NLU placements 2026: average salary packages range from ₹7 LPA to ₹20 LPA

National Law Universities (NLUs) across India are currently supporting placements for their undergraduate (5-year integrated LLB) and postgraduate (1-year PG) law courses. These placements, which typically begin from April to May annually, aim to connect students with job opportunities in law firms, corporate houses, government agencies, and public interest organizations.

The NLUs, which admit students primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) conducted by a consortium, play a significant role in shaping legal careers in the country. NLU Delhi, however, conducts its admissions separately through AILET. Placement data from these institutions is a factor in the NIRF Ranking, reflecting the career prospects available to graduates.

NLU Placement Process and Key Recruiters

Each National Law University operates its own ‘Placement Bureau’ or ‘Recruitment Committee’ taking care of managing the campus placement process. This process typically involves pre-placement talks, where recruiters engage with students, followed by pre-interview screening. The screening stage may include group discussions and the forwarding of curriculum vitae to prospective employers. Candidates who successfully clear the interview rounds receive placement offers, which they can either accept or decline.

Zero-day NLU placements are a notable feature, occurring in the fourth year of the 5-year integrated LLB degree. Placements from earlier years cater to students who were not appointed during zero-day internships or chose not to participate for other reasons. Leading law firms such as Amarchand Mangaldas, Luthra & Luthra, Trilegal, and Khaitan & Co. Are consistent recruiters from NLUs. Also, major technology companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta also seek NLU graduates for their legal expertise.

Salary Packages and Placement Rates Across NLUs

The average salary package for NLU graduates in India generally ranges from INR 15-20 lakhs per annum. However, individual NLU performance varies, with some institutions reporting higher average and maximum packages. For instance, WBNUJS Kolkata reported an average package of ₹20 LPA with a 96.06% placement rate, while NALSAR Hyderabad recorded a highest international package of ₹65 LPA. The following tables provide detailed placement statistics for undergraduate and postgraduate courses from recent years.

For postgraduate courses, the average domestic CTCs are generally lower than for undergraduate programs. NLSIU Bangalore reported an average package of INR 7 LPA for its PG students in 2024-2025, while NLU Delhi’s PG average was INR 10.68 LPA for the same period.

The latest reported average packages to NIRF highlight a range of remuneration across institutions, with WBNUJS Kolkata leading with ₹20 LPA and RMLNLU Lucknow reporting ₹7 LPA.

Cost of Education at National Law Universities

The financial investment required for a 5-year integrated BA LLB course at NLUs varies significantly. For the 2026 cohort, the total cost, including tuition, hostel, and mess fees, can range from under ₹10 lakh to above ₹28 lakh. NLU Delhi’s tuition is approximately ₹1.7 lakh per year, while GNLU Gandhinagar’s UG fees are approximately ₹8.92 lakh per year. The following table illustrates the approximate five-year costs for various NLUs.

The university’s reputation, quality of education, and student’s academic performance and internships are factors that influence placement trends. Alumni networks also contribute to successful placements, mentorship, and guidance for current students. Emerging trends in NLU placements include a growing demand for specialization in areas such as international, environmental, and cyber law, as well as an increased need for in-house legal teams. Proficiency in legal software, tools, and artificial intelligence for research and document review, along with strong soft skills like teamwork and communication, are increasingly valued by recruiters.

Further reading

• KIITEE 2026 accepted by private BCA-MCA colleges in Odisha; MCA admissions fill in first round
• SIET PGDIT 2026: Apply by July for admission
• SIET 2026: Apply by July for PGD IT programs in Tamil Nadu
• MCA admissions 2026 Odisha: KIITEE, OJEE ranks accepted; registration starts January 27

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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