Choosing the right NLU preference list for CLAT 2026 is one of the most important decisions you will make after the exam. Your order of choices directly affects your counselling result, the NLU you finally join, and the opportunities you get over the next five years.
Based on our 24+ years of experience and thousands of NLU selections, we at Law Prep Tutorial have created the most reliable and practical NLU preference list 2026 for you.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to rank NLUs correctly, avoid common mistakes, and fill your preference list with full clarity and confidence.
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NLU Preference List for CLAT 2026
This is the perfect CLAT 2026 preference list of NLUs, especially for BA LLB aspirants:
| Preference Order | National Law University |
| 1 | National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore |
| 2 | National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad |
| 3 | National Law University (NLUJ), Jodhpur |
| 4 | The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata |
| 5 | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar |
| 6 | National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal |
| 7 | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai |
| 8 | Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow |
| 9 | Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur |
| 10 | National Law University, Odisha |
| 11 | The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala |
| 12 | National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi |
| 13 | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna |
| 14 | Gujarat National Law University, Silvassa |
| 15 | Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur |
| 16 | National University of Study & Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi |
| 17 | Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam |
| 18 | The Tamil Nadu National Law School (TNNLS), Tiruchirappalli |
| 19 | Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonipat |
| 20 | Maharashtra National Law University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) |
| 21 | National Law University & Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Guwahati |
| 22 | Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur |
| 23 | HP National Law University, Shimla |
| 24 | National Law University, Tripura |
| 25 | Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj |
| 26 | India International University of Legal Education & Research (IIULER), Goa |
CLAT 2026 Preference List for BBA LLB (Hons.)
This is the NLU preference list 2026 for BBA LLB aspirants:
| Preference Order | National Law University |
| 1 | National Law University, Odisha |
| 2 | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna |
| 3 | National University of Study & Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi |
| 4 | Maharashtra National Law University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) |
| 5 | Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur |
| 6 | HP National Law University, Shimla |
| 7 | India International University of Legal Education & Research (IIULER), Goa |
NLU Preference List for BSc LLB
This is the best preference list of NLUs for aspirants of BSc LLB:
| Preference Order | National Law University |
| 1 | National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal |
| 2 | The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata |
CLAT 2026 Preference List for BCom LLB
Currently, TNNLS is the only NLU offering BCom LLB:
| Preference Order | National Law University |
| 1 | The Tamil Nadu National Law School (TNNLS), Tiruchirappalli |
CLAT 2026 Preference List Filling: Important Points
| Aspect | Key Details |
| Preference List Type | College + Course-wise (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, B.Com LLB) |
| Total Options to Fill | 36 course-wise preferences |
| When Preference Filling Starts | After CLAT 2026 result declaration |
| Last Date to Update Preferences | 27 December 2026 |
| Last Time Allowed | Up to 10:00 PM |
| Editing Allowed Till | Deadline day (multiple edits allowed before lock) |
| Automatic Locking | Yes, after 10:00 PM on 27 Dec 2026 |
| Changes After Deadline | ❌ Not allowed |
| Top 5 NLUs Rule | ❌ Do not change the top 5 NLUs |
| Swapping Allowed | ✅ Close-rank NLUs can be swapped (example: 7↔8, 14↔15) |
| Courses to Fill | BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, B.Com LLB (as eligible) |
| Why Filling All Options Matters | Improves chances of seat allotment in early rounds |
| Used For | All counselling rounds (Freeze / Float / Slide) |
| Based On | CLAT Rank, Category, Domicile (if applicable), Preference Order |
Why This is Most Reliable NLU Preference List 2026?
This CLAT 2026 NLU preference list is created by Law Prep Tutorial based on the following parameters:
1. 24+ Years of Tracking NLUs Closely
For more than two decades, we have tracked every National Law University, including its placements, faculty changes, batch strength, hostel life, alumni reviews, and academic performance.
This long-term observation helps us build the most accurate NLU preference list 2026, reflecting real outcomes instead of outdated assumptions.
