27 NLUs in India: Full List of National Law Universities 2025

National Law Schools in India are among the most prestigious institutions for legal education, offering world-class academics, practical exposure, and excellent career opportunities. Each National Law University (NLU) is established under a specific state law and enjoys academic autonomy, making them the top choice for aspiring lawyers across the country.

Currently, there are total 27 NLUs in India, including NLU Delhi, which admits students through the AILET exam, while the remaining 26 participate in CLAT. These universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral law programs, attracting the brightest students who aim for successful careers in law, judiciary, corporate, and public service.

In this guide, you’ll find the complete list of NLUs in India, their locations, courses, fees, rankings, and admission processes.

Upcoming CLAT Exams:

• CLAT 2026
• CLAT 2027

What is National Law University (NLU)?

A National Law University (NLU) is a premier institution in India dedicated exclusively to legal education and research. Established under specific state legislation, each NLU operates as an autonomous body, with its own academic council, curriculum design, and examination system. This autonomy allows NLUs to maintain high academic standards and adapt quickly to the evolving demands of the legal profession.

The concept of National Law Schools in India began with the establishment of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore in 1987. The aim was to create a center of excellence for law studies, combining rigorous academics with practical training through moot courts, internships, and legal aid clinics.

NLUs are considered the most prestigious pathway for students aspiring to become top-tier lawyers, judges, legal advisors, or academicians.

NLUs in India: List 

Here is the list of all NLUs in India:

S.No.	NLU Name	Location
1	National Law School of India University (NLSIU)	Bengaluru, Karnataka
2	NALSAR University of Law	Hyderabad, Telangana
3	National Law Institute University (NLIU)	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
4	WB National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)	Kolkata, West Bengal
5	National Law University, Jodhpur (NLUJ)	Jodhpur, Rajasthan
6	Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)	Gandhinagar, Gujarat
7	Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU)	Raipur, Chhattisgarh
8	Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU)	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
9	National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS)	Kochi, Kerala
10	Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL)	Patiala, Punjab
11	Chanakya National Law University (CNLU)	Patna, Bihar
12	Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU)	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
13	National Law University Odisha (NLUO)	Cuttack, Odisha
14	National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA)	Guwahati, Assam
15	National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL)	Ranchi, Jharkhand
16	Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU)	Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
17	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU)	Sonipat, Haryana
18	Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai (MNLU Mumbai)	Mumbai, Maharashtra
19	Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur (MNLU Nagpur)	Nagpur, Maharashtra
20	Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU)	Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
21	Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (MNLU Aurangabad)	Aurangabad, Maharashtra
22	Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU)	Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
23	National Law University Tripura (NLUT)	Agartala, Tripura
24	GNLU Silvassa Campus	Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli
25	Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU)	Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
26	India International University of Legal Education & Research (IIULER)	Goa
27	National Law University, Delhi (NLUD)	Delhi

National Law Universities in India (Details)

After the list of NLUs, let’s talk in detail about these top national law schools:

1. NLSIU Bengaluru

Related Blogs:

NLSIU Bangalore fee structure

NLSIU Bangalore admission

NLSIU Bangalore Cut-off

NLSIU Bangalore seats

2. NLU Delhi

Related Topics:

• NLU Delhi Syllabus
• AILET 2026
• NLU Delhi Exam Pattern
• AILET Previous Year Question Papers

3. NALSAR Hyderabad

4. WBNUJS Kolkata

5. NLIU Bhopal

6. NLU Jodhpur

7. HNLU Raipur

8. GNLU Gandhinagar

9. GNLU Silvassa

10. RMLNLU Lucknow

11. RGNUL Punjab

12. CNLU Patna

13. NUALS Kochi

14. NLUO Odisha

15. NUSRL Ranchi

16. NLUJA Assam

17. DSNLU Visakhapatnam

18. TNNLU Tiruchirappalli

19. MNLU Mumbai

20. MNLU Nagpur

21. MNLU Aurangabad

22. HPNLU Shimla

23. DNLU Jabalpur

24. DBRANLU Haryana

25. NLUT Agartala

26. RPNLUP Prayagraj

27. IIULER Goa

CLAT vs AILET for NLU Admission

Admission to National Law Schools in India is through two national-level law entrance exams — CLAT and AILET.

• CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is conducted once a year by the Consortium of NLUs and is accepted by 26 National Law Universities across India.
• AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) is conducted by National Law University Delhi (NLUD) exclusively for its own admissions.

