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How to Choose the Right NLU After CLAT Results

  • Writer: kajal lawprep
    kajal lawprep
  • Aug 19
  • 5 min read

For every CLAT aspirant, the most awaited moment is the declaration of results. After months (sometimes years) of preparation, you finally see your All India Rank (AIR). But the journey doesn’t end there. The real challenge begins when you need to decide which National Law University (NLU) is the right fit for you. With 27 NLUs spread across India, each having its own strengths and limitations, making the right choice is crucial for your legal career.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to choose the right NLU after CLAT results, covering aspects like eligibility, scope, skills needed, and the top colleges you should keep in mind.

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Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right NLU

Your choice of NLU can shape your career trajectory. While all NLUs are prestigious, they are not identical in terms of:


1 . Faculty & Academics 

Some universities specialize in corporate law, while others excel in litigation and public policy.

2 . Placements 

Tier-1 NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad attract top law firms and corporate recruiters.

3 . Location & Exposure 

Being in a metro city like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore provides better internships and networking opportunities.

4 . Alumni Network 

A strong alumni base opens doors for mentorship, internships, and jobs.

So, it’s not just about getting into any NLU, but the one that aligns with your goals and personality.

Eligibility for NLUs After CLAT

If you’ve cleared CLAT 2026 and are aiming for admission in NLUs, here’s a quick eligibility recap:


1 . Educational Qualification:

You must have passed Class 12 with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates).

2 . CLAT Rank:

Admission is strictly based on your CLAT AIR. Higher-ranked candidates get preference in top NLUs.

3 . Reservation Policy:

Each NLU follows reservation rules (state quota, domicile, caste categories, etc.).

4 . Age Limit:

There is no upper age limit for CLAT exam.

So, even after results, you need to carefully check reservation policies and eligibility of your preferred NLU before locking your choice.

Scope After Studying at an NLU

Choosing the right NLU is important because it directly influences your career opportunities. Here’s what law graduates from NLUs can look forward to:


  1. Corporate Law Firms

    Top law firms like AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and Trilegal recruit from Tier-1 NLUs with salaries ranging from ₹12–16 LPA.

  2. Litigation & Judiciary

    Many students opt for litigation practice and later prepare for judicial services exams. Some NLUs are known for strong litigation cultures, producing eminent advocates.

  3. Public Policy & Research

    Universities like NLU Delhi and NLSIU Bangalore have strong research centers that help students move into think tanks, NGOs, and policy-making roles.

  4. In-house Counsel Roles

    Corporates like Reliance, Tata, and Mahindra often hire NLU graduates as in-house legal advisors.

  5. Higher Studies Abroad

    With strong academic exposure, many NLU students pursue LLMs at Oxford, Harvard, or Cambridge with scholarships.

  6. Civil Services

    A few NLU graduates also prepare for UPSC and succeed, leveraging their legal background for administrative services.

In short, the scope is vast, but the college you choose often defines the initial path you’ll walk on.

Skills You Need to Excel at an NLU

No matter which NLU you choose, certain skills are essential for thriving in the law school environment:


1 . Research and Writing Skills –

Law students spend hours reading judgments, drafting essays, and preparing case briefs.

2 . Critical Thinking –

The ability to analyze complex legal scenarios is crucial.

3 . Public Speaking & Mooting –

Advocacy, debates, and moots help build confidence for litigation and corporate roles.

4 . Time Management –

Balancing academics, internships, and extracurriculars is key.

5 . Networking –

Building connections with professors, seniors, and alumni opens career doors.

If you develop these skills early, you’ll thrive at whichever NLU you choose.

Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right NLU

Now comes the most important question—How do you choose? Here are some factors you should carefully weigh:

1. Ranking & Reputation

  • Tier-1 NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, and NLU Delhi (through AILET) are the most sought-after.

  • They consistently top the rankings and attract the best recruiters.

2. Placements & Internships

  • If your goal is corporate law, prefer NLUs with strong placement records.

  • Look at past recruiters, average salary packages, and the strength of alumni networks.

3. Faculty & Specialization

  • Some NLUs specialize in niche areas:

    • NLU Jodhpur → Strong in Corporate Law

    • NLU Delhi → Focus on Research & Public Policy

    • NLU Bangalore → Known for Litigation and Policy Think Tanks

4. Location Advantage

  • NLUs in metro cities offer better access to internships and court exposure.

  • Example: NLU Delhi, NLU Mumbai, and NLU Bangalore have strong locational advantages.

5. Campus Culture & Facilities

  • Moot courts, research centers, hostels, and student societies can shape your college life.

  • Speak to seniors or check student reviews before making a decision.

6. Reservation & Domicile Quota

  • Some NLUs offer state domicile quota, making it easier for local students to secure admission.

  • For example, NLU Odisha reserves 25% of seats for Odisha students.

7. Personal Career Goals

  • If you see yourself in corporate law → Pick NLUs with strong recruiter ties.

  • If you want to join judiciary or litigation → Choose NLUs with strong moot culture and court access.

Top NLUs You Should Consider

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most preferred NLUs:


Tier-1 NLUs (Highly Competitive, Top Placements)

  1. NLSIU Bangalore – India’s first and best-ranked law school. Excellent placements and policy research opportunities.

  2. NALSAR Hyderabad – Strong corporate tie-ups and litigation exposure.

  3. WBNUJS Kolkata – Known for corporate placements and litigation balance.

  4. NLU Delhi – Through AILET, famous for research, litigation, and placements.


Tier-2 NLUs (Great Opportunities, Slightly Lower Ranks)

  1. NLU Jodhpur – Specializes in corporate law and strong alumni network.

  2. GNLU Gandhinagar – Excellent faculty and corporate opportunities.

  3. HNLU Raipur – Rising reputation with strong state support.

  4. MNLU Mumbai – Location advantage for internships and jobs.


Tier-3 NLUs (Decent Options for Mid-Rankers)

  1. NLU Odisha (Cuttack) – Good academics and domicile quota advantage.

  2. DSNLU Visakhapatnam – Focus on litigation and regional opportunities.

  3. MNLU Nagpur & Aurangabad – Growing campuses with local exposure.


Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing an NLU

  • Blindly Following Rankings – Reputation matters, but your career goals matter more.

  • Ignoring Location – Being in a metro often gives better opportunities.

  • Not Checking Placement Records – Look beyond averages; see the type of recruiters.

  • Overlooking Personal Fit – Campus culture and facilities also affect your experience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right NLU after CLAT is not just about prestige, but about alignment with your career goals, strengths, and interests. A high rank will definitely open doors to top NLUs, but even mid-ranked NLUs can give you a successful career if you make the most of your time there.

Remember, at the end of the day, your skills, consistency, and networking will matter more than just the name of your college. The NLU will give you a platform, but it’s up to you how you use it.

So, analyze your CLAT rank, understand your career aspirations, and then make a well-informed choice. A wise decision today can set the foundation for a flourishing legal career tomorrow.

 
 
 

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