2. Data Backed by Thousands of Law Prep Students
Every year, our students join different NLUs across India. Their feedback gives us ground-level insights into teaching quality, internships, peer culture, and overall student experience.
This helps us create an honest and practical NLU preference list for CLAT 2026, based on outcomes seen in real batches.
3. Consistent Analysis of NLU Placements and PPO Trends
We study placement brochures, compare median packages, track top recruiters, and evaluate PPO conversions across NLUs.
This detailed research ensures our NLU preference list 2026 reflects true career opportunities, not hype.
Higher-ranked NLUs consistently show stronger corporate placements and internships, which directly impact long-term student success.
4. Review of Academic Strength and Faculty Quality
An NLU is only as strong as its faculty. We evaluate full-time professors, visiting faculty, teaching styles, research culture, and curriculum updates.
These realistic academic factors influence the ranking order in our NLU preference list, making it more dependable for CLAT aspirants and parents.
5. ROI, Fees, and Long-Term Value Considered
Students and parents care about return on investment. Our ranking compares tuition fees, hostel expenses, scholarships, and placement outcomes.
This helps you make financially smart decisions and prioritise NLUs that offer better value—one reason why our NLU preference list for CLAT 2026 is highly trusted.
6. Region-Wise and Safety Factors Studied Carefully
Location, campus safety, accessibility, and student comfort are major decision-making factors. With thousands of students sharing experiences every year, we understand which NLUs offer a stable and supportive environment. These insights shape a more practical and student-focused CLAT preference list.
7. Real Student Satisfaction Levels Included
Numbers alone don’t tell the full story. We consider student happiness, mental health support, peer culture, internship pressure, and campus environment.
These first-hand reviews help us create an NLU preference list that reflects real experiences, not just rankings on paper.
8. Updated Every Year Based on New Information
New campuses, academic changes, placement jumps, or drops; NLUs change every year. Our team updates the preference list annually after examining the latest data. This ensures the NLU preference list for CLAT 2026 is relevant, current, and beneficial for today’s aspirants.
Free CLAT Study Material for You:
| CLAT Previous Year Papers PDF | CLAT Sample Papers |
| CLAT Syllabus PDF | Free CLAT Coaching |
| CLAT Current Affairs | CLAT Topper Interviews |
| CLAT Videos | CLAT Mock Tests |
CLAT Cut Off You Must Know
This is the CLAT cut-off 2025 after the final round of counselling:
| Sr. No. | NLU Name | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| 1 | NLSIU Bangalore | 1 | 112 |
| 2 | NALSAR Hyderabad | 17 | 159 |
| 3 | NLU Jodhpur | 159 | 367 |
| 4 | WBNUJS Kolkata (BA LLB) | 57 | 327 |
| 5 | NLIU Bhopal (BA LLB) | 257 | 480 |
| 6 | GNLU Gandhinagar | 236 | 444 |
| 7 | MNLU Mumbai | 443 | 1473 |
| 8 | RMLNLU Lucknow | 461 | 780 |
| 9 | RGNUL Punjab | 565 | 1279 |
| 10 | HNLU Raipur | 480 | 807 |
| 11 | NLU Odisha (BA LLB) | 469 | 1013 |
| 12 | NUALS Kochi | 350 | 1346 |
| 13 | CNLU Patna (BA LLB) | 882 | 1398 |
| 14 | GNLU Silvassa | 755 | 1461 |
| 15 | NUSRL Ranchi (BA LLB) | 864 | 1667 |
| 16 | DBRANLU Sonepat | 626 | 1930 |
| 17 | DNLU Jabalpur (BA LLB) | 1371 | 2243 |
| 18 | MNLU Nagpur (BA LLB) | 722 | 1529 |
| 19 | MNLU Aurangabad (BA LLB) | 1023 | 1949 |
| 20 | HPNLU Shimla (BA LLB) | 949 | 2555 |
| 21 | DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 957 | 1682 |
| 22 | NLUJA Assam | 1163 | 2141 |
| 23 | TNNLU Tiruchirappalli (BA LLB) | 1231 | 1763 |
