When it comes to pursuing a law degree in India, a few institutions stand far above the rest in terms of academic excellence, reputation, and career opportunities. Among them, the top 3 NLUs in India are NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, and NALSAR Hyderabad.
These universities have earned their place through consistently high NIRF rankings, rigorous academic standards, and exceptional placement records with leading law firms, corporates, and policy think tanks.
Recognised as the top 3 National Law Schools in India, they combine strong faculty, modern infrastructure, and a competitive peer environment to nurture future leaders in the legal profession.
In this article, we’ll look closely at what makes these three stand out, why they are so sought after by aspirants, and how you can start working towards securing a seat at one of them.
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Top 3 NLUs in India
| NLU Name | NIRF 2024 Rank | NIRF 2024 Score | Location | Entrance Exam |
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU) | 1 | 83.83 | Bengaluru, Karnataka | CLAT |
| National Law University (NLU), Delhi | 2 | 77.48 | New Delhi, Delhi | AILET |
| NALSAR University of Law | 3 | 77.05 | Hyderabad, Telangana | CLAT |
Top 3 NLUs in India (Details)
Let’s talk in detail about the top 3 national law universities in India:
1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
NLSIU Bangalore is the number 1 NLU in India.
Established in 1986, National Law School of India University Bengaluru is the first National Law University in India and is widely regarded as the country’s premier institution for legal education.
Founded under the National Law School of India Act, 1986, it introduced the five-year integrated BA LLB (Hons.) program, revolutionising legal studies in India. Over the decades, NLSIU has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, research output, and exceptional placements.
Its alumni occupy influential positions in law firms, judiciary, corporate houses, academia, and public policy, making it a dream destination for CLAT toppers every year.
NLSIU Bangalore Courses
| Level | Course Name | Duration |
| Undergraduate | BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Years |
| Postgraduate | LLM (Business Law) | 1 Year |
| Doctoral | PhD in Law | Minimum 3 Years |
| Doctoral | PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies | Minimum 3 Years |
NLSIU Bangalore Seats
| Program | Seats |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | 310 |
| LLM | 60 |
| PhD (Law) | 4 |
| PhD (Interdisciplinary Studies) | 4 |
NLSIU Bangalore Fees
Below is the first year annual fees of NLU Bangalore including refundable deposits:
| Category | BA LLB Annual Fees | LLM Annual Fee |
| General | ₹5,00,000/- | ₹5,56,600/- |
| SC/ST | ₹4,95,000/- | ₹5,52,000/- |
Admission Process for NLSIU Bangalore
Admission to the BA LLB program at NLSIU is through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT UG). Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of Class 12 completion with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). LLM admissions are based on CLAT PG, requiring an LLB degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
Aspirants need to have a top rank in CLAT to get admission to NLU Bangalore.
Related Topics:
- NLSIU Bangalore Fees Structure
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- NLSIU Bangalore Admission
- NLSIU Bangalore Seats
2. National Law University (NLU), Delhi
NLU Delhi is the number 2 NLU in India.
Founded in 2008 by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, National Law University Delhi (NLUD) quickly rose to become one of India’s most prestigious law schools. Established under the National Law University, Delhi Act, it was created to meet the growing demand for high-quality legal education in the capital.
Unlike other NLUs, NLUD conducts its own entrance exam — the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) — for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Known for its strong research culture, dynamic faculty, and extensive legal aid initiatives, NLU Delhi consistently ranks among the top three law schools in the country.
Courses Offered at NLU Delhi
| Level | Course Name | Duration |
| Undergraduate | BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Years |
| Postgraduate | LLM (One-Year Program) | 1 Year |
| Doctoral | PhD in Law | Minimum 3 Years |
NLU Delhi Seats
| Program | Seats |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | 120 |
| LLM | 81 |
| PhD in Law | Varies (as per notification) |
NLU Delhi Fees
Below is the first year annual fees of NLU Delhi, including refundable deposits:
| BA LLB Annual Fees | LLM Annual Fee |
| ₹3,95,000 | ₹2,61,000 |
Admission Process for NLU Delhi
Admission to NLU Delhi is through the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), conducted annually by the university. For BA LLB (Hons.), candidates must have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). LLM applicants require an LLB degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
Related Topics:
3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
NALSAR Hyderabad is the number 3 NLU in India.
Established in 1998 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh under the NALSAR University Act, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad is one of India’s most respected law schools. Located in a sprawling 55-acre campus in Shamirpet, it has built a reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant campus life.
NALSAR offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in law, management, and interdisciplinary studies. Known for its strong placement records and active student participation in moots, debates, and policy work, NALSAR consistently ranks among the top three National Law Schools in India.
Check the complete list of NLUs in India.