	CLAT	AILET
Number of NLUs Covered	26 NLUs	Only NLU Delhi
Conducting Body	Consortium of National Law Universities	National Law University Delhi
Exam Mode	Offline (Pen-and-paper)	Offline (Pen-and-paper)
Question Type	Multiple-choice questions based on comprehension	Multiple-choice questions based on comprehension
Total Questions (UG)	120	150
Sections	English Language, Current Affairs & GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques	English Language, Current Affairs & GK, Logical Reasoning
Difficulty Level	Moderate to High; wider seat availability	High; fewer seats, more competition
Marking Scheme	+1 for correct, –0.25 for incorrect	+1 for correct, –0.25 for incorrect

Read about CLAT vs AILET.

NLU Courses & Programs

National Law Universities (NLUs) offer a wide range of programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The most popular is the five-year integrated BA LLB (Hons.) program, but many NLUs also offer LLM specialisations, PhD programs, and diploma or certificate courses in niche legal fields.

Level	Course Name	Duration
Undergraduate	BA LLB (Hons.)	5 Years
	BBA LLB (Hons.): offered only by a few NLUs	5 Years
	BSc LLB (Hons.): offered only by a few NLUs	5 Years
Postgraduate	LLM (Various Specialisations)	1 Year
Doctoral	PhD in Law	3–6 Years
	PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies	3–6 Years
Other Programs	PG Diploma in Legal Studies / Business Laws	1 Year
	Certificate Courses (Cyber Law, IPR, etc.)	Few Weeks–6 Months

NLU Rankings in India – NIRF Rankings

NLU Name	2024	2023	2022
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru	1	1	1
National Law University (NLU), Delhi	2	2	2
NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad	3	3	4
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata	4	4	5
Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar	8	7	8
National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal	21	18	15
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow	20	21	17
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala	24	20	18
National University of Study & Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi	22	24	22
National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam	27	28	24
National Law University (NLU), Cuttack, Odisha	26	30	25
Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai	31	–	–
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna	31	–	–
Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur	33	–	–
National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi	37	–	–
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam	38	–	–

Rankings are based on NIRF Law Rankings released annually by the Ministry of Education.

NLU Fee Structure

The fee structure for BA LLB programs at NLUs in India varies depending on the university and location.

NLU Name	Annual Fees (General Category)
NLSIU Bengaluru Fees	₹5,00,000
NALSAR Hyderabad Fees	₹1,65,000 tuition + other charges
NLIU Bhopal Fees	₹1,51,000 tuition + other charges
WBNUJS Kolkata Fees	₹80,000 tuition + other charges
NLU Jodhpur Fees	₹3,00,000 total
HNLU Raipur Fees	₹2,25,000 total
GNLU Gandhinagar Fees	₹2,58,000 total
RMLNLU Lucknow Fees	₹2,05,000 total
RGNUL Punjab Fees	₹2,97,500 total
CNLU Patna Fees	₹2,72,253 total
NUALS Kochi Fees	₹1,65,600 tuition + other charges
NLUO Odisha Fees	₹2,46,890 total
NUSRL Ranchi Fees	₹2,99,000 (without mess)
NLUJA Assam Fees	₹2,53,600 total
DSNLU Visakhapatnam Fees	₹2,30,000 total
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli Fees	₹2,98,930 total
MNLU Mumbai Fees	₹1,31,241 total
MNLU Nagpur Fees	₹3,85,000
MNLU Aurangabad Fees	₹3,22,001 (Other than Maharashtra)
HPNLU Shimla Fees	₹2,98,500 total
DNLU Jabalpur Fees	₹3,11,551 total
DBRANLU Haryana Fees	₹1,23,000 + other charges
NLUT Agartala Fees	₹1,81,000 total
RPNLUP Prayagraj Fees	₹1,76,400 tuition + other charges
IIULER Goa Fees	₹10,90,000 first year
NLU Delhi Fees	₹1,56,000 tuition + other charges

NLU Seats 2026

Below are the total number of seats available at NLUs in India. The NLU seats in India vary across universities based on courses:

