National Law Universities (NLUs) are public law schools in India, founded under the second-generation reforms for legal education sought to be implemented by the Bar Council of India. The first NLU was the National Law School of India University aka NLU Bangalore which admitted its first batch in 1988. Since then, most of the states in India have established NLUs. Currently, there are 25 NLUs across the country. NLUs are considered the flag bearers of legal education in India. They offer integrated LLB, LLM, and Ph.D. programs. Some of the NLUs also offer various certification programs. NLUs are known for their high standards of education and research. They have strong alumni networks and placement records.
- The top NLUs in India are the National Law School of India University- Bangalore, National Law University- Delhi, Nalsar University of Law- Hyderabad, etc, per NIRF Rankings 2023.
- They are public universities, which means that they are funded by the government.
- They offer a variety of law courses, including integrated LLB, LLM, and Ph.D. programs.
- They have strong alumni networks and placement records.
- They are known for their high standards of education and research.
NLU Colleges in India: Highlights
Here are some of the important parameters of the NLU Colleges in India.
| Parameters | Highlight |
|---|---|
| No. of Colleges | 22 |
| Fees | INR 1.5 Lakhs - INR 5.5 Lakhs |
| Specializations | Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and Human Rights Law |
| Admission Process | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). |
Check-
Top 10 NLUs in India 2024
The following table highlights the top 10 NLUs in India with their seat intake.
| College Name | Seat Intake |
|---|---|
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore | 240 |
| National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) | 180 |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 132 |
| West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata | 91 |
| Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar | 104 |
| National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal | 180 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow | 104 |
| Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur | 104 |
| National Law University, Patna (NLUP) | 104 |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi | 100 |
Also Check-
List of NLUs in India with NIRF Ranking 2023
The National Institutional Ranking Framework is a method adopted by the Indian government to rank top Education institutions in India based on various parameters. It is under the Ministry of Education. Every year NIRF publishes ranking lists of top Institutions in India for different domains. NIRF is the most trustworthy and popular Ranking agency in India.
NIRF ranks the institutions across India based on 5 parameters and they are (1) Teaching, Learning & Resources, (2) Research and Professional Practice, (3) Graduation Outcomes, (4) Outreach and Inclusivity, and, (5) Perception. The rendered pie chart below depicts the weightage of different parameters used for Ranking top colleges in India:
The top NLU colleges in India, per NIRF Rankings 2023 have been mentioned below.
Top NLUs in India: UG & PG Seats
Here is a list of the top NLUs in India, along with the number of seats available in their undergraduate and postgraduate law courses:
| Name of NLUs | Seats in 5-year LLB programmes | Total LLM seats | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total CLAT seats | All India seats | Domicile | ||
| NLSIU Bangalore | 240 | 180 | 60 | 100 |
| NLU Hyderabad | 132 | 99 | 33 | 66 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 104 | 104 | 0 | 50 |
| NUJS Kolkata | 132 | 91 | 41 | 100 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 172 | 129 | 43 | 57 |
| RGNUL Patiala | 180 | 175 | 5 | 60 |
| NLU Lucknow | 169 | 80 | 89 | 24 |
| NLU Odisha, Cuttack | 180 | 135 | 45 | 44 |
| NLU Assam, Guwahati | 60 | 31 | 29 | 60 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 120 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| CNLU Patna | 138 | 69 | 69 | - |
| NLU Kochi | 120 | 61 | 59 | 50 |
| NLU Ranchi | 120 | 60 | 60 | 40 |
| NLU Visakhapatnam | 138 | 54 | 84 | 69 |
| NLU Trichy | 120 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 150 | 55 | 95 | 50 |
| MNLU Nagpur | 240 | 92 | 148 | 45 |
| MNLU Aurangabad | 60 | 23 | 37 | 60 |
| NLU Shimla | 180 | 108 | 72 | 80 |
| NLU Jabalpur | 120 | 60 | 60 | 50 |
| HNLU Raipur | 180 | 85 | 95 | 90 |
| Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Law University | 120 | 90 | 30 | - |
| GNLU Silvassa | 66 | 50 | 16 | 33 |
Law Courses Offered by Top NLUs in India
National Law Universities in India provide 5-year integrated LLB, 3-year LLB, LLM, and Ph.D. programs. Some NLUs, such as NLSIU Bangalore, also offer Master of Public Policy programs, Certificate programs in various areas of law, and MBA programs.
