Complete List of NLUs in India 2026: Rankings, Fees and Admission Process
Explore the complete list of 26 National Law Universities in India for 2026, including detailed rankings, fees structure, CLAT admission process, and eligibility criteria for aspiring law students.
AC Team
India has 26 National Law Universities that represent the best in legal education. These institutions offer strong academic programs, excellent placement records, and experienced faculty. Students get access to moot courts, internships with top law firms, and valuable research opportunities.
Getting into an NLU is competitive. You need to clear entrance exams like CLAT or AILET. The hard work pays off with better career prospects and quality education that prepares you for the legal profession.
All 26 National Law Universities in India
Here is the complete list of NLUs across India:
| NLU Name | Location |
|---|---|
| National Law School of India University | Bangalore |
| NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad |
| West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences | Kolkata |
| National Law University | Jodhpur |
| Gujarat National Law University | Gandhinagar |
| Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law | Patiala |
| Hidayatullah National Law University | Raipur |
| National Law Institute University | Bhopal |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University | Lucknow |
| National University of Study and Research in Law | Ranchi |
| National Law University Odisha | Cuttack |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies | Kochi |
| National Law University and Judicial Academy | Guwahati |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University | Visakhapatnam |
| Tamil Nadu National Law University | Tiruchirappalli |
| Maharashtra National Law University | Mumbai |
| Maharashtra National Law University | Nagpur |
| Maharashtra National Law University | Aurangabad |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University | Shimla |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University | Sonipat |
| Dharmashastra National Law University | Jabalpur |
| National Law University Tripura | Agartala |
| National Law University Delhi | New Delhi |
| National Law University Meghalaya | Shillong |
| National Law University Mizoram | Aizawl |
| National Law University, Nagaland | Kohima |
Top 10 NLUs: Rankings and Fees Breakdown
The top NLUs offer quality education at different fee structures. Here are the leading institutions based on rankings and their annual fees:
| NLU Name | Location | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University | Bangalore | ₹3.5 – ₹4 Lakhs |
| National Law University | Delhi | ₹2.5 – ₹3 Lakhs |
| NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad | ₹2.5 – ₹3 Lakhs |
| West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences | Kolkata | ₹2.5 – ₹3 Lakhs |
| Gujarat National Law University | Gandhinagar | ₹2.5 – ₹3 Lakhs |
| National Law University | Jodhpur | ₹2.5 – ₹3 Lakhs |
| National Law Institute University | Bhopal | ₹2.3 – ₹2.8 Lakhs |
| Hidayatullah National Law University | Raipur | ₹2 – ₹2.5 Lakhs |
| Maharashtra National Law University | Mumbai | ₹3 – ₹3.5 Lakhs |
Understanding CLAT: Your Gateway to NLUs
The Common Law Admission Test serves as the main entrance exam for most NLUs in India. The Consortium of NLUs conducts this exam every year. Your CLAT score determines which NLU you can join based on merit.
How to Register for CLAT 2027
The registration process is simple but requires attention to detail:
- Visit the official CLAT consortium portal
- Fill out the application form with accurate details
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the exam fee (₹4,000 to ₹4,500 for general category)
- Reserved categories get fee concessions
- Submit before the deadline
Missing the deadline means waiting another year. Mark your calendar and complete the process early.
Who Can Apply for CLAT?
The eligibility criteria differ for undergraduate and postgraduate programs:
| Program | Educational Requirement | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| UG (5-year LL.B) | Class 12 from recognized board | General/OBC: 45% SC/ST: 40% |
| PG (LL.M.) | LL.B. degree | General: 50–55% SC/ST: 45–50% |
Important CLAT 2027 Dates
Here is what you can expect for CLAT 2027:
- Application opens: July–August 2026
- Application closes: October–November 2026
- Exam date: December 2026
Stay updated with official announcements. Dates can change, and you need to be prepared.
CLAT 2025 Cut-Off Ranks
Cut-off ranks show you the level of competition. Here are the closing ranks for top NLUs from CLAT 2025:
| NLU | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 100 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 150 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 285 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 357 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 402 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 458 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 536 |
These numbers tell you what rank you need to target during preparation. The competition is tough, but with proper planning, you can make it.
CLAT vs AILET: Which Exam Should You Take?
Both exams open doors to quality legal education, but they differ in several ways:
| Feature | CLAT | AILET |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | Consortium of National Law Universities | NLU Delhi |
| Accepted by | 24+ NLUs across India | NLU Delhi only |
| Courses offered | BA LL.B., BBA LL.B., LL.M. | BA LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D. |
| Exam level | National level | National level |
| Difficulty | Medium to high | High |
| Seats offered | 3000+ | 120 (UG) |
CLAT gives you more options with 24+ NLUs. AILET is your ticket to NLU Delhi, which is one of the top institutions. You can appear for both exams if you want more chances.
NLUs vs Private Law Colleges
NLUs are not your only option for legal education. Private law colleges also offer quality programs. Here is how different institutions accept different exams:
| Institute Name | Entrance Exam | Exam Details |
|---|---|---|
| NLU Delhi | AILET | All India Law Entrance Test |
| NLSIU Bangalore | CLAT | Common Law Admission Test |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | CLAT | Common Law Admission Test |
| Symbiosis Law School, Pune | SLAT | Symbiosis Law Admission Test |
| Geeta Law College | GLAT | Geeta Law Admission Test |
| ILS Law College, Pune | MH CET Law | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | JMI Entrance Exam | Conducted by Jamia |
Private colleges conduct their own exams like LSAT, GLAT, and SLAT. Some offer scholarships based on your exam performance. This gives you more opportunities to secure admission and financial support.
Planning Your Law College Journey
Getting into a top NLU requires planning and consistent preparation. Start early and stay focused on your goal. Understand the exam pattern, practice mock tests, and work on your weak areas.
The legal profession offers diverse career paths. Corporate law, litigation, judiciary, legal consulting, and human rights are just some options. Your college choice can shape your career direction.
Keep track of application deadlines, exam dates, and counselling schedules. Missing any step can cost you a year. Create a timeline and stick to it. Talk to seniors, join preparation groups, and stay motivated through the journey.
Whether you choose CLAT or AILET, whether you aim for an NLU or a private college, what matters most is your commitment to learning. The legal field needs dedicated professionals who understand the law and use it to make a difference.