NLU Name	Total Seats (UG)	Course(s)
NLSIU Bengaluru Seats	310	BA LLB (Hons.)
NALSAR Hyderabad Seats	132	BA LLB (Hons.)
NLIU Bhopal Seats	122	BA LLB (Hons.) & B.Sc.LL.B (Hons.)
WBNUJS Kolkata Seats	132	BA LLB (Hons.)
NLU Jodhpur Seats	196	BA LLB (Hons.) & BBA LLB (Hons.)
HNLU Raipur Seats	180	BA LLB (Hons.)
GNLU Gandhinagar Seats	188	BA LLB (Hons.)
GNLU Silvassa Seats	78	BA LLB (Hons.)
RMLNLU Lucknow Seats	191	BA LLB (Hons.)
RGNUL Punjab Seats	180	BA LLB (Hons.)
CNLU Patna Seats	138	BA LLB (Hons.) & BBA LLB (Hons.)
NUALS Kochi Seats	60	BA LLB (Hons.)
NLUO Odisha Seats	130	BA LLB (Hons.) & BBA LLB (Hons.)
NUSRL Ranchi Seats	120	BA LLB (Hons.) & BBA LLB (Hons.)
NLUJA Assam Seats	60	BA LLB (Hons.)
DSNLU  Visakhapatnam Seats	132	BA LLB (Hons.)
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli Seats	120	BA LLB (Hons.) & B.Com LLB (Hons.)
MNLU Mumbai Seats	100	BA LLB (Hons.)
MNLU Nagpur Seats	240	BA LLB (Hons.) & BBA LLB (Hons.)
MNLU Aurangabad Seats	60	BA LLB (Hons.) & BBA LLB (Hons.)
HPNLU Shimla Seats	180	BA LLB (Hons.) & BBA LLB (Hons.)
DNLU Jabalpur Seats	120	BA LLB (Hons.)
DBRANLU Haryana Seats	120	BA LLB (Hons.)
NLUT Agartala Seats	60	BA LLB (Hons.)
RPNLUP Prayagraj Seats	60	BA LLB (Hons.)
IIULER Goa Seats	180	BA LLB (Hons.) & BBA LLB (Hons.)
NLU Delhi Seats	120	BA LLB (Hons.)

Placement Trends in NLUs

Placements at NLUs are among the best in the country for law graduates, with top-tier law firms, corporates, and public sector organisations hiring every year.

For example, NALSAR Hyderabad (Batch of 2025) achieved 100% placement for all 95 students who registered with the Recruitment Coordination Committee. The highest international package reached ₹65 LPA, with an average package of ₹19 LPA.

NLSIU Bangalore has maintained an average package of around ₹16 LPA in recent years, with about 75% of students placed on campus. The highest package offered at NLSIU has touched ₹45 LPA.

Top recruiters from NLUs

• AZB & Partners
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas
• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• Trilegal
• Khaitan & Co.
• Luthra and Luthra, 
• Major corporates like Tata, Reliance, and ICICI.

Read about Best Law Firms in India.

Average Salary Package After Law From NLU

Average packages at top NLUs range from ₹14–₹20 LPA, with highest offers going beyond ₹60 LPA for international roles.

Sectors

• Law firms
• Corporate legal teams
• Policy research organisations
• Litigation chambers

Trend

Older NLUs consistently record higher placement percentages and pay packages, while newer NLUs are improving rapidly with growing recruiter interest.

How to Get Admission to NLUs?

Below is the process to get admission to the National Law Universities (NLUs) of India:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

For the BA LLB program, candidates must have completed or be appearing for Class 12 with at least 45% marks, or 40% in the case of SC/ST candidates. 

For the LLM program, an LLB degree with a minimum of 50% marks is required, with a relaxation to 45% for SC/ST. At present, there is no age limit for CLAT UG or PG.

Check the detailed CLAT Eligibility Criteria.

Step 2: Identify Your Target Exam

26 NLUs admit students through CLAT, while NLU Delhi conducts AILET exclusively for its admissions. Knowing which exam to target will help you focus your preparation. Reviewing past cut-offs, seat availability, and placement records is important for setting realistic goals.

Check: CLAT Cut-off

Step 3: Register for Law Entrance Exam

When registration opens, visit the official CLAT or AILET website, create an account, and complete the application form. Upload the required documents, choose your exam centre, and pay the application fee. 

For CLAT, make sure to select your category, state domicile, and PwD status correctly. Keep track of all important deadlines.

View complete CLAT Registration Process.

Step 4: Create a Study Plan

A structured CLAT timetable of three to nine months is ideal. Cover all sections — English Language, Current Affairs and GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques — in a balanced way. Focus on concept clarity, regular reading, and timed practice to strengthen your performance.

Step 5: Consider Guided Preparation

Self-study works for some, but most students achieve better results with expert guidance. Law Prep Tutorial’s offline and online CLAT coaching is popular among aspirants because of its consistent track record of producing top NLU selections, structured lesson plans, and intensive mock test series.