| Name of Law School | Undergraduate Law Programme | Postgraduate level |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | BA LLB | LLM in Business Laws |
| LLM in Human Rights Laws | ||
| NLU Hyderabad | BA LLB | LLM Specialization in Corporate |
| LLM in Commercial laws | ||
| LLM in Criminal law | ||
| LLM in Family law | ||
| LLM in Intellectual Property | ||
| LLM in International Trade and Business Law | ||
| Legal Pedagogy And Research And Public Law And Legal Theory | ||
| NLIU Bhopal | BA LLB | LLM in Intellectual Property & Business Law; |
| LLM in Constitutional and Administrative Law; | ||
| LLM in Human Rights and Criminal Law | ||
| NLU Jodhpur | BA LLB B.SC LLB | LLM in Corporate Laws |
| LLM in IPR Laws | ||
| NUJS Kolkata | BA LLB BSc LLB | LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law |
| LLM in International Law | ||
| LLM in Criminal and Security Laws | ||
| HNLU Raipur | BA LLB | LLM in Research Methods and Legal Writing |
| LLM in Comparative Public Law/Systems of Governance | ||
| LLM in Law and Justice in a Globalizing World | ||
| GNLU Gandhinagar | BA LLB B.Com LLB | LLM in Comparative Public Law/Systems of Governance |
| LLM in Research Methods and Legal Writing | ||
| LLM in Law and Justice in a Globalizing World | ||
| NLU Lucknow | BA LLB | LLM in Constitutional and Administrative Law |
| LLM in Corporate Law | ||
| LLM in Criminal and Security Law | ||
| LLM in International Law | ||
| RGNUL Patiala | BA LLB | LLM in Business Law |
| LLM in Constitutional Law | ||
| LLM in Criminal Law | ||
| LLM in International Law | ||
| CNLU Patna | BA LLB | LLM |
| NLU Kochi | BA LLB | LLM |
| NLU Odisha | BA LLB BBA LLB | LLM in Corporate Law & Commercial Law (CCL) |
| LLM in Constitutional Law | ||
| NLU Ranchi | BA LLB | LLM in Intellectual Property Rights |
| LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law | ||
| LLM in Constitutional and Administrative Law | ||
| NLU Assam | BA LLB | LLM in Corporate and Commercial Laws |
| LLM in Intellectual Property Laws | ||
| LLM in International Law | ||
| LLM in Environmental Law | ||
| LLM in Constitutional Law | ||
| LLM in Personal Laws | ||
| LLM in Human Rights Law | ||
| NLU Visakhapatnam | BA LLB | LLM in Legal Aspects of the Commercial Transactions |
| LLM in Corporate Securities Laws | ||
| LLM in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law | ||
| LLM in Information Technology and Commercial Law | ||
| LLM in Investment and Trade Law | ||
| LLM in Infrastructure Law | ||
| NLU Trichy | BA LLB BCom LLB | LLM in Corporate and Securities Laws |
| LLM in Intellectual Property Laws | ||
| LLM in Natural Resources Law | ||
| MNLU Mumbai | BA LLB | LLM in Corporate & Commercial Law |
| LLM in Constitutional & Administrative Law | ||
| LLM in Criminal & Security Law | ||
| MNLU Nagpur | BA LLB | LLM in Corporate and Commercial Laws |
| LLM in Intellectual Property Laws; | ||
| LLM in Constitutional Law | ||
| LLM in Personal Laws | ||
| LLM in Energy and Telecommunication Laws | ||
| MNLU Aurangabad | BA LLB | - |
| NLU Shimla | BA LLB BBA LLB | LLM in Constitutional Law |
| LLM in Criminal Law | ||
| GNLU Silvassa | BA LLB | LLM in Constitutional Law |
| LLM in Administrative Law | ||
| NLU Tripura | BA LLB | LLM |
| NLU Meghalaya | BA LLB, BBA LLB, BS LLB | LLM in Corporate Law |
Learn More-
Top NLUs in India with Fee Structure
The following table highlights the list of top NLUs in India with the fee structure of the 5-year LLB course and LLM course.
