Discover everything about NLUs (National Law Universities) in India. Explore admission processes, courses offered, career prospects, and more in our comprehensive guide. Get insights into preparing for CLAT and understand why NLUs are pivotal in legal education.

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NLU- All You Need To Know

Overview of National Law Universities (NLUs)

Currently, there are 25 NLUs in India, out of which 24 NLUs take admission through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), and NLU Delhi has its entrance exam called the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET).

Importance and Reputation of NLUs in India

NLUs were created in the same pattern as IIMs and IITs. They have revolutionized legal education in India and have made the admission process standardized and accessible. This ensures equal opportunities for all law aspirants.

History and Evolution of NLUs

Origin and establishment of the first NLU

The first NLU was the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore, and was established in 1986.

Growth and expansion of NLUs across India

After the establishment of the first NLU in Bangalore, the second was established after more than ten years, in 1998, in Hyderabad. After that, different states established NLUs.

Admission Process

Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)

Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance test conducted by a consortium of NLU.To get admitted to the undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered at various NLUs, you need to undertake CLAT.

Eligibility criteria for CLAT

Undergraduate Programs 

For those belonging to the General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OC categories, you must secure at least 45% marks in the 10+2 Board Examination. 

For those belonging to SC/ST categories, you must secure at least 40% marks in the 10+2 Board Examination. 

Postgraduate Programs 

For those belonging to the General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OC categories, you must secure at least 50% marks in LLB or equivalent degree.

For those belonging to SC/ST categories, you must secure at least 45% marks in LLB or equivalent degree.

Important dates for CLAT

Event

Dates

CLAT 2025 application form release date

First week of July

Last date of CLAT 2025 Application Process 

First week of November 

CLAT 2025 Application Correction Window

Second week of November

CLAT 2025 Admit Card date

Last week of November

CLAT 2025 exam day 

01-Dec-2024

CLAT 2025 Answer Key Date

01-Dec-2024

Release of CLAT final answer key 2025

First week of December

Declaration of CLAT 2025 results

Second week of December 
 

Exam pattern and preparation tips

CLAT UG

The CLAT UG exam has 120 objective-type questions of one mark each. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. The duration of the exam is 120 minutes. The paper has five sections - 

  • English Language (22-26 marks)

22-26 MCQ Questions

28-32 MCQ Questions

  • Legal Reasoning (28-32 marks)

28-32 MCQ Questions

  • Logical Reasoning (22-26 marks)

22-26 MCQ Questions

  • Quantitative Techniques (22-26 marks)

22-26 MCQ Questions

CLAT PG

The CLAT PG exam has 120 objective-type questions of one mark each. There is a negative 

marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. The duration of the exam is 120 minutes. The examination has two sections -

  • Constitutional Law
  • Other areas of law such as Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour and Industrial Law

List of Major NLUs

National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore

NLSIU Bangalore was founded in 1986. It was the first National Law University in India and has pioneered legal education. It was also the first institute to introduce the five-year integrated law degree at the undergraduate level.

NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

NALSAR Hyderabad was founded in 1998. It was the second National Law University in India. It is committed to the creation of an ethical, legal culture. It offers many degree programs and diploma programs.

National Law University, Delhi

NLU, Delhi, was founded in 2008. The aim of NLU, Delhi is to generate professionally proficient lawyers, who are socially relevant and efficient to meet the various difficulties of the changing society. 

Other prominent NLUs across India

  1. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
  2. National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
  3. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal.
  4. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
  5. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai
  6. National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack
  7. Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur
  8. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow
  9. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala

Curriculum and Academic Structure

Specializations offered

NLUs offer a wide range of specializations in law for postgraduate students. You can apply for these specializations by appearing for CLAT and AILET (for NLU Delhi).

National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad:

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Trade Law
  • Aviation Law 

National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore:

  • Human Rights Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Child Rights Law
  • Intellectual Property Law

The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata:

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Criminal Law

National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi):

  • Constitutional Law
  • International Trade and Investment Law
  • Intellectual Property Rights Law
  • Environmental Law

National Law University, Jodhpur (NLU Jodhpur):

  • Corporate Law
  • International Trade Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Banking and Finance Law

The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi:

  • International Trade Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Intellectual Property Rights Law
  • Maritime Law

National Law University, Odisha (NLU Odisha):

  • Business Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law
  • International Trade Law

National Law University, Mumbai (NLU Mumbai):

  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
  • Financial Services and Capital Markets Regulation
  • Intellectual Property Rights Law

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala:

  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Business and Commercial Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Family Law and Child Welfare

National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi:

  • Corporate Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Law
  • Taxation Law

National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam:

  • Environmental Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Private and Commercial Law

National Law University Meghalaya (NLU Meghalaya):

  • International Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Constitutional Law

Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur:

  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Corporate Law

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar:

  • Corporate and Business Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Trade and Investment Law

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

  • Constitutional Law
  • Corporate Law
  • International Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Criminal Law

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam:

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Administration
  • Intellectual Property Rights Law
  • International Law and Organization
  • Labour and Industrial Law
  • Taxation Law

Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli:

  • Corporate and Securities Law
  • Environment and Natural Resources Law
  • Intellectual Property Law

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai:

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Maritime Law

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur:

  • Corporate and Commercial Laws
  • Intellectual Property Laws
  • Investment and Securities Law

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Human Rights
  • Commercial Laws
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law

Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur:

  • Commercial and Business Law
  • Criminal Law

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonipat:

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Administration
  • Intellectual Property Rights Law
  • International Law and Organization
  • Family Law

National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Guwahati:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Human Rights
  • International Law
  • Corporate Law

Research opportunities 

NLUs have in-house research centers to facilitate legal research. Each NLU has contributed to legal research and publications.

