Top 10 National Law Universities in India: Rankings, Fees, Placements
Securing a spot in one of the top 10 national law universities in India is a dream for many aspiring legal professionals, offering unparalleled academic rigor and career prospects. These premier institutions consistently set benchmarks in legal education, shaping the future of the country’s legal landscape. India’s top 3 NLUs include NLSIU Bangalore (Rank 1), NLU Delhi (Rank 2), NALSAR Hyderabad (Rank 3). Their fees range from Rs. 3-5 lakhs annually. Read ahead to the rest of the options in the top 10 rankings. This comprehensive guide delves into the NIRF Law Rankings 2026, key parameters defining excellence, detailed comparisons, and essential insights into admissions, fees, and placements.
NIRF Law Rankings 2026: Top National Law Universities List
The NIRF Ranking 2026 has been released for this session, showcasing the top 10 Law Colleges in India. National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, National Law University, Delhi, and NALSAR Hyderabad are the top three law universities.
| S.No | University | NIRF Rank (Latest) | UG Seats | PG (LL.M.) Seat |
|
|
National Law School of India University | 1 | 310 | 100 |
|
|
National Law University | 2 | 123 | 83 |
|
|
NALSAR University of Law | 3 | 132 | 66 |
|
|
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences | 4 | 132 | 70 |
|
|
Gujarat National Law University | 5 | 172 | 57 |
|
|
National Law University Odisha | 15 | 180 | 46 |
|
|
Chanakya National Law University | 17 | 132 | No regular LL.M. intake reported |
|
|
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University | 21 | 187 | 33 |
|
|
National Law Institute University | 27 | 102 | 60 |
|
|
Maharashtra National Law University | 28 | 120 | 60 |
What Defines a Top NLU? Key Ranking Parameters 2026
Top NLUs are recognized as the top legal education institutions in India, offering world-class academics, practical exposure, and excellent career opportunities. These institutions are considered the pinnacle of legal education, consistently ranking among the top 10 national law universities in India. There are 27 National Law Universities in India. Most NLUs admit students through CLAT, with NLU Delhi using the AILET exam.
| Parameter | Meaning |
| Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) | Quality of faculty, student-teacher ratio, learning facilities, labs, library, and academic resources. |
| Research & Professional Practice (RP) | Publications, research impact, funded projects, and professional practice contributions. |
| Graduation Outcomes (GO) | Placement performance, bar exam pass rates, higher studies, and overall student progression. |
| Outreach & Inclusivity (OI) | Diversity in gender, region, socio-economic background, and inclusion initiatives. |
| Perception (PR) | Reputation among employers, academic peers, and the professional community. |
NLS Bangalore vs NALSAR Hyderabad vs NLU Delhi: Top NLU Comparison 2026
This comparison highlights key metrics for three top 10 national law universities in India for 2026, with NLSIU Bangalore leading the NIRF rankings. It provides a detailed look at placements, fees, and seat availability across NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, and NALSAR Hyderabad.
| Metric | NLSIU Bangalore | NLU Delhi | NALSAR Hyderabad |
| NIRF Ranking 2026 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Placement Rate % | 82.35% | 82.27% | 93.91% |
| Average Package (₹) | ₹16 lakhs | ₹18 lakhs | ₹17 lakhs |
| UG Seats (5-Year Program) | 310 | 123 (including Supernumerary seats) | 132 |
| PG Seats (1-Year LLM) | 100 | 83 (including Supernumerary seats) | 66 |
| 1st-Year Fees (₹) | ₹5 lakhs | ₹4.1 lakhs | ₹2.97 lakhs |
| 5-Year Fees (Approx.) | ₹25 lakhs | ₹21 lakhs | ₹15.35 lakhs |
Beyond the Top 10: Other Prominent National Law Universities 2026
There are 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India as of 2026. While many aspire to the top 10 national law universities in India, this section highlights other prominent law colleges and NLUs ranked 11-20 by NIRF in 2025.
| Rank | Law College | State | NIRF Score |
| 11 | Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) | Tamil Nadu | 65.29 |
| 12 | Babasheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) | Uttar Pradesh | 65.26 |
| 13 | Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) | Kerala | 65.19 |
| 14 | Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) | Odisha | 65.04 |
| 15 | National Law University Odisha (NLUO) | Odisha | 63.66 |
| 16 | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar College of Law | Andhra Pradesh | 63.12 |
| 17 | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) | Bihar | 62.40 |
| 18 | UPES School of Law | Uttarakhand | 61.45 |
| 19 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | Tamil Nadu | 60.90 |
| 20 | Alliance University | Karnataka | 60.83 |
How to Secure Admission in Top National Law Universities 2026
Securing admission to top national law universities in India primarily involves taking the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), accepted by 26 out of 27 NLUs. However, NLU Delhi requires the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET). This section details the key entrance exams, eligibility, and application process for aspiring law students.
