Top 10 National Law Schools in India: Expected CLAT 2025 Cut-Offs for Each Category

Interest in legal education has increased significantly in India, particularly among students trying to get admission into the prominent National Law Universities (NLUs). These institutions have gained prestige due to their quite stringent academic standards, great faculty, and fabulous placement opportunities. Here is the list of the top 10 NLUs according to the rankings and cut-offs expected during 2025 for CLAT.

1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore

NLSIU is ranked as the top law school in India. Established in 1986, the university offers five-year integrated BA LLB courses and postgraduate courses in several fields of law.

Key Features

• Curriculum: NLSIU uses a trimester pattern, which helps to create a flexible learning environment. The curriculum includes moot courts and internships, which are practical parts of it.
• Facilities: The college has India's largest law library, modern classrooms, and extensive research facilities.
• Placement: NLSIU follows an excellent placement record since top law firms and even corporations recruit from the campus.
• Admission Process: Admission occurs through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). It is an aptitude test to check the preparedness of the candidates regarding legal studies.

2. National Law University (NLU), Delhi

National Law University is famous for its curriculum innovations and approach towards students. It came into existence in 2008 and became very fast in the queue.

Key Features

• Courses: The university imparts BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses on modern problems in law.
• Research Facilitations: NLU Delhi welcomes research through different centers dedicated to specific legal topics.
• Campus: The libraries and moot courts are of modern standard on campus, which encourages practical education.
• Admission procedure: NLU Delhi conducts a separate entrance exam known as AILET (All India Law Entrance Test). It is different from the CLAT.

3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

NALSAR is a pioneer in academic excellence and focus on research, established in 1998. The university ranks third in NIRF for law.

Key Features

• Academic Programs: NALSAR offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in law.
• Campus Life: Extracurricular activities are encouraged besides academics at the university. This has helped to bring about holistic education.
• Research Facilities: Extensive resources are present to support research initiatives by students in various legal disciplines.
• Admission Process: Admissions are based on CLAT scores for undergraduate programs and specific entrance tests for postgraduate courses.

4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata

WBNUJS was established in the year 1999 and has become a name to reckon with in terms of its overall legal education and research output.

Key Features

• Interdisciplinary Approach: The curriculum blends traditional law subjects with contemporary practices.
• Moot Court Competitions: Students are often involved in national and international moot court competitions that hone their practical skills.
• Alumni Network: WBNUJS boasts of a powerful alumni network that supports placements and mentorship opportunities.
• Admission Process: Like many NLUs, it accepts CLAT scores as a qualification for its Undergraduate courses.

5. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal

NLIU was established in the year 1997. It is one of the oldest NLUs in India. NLIU focuses highly on practical training and placements.

Key Features

• Courses Offered: BA LLB (Hons), LLM, and PhD.
• Practical Training: The university offers internship and legal aid clinics for better practical skills.
• Placement Cell: There is a dedicated placement cell that assists students in securing internships and job placements in good firms.
• Admission Process: NLIU accepts students based on CLAT scores.

6. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar

GNLU was established in 2003 and is known for its rich academic diversity and lively campus life.

Key Features

• Specialized Programs: GNLU provides various specialized courses in the areas of intellectual property law, environmental law, and corporate law.
• Research Initiatives: The university encourages research through various centers that specialize in different aspects of law.
• Industry Connections: It has strong connections with the industry, which helps provide internship and placement opportunities for students.
• Admission Process: Admissions are conducted through CLAT for undergraduate courses.

7. Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur

HNLU is a practical legal training-focused institution that has been steadily gaining recognition for its quality of education since its establishment in 2003.

Key Features

• Curriculum Design: HNLU's curriculum focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
• Campus Facilities: The university has modern classrooms, libraries, and sports facilities that support student life.
• Community Engagement: HNLU promotes social responsibility through various outreach programs.
• Admission Process: HNLU accepts CLAT scores for admissions into its undergraduate programs.

8. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow

RMLNLU was founded in 2005. The university focuses on imparting quality legal education in a social justice framework.

Key Features

• Programs Offered: BA LLB (Hons) is available along with postgraduate law degrees.
• Focus Areas: Human rights law and public interest litigation are two focus areas of the university.
• Student Activities: Students engage in extracurricular activities through clubs and organizations.
• Admission Process: CLAT scores are used for undergraduate program admissions.

9. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala

RGNUL was set up in the year 2006 and is reputed for its strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary study.

Key Features

• Academic Excellence: BA LLB (Hons) is offered alongside specialized LLM programs
• Research Centers: The institution has multiple research centers focused on contemporary legal issues
• Vibrant Campus Life: RGNUL promotes activities outside of class, and students are actively encouraged
• Admission Process: CLAT score will be followed for admissions.

10. Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna

CNLU is established in the year 2006 to impart quality legal education with the aim of meeting the requirements of society.

Key Features

• Innovative Curriculum: The traditional law curriculum is blended at CNLU with modern practice.
• Focus on Research: CNLU encourages research efforts in the students.
• Community Service Programs: CNLU engages students in community service projects for the promotion of social responsibility.
• Admission: The university accepts CLAT scores for its undergraduate programs at CNLU.

CLAT Cut-Off 2025 (Category-wise) Expected

The cut-off marks of CLAT are determined depending upon various factors like applicant's number, exam toughness level, and number of available seats in the NLUs. For CLAT 2025, cut off is expected to be following this:

• General Category: 90-95
• OBC: 70-75
• Scheduled Caste (SC): 60-65
• Scheduled Tribe (ST): 60-65
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 70-75
• Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 50-55.

These figures mark a small rise in competitiveness, considering the number of applicants will likely be increasing this year.

CLAT 2025 Cut-Off Marks for Top 10 NLUs

The expected cut-off marks for the top National Law Universities according to previous trends are as follows:

These cut-offs reflect the competitive landscape and highlight the institutions that continue to attract top talent.

Top NLU CLAT Closing Ranks for 2025

The closing ranks of each NLU have the information regarding how cutthroat each institution is going to be. As for previous trends and the predicted cut-offs for CLAT 2025, the following are the expected closing ranks:

1. NLSIU Bangalore: Around rank 140
2. NLU Delhi: Around rank 150
3. NALSAR Hyderabad: Around rank 160
4. WBNUJS Kolkata: Around rank 170
5. NLIU Bhopal: Around rank 250
6. NLU Jodhpur: Around rank 260
7. HNLU Raipur: Around rank 300
8. GNLU Gandhinagar: Around rank 320
9. RMLNLU Lucknow: Approximately rank 350
10. RGNUL Patiala: Approximately rank 400

The ranks mentioned above are provisional and will be confirmed based on the actual performance numbers post-exam.

NLU Admission Cut-Offs for 2025

The admission procedure in NLUs generally includes various stages, and most NLUs prepare merit lists according to CLAT scores. The following factors affect admission cut-offs:

• The difficulty level of the exam: The more difficult the exam is, the lesser the cut-offs.
• Number of candidates: The more candidates competing, the higher the cut-off scores.
• Available seats: Limited seats lead to higher cut-offs due to increased demand.
• Overall trends: If many candidates did well, cut-offs may jump too.

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