AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) is one of the most competitive law entrance exams in India. And, every year, thousands of aspirants aim to crack it for a single reason — admission to the prestigious NLU Delhi, which is consistently ranked among India’s top two law schools.
If you’ve been wondering what is AILET exam; it is a national-level test conducted exclusively for NLU Delhi, unlike CLAT Exam, which is used by all other NLUs.
In this guide, we walk you through all about AILET exam, its importance, and what makes it different so you can prepare with clarity and ambition.
AILET Full Form
AILET stands for All India Law Entrance Test, conducted exclusively for admission to NLU Delhi.
What is AILET Exam?
AILET is a national-level entrance exam conducted every year by National Law University, Delhi, for admission to its BA LLB (Hons.) and LLM programs. NLU Delhi is among India’s 2nd-best law school, which makes AILET extremely competitive and widely respected.
Unlike CLAT, which is used by 26 NLUs, AILET is held only for NLU Delhi and has its own pattern, syllabus, difficulty level, and merit list. The exam focuses heavily on reasoning, comprehension, and analytical skills, making it a test of both accuracy and speed.
AILET Exam: Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) |
| Conducting Body | National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) |
| Purpose of Exam | Admission to BA LLB (Hons.), LLM, and PhD at NLU Delhi only |
| Courses Offered | BA LLB – 120 seats, LLM – 81 seats |
| Exam Level | National-level entrance exam |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| AILET 2026 Exam Date | 14 December 2025 (Sunday), 2 PM – 4 PM |
| Application Dates | • Opens: 7 August 2025 • Closes: 10 November 2025 |
| Type of Questions | MCQs (UG – 150 questions, PG – 100 questions) |
| UG Sections | English Language, Current Affairs & GK, Logical Reasoning |
| PG Sections | 100 MCQs from various branches of Law |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, –0.25 negative marking |
| Tie-Breaking (UG) | 1. Higher Logical Reasoning marks 2. Senior Age 3. Draw of lots |
| Tie-Breaking (PG) | 1. Senior Age 2. Draw of lots |
| Eligibility (UG) | 10+2 with 45% (Gen), 42% (OBC), 40% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Eligibility (PG) | LL.B. with 50% (Gen), 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Foreign Nationals | Exempt from AILET; merit-based admission |
| Reservation | SC – 15%, ST – 7.5%, OBC-NCL – 22%, EWS – 10%, PwD – 5% horizontal |
| Application Fee | • Gen: ₹3000 • SC/ST/PwD: ₹1000 • Women BPL (SC/ST): Free |
| Exam Centres | 40+ cities across India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, etc.) |
| Result Date | Late December 2025 |
| Counselling | January 2026 onwards |
| Official Website | https://nationallawuniversitydelhi.in/ |
Courses Offered Through AILET Exam
You can appear for the AILET exam if you aim to pursue BA LLB or LLM from NLU Delhi:
| Program | Course Name | Seats Offered |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | 5-Year Integrated Law Program | 120 Seats |
| LLM | 1-Year Postgraduate Law Program | 81 Seats |
Make sure to check out AILET study material here!
AILET Eligibility Criteria
AILET has separate eligibility rules for BA LLB (UG) and LLM (PG) applicants. Below is the complete AILET eligibility criteria:
| Eligibility Factor | AILET BA LLB (UG) | AILET LLM (PG) |
| Required Qualification | Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent. | Must hold an LL.B. degree or equivalent from a recognized university. |
| Minimum Marks (Indian Nationals) | 45% aggregate 42% for OBC 40% for SC/ST/PwD | 50% aggregate 45% for SC/ST/PwD |
| Minimum Marks (Foreign Nationals) | 65% in 10+2 or equivalent. | 55% in LL.B. or equivalent + assessment of English communication + interview evaluation. |
| Candidates Appearing in Final Exams | Allowed to apply. Must meet eligibility by the cut-off date notified after results. | Allowed to apply. Must meet eligibility by the cut-off date. |
| OCI/PIO Rules | OCI/PIO may apply as Indian or under OCI/PIO category (requires two separate applications). | Same rule applies. |
| Selection Basis (Indian Nationals) | Solely based on AILET score + merit list. | Solely based on AILET score + merit list. |
| Unfilled Seats Policy | Unfilled FN/OCI/PIO seats shift to General Category and filled through AILET merit. | Same rule applies. |
- To apply for BA LLB at NLU Delhi, you must complete 10+2 with a minimum of 45% marks (42% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST/PwD). If you’re a foreign national, you need 65% in 10+2 and you are exempt from AILET. Students awaiting Class 12 results may also appear, but must meet eligibility by NLU Delhi’s cut-off date.
