The top 10 NLUs in India are NLSIU Bengaluru, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, NUJS Kolkata, GNLU Gandhinagar, NLU Jodhpur, NLIU Bhopal, NLU Odisha, CNLU Patna, and MNLU Mumbai. These institutions are among the top national law colleges in India for their academic standards, faculty, placements, internships, alumni networks, and student opportunities.
While NLSIU, NLU Delhi, and NALSAR lead the list, the other universities also offer strong legal education and career prospects. This article compares the top NLUs based on location, entrance exam, courses, fees, placements, and overall preference among law aspirants preparing for undergraduate law admissions in 2027.
Top 10 NLUs in India
| Rank | National Law University | Location | Entrance Exam |
| 1 | National Law School of India University (NLSIU) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | CLAT |
| 2 | National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) | New Delhi | AILET |
| 3 | NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad, Telangana | CLAT |
| 4 | The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) | Kolkata, West Bengal | CLAT |
| 5 | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | CLAT |
| 6 | National Law University Jodhpur (NLU Jodhpur) | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | CLAT |
| 7 | National Law Institute University (NLIU) | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | CLAT |
| 8 | National Law University Odisha (NLUO) | Cuttack, Odisha | CLAT |
| 9 | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) | Patna, Bihar | CLAT |
| 10 | Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai (MNLU Mumbai) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | CLAT |
1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, is the best law college in India. Ranked first in the NIRF law ranking, NLSIU is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, experienced faculty, strong alumni network, research culture, and excellent career opportunities.
It remains the first preference of CLAT toppers. Students receive exposure through internships, moot courts, legal research, policy work, publications, and student-led activities. NLSIU graduates work with leading law firms, companies, courts, policy organisations, and academic institutions.
Its competitive admission process, high-quality education, and consistent placement outcomes make it the leading NLU in India.
| Particular | Details |
| NIRF Ranking | 1 |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹5 lakh |
| UG Seats | 310 |
| PG Seats | 120 |
| Placement Rate | 82.35% |
| Average Package | ₹16 LPA |
2. National Law University Delhi
National Law University Delhi is one of the most prestigious law universities in India and holds the second position in the NIRF law ranking. Unlike most NLUs, it accepts students through AILET instead of CLAT. Its location in New Delhi gives students access to the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, law firms, government departments, policy organisations, and senior advocates.
The university is recognised for its academic quality, research centres, legal aid programmes, moot court culture, and competitive student intake. Strong placements, limited seats, and excellent professional exposure make NLU Delhi one of the most preferred law colleges among aspirants seeking top-level legal education.
| Particular | Details |
| NIRF Ranking | 2 |
| Entrance Exam | AILET |
| Annual UG Fees | Approximately ₹4.1 lakh |
| UG Seats | 120 |
| PG Seats | 81 |
| Placement Rate | 82.27% |
| Average Package | ₹18 LPA |
3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, is ranked third in the NIRF law ranking and is consistently counted among India’s top law universities. It is known for its academically demanding environment, experienced faculty, active research centres, strong placement record, and highly competitive student community.
The university encourages participation in moot courts, debates, legal aid, publications, internships, and international competitions. NALSAR graduates have built successful careers in corporate law, litigation, civil services, public policy, academia, and international organisations. Its residential campus, alumni network, and career opportunities make it one of the most preferred choices for students securing high ranks in CLAT.
| Particular | Details |
| NIRF Ranking | 3 |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹4 lakh |
| UG Seats | 132 |
| PG Seats | 66 |
| Placement Rate | 93.91% |
| Average Package | ₹17 LPA |
4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, commonly known as NUJS Kolkata, is one of India’s most respected National Law Universities. It is particularly recognised for its strong placement record, academic standards, research culture, moot court achievements, and influential alumni network. Its location in Kolkata provides students with access to courts, law firms, companies, legal organisations, and internship opportunities across eastern India.
