rank.
AILET 2026 Cutoff: Category-Wise Closing Ranks
The AILET 2026 category-wise closing ranks below are based on merit list data from the 2026 admission cycle. NLU Delhi publishes closing ranks through merit lists on its official website. Rows marked "To be updated" will reflect final 4th merit list data once confirmed on nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.
| Category | BA LLB Closing Rank 2026 | LLM Closing Rank 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | ~71 (3rd merit list) | ~45 (3rd merit list) |
| EWS | ~200 | To be updated |
| OBC | ~522 | To be updated |
| SC | ~1,200 | To be updated |
| ST | ~2,889 | To be updated |
| PwD | To be updated | To be updated |
Note: Closing ranks for the 4th merit list will be available on the official NLU Delhi website. Tilde (~) values are based on counselling merit list data; confirm before applying.
The General/UR closing rank moved from 61 in 2025 to approximately 71 in 2026 — a shift of 10 ranks. This shows slightly higher competition at the top of the merit list in 2026.
AILET 2026 Cutoff: BA LLB vs LLM
AILET 2026 covers two programmes at NLU Delhi. The seat count, candidate pool, and closing ranks differ between BA LLB and LLM.
| Factor | BA LLB (5-Year Hons) | LLM (1-Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Seats | 120 | 81 |
| General / UR Seats | 50 | 32 |
| Reserved Category Seats | 70 | 49 |
| Female Supernumerary (30%) | Yes (per category) | Yes (per category) |
| General Closing Rank 2026 (3rd list) | ~71 | ~45 |
| Candidates Appeared 2026 | 22,532 | 2,787 |
The LLM programme has a smaller candidate pool than BA LLB. However, its General closing rank (approximately 45) is more competitive. Fewer seats are available relative to the quality of candidates who appear for LLM.
AILET Previous Year Cutoff Trends
The table below tracks AILET BA LLB closing ranks from 2023 to 2026 under the rank-based system. Use it to see how competition has evolved year on year.
| Year | General / UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ~71 | ~200 | ~522 | ~1,200 | ~2,889 |
| 2025 | 61 | ~198 | 522 | ~1,080 | 2,889 |
| 2024 | ~65 | ~170 | ~470 | ~950 | ~2,500 |
| 2023 | ~82 | ~140 | ~430 | ~850 | ~2,100 |
The General category closing rank tightened from 82 in 2023 to 61 in 2025 — a shift of 21 ranks. In 2026, it eased to approximately 71, a change of 10 ranks from 2025. This points to a slightly broader band of high-scoring candidates this year.
OBC closing ranks moved from approximately 430 in 2023 to approximately 522 in 2026. That is a shift of 92 ranks across three years, pointing to rising participation from OBC candidates in the higher rank band.
SC closing ranks moved from approximately 850 in 2023 to approximately 1,200 in 2026 — a shift of 350 ranks. ST closing ranks moved from approximately 2,100 to approximately 2,889 over the same period, a shift of 789 ranks.
Ques. Is the AILET cutoff getting more competitive each year?
Ans. The General category closing rank moved from 82 in 2023 to 61 in 2025 — a shift of 21 ranks in two years. In 2026, it eased to approximately 71. To get a General category BA LLB seat at NLU Delhi, you need a rank within approximately 61 to 82. That range has stayed tight since 2023, making AILET extremely competitive.
AILET Cutoff 2026: Marks vs Rank
The marks-to-rank relationship in AILET shifts every year based on exam difficulty and candidate performance. The table below gives an approximate guide based on AILET trends. Use it to understand roughly where your score places you.
| Marks Range (out of 150) | Approximate Rank (BA LLB) |
|---|---|
| 130 – 150 | 1 – 10 |
| 120 – 129 | 11 – 30 |
| 110 – 119 | 31 – 70 |
| 105 – 109 | 71 – 120 |
| 100 – 104 | 121 – 200 |
| 90 – 99 | 201 – 500 |
| 80 – 89 | 501 – 1,000 |
| 70 – 79 | 1,001 – 2,000 |
| Below 70 | 2,001 and above |
Note: This table is an approximate guide based on general AILET trends. The exact marks-to-rank mapping for 2026 depends on official result data. Check nationallawuniversitydelhi.in for the official rank list.
To target a General category BA LLB seat at NLU Delhi, aim for at least 110 marks out of 150. This typically places you within rank 70 — the zone where General category seats have been filling in recent years.
AILET Cutoff 2026: Counselling Process
NLU Delhi manages AILET counselling directly through its official portal. You do not need any external counselling body. The process runs through up to 4 merit list rounds.