- For the LLM program, you need an LL.B. degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD). Foreign nationals need 55% in LL.B., along with English communication assessment and an interview. Result-awaiting candidates can apply but must qualify by the notified cut-off date.
AILET Exam Pattern
Know the exam pattern of AILET:
AILET UG Exam Pattern (BA LLB)
| Component | Details |
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 150 marks |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 3 sections |
| Negative Marking | –0.25 for each wrong answer (4 wrong = –1 mark) |
| Tie-Breaking Criteria | 1. Higher score in Logical Reasoning 2. Senior in age 3. Computerized draw of lots |
Section-Wise Breakup
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| Section A – English Language | 50 | 50 |
| Section B – Current Affairs & General Knowledge | 30 | 30 |
| Section C – Logical Reasoning | 70 | 70 |
Legal principles may appear in Logical Reasoning to test aptitude, but no prior legal knowledge is required.
AILET PG Exam Pattern (LLM)
| Component | Details |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Paper Type | Only MCQs (no descriptive section) |
| Question Sources | Different branches of Law |
| Negative Marking | –0.25 for each wrong answer |
| Tie-Breaking Criteria | 1. Senior in age 2. Computerized draw of lots |
Explore everything you need to know about NLU Delhi here:
| NLU Delhi Ranking | NLU Delhi 3-Year LLB |
| NLU Delhi Fee Structure | NLU Delhi Placement |
| NLU Delhi Admission Process | NLU Delhi Seats 2026 |
AILET Syllabus
Below are the major topics in the AILET syllabus that you must prepare for:
AILET UG Syllabus
| Section | Key Topics Covered |
| English Language | Passages, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, sentence correction, contextual meaning |
| Current Affairs & GK | National & international events, awards, appointments, economy, science & tech, sports, important days |
| Logical Reasoning | Critical reasoning, arguments, assumptions, analogies, patterns, puzzles, series, legal-principle-based reasoning (no legal knowledge required) |
AILET PG Syllabus
| Area of Law | Topics Covered |
| Constitutional Law | Rights, amendments, doctrines, landmark cases |
| Criminal Law | IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act |
| Contract Law | Essential elements, breach, remedies |
| Torts | Negligence, strict liability, consumer protection |
| Family Law | Marriage, divorce, inheritance |
| International Law | Treaties, organizations, jurisdiction |
| Property Law | Transfer of property, easements |
| Jurisprudence | Schools of law, legal concepts |
| Company & Commercial Law | Companies Act, partnerships, governance |
| Misc. Branches | IPR, administrative law, environmental law |
AILET Exam Dates
AILET 2026 will be held on December 14, 2025 (Sunday) from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The registration window opened on August 7, 2025, and the last date to apply is November 10, 2025.
The next exam is AILET 2027. Check the important dates below:
| Event | Date |
| AILET 2027 Notification Release | August, 2026 |
| Start of Online Applications | August, 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application Form | Oct-November, 2026 |
| Correction Window (Expected) | Mid-November 2026 |
| Release of AILET Admit Card | Last week of November 2026 |
| AILET 2027 Exam Date | December 13, 2025 (2 PM – 4 PM) |
| Release of Answer Key | Same day or next day |
| Result Declaration | Late December 2026 |
| Counselling Rounds | January 2027 onwards |
AILET Registration Process
You must apply online and pay the required application fee to complete AILET registration.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the AILET online application portal and click on “New Registration”.