| NLUs | 5-year LLB Fees(INR) | LLM Fees(INR) |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 3,27,815 | 3,27,815 |
| 3,23,815 | 3,23,815 | |
| NLU Delhi | 3,65,000 | 3,65,000 |
| NLU Hyderabad | 2,62,000 | 1,75,000 |
| 2,56,000 | 1,69,000 | |
| NLU Jodhpur | 3,00,000 | 2,28,000 |
| WNUJS Kolkata | 3,06,400 | 1,78,000 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 2,58,000 | 2,62,200 |
| RGNUL Patiala | 2,21,000 | 1,73,000 |
| NLU Lucknow | 1,68,000 | 1,03,000 |
| NLU Odisha, Cuttack | 2,01,000 | 1,41,000 |
| NLU Assam, Guwahati | 2,44,000 | 2,11,500 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 2,65,150 | 2,30,150 |
| CNLU Patna | 2,28,470 | 1,61,000 |
| NLU Kochi | 2,24,000 | 1,63,000 |
| NLU Ranchi | 2,45,700 | 2,19,500 |
| NLU Visakhapatnam | 2,09,000 | 1,89,000 |
| NLU Trichy | 2,23,500 | 1,74,500 |
| 2,17,500 | 1,68,500 | |
| 1,17,500 | 1,13,500 | |
| MNLU Mumbai | 3,56,250 | 2,62,200 |
| 3,23,436 | 2,50,650 | |
| MNLU Nagpur | 2,60,000 | 2,18,000 |
| MNLU Aurangabad | 3,04,214 | 1,97,825 |
| 2,57,712 | 1,72,869 | |
| NLU Shimla | 2,35,500 | 1,86,500 |
| NLU Jabalpur | 2,93,100 | 2,93,100 |
| HNLU Raipur | 2,10,000 | 1,60,000 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University | 1,87,000 | - |
| NLU Tripura | 1,81,000 | 1,51,000 |
Top NLUs in India: Admission Process 2024
Admission to one of India's National Law Universities is exclusively determined by the student's CLAT score. If two or more students attain the same CLAT rank, the student with the higher qualifying examination marks will be given preference. Seats are reserved in India's several NLUs; however, certain states, such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, have reserved seats for residents of those states. Aside from that, 15% of the seats are earmarked for persons who fall within the SC/ST group. Some NLUs, such as Gujarat National Law University, have female seats reserved.
NLUs in India: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria are identical for all national law universities in the CLAT Consortium. NLU Delhi defined its qualifying requirements individually, although the core qualifying criteria for admission to NLUs remain the same. The qualifying requirements for NLUs are detailed below.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Integrated LLB - Class 12 or equivalent |
| LLM - LLB degree (3-year or integrated LLB) | |
| Minimum marks required in qualifying exam | Integrated LLB - 45% (40% in case of SC/ST candidates) |
| LLM - 50% (45% in case of SC/ST candidates) |
Top NLUs in India: Entrance Exams
The entrance exams required for admission to top NLUs in India:
- Common Law Admission Test (CLAT): CLAT is the most popular law entrance exam in India. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) and is used for admission to 22 NLUs.
- All India Law Entrance Test (AILET): AILET is the entrance exam for admission to the National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi). It is a more competitive exam than CLAT.
- National Law School of India University Entrance Test (NLSAT): NLSAT is the entrance exam for admission to the National Law School of India University (NLSIU Bangalore). It is a relatively new exam, but it is gaining popularity.
Admission through CLAT
- CLAT 2024 Counselling 3rd Allotment List will be out on January 22, 2024. CLAT 2024 cutoff is expected to go above 90 marks for the top 3 NLUs. Check CLAT 2024 Cut-off
- 55 candidates have scored more than or equal to the 99.90 percentile in CLAT UG 2024 results. Check CLAT 2024 College Predictor
Admission through AILET
- AILET 2024 Counselling Round 2 Seat Allotment results for both LLM and LLB courses have been released by the National Law University (NLU), Delhi.
- NLU Delhi will tentatively release the AILET Application form 2025 in August 2024 at nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.
AILET vs CLAT: Comparison
There are several parallels and distinctions between AILET and CLAT. CLAT is mainly a comprehension-based test meant to assess the aspirant's reading and critical thinking abilities. AILET, on the other hand, is a combination of comprehension and non-comprehension questions. Here is a quick breakdown of these two NLU entry tests.
| Category | CLAT | AILET |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Common Law Admission Test | All India Law Entrance Test |
| Conducted by | Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU) | National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) |
| Eligibility | Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) | Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) |
| Number of seats | 2,644 UG seats and 914 PG seats | 110 BA LLB seats, 70 LLM seats, and 18 Ph.D. seats |
| Exam pattern | 5 sections: General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, Legal Aptitude, and Analytical Reasoning | 3 sections: General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Aptitude |
| Exam duration | 120 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Difficulty level | Moderate | Difficult |
Read More
Top NLUs in India Placement-wise
Placements at NLUs take happen all year since campus recruitments for final-year students are scheduled by the training and placement cell. Here is all you need to know about NLU placements, including the placement process, different types of recruiters, average income packages, top law firms/ recruiters, employment roles, and more.
The following infographic highlights placements of Top NLUs in India in 2023.
Top Recruiters
Here are some of the top recruiters at NLUs:
| Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co. | Khaitan & Co. |
| Trilegal | Luthra & Luthra |
| Wadia Ghandy & Co. | Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. |
| Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas | Khaitan & Co. |
Quick Links:
FAQs
Ques. How are the top NLUs in India ranked?
Ans. The ranking of NLUs in India can vary depending on different ranking organizations and their evaluation criteria. Some popular ranking systems consider factors such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, infrastructure, student satisfaction, and placement opportunities to assess the performance and standing of NLUs.
Ques. What are the advantages of studying at a top NLU in India?