| 24 | NLUT Tripura | 1964 | 2855 |
| 25 | RPNLUP Prayagraj | 1446 | 2469 |
| 26 | IIULER Goa (BA LLB) | 1314 | 2784 |
Region-Wise NLU Preference List 2026
1. North India NLU Preference List
North India attracts a large number of CLAT aspirants due to proximity, connectivity, and familiar environment. Based on placements, academics, and overall ranking, here is the order:
- NLU Jodhpur – Rajasthan
- RMLNLU Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh
- RGNUL Punjab – Patiala, Punjab
- DBRANLU Sonepat – Haryana
- HPNLU Shimla – Himachal Pradesh
- RPNLUP Prayagraj – Uttar Pradesh
- NLUJA Assam – Guwahati, Assam (Northeast but often grouped for convenience)
2. South India NLU Preference List
South Indian NLUs are known for strong academics, discipline, and growing placements. Here is the ranking based on overall performance:
- NLSIU Bangalore – Karnataka
- NALSAR Hyderabad – Telangana
- NLUO Cuttack – Odisha (East but near South region for many students)
- NUALS Kochi – Kerala
- DSNLU Visakhapatnam – Andhra Pradesh
- TNNLU Tiruchirappalli – Tamil Nadu
3. West India NLU Preference List
West India offers excellent industry exposure, especially for corporate law, finance law, and internships.
- GNLU Gandhinagar – Gujarat
- MNLU Mumbai – Maharashtra
- GNLU Silvassa – Dadra & Nagar Haveli
- MNLU Nagpur – Maharashtra
- MNLU Aurangabad – Maharashtra
- IIULER Goa – Goa
4. East India NLU Preference List
East Indian NLUs are improving in academics and infrastructure, with a balanced environment for students.
- WBNUJS Kolkata – West Bengal
- CNLU Patna – Bihar
- NUSRL Ranchi – Jharkhand
- NLUT Agartala – Tripura
5. Central India NLU Preference List
Central India NLUs are known for stable academic culture and strong mooting traditions.
- NLIU Bhopal – Madhya Pradesh
- HNLU Raipur – Chhattisgarh
- DNLU Jabalpur – Madhya Pradesh
Must Know for Every CLAT Aspirant:
| CLAT Exam: All details | Timetable for CLAT Preparation |
| CLAT Eligibility Criteria | CLAT Exam Pattern |
| CLAT Age Limit | CLAT Marking Scheme |
| How to Prepare for CLAT? | CLAT Preparation Books |
How to Fill CLAT Preference List 2026?
1. Log In to CLAT Counselling Portal
Use your registered mobile number and password to access the CLAT 2026 counselling dashboard. Only registered candidates who have paid the counselling fee can fill the preference list.
2. Open the “NLU Preference List” Section
Once inside the dashboard, click on the preference-filling tab. You will see the complete list of 26 NLUs available for CLAT 2026 counselling.
3. Read the List Carefully Before Rearranging
Understand the NLUs, their locations, reputation, and available programs. Avoid rushing. This step ensures you don’t miss out on a better NLU due to incorrect ordering.
4. Start Arranging NLUs in Your Preferred Order
Drag and drop, or use the up/down arrows, to place NLUs in your final order. Follow the Law Prep NLU preference list 2026 while adjusting for category or domicile advantages.
5. Double-Check the Entire Preference List
Review your list again to ensure no NLU is placed wrongly and the order matches your goals and expected rank. Small placement mistakes can drastically change your final allotment.
6. Save the Preference List After Reviewing
Click ‘Save’ once you are confident. Saving ensures your current ordering is stored even if you return later to make changes during the counselling window.
7. Lock Preferences Before the Deadline
Once satisfied, click ‘Lock’. After locking, you cannot edit the list again. Locking is mandatory for your choices to be considered during CLAT 2026 seat allotment rounds.
8. Keep a Screenshot of Your Final Choices
Take a screenshot for safety. It helps you verify your choices later and avoid confusion during the seat allotment rounds.
Where to Fill the CLAT Preference List?