Step 2: Create Your Login
Enter your name, email ID, mobile number, and create a password to generate your account.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Enter personal details, educational information, category, and exam centre preferences.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload your photograph and signature as per the prescribed format.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
– ₹3,000 for General category
– ₹1,000 for SC/ST/PwD
– SC/ST & Women BPL candidates: Fee Exempted
Step 6: Submit and Download Confirmation
Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
AILET Exam Centres
Check the list of AILET exam centers:
| State / UT | Exam Cities |
| Andhra Pradesh | Visakhapatnam |
| Assam | Guwahati |
| Bihar | Patna |
| Chandigarh (UT) | Chandigarh |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
| Delhi (NCT) | Delhi |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad |
| Haryana | Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar |
| Jharkhand | Jamshedpur, Ranchi |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru |
| Kerala | Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune |
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur, Jodhpur |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Uttar Pradesh | Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun, Haldwani |
| West Bengal | Asansol, Kolkata |
AILET Admit Card
The AILET admit card is your entry pass to the exam hall and can be downloaded from the official portal in the last week of November. Your admit card will contain your exam centre, timing, reporting instructions, and verification details.
You must carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID. If any information is incorrect, you should contact NLU Delhi immediately for correction. The admit card must be preserved until the counselling and admission process is completed.
AILET Results
AILET results will be released in late December, containing your score, AIR rank, category rank, and qualifying status. The result PDF for BA LLB and LLM will be published separately. NLU Delhi will also release the merit list and invite candidates for counselling based on their rank.
Since AILET has a small number of seats, even a small change in marks can significantly affect your rank, so understanding the scorecard carefully is essential.
AILET Cut-Off
AILET cut-off varies each year depending on difficulty level, number of applicants, and seat availability. NLU Delhi releases separate cut-offs for BA LLB, LLM, and each category.
Generally, the cut-off for BA LLB remains high due to only 120 seats—often above 90 for General category. Cut-offs for LLM usually fall in the 60–70 range. Exact AILET 2026 cut-off will be updated here after results are declared.
AILET Counselling Process
AILET counselling is conducted in multiple rounds beginning January 2026. NLU Delhi prepares a merit list and invites candidates as per rank and category.
Process flow:
- Check counselling call letter on the portal
- Upload required documents
- Pay admission confirmation fees
- Participate in seat allocation rounds
- Final Fee payment & document verification
Seats are filled strictly on merit. If a candidate fails to complete the steps on time, the seat moves to the next eligible candidate.
AILET Previous Year Papers
Download the previous year papers of AILET law entrance exam:
How to Prepare for AILET Exam?
Preparing for AILET demands discipline, strong reasoning skills, and consistent practice. This is the approach we recommend to every student:
- Build a strong foundation in reading and reasoning: AILET rewards analytical thinking. Read editorials daily and solve 5–10 reasoning sets to strengthen your base.
- Prioritise Logical Reasoning – the highest-weightage section: Since LR carries 70 marks, mastering it gives you the biggest rank advantage.
- Focus on high-quality PYQs and mocks: AILET repeats patterns, difficulty levels, and question types. Solve at least 10–15 full-length mocks.
- Strengthen GK through daily revision: Instead of memorisation, focus on understanding ongoing national and international developments.
- Manage time with 120-minute practice sessions: Simulate the exact exam environment to build stamina.
- Consider joining offline or online coaching: A structured environment, expert guidance, and planned syllabus coverage help avoid confusion, especially for Class 12 students. Law Prep’s AILET online coaching offer mock tests, daily practice, and complete mentor support.
- Maintain a simple revision system: Make short notes, maintain error logs, and revise them weekly to avoid repetitive mistakes.
AILET Mock Tests
AILET mocks are full-length practice tests designed to replicate the real exam pattern, difficulty level, and time pressure. They help you measure your preparation, improve speed, and identify weak areas.
Why mocks are essential:
- Improve accuracy under pressure
- Help analyse performance data
- Expose you to AILET-style tricky reasoning questions
- Build confidence before the real exam
Use Law Prep’s AILET Mock Test Series, which includes exam-level papers, AI-powered performance reports, and full access to PYQs and topic tests for realistic practice.
AILET Answer Key
The official AILET Answer Key will be released by NLU Delhi after the exam. You will be able to download both the provisional and final answer keys here. This section will be updated with direct links once the answer key is published.
AILET Topper Interviews
We regularly publish interviews of AILET toppers sharing their strategies, routines, mock-test approach, and mistakes to avoid. These interviews offer deep insights into how top 10 AIR scorers prepare differently.
Once AILET 2026 results are declared, this section will be updated with interviews of the latest toppers.