Courses Offered at NALSAR Hyderabad
| Level | Course Name | Duration |
| Undergraduate | BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Years |
| Postgraduate | LL.M. | 1 Year |
| Postgraduate | LL.M. (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws) | 2 Year |
| Doctoral | PhD | Minimum 3 Years |
Seat Intake at NALSAR Hyderabad
| Program | Seats |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | 132 |
| LLM | 66 |
| PhD | Varies (as per notification) |
NALSAR Hyderabad Fees
| BA LLB Annual Fees | LLM Annual Fee |
| ₹2,77,000 | ₹1,75,000 |
Admission Process for NALSAR Hyderabad
Admission to the BA LLB (Hons.) program at NALSAR is through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT UG). Candidates must have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). For LLM, admission is through CLAT PG, requiring an LLB degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
Also checkout CLAT Colleges in India.
Comparison of Top 3 NLUs in India
| NLU Name | Entrance Exam | First-Year BA LLB Fees | UG Seats | Year Established |
| NLSIU Bangalore | CLAT | ₹5,00,000 | 310 | 1986 |
| NLU Delhi | AILET | ₹3,95,000 | 120 | 2008 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | CLAT | ₹2,77,000 | 132 | 1998 |
How to Get into Top 3 National Law Schools of India?
1. Understand the Competition
Admission to NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, and NALSAR Hyderabad is extremely competitive. These universities are the top preference for most aspirants, which means securing a seat requires a top rank in CLAT (for NLSIU and NALSAR) or AILET (for NLU Delhi). With limited seats and thousands of applicants, only the highest scorers make it through.
2. Know the Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the BA LLB (Hons.) program, candidates must meet the CLAT eligibility criteria, which require completing or appearing for Class 12 with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). There is currently no age limit for CLAT or AILET. For the LLM program, aspirants need an LLB degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
3. Recognise the Exam Patterns
Both CLAT and AILET have a similar syllabus and pattern, testing English Language, Current Affairs & GK, Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The difference lies in the number of questions, level of difficulty, and competition ratio.
4. Build a Smart Preparation Strategy
Given the overlap between the two exams, it is efficient to prepare for CLAT and AILET together. This ensures you cover the entire syllabus while also practising the subtle differences in their question styles.
A structured program, such as the one offered by Law Prep Tutorial, is designed to prepare aspirants for both exams in a single course, helping them manage time effectively and improve performance.
5. Test and Improve with Scholarships
Taking the CLAT Scholarship Test by Law Prep Tutorial can be a valuable step. It allows aspirants to gauge their current preparation level, receive expert analysis of their performance, and even earn financial support for coaching — making the goal of getting into a top 3 NLU more achievable.
Criteria for Ranking the Top 3 NLUs
1. NIRF Rankings
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Law Rankings is the primary reference point for identifying the best law schools in the country. It evaluates NLUs on parameters such as teaching quality, research output, graduation outcomes, outreach, inclusivity, and overall perception in the academic and professional community.
2. Placement Performance
Recruitment outcomes significantly influence rankings. The top three NLUs consistently secure some of the highest placement rates in the country, with strong on-campus recruitment from leading law firms, corporates, litigation chambers, and policy organisations.
Average and highest salary packages, along with the diversity of recruiters, are important measures.
3. Faculty and Academic Quality
Highly qualified and experienced faculty, combined with a diverse and rigorous curriculum, ensure that students receive a comprehensive legal education. Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research, and academic innovation further strengthen an NLU’s position.
4. Infrastructure and Student Facilities
State-of-the-art libraries, well-equipped moot court halls, technology-enabled classrooms, hostels, sports facilities, and dedicated research centres contribute to the academic and extracurricular development of students.
5. Student Preference in Admissions
The popularity of an NLU during CLAT and AILET counselling is a strong indicator of its standing. Year after year, NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, and NALSAR Hyderabad are the top choices for aspirants securing the highest ranks.
Also read: CLAT vs AILET
FAQs About the Top 3 NLUs in India
The top three National Law Universities are NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, and NALSAR Hyderabad, based on NIRF rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad admit students through CLAT, while NLU Delhi conducts its own entrance test, AILET.
All three have excellent placements. NALSAR Hyderabad recently achieved 100% placements for its 2025 batch, NLSIU Bangalore consistently has an average package of ₹16 LPA, and NLU Delhi often records some of the highest salaries in the sector.
Yes. They are preferred recruitment grounds for leading Indian and international law firms, making them ideal for students aiming for corporate law roles.
Yes, since the syllabus is largely similar, many aspirants prepare for both simultaneously, with adjustments for exam-specific patterns.
Highly competitive. Only top rankers in CLAT or AILET secure seats, making focused preparation and high accuracy essential.
Yes, each university provides merit-based, need-based, and government scholarships to eligible students.
NLSIU Bangalore, established in 1986, is the oldest National Law University in India.
They have a combination of high academic standards, exceptional faculty, strong industry links, consistent placement performance, and a highly competitive student body.
Yes, most have provisions for foreign nationals or NRI seats with separate admission processes and fee structures.
They have active cultural fests, debate societies, sports clubs, legal aid societies, and moot court teams that regularly participate in national and international competitions.