Ans. Studying at a top NLU in India offers several advantages. These NLUs often have well-established reputations, experienced faculty members, robust infrastructure, and strong connections with the legal industry. Students can benefit from a high-quality education, exposure to diverse perspectives, access to legal research and resources, networking opportunities, and better placement prospects.
Ques. How can I get admission to a top NLU in India?
Ans. Admissions to top NLUs in India are typically conducted through national-level entrance exams such as the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) or the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET). The admission process may also include factors like academic qualifications, cutoff scores, and counseling rounds. It is important to regularly check the official websites of the respective NLUs for updated information on admission procedures and eligibility criteria.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after graduating from a top NLU in India?
Ans. Graduates from top NLUs in India have a wide range of career opportunities. They can pursue careers as practicing lawyers, legal consultants, corporate legal advisors, judges, legal researchers, legal analysts, and policymakers. NLUs often have strong placement cells that facilitate internships and job placements in reputed law firms, corporate organizations, government bodies, and international organizations.
Ques. Do Top NLUs in India offer scholarships or financial assistance to students?
Ans. Yes, many NLUs provide scholarships and financial assistance to deserving and meritorious students. These scholarships may be based on criteria such as academic performance, economic background, category (reserved or general), or other specific eligibility requirements. Students can refer to the respective NLU's website or admission brochure for detailed information on available scholarships and the application process.
Ques. Can international students apply to Top NLUs in India?
Ans. Yes, international students are eligible to apply to NLUs in India. However, the specific eligibility criteria, admission process, and seat allocation for international students may vary across different NLUs. International students are advised to check the official websites of the respective NLUs for information on admission requirements, eligibility, and any additional procedures or documentation required.
Ques. Are Top NLUs in India recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI)?
Ans. Yes, NLUs in India are recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI), the regulatory body for legal education and the legal profession in the country. The degrees awarded by NLUs are recognized and considered valid for practice in the field of law in India.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to top NLUs in India?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for admission to top NLUs in India can vary slightly, but generally, candidates must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board with a minimum percentage or CGPA requirement. Additionally, they may need to appear for national-level entrance exams like CLAT or AILET and meet the prescribed cutoff scores.
Ques. How is the faculty at top NLUs in India?
Ans. Top NLUs in India generally have highly qualified and experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields of law. The faculty often includes accomplished academicians, practicing lawyers, and renowned legal scholars who provide quality education and guidance to students.
Ques. What is the reservation policy for admissions to Top NLUs in India?
Ans. NLUs in India follow the reservation policy mandated by the Government of India. This policy includes reserved seats for different categories such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The percentage of reservations may vary across NLUs as per government guidelines.
Ques. Do NLUs have collaborations with international universities or exchange programs?
Ans. Yes, many NLUs in India have collaborations and tie-ups with reputed international universities and institutes. They often offer exchange programs, where students get the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or a year, allowing for cross-cultural exposure and academic enrichment.
![National Law School of India University - [NLSIU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1411995789Capture3211.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
2025
![NALSAR University of Law - [NALSAR] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/col30759.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences - [NUJS] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/14849807071438082192nujslogo.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National Law University - [NLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1512619900NationalLawUniversityJodhpur.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Gujarat National Law University - [GNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/147731193510.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National Law Institute University - [NLIU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1745897068Screenshot20250429085417.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai - [MNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1464246923nlu logo1.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University - [RMLNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1497598014RamManoharLohiyaNationalLawUniversityRecruitment2015forFacultyPost.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Hidayatullah National Law University - [HNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1496135826lawe1.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National Law University Odisha - [NLUO] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1482404067logo.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National Law University - [NLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1743839641logo.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National University of Advanced Legal Studies - [NUALS] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1421232548Capture.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law - [RGNUL] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1435904627law.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Maharashtra National Law University - [MNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1756533536Screenshot20250830112225.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Chanakya National Law University - [CNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1421299198Capture.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National University of Study and Research in Law - [NUSRL] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1420874007download (2).jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Tamil Nadu National Law University - [TNNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1432615981logo ta22.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Maharashtra National Law University - [MNLUA] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1651049311logo.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National Law University and Judicial Academy - [NLUJAA] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1440667806Selection_108.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National Law University - [NLUT] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1704447301logo.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University - [DSNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1441258157nnt.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University -[DBRANLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1592995312IMG20190614WA0048.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Dharmashastra National Law University - [MPDNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1758192442Screenshot20250918155740.webp?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Himachal Pradesh National Law University - [HPNLU] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1703939318Screenshotfrom20231230175825.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![National Law University Meghalaya [NLU Meg] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/17059920091000007940.jpg?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
![Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University Prayagraj-[RPNLUP] logo](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1753101258rpnluplogoglow.png?h=43&w=43&mode=stretch){kind=small}
