Top 10 NLUs in India: Best Law Colleges for CLAT Aspirants
If you are preparing for CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) or aiming for a career in law, then you have probably heard about NLUs—National Law Universities. These institutions have completely transformed legal education in India and are now considered among the top law colleges in India. For any aspirant, getting into the top NLU in India is a dream because it opens doors to world-class education, excellent placements, and strong alumni networks.
In this blog, we will explore the Top 10 NLUs in India, their unique features, and why they’re considered the top law colleges of India. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap of which NLU might be the right choice for you.
What are NLUs (National Law Universities)?
National Law Universities (NLUs) are premier public law schools in India established to provide high-quality legal education, research, and training. The first NLU, National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, was set up in 1986, and since then, 26 NLUs have been established across the country. They are known for their five-year integrated law programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.), postgraduate (LLM), and doctoral studies, and they admit students primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), except NLU Delhi, which conducts AILET.
Top 10 NLUs According to NIRF Ranking 2025
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 has once again highlighted the top National Law Universities in India, ranking them based on academics, placements, research, and overall excellence. For law aspirants, these rankings serve as a reliable guide to choose the right institution. Here is the list of the Top 10 NLUs in India according to NIRF Ranking 2025.
| Institute Name | City | State | NIRF 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University | Bengaluru | Karnataka | 1 |
| National Law University | New Delhi | Delhi | 2 |
| NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad | Telangana | 3 |
| The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences | Kolkata | West Bengal | 4 |
| Gujarat National Law University | Gandhinagar | Gujarat | 5 |
| National Law University Odisha | Cuttack | Odisha | 15 |
| Chanakya National Law University | Patna | Bihar | 17 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 21 |
| National Law Institute University | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | 27 |
| Maharashtra National Law University | Nagpur | Maharashtra | 28 |
To check the performance of other NLUs and law colleges, read our blog on NIRF Ranking 2025 to see how the top 10 NLU in India and other institutions rank.
List of Other NLUs in India
Apart from the top 10 NLU in India, several other National Law Universities across the country are steadily growing in reputation and academic strength. These institutions also provide quality legal education, research opportunities, and valuable exposure to aspiring lawyers. Here’s the complete list of other NLUs in India.
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies
- National University of Study and Research in Law
- National Law University and Judicial Academy
- Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University
- Tamil Nadu National Law University
- Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad
- Himachal Pradesh National Law University
- Dharmashastra National Law University
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University
- Gujarat National Law University Silvassa Campus
- National Law University, Tripura
- National Law University, Uttarakhand
How to Choose the Right Law College in India
Selecting the right law college is one of the most important decisions for aspiring lawyers. With so many options—from the Top NLUs in India to reputed private and central universities—it is crucial to evaluate carefully before making your choice. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Accreditation & Recognition
- Ensure the college is recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
- Accreditation by UGC or NAAC adds more credibility.
2. Entrance Exam & Admission Process
- Top 10 NLUs in India admit students through CLAT (except NLU Delhi via AILET).
- Private colleges may accept LSAT–India, SLAT, or university-specific exams.
- Central universities like DU and BHU conduct their own entrance tests.
3. Ranking & Reputation
- Check NIRF Rankings and peer reviews.
- The top law colleges of India (like NLSIU, NALSAR, NLU Delhi) consistently feature at the top.
4. Faculty & Academic Environment
- Strong faculty with practical legal experience is a must.
- Look for a balance of academic depth, research opportunities, and practical training.
5. Placements & Internships
- Check the past placement records—both corporate law firms and litigation opportunities.
- Location matters: Colleges in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru often provide more exposure.
6. Specializations & Curriculum
- Top 10 NLUs in India are known for corporate law, others for policy, human rights, or international law.
- Review the elective subjects and specializations offered.
How to Get Admission in Top Law Colleges in India
Getting into the top law colleges of India, especially the Top 10 NLUs in India, requires careful planning, the right entrance exams, and consistent preparation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Understand the Entrance Exams
Most of the top law colleges in India admit students through national or state-level entrance tests:
- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test): For admission to 24 NLUs (except NLU Delhi).
- AILET (All India Law Entrance Test): For NLU Delhi only.
- LSAT—India (Law School Admission Test): For private universities like Jindal Global Law School.
- SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test): For Symbiosis Law Schools.
- MH-CET Law: For law colleges in Maharashtra.
2. Choose Your Course Path
- 5-year Integrated Law Programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.): After 12th grade, through CLAT, AILET, etc.
- 3-year LLB Program: After graduation, through DU LLB, MH-CET Law, or LSAT.
- LLM Programs: For post-graduation in law, through CLAT PG, AILET PG, etc.
3. Eligibility Criteria
- 5-year LLB (CLAT/AILET): Minimum 45% in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST).
- 3-year LLB: A bachelor’s degree with at least 45% marks.
- LLM: An LLB/Integrated law degree with minimum qualifying marks.
4. Prepare for the Entrance Exam
The CLAT and AILET exams test candidates in English Language & Comprehension, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning & Quantitative Techniques.
5. Application & Counselling
- Apply online for the respective exam (CLAT, AILET, LSAT, etc.).
- Clear the exam and check your rank/score.
- Attend the counselling process to lock your seat in the top law colleges of India.
6. Alternative Options
If not securing admission into the Top 10 NLUs in India, consider:
- Other NLUs (beyond top 10, still prestigious).
- Private law colleges like Jindal Global Law School, Symbiosis, Amity.
- Central Universities like DU, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia.
7. Final Admission Process
- Submit required documents (marksheets, ID, category certificate if applicable).
- Pay the admission/tuition fees.
- Begin orientation at your chosen law college.
How are NLUs Different from Other Law Schools?
National Law Universities (NLUs) are some of the best law schools in India. They are different from regular law colleges because they focus on giving students the best education, practical experience, and career opportunities.
- Focus Only on Law: Top NLUs in India teach only law, which helps students learn deeply and specialize in important areas.
- Tough Admission: Admission is through competitive exams like CLAT and AILET, making NLUs highly selective.
- Broad Learning: Top 10 NLUs in India teach law along with subjects like economics, political science, and management to prepare students for different legal careers.
- Practical Training: Students get hands-on experience through moot courts, internships, legal aid, and research projects.
- Better Jobs: Graduates often get jobs in top law firms, companies, and government offices, with good salaries.
- Famous Alumni: The Top 10 NLUs have strong networks of successful alumni who guide and help students.
- Research Opportunities: Students can participate in research, conferences, and publications, which improves learning and career growth.
Conclusion
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