Step 6: Practise and Analyse

Move from learning concepts to taking full-length CLAT mock tests and AILET mock tests. Analyse each test to identify weak areas and revise them thoroughly. Maintain accuracy and time management by simulating actual exam conditions.

Step 7: Participate in Counselling

After the results are declared, register for CLAT counselling and list your preferred NLUs in order of priority. Base your choices on rank, category, and location preference. Confirm your seat by paying the admission fee within the given time frame.

Step 8: Complete Admission Formalities

Report to the allotted NLU on the designated date with original documents, proof of fee payment, and any other required forms. Once verification is complete, you officially become an NLU student.

History and Significance of NLUs in India

The concept of National Law Schools in India emerged in the 1980s to reform the traditional legal education system, which was often theory-heavy and outdated. The vision was to create world-class law universities that combined academic rigor with practical exposure, producing graduates ready to meet the demands of modern legal practice.

The journey began in 1987 with the establishment of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore, under the National Law School of India Act, 1986. NLSIU introduced the five-year integrated BA LLB (Hons.) program, replacing the older three-year LLB model for fresh school graduates. This model soon became the benchmark for legal education across India.

Following NLSIU’s success, other states began establishing their own National Law Universities (NLUs), each created through a state-specific Act but sharing the same vision—academic excellence, professional skill development, and industry readiness. 

Top Facilities and Academics at National Law Schools

National Law Universities in India are known for providing a well-rounded legal education supported by modern infrastructure. Their campuses are designed to encourage academic excellence, research, and extracurricular engagement, creating an environment where students can grow both professionally and personally.

1. Academic Excellence

National law schools in India follow an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends core law subjects with humanities, business, and policy studies. The teaching approach emphasises case studies, research projects, and practical application of legal principles. 

Almost all NLUs have experienced faculty members, visiting industry experts, and a strong emphasis on research output. Regular moot court sessions, legal aid activities, and seminars by reputed scholars help students bridge the gap between theory and practice.

2. Libraries and Research Centres

Each National law school maintains a well-stocked library with access to national and international law journals, case law databases, e-books, and research repositories. Many also operate specialised research centres focusing on niche areas like intellectual property rights, human rights, environmental law, and corporate governance.

3. Moot Court and Legal Aid Facilities

Fully equipped moot court halls allow students to practise courtroom advocacy. Legal aid clinics, often run in collaboration with the government or NGOs, give students hands-on exposure to real-world legal problems, strengthening their practical skills and social responsibility.

4. Hostel and Residential Facilities

Most NLUs in India are residential, offering separate hostels for male and female students. Rooms are usually furnished with basic amenities, and hostels often have Wi-Fi, common rooms, and recreational spaces. Being on campus fosters a close-knit community and supports group study and collaborative projects.

5. Technology and Classrooms

Smart classrooms with audio-visual aids, computer labs with legal research tools, and high-speed internet are common features. Many NLUs also have online learning management systems for sharing study material, assignments, and lecture recordings.

6. Sports and Extracurriculars

Sports facilities, including courts for basketball, tennis, and badminton, along with gyms and fields for cricket and football, are available in most NLUs. Annual cultural fests, debates, and student-run committees provide opportunities to explore interests beyond academics.

7. International Exposure

Most NLUs have tie-ups with foreign universities, enabling student exchange programs, international moot court participation, and collaborative research projects. This global exposure helps students gain cross-border legal perspectives and networking opportunities.

NLU Age Limit

Currently, there is no upper age limit for admission to National Law Universities in India for either the undergraduate (BA LLB) or postgraduate (LLM) programs. This applies to both CLAT and AILET, meaning candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the academic eligibility criteria.

Top 3 NLUs in India

Rank	NLU Name	Location
1	National Law School of India University (NLSIU)	Bengaluru, Karnataka
2	National Law University (NLU)	New Delhi, Delhi
3	NALSAR University of Law	Hyderabad, Telangana

The top 3 NLU in India are considered the most prestigious law schools in the country, consistently securing the highest NIRF rankings and producing top-tier legal professionals. These universities have the best faculty, infrastructure, and placement records, making them the dream destination for most CLAT and AILET aspirants

Top 5 NLUs in India

Rank	NLU Name	Location
1	National Law School of India University (NLSIU)	Bengaluru, Karnataka
2	National Law University (NLU)	New Delhi, Delhi
3	NALSAR University of Law	Hyderabad, Telangana
4	The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)	Kolkata, West Bengal
5	Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)	Gandhinagar, Gujarat

The top 5 NLU in India offer unmatched legal education, strong industry connections, and excellent placements across law firms, corporates, and public policy roles. These universities are known for their competitive peer groups, diverse course offerings, and exceptional moot court achievements, making them the leading law schools in India.