NUJS students regularly participate in national and international competitions, publications, legal aid programmes, and research initiatives. The university remains a preferred choice among top CLAT rankers, especially for students interested in corporate law, litigation, research, and public policy.
| Particular | Details |
| NIRF Ranking | 4 |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹3.5 lakh |
| UG Seats | 182 |
| PG Seats | 100 |
| Placement Rate | 96.06% |
| Average Package | ₹18 LPA |
5. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, is ranked fifth in the NIRF law ranking and is known for offering a wide range of integrated undergraduate law programmes. It combines legal education with disciplines such as business administration, commerce, science, arts, and social work.
GNLU has a modern residential campus, experienced faculty, dedicated research centres, active student committees, and strong participation in moots, debates, sports, publications, and legal aid activities. Its proximity to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar gives students access to courts, companies, law firms, government bodies, and regulatory institutions. Strong placements and diverse course options make GNLU a preferred choice among CLAT aspirants.
| Particular | Details |
| NIRF Ranking | 5 |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹2.6 lakh |
| UG Seats | 172 |
| PG Seats | 57 |
| Placement Rate | 96.69% |
| Average Package | ₹18 LPA |
6. National Law University, Jodhpur
National Law University, Jodhpur, is among India’s most preferred law universities, particularly for students interested in corporate and commercial law. It is known for its demanding academic curriculum, competitive student culture, experienced faculty, strong placement performance, and successful alumni.
The university offers integrated law programmes combining legal studies with humanities or management education. Students participate in moot courts, debates, research, legal aid, publications, and internships with leading organisations. NLU Jodhpur graduates work across law firms, companies, litigation chambers, courts, policy institutions, and academia.
Its strong corporate recruitment and consistent preference among high-ranking CLAT candidates make it one of India’s leading NLUs.
| Particular | Details |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹3.85 lakh |
| UG Seats | 196 |
| Placement Rate | 90% |
| Average Package | ₹18 LPA |
7. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
National Law Institute University, Bhopal, is one of the oldest National Law Universities in India and has built a strong reputation for legal education, research, and alumni success. The university attracts students interested in corporate law, litigation, judicial services, civil services, public policy, and academia.
NLIU has dedicated research centres and encourages students to participate in moot courts, debates, publications, legal aid initiatives, internships, and national competitions. Its established alumni network and residential academic environment add to its appeal. With a sizeable undergraduate intake, competitive placements, and a long-standing academic reputation, NLIU Bhopal remains a preferred choice among CLAT aspirants.
| Particular | Details |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹3.9 lakh |
| UG Seats | 202 |
| Placement Rate | 80% |
| Average Package | ₹16 LPA |
8. National Law University Odisha, Cuttack
National Law University Odisha, Cuttack, has emerged as a strong choice among the newer NLUs because of its academic curriculum, residential campus, growing alumni network, and student-driven learning environment. The university focuses on classroom education as well as practical exposure through internships, moot courts, research projects, legal aid, publications, and competitions.
Its location provides access to the Orissa High Court, government institutions, litigation chambers, and legal organisations in the region. NLU Odisha is suitable for students looking for a balanced academic environment, a sizeable undergraduate intake, and developing placement opportunities. It continues to strengthen its reputation among CLAT aspirants.
| Particular | Details |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹2.6 lakh |
| UG Seats | 180 |
| Placement Rate | 50% |
| Average Package | ₹14 LPA |
9. Chanakya National Law University, Patna
Chanakya National Law University, Patna, is a growing National Law University that offers integrated legal education supported by classroom learning, internships, moot court activities, research, legal aid, seminars, publications, and student committees. Its location in Patna gives students access to the Patna High Court, government departments, litigation chambers, public institutions, and legal organisations.
CNLU is particularly suitable for students interested in litigation, judicial services, civil services, public law, and regional legal practice. Although its corporate placement ecosystem is still developing, its comparatively affordable fee structure, expanding alumni network, and sizeable undergraduate intake make it a practical choice for many CLAT aspirants.
| Particular | Details |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹2.5 lakh |
| UG Seats | 138 |
10. Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai
Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai has become a preferred choice among CLAT aspirants because of its location in India’s financial and commercial capital. Students can access internships with law firms, companies, financial institutions, courts, advocates, regulatory bodies, and policy organisations.