Check the AILET toppers list here.
AILET vs CLAT
Check the main difference between AILET and CLAT:
| Feature | AILET | CLAT |
| Conducting Body | NLU Delhi | Consortium of NLUs |
| Purpose | Admission to NLU Delhi only | Admission to 26 NLUs |
| Exam Mode | Offline | Offline |
| Total Seats (UG) | 120 | 3500+ across NLUs |
| Sections in UG | English, GK & Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning | English, GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques |
| Difficulty Level | High reasoning focus | Wider section spread |
| Competition | Intense due to limited seats | Large applicant base |
| Paper Pattern | 150 MCQs | 120 MCQs |
| Negative Marking | Yes (–0.25) | Yes (–0.25) |
AILET Seat Matrix 2026
Below is the complete category-wise NLU Delhi seats for both BA LLB and LLM.
AILET UG Seat Matrix (BA LLB – 120 Seats)
| Sl. No. | Category | Total Seats | Horizontal PwD Seats | Seats After Excluding PwD |
| 1 | General | 50 | 3 | 47 |
| 2 | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer – 22%) | 24 | 1 | 23 |
| 3 | Scheduled Castes (15%) | 17 | 1 | 16 |
| 4 | Scheduled Tribes (7.5%) | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 5 | Economically Weaker Section – EWS (10%) | 11 | 1 | 10 |
| Subtotal | 110 | 6 | 104 | |
| 9 | Foreign Nationals (5 seats) + OCI/PIO (5 seats) | 10 | — | — |
| 10 | Grand Total | 120 | — | — |
AILET PG Seat Matrix (LLM – 81 Seats)
| Sl. No. | Category | Total Seats | Horizontal PwD Seats | Seats After Excluding PwD |
| 1 | General | 32 | 2 | 30 |
| 2 | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer – 22%) | 15 | 1 | 14 |
| 3 | Scheduled Castes (15%) | 11 | 1 | 10 |
| 4 | Scheduled Tribes (7.5%) | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 5 | Economically Weaker Section – EWS (10%) | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Subtotal | 70 | 4 | 66 | |
| 7 | Supernumerary: Kashmiri Migrants | 1 | — | — |
| 9 | Foreign Nationals (5 seats) + OCI/PIO (5 seats) | 10 | — | — |
| 10 | Grand Total | 81 | — | — |
NLU Delhi Fees After Clearing AILET Exam
Check the NLU Delhi fees below:
| Course | Duration | Annual Fee (INR) | Total Program Fee (INR) |
| B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | ₹3.9–4.1 lakh per year | ₹20.5–21 lakh (approx.) |
| LL.M. (One Year) | 1 Year | ₹2.6 lakh | ₹2.6 lakh total |
FAQs About AILET Law Exam
AILET is used exclusively for admission to NLU Delhi for its BA LLB, LLM, and PhD programmes. No other NLU accepts AILET scores.
AILET is conducted by National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) every year at the national level.
In many cases, yes. AILET has fewer seats, higher competition, and a heavier logical reasoning focus, which makes the exam demanding.
There are 120 seats for BA LLB and 81 seats for LLM at NLU Delhi, including reserved categories.
150 MCQs, 120 minutes, 3 sections-English, GK & Current Affairs, and Logical Reasoning.
Yes. AILET follows –0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer.
There is no age limit for appearing in AILET for either UG or PG programmes.
Yes, if you are appearing for Class 12 exams or awaiting results, you can apply. Eligibility must be met by the cut-off date.
Around 18,000–20,000 students appear annually for just 120 BA LLB seats, making it highly competitive.
AILET is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper).
AILET does not have a dedicated legal reasoning section, but legal principle–based reasoning questions can appear in Logical Reasoning.
Foreign nationals and OCI/PIO candidates can apply but are exempted from taking AILET. Admission is based on academic merit.
AILET 2026 will be conducted on 14 December 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM.
In the last week of November 2025 on the official website.
Yes. AILET does not include Quantitative Techniques (unlike CLAT). It focuses on reading, reasoning, and comprehension.
Master Logical Reasoning, build strong reading ability, practice GK consistently, and take many mocks. Also solve all previous year papers.
No. AILET does not have a state domicile reservation policy.