Clinical legal education and moot courts

Events such as national and international moot court competitions, legal conferences, and legal aid clinics are regularly conducted to develop public speaking and practical legal skills in the students. 

Campus Life and Facilities

Overview of campus infrastructure

The campus infrastructure includes well-maintained modern classrooms, a library, a gymnasium, a sports field, a cafeteria, hostels, seminar rooms, moot court halls, a bank, and a medical center.

Hostels and accommodation

NLUs have residential facilities for the students. The hostels are well-maintained and provide a comfortable living experience for the students.

Library facilities

NLUs have modern libraries that offer a vast collection of legal texts, journals, and online databases that facilitate research and better understanding.

Extracurricular activities and student organizations

NLUs organize a range of extracurricular activities like debates, moot courts, cultural events, and sports meets. The student organization comprises students from various cultural, social, and regional backgrounds and offers a safe space for students to connect.

Career Opportunities and Placements

Placement statistics and major recruiters

The major recruiters visiting NLUs for Campus Placements are:

  • Law Firms
  • Public Sector Undertakings
  • In-house Counsels
  • Corporate Organizations
  • Foreign Law Firms & Companies

As per the NIRF data for the year 2022-23, in NLUs, the highest package recorded was INR 

16.50 Lakh per annum, and the lowest package recorded was INR 6.5 Lakh per annum. 

Internships and clerkships

NLUs have a dedicated Campus Recruitment Committee to provide internship opportunities to students. The opportunities include internships at NGOs, Trial Court/ Tribunals/ other lower courts, and High Court/Supreme Court/Law Firms/Corporate House.

Alumni network 

Each NLU has its alumni association to help you in your post-academic life and career. It aims at providing long-term benefits to the university and students.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Available scholarships and criteria
 

NLUs

Scholarships

Details

NLSIU Bangalore

  1. Ajoy Halder Memorial Scholarship
  2. Col. Prakash Manik Bhat Memorial Scholarship
  1. Ajoy Halder Memorial Scholarship supports meritorious students for 5 years
  2. Col. Prakash Manik Bhat Memorial Scholarship supports 1 student from BA LLB programme of NLSIU, covering tuition and other fees and a stipend for five years.

NLU Delhi

  1. Need cum Merit Financial Assistance
  2. Fee waiver to deserving and needy student

These scholarships are based on past performance and family income

NALSAR Hyderabad

  1. Means based scholarship
  2. Means cum merit-based scholarship

Both are for students whose annual family income is under Rs 8 Lakh; for the Means cum Merit Scholarship, the student must have a decent CGPA

NUJS Kolkata

NUJS Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

For students with annual family income less than Rs. 6 lakh. It is means-based in the first year; from second year, merit is also considered

GNLU Gandhinagar

GNLU Academic Star Scholarship

It is offered to those who do well in CLAT. For UG programmes, top 20 students get 100% tuition fee waiver; the next 20 get 50% waiver

RMLNLU Lucknow

Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship

10 students from BA LLB and one from LLM are selected for Rs 50,000 per annum

NLU Odisha, Cuttack

University Merit-Cum-Means of NLUO

Scholarship amount up to Rs 1 lakh per annum, adjusted against the tuition fee and other expenses.

Renewal subject to student maintaining at least GPA 5 in previous two semesters

NLU Assam, Guwahati

University Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship

Offered from second year of graduation. The annual family income must be less than Rs 8 lakh

NLIU Bhopal

Late Justice JS Verma Merit-cum-Means scholarships

 

NLIU Bhopal merit cum means scholarships

For the first year, students are selected based on CLAT rank.

It covers full tuition fee waiver for the entire course

NLU Trichy

TNNLU Financial Assistance Scheme

Full or partial waiver of the fees. Students are selected solely based on the financial ability of their families.

Financial aid programs

Apart from scholarships, some NLUs also run financial aid programs to offer assistance in the form of grants such as loans, fee waivers, exemptions, loan interest payments, and stipends to cover living expenses.

Conclusion

NLUs are premier law institutions in India. They were established to modernize legal education and transform law into a professional degree. They aim at providing quality legal education and producing the finest legal professionals in the country. NLSIU, Bangalore was the first law school, and currently, there are 26 NLUs all over India.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What facilities are available on NLU campuses?

NLUs provide modern classrooms, libraries, hostels, sports complexes, cafeterias, banks, moot courtrooms, and a positive learning environment.

Can I transfer from one NLU to another?

No, it is not possible to transfer from one NLU to another.

What courses do NLUs offer?

NLUs offer courses such as - 

  • BA LLB
  • BBA LLB 
  • B.Com LLB
  • B.Sc LLB
  • BLS LLB (Legal Science)
  • LLB
  • LLM
  • LLD
  • Ph.D. 
  • LL.D
  • PG Diploma in various specializations such as Medical Law, Policy & Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights, Biotechnology, Law & Policy
  • Master of Cyber Law & Information Security

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