You can fill the CLAT 2026 preference list only on the official CLAT Consortium counselling portal after the results are declared. Once you log in with your registered number and password, a dedicated “NLU Preference List” tab will appear on your dashboard.
All 26 NLUs will be listed there, and you must arrange them in your preferred order before the deadline.
This is the only official place to submit your NLU choices. Preferences cannot be filled on any other website, coaching portal, or offline form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling NLU Preference List 2026
- Copying Someone Else’s Preference List: Every student’s rank, category, goals, and domicile benefits are different. Blindly copying a friend’s list can cost you a better NLU.
- Ignoring Home-State Domicile Advantage: Many NLUs offer large state quotas. Not prioritising your home NLU higher can make you miss a seat you could easily secure.
- Keeping New NLUs Too High in the Order: Newly established NLUs lack stable placements and faculty strength. Avoid putting them above older, better-performing NLUs.
- Not Following a Trusted, Data-Backed Preference List: Students often rely on random online lists. Use an expert-backed list like the NLU preference list 2026 created by Law Prep based on experience and real student outcomes.
- Confusing Location Preference With Quality: Just because an NLU is closer to home doesn’t mean it offers better academics or placements. Prioritise long-term value over convenience.
- Misjudging Cut-Off Trends: Many students overestimate or underestimate their rank. Incorrect expectations lead to poor ordering that affects final seat allotment.
- Forgetting to Save or Lock the Final Preferences: Saving is not enough – you must lock your preferences before the deadline. Unlocked lists are not considered during seat allotment.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
| CLAT Toppers 2026 | CLAT Question Paper 2026 |
| CLAT Answer Key 2026 | CLAT Allotment List 2026 |
| CLAT Cut Off 2026 | CLAT College Predictor 2026 |
| CLAT Marks vs Rank 2026 | CLAT Rank Predictor 2026 |
FAQs About NLU Preference List 2026
It is the order in which you rank all NLUs during counselling. This order decides which NLU you will be allotted based on your rank, category, and seat availability.
Even with a good score, you may get a lower NLU if your list is filled incorrectly. The counselling system strictly follows your preference order during seat allotment.
Yes. If their preference lists are different, their final allotments may differ even with the same rank.
Yes. Older NLUs generally have better placements, alumni networks, faculty, and academic stability.
If an NLU offers domicile seats in your state, move it higher in your list. It may significantly improve your chances of admission.
Only if it is genuinely strong or offers substantial domicile reservation. Don’t blindly place it first.
You can accept or upgrade depending on your preference. If you opt for “upgrade”, you may be moved to a higher-preferred NLU.
Not always. Preference lists consider real student outcomes, placements, ROI, faculty, and stability-not just NIRF ranks.
No, include them in your list but place them lower. They are backup options if your rank doesn’t reach older NLUs.
Yes. NLSIU Bangalore remains the top choice due to unmatched placements, academics, faculty quality, and alumni network.
It is included in the list but should be kept lower due to being new and still developing placements and infrastructure.
Yes. Many students take a drop and secure top NLUs next year. But make this decision after checking counselling rounds properly.
The last date to update or modify the preference list is 27 December 2026, and the portal will close exactly at 10:00 PM.
Yes. You can edit, reorder, add, or remove preferences multiple times until the deadline. After 10:00 PM on 27 December 2026, the list is automatically locked.
No. No changes are allowed after locking. The final locked preference list is used for all counselling rounds, including freeze, float, and slide decisions.
Yes, it is strongly recommended. Filling all 36 college + course combinations significantly improves your chances of seat allotment across counselling rounds.
Preferences must be filled college + course-wise. Each course (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, B.Com LLB) is treated as a separate option in counselling.
If you skip eligible courses, you lose potential allotment chances. Even if you prefer BA LLB, adding BBA LLB or other courses acts as a safety net in later rounds.
Yes. The same locked preference list is used for all rounds of CLAT counselling. You cannot change preferences between rounds.
Yes. Even if you forget to click submit, the system automatically locks the last saved preference list after the deadline.
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