What are NLUs?National Law Universities (NLUs) are public law schools in India, established as part of the Bar Council of India's efforts to improve legal education. The first NLU, National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, was set up in 1988. Since then, most states in India have established their own NLUs. At present, there are 27 NLUs across the country, including an off-campus centre of Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in Silvassa. These universities are considered among the most prestigious law schools in India and are often called the “IITs of Legal Education.”Admissions to most NLUs happen through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), which is known as one of the top five toughest entrance exams in India. However, National Law University, Delhi, conducts its own entrance exam called AILET, and NLU Meghalaya has its own tests for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD admissions. NLUs are known for having the Chief Justice of India and High Court Chief Justices as Chancellors, along with many retired judges and senior bureaucrats serving as professors and Vice-Chancellors.NLU Admission Process 2025Admission to most National Law Universities (NLUs) is done through the CLAT exam. However, NLU Delhi has a separate entrance exam called AILET.Name of the NLUEntrance ExamNLU DelhiAILETAll other NLUs under NLU ConsortiumCLATDifference Between CLAT and AILET Exam Pattern (UG & PG Courses)UG Course Exam Pattern:FeatureCLAT UGAILET UGExam ModeOfflineOfflineDuration2 hours1 hour 30 minutesSubjects- English (with Comprehension) - Current Affairs & General Knowledge - Quantitative Techniques (Elementary Maths) - Legal Reasoning - Logical Reasoning- English Comprehension - General Knowledge & Current Affairs - Elementary Mathematics - Legal Aptitude - Logical ReasoningType of QuestionsMultiple Choice Questions (MCQs)Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)Total Marks150 marks150 marksMarking Scheme+1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each wrong answer+1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each wrong answer PG Course (LLM) Exam Pattern:FeatureCLAT PGAILET PGExam ModeOfflineOfflineDuration2 hours1 hour 30 minutesSubjects- Section A: Constitutional Law - Section B: Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR, Jurisprudence, other Law topics & Contemporary Issues- Criminal Law - Constitutional Law - Law of Contract - Jurisprudence - Law of Torts - International LawType of QuestionsObjective and SubjectiveObjective Questions onlyTotal Marks150 marks150 marksMarking Scheme+1 for each MCQ correct -0.25 for each wrong MCQ+1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each wrong answerNote:CLAT reintroduced the subjective section in LLM from 2023.AILET continues with its old pattern for both UG and PG exams.Eligibility Criteria for NLU Admissions 2025For Undergraduate (UG) Courses - BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.Candidates who have passed or are appearing for the Class 12 examination are eligible to apply.Minimum Marks Required:General/ OBC/ PWD/ NRI/ PIO/ OCI: At least 45% marks in Class 12.SC/ ST: At least 40% marks in Class 12 (5% relaxation).For Postgraduate (PG) Courses - LLMCandidates must have an LLB degree or equivalent from a recognised law college or university.Minimum Marks Required:General/ OBC/ PWD/ NRI/ PIO/ OCI: At least 55% marks.SC/ ST: At least 50% marks (or equivalent grade).Final-year LLB students can also apply.Age LimitThere is no age limit for applying to law courses at NLUs, as per the Bar Council of India.Courses Offered by NLUsUndergraduate ProgrammesBA LLB (Hons.) A 5-year integrated programme combining Bachelor of Arts and Law.BBA LLB (Hons.) A 5-year integrated course focused on Business Administration and Law.B.Com LLB (Hons.) Combines Commerce and Law in a 5-year integrated format.B.Sc LLB (Hons.) A 5-year programme for students interested in Science and Law.B.S.W LLB (Hons.) Some NLUs also offer a Social Work and Law integrated course.Note: Not all NLUs offer every undergraduate course. Availability varies by university.Postgraduate ProgrammesLLM (Master of Laws) A 1-year programme offering specialisation in areas like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, etc.Doctorate ProgrammesPhD in LawResearch-based programme for those interested in academic or advanced legal research careers.Top 5 Law Colleges according to NIRF Ranking 2024:NLSIU BengaluruNLU DelhiNALSAR University of LawThe West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)Symbiosis Law SchoolFor more such information, visit unilist.in