Top 10 NLUs in India

Rank	NLU Name	Location
1	National Law School of India University (NLSIU)	Bengaluru, Karnataka
2	National Law University (NLU)	New Delhi, Delhi
3	NALSAR University of Law	Hyderabad, Telangana
4	The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)	Kolkata, West Bengal
5	Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)	Gandhinagar, Gujarat
6	National Law University, Jodhpur	Jodhpur, Rajasthan
7	National Law Institute University (NLIU)	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
8	Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU)	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
9	Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL)	Patiala, Punjab
10	National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL)	Ranchi, Jharkhand

The top 10 NLUs represent the finest legal institutions in the country, blending academic excellence with holistic student development. They are well-regarded for producing graduates who excel in corporate law, litigation, academia, and international organisations, and are consistently the most sought-after destinations for CLAT aspirants.

New NLUs in India

NLU Name	Location	Year of Establishment
Gujarat National Law University, Silvassa Campus (NLU Silvassa)	Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli	2023
National Law University Tripura (NLU Tripura)	Agartala, Tripura	2022
Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (NLU Prayagraj)	Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh	2024
India International University of Legal Education and Research (NLU Goa)	Goa	2024

Importance of NLUs in India

1. Centers of Excellence:

Consistently ranked among the top law schools in India in NIRF and other rankings.

2. Innovative Curriculum:

Blend of legal theory, practical training, interdisciplinary subjects, and research projects.

3. Professional Exposure:

Mandatory internships with law firms, courts, corporate houses, and NGOs.

4. National Recognition:

Alumni network includes top lawyers, judges, policymakers, and corporate leaders.

5. Career Launchpad:

Known for high placement rates, with top-tier recruiters visiting every year.

Key Features of National Law Schools in India

1. Established by State Legislation:

Each NLU is created through a specific Act passed by the state legislature, giving it academic and administrative autonomy.

2. Five-Year Integrated Law Programs:

NLUs offer integrated undergraduate degrees like BA LLB (Hons.) or BBA LLB (Hons.) for students right after Class 12.

3. Competitive Entrance Process:

Admissions are through CLAT for 26 NLUs and AILET for NLU Delhi, ensuring only the most meritorious students are selected.

4. National Recognition & Rankings:

Regularly feature among the top law schools in India in NIRF and other reputed rankings.

5. Interdisciplinary Curriculum:

Combines core law subjects with humanities, management, economics, and other related disciplines.

6. Practical Training Focus:

Includes moot courts, internships, legal aid clinics, and research projects as integral parts of the program.

7. Highly Qualified Faculty:

Professors, practitioners, and researchers with national and international exposure.

8. Strong Placement Records:

Consistent recruitment from top law firms, corporate houses, government bodies, and international organizations.

9. Vibrant Campus Life:

Cultural fests, debates, student-run committees, and sports alongside academics.

National Law Schools vs Other Law Colleges

While many universities and colleges in India offer law programs, National Law Universities (NLUs) are considered the gold standard for legal education. The difference lies in their governance, academic quality, resources, and outcomes.

	NLUs in India	Other Law Colleges
Establishment	Created through specific state legislation, granting them autonomous status.	Affiliated to state universities or run by private institutions.
Admission Process	Highly competitive national-level entrance exams like CLAT or AILET.	Varies – may be merit-based, state-level entrance, or private entrance exams.
Faculty	Experienced professors, industry experts, and researchers with national/international exposure.	Faculty quality varies widely; not always industry-connected.
Curriculum	Interdisciplinary, regularly updated, combines theory with practical training.	Often theory-heavy with limited practical components.
Infrastructure	State-of-the-art libraries, moot court halls, research centers, and modern classrooms.	Facilities vary; many have limited legal resources.
Exposure	Mandatory internships, moot courts, legal aid, and workshops with industry leaders.	Practical exposure depends on individual college initiatives.
Placement	Strong recruitment networks with top-tier law firms, corporates, judiciary, and NGOs.	Placements vary; fewer opportunities for top law firms directly from campus.
Peer Group	Highly competitive and academically driven student community from across India.	Diversity and competitiveness vary by college.
Recognition	Consistently ranked among top law schools in NIRF and other rankings.	Some reputed colleges rank high, but many lack national-level recognition.

FAQs about NLUs in India