The university offers structured legal education supported by moot courts, research, legal aid, seminars, publications, and professional exposure. Its placement ecosystem and alumni network are still developing compared with older NLUs, but its Mumbai location provides a major advantage for internships and industry interaction. MNLU Mumbai is especially suitable for students interested in corporate law, finance, securities law, and commercial disputes.
| Particular | Details |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT |
| Annual UG Fees | ₹3.5 lakh |
| UG Seats | 100 |
| Average Package | ₹14 LPA |
How to Get Admission to Top 10 NLUs in India?
Admission to the top NLUs in India is based on performance in national-level law entrance examinations. Most NLUs accept CLAT scores. NLU Delhi conducts AILET separately for its undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
Step 1: Check the Eligibility Criteria
Confirm that you meet the undergraduate eligibility requirements prescribed for CLAT or AILET. Students appearing for their Class 12 examinations can also apply but must provide proof of passing the qualifying examination during admission. Candidates should also check category-specific requirements and reservation policies before applying.
Step 2: Apply for CLAT and AILET
Register for CLAT to seek admission to participating National Law Universities. Students targeting NLU Delhi must apply separately for AILET because the university does not use CLAT scores for its regular undergraduate admissions. Complete the application form carefully and upload the required documents within the prescribed deadline.
Step 3: Prepare Strategically for a Top Rank
Admission to the highest-ranked NLUs requires a strong entrance-exam rank, not merely a qualifying score. Build command over English, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, current affairs, and quantitative techniques. Your preparation should include concept building, timed passage practice, regular revision, sectional tests, and full-length mock examinations.
Students targeting the top NLUs should join Law Prep Tutorial for structured CLAT coaching and AILET coaching. Its programmes provide live classes, experienced faculty, detailed study material, regular mock tests, performance analysis, doubt support, and strategic mentorship. The preparation system helps aspirants identify weak areas, improve speed and accuracy, and work towards the rank required for leading NLUs.
Step 4: Appear for the Entrance Examination
Take CLAT or AILET according to the official schedule and follow all examination-day instructions. Avoid attempting questions through guesswork because negative marking can affect the final score. Focus on passage selection, time allocation, accuracy, and maintaining composure throughout the examination.
Step 5: Participate in Counselling and Secure Admission
After the results are announced, eligible CLAT candidates must participate in the centralised counselling process and submit their NLU preferences. Seat allotment depends on rank, category, reservation rules, preferences, and seat availability.
Candidates must accept the allotted seat, submit documents, and pay the required fee within the deadline. NLU Delhi conducts its own admission and counselling process based on AILET merit.
FAQs About Top 10 NLUs in India
Which is the No. 1 NLU in India?
NLSIU Bengaluru is the No. 1 NLU in India. It holds the first position in the NIRF law ranking and is known for its academic standards, competitive admissions, alumni network, internships, and career opportunities.
What are the top five NLUs in India?
The top five NLUs covered in this list are NLSIU Bengaluru, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, NUJS Kolkata, and GNLU Gandhinagar. Their exact suitability may differ based on courses, fees, location, placement outcomes, and the student’s career goals.
Can I get admission to NLU Delhi through CLAT?
No. NLU Delhi does not accept CLAT scores for its regular BA LLB admissions. Candidates must appear for AILET, and selection is based on their performance in the examination and the university’s admission rules.
Can Class 12 students apply for CLAT?
Yes. Students appearing for their Class 12 or equivalent qualifying examination can apply for CLAT. However, they must produce proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission within the deadline specified by the concerned NLU.
Is there an age limit for undergraduate NLU admission?
The latest published CLAT UG eligibility rules do not prescribe an upper age limit. Candidates must satisfy the academic eligibility requirements and other conditions mentioned in the official admission notification.
Are all NLUs government universities?
National Law Universities are public law universities established under state legislation. However, their fee structures, reservation rules, seat matrices, courses, scholarships, and admission policies differ. Students should review the official information provided by each university before making their preference list.