- Step 1 — Register for Counselling: After the result, register on the NLU Delhi counselling portal. Pay the registration fee before the deadline.
- Step 2 — Merit List Release: NLU Delhi releases merit lists in rounds. Your rank decides which merit list round you appear in.
- Step 3 — Accept Offer: Accept the seat offer if your name appears in a merit list. Pay the counselling fee before the stated deadline.
- Step 4 — Document Verification: Submit required documents. These include mark sheets, category certificate, domicile certificate (if applicable), and a passport-size photograph.
- Step 5 — Programme Fee Payment: Pay the full programme fee to confirm your seat. Failing to pay in time means the seat moves to the next merit list round.
Candidates who decline a seat in an earlier merit list free up spots for the next round. Closing ranks in later merit lists are typically higher than in the first list. More candidates become eligible as vacancies open up.
How to Check AILET Cutoff 2026
You can check the AILET 2026 cutoff directly on the NLU Delhi official website. Follow these steps:
- Visit nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.
- Go to the Admissions section on the homepage.
- Look for the AILET 2026 Merit List or Cutoff link.
- Select the merit list round you want to check (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th).
- The merit list PDF or table shows the closing rank for each category and programme.
- Compare your rank with the closing rank in your category to assess your admission chances.
FAQs on AILET Cutoff 2026
Ques. What is the AILET 2026 cutoff for the General category?
Ans. The AILET 2026 General/UR closing rank for BA LLB was approximately 71 as per the 3rd merit list. The 4th and final list rank may be slightly higher. Check nationallawuniversitydelhi.in for the official final category-wise closing ranks.
Ques. How many merit lists does NLU Delhi release for AILET?
Ans. NLU Delhi releases up to 4 merit lists for AILET. The 1st list has the most competitive closing ranks. Each list after that relaxes slightly as vacated seats get filled. The 4th list is the final one for that admission cycle.
Ques. Is there a separate AILET cutoff for female candidates?
Ans. Yes. NLU Delhi reserves 30% of total seats in each category for female candidates as a supernumerary quota. This does not reduce seats available to male candidates. Female candidates in this pool have a separate closing rank. It is typically higher in rank number than the general pool for the same category.
Ques. What happens if my rank is not in the first AILET merit list?
Ans. You may still appear in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th merit list as seats become vacant. Each list extends the closing rank. Keep checking the official NLU Delhi website after each release. If your rank falls within the closing rank of any list, you will get an admission offer.
Ques. How many total seats are available through AILET at NLU Delhi?
Ans. NLU Delhi offers 120 seats for BA LLB (5-Year Hons) and 81 seats for LLM through AILET. Of the 120 BA LLB seats, 50 are for General/UR and 70 are reserved for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates. Additionally, 30% of each category’s seats go to female candidates as supernumerary seats.
Ques. What is the difference between the AILET qualifying cutoff and the admission cutoff?
Ans. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum marks you need to earn a rank in the merit list. The admission cutoff is the closing rank at which the last seat is filled in a merit list round. You need to clear both — score enough to get ranked, and rank well enough to fall within the closing rank for your category.
Ques. How is AILET different from CLAT in terms of cutoff?
Ans. CLAT is the Common Law Admission Test for 24 National Law Universities across India. AILET is a separate exam conducted exclusively by NLU Delhi. AILET cutoffs are closing ranks on NLU Delhi’s own merit lists. They are independent of CLAT scores and counselling. You must apply and appear separately for each.
Ques. Will the AILET cutoff increase in 2027?
Ans. The General category closing rank has stayed between approximately 61 and 82 over the last four years. In 2025 it was 61. In 2026 it moved to approximately 71. The cutoff depends on the number of candidates who appear and their scores. With steady growth in AILET applicants, expect closing ranks to stay highly competitive in 2027 within a similar range.
Ques. Can I check previous year AILET cutoffs on the official website?
Ans. Yes. The official NLU Delhi website at nationallawuniversitydelhi.in hosts previous merit lists and cutoff data. Go to the Admissions section to access these. Some older PDFs may require a direct search within the website’s archive or notifications section.
Ques. What score should I target for BA LLB General category at NLU Delhi?
Ans. AILET leads to a single programme at NLU Delhi — the BA LLB (5-Year Hons) or LLM. There is no branch selection. For a BA LLB seat in the General category, aim for at least 110 marks out of 150. This typically places you within rank 70 — the zone where General seats have been filling in recent years.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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