| Difference | CLAT | AILET |
| Conducted By | Consortium of National Law Universities | National Law University Delhi |
| Accepted By | 26 NLUs (except NLU Delhi) and several private law universities | NLU Delhi only |
| Courses | 5-year Integrated LL.B., LL.M. | BA LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
| Exam Level | National Level | National Level |
| Difficulty Level | Medium to High | High (due to fewer seats and intense competition) |
| Seats Offered | Approximately 4,000+ UG seats across participating NLUs | Around 120 UG seats |
| Application Fee | ₹4,000 (General/OBC/PwD/NRI/PIO/OCI) ₹3,500 (SC/ST/BPL) (subject to revision) | ₹3,500 (General/OBC/EWS) ₹1,500 (SC/ST/PwD) (subject to revision) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 or equivalent with minimum marks as prescribed by the university; no upper age limit | Class 12 or equivalent with minimum marks as prescribed by NLU Delhi; no upper age limit |
| Participating Institutes | NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, GNLU Gandhinagar, NLU Jodhpur, NLU Odisha, HNLU Raipur, and other NLUs | NLU Delhi only |
| Selection Process | CLAT score followed by centralized counselling conducted by the Consortium | AILET score followed by counselling conducted by NLU Delhi |
| Exam Frequency | Once every year | Once every year |
| Competition Level | High, with over 60,000 candidates annually | Very high, with limited seats and a lower acceptance rate |
| Application Timeline | Registration generally opens in July–August; exam conducted in December | Registration generally opens in August–September; exam conducted in December |
| Counselling Authority | Consortium of National Law Universities | NLU Delhi |
| Best For | Students targeting multiple NLUs through a single exam | Students specifically aiming for NLU Delhi |
CLAT Cutoffs for Top NLUs 2026Â
Admission to the top NLUs is extremely competitive, with the highest-ranked institutions typically closing within the top 500 CLAT ranks for the General category. The table below shows expected/recent closing-rank trends based on CLAT counselling data and expert analyses.Â
| NLU | Expected/Recent General Closing Rank |
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru | 100–115 |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 145–165 |
| WB National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata | 280–350 |
| Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar | 430–550 |
| National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal | 450–600 |
| National Law University, Jodhpur | 300–450 |
| Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai | 550–800 |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow | 700–1,000 |
| National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack | 1,000–1,200 |
| Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna | 1,300–1,600 |
Top NLU Fees, Placements & Courses Offered 2026
The top 5 National Law Universities in India consistently demonstrate high placement rates, ranging between 80% and 96% for 2026, with average packages of ₹16-20 LPA. This section details specific placements, fees, seats, and courses offered by these premier institutions, highlighting their comprehensive offerings.
| NLU | Placement Rate | Average Package | Approx. Annual Fees* | Major Courses Offered |
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru | 82.35% | ₹16 LPA | ₹4.5 lakh | BA LL.B. (Hons.), LLB (Hons.), LL.M., MPP, Ph.D. |
| National Law University (NLU), Delhi | 82.27% | ₹18 LPA | ₹3.8–4.0 lakh | BA LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., Ph.D. |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | 93.91% | ₹17 LPA | ₹3.0–3.5 lakh | BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., MBA, Ph.D. |
| WB National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata | 96.06% | ₹20 LPA | ₹4.0–4.5 lakh | BA LL.B. (Hons.), B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., M.Phil., Ph.D. |
| Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar | 96.69% | ₹18 LPA | ₹2.5–3.0 lakh | BA LL.B., B.Com. LL.B., BBA LL.B., B.Sc. LL.B., BSW LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 national law universities in India?
The top NLUs based on the latest NIRF rankings include NLSIU Bengaluru, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, GNLU Gandhinagar, NLU Odisha, CNLU Patna, RMLNLU Lucknow, NLIU Bhopal, and MNLU Nagpur.Â
What are the eligibility requirements for top 10 national law universities in India?
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Admission is generally based on CLAT scores, while NLU Delhi admits students through AILET.Â
How do I apply for top national law universities in India?
Students must register for CLAT or AILET, appear for the entrance examination, and participate in the counselling process. Seat allotment is based on rank, preferences, reservation criteria, and seat availability.Â
What is the application timeline for top national law universities in India?
CLAT registrations usually begin between July and August, while AILET applications typically open in August or September. Both examinations are generally conducted in December each year.Â
Which entrance exam is accepted by most National Law Universities?
CLAT is the primary entrance examination accepted by 26 NLUs across India for undergraduate and postgraduate law admissions. NLU Delhi is the only NLU that conducts and accepts AILET instead.
Which NLU has the highest placement opportunities in India?Â
NLSIU Bengaluru, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, and GNLU Gandhinagar consistently report strong placement records, attracting top law firms, corporate legal teams, consulting firms, and public-sector recruiters.
