Ultimate Guide to the Top 15 LLB Colleges via CLAT: NLUs, Courses, and Links

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top LLB colleges through CLAT

Last updated: 28 October 2026

The best LLB programs that admit students through CLAT come from India’s NLUs. They are renowned for rigorous curricula and strong legal training. These NLUs provide integrated five-year paths with practical exposure.

The top choices are NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur and GNLU Gandhinagar, followed by NLIU Bhopal, HNLU Raipur, RMLNLU Lucknow and RGNUL Patiala. For many applicants, these are among the top LLB colleges.

Together, the 26 participating NLUs offer about 4,000 five-year integrated LLB seats through CLAT.

Quick answer

  • Best NLU overall: NLSIU Bengaluru, ranked No. 1 in the NIRF 2025 law rankings, with 310 BA LLB seats
  • Most program choices: GNLU Gandhinagar (BA, BBA, BCom, BSc and BSW LLB)
  • Most common degree: BA LLB (Hons.), offered by every NLU on this list
  • Other options: BBA LLB, BSc LLB and BCom LLB at selected NLUs, plus a one-year LLM
  • Not part of CLAT: NLU Delhi, which admits through its own exam, AILET
  • Next CLAT exam: 6 December 2026, for admissions in 2027–28

The NIRF 2026 law rankings had not been published at the time of writing, so this list draws on NIRF 2025 positions, CLAT 2026 cutoffs, seat intake and our research.

Top NLUs Accepting CLAT: Comparison Table

#UniversityCity, StateUG programmes through CLATOfficial website
1National Law School of India University (NLSIU)Bengaluru, KarnatakaBA LLB (Hons.)nls.ac.in
2NALSAR University of LawHyderabad, TelanganaBA LLB (Hons.)nalsar.ac.in
3West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)Kolkata, West BengalBA LLB (Hons.), BSc LLB (Hons.)nujs.edu
4National Law University (NLU) JodhpurJodhpur, RajasthanBA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.)nlujodhpur.ac.in
5Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)Gandhinagar, GujaratBA, BBA, BCom, BSc and BSW LLB (Hons.)gnlu.ac.in
6National Law Institute University (NLIU)Bhopal, Madhya PradeshBA LLB (Hons.), BSc LLB (Cyber Security)nliu.ac.in
7Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU)Raipur, ChhattisgarhBA LLB (Hons.)hnlu.ac.in
8Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU)Lucknow, Uttar PradeshBA LLB (Hons.)rmlnlu.ac.in
9Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL)Patiala, PunjabBA LLB (Hons.)rgnul.ac.in
10National Law University Odisha (NLUO)Cuttack, OdishaBA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.)nluo.ac.in
11Chanakya National Law University (CNLU)Patna, BiharBA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.)cnlu.ac.in
12National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS)Kochi, KeralaBA LLB (Hons.)nuals.ac.in
13Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) MumbaiMumbai, MaharashtraBA LLB (Hons.)mnlumumbai.edu.in
14Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU)Visakhapatnam, Andhra PradeshBA LLB (Hons.)dsnlu.ac.in
15Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU)Tiruchirappalli, Tamil NaduBA LLB (Hons.), BCom LLB (Hons.)tnnlu.ac.in

All 15 universities also admit LLM students through CLAT PG, except where noted in the profiles below.

Top 15 NLUs Through CLAT: University Profiles

Seat figures are approximate CLAT seats from the 2026 admission cycle and exclude supernumerary and NRI seats. Check each university’s admission notice for the 2027 seat matrix.

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

Website: https://www.nls.ac.in

Established in 1987, NLSIU was India’s first National Law University and pioneered the five-year integrated law degree. It ranked No. 1 in the NIRF 2025 law rankings and closed CLAT 2026 Round 1 admissions at rank 101 for the General category.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 310 seats, the largest intake of any NLU)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG
  • 3-year LLB (Hons.), through its own entrance test (NLSAT), not CLAT

2. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

Website: https://www.nalsar.ac.in

Founded in 1998, NALSAR is consistently among India’s top three law schools and ranked No. 3 in NIRF 2025. Its CLAT 2026 Round 1 General closing rank was 148, the second most competitive after NLSIU.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 132 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

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

Website: https://www.nujs.edu

Established in 1999, WBNUJS ranked No. 4 in NIRF 2025 and is known for strong corporate law placements. It closed CLAT 2026 Round 1 admissions at General rank 284.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 108 seats)
  • BSc LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 50 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

4. National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur

Website: https://www.nlujodhpur.ac.in

Set up in 1999, NLU Jodhpur is a top-tier NLU known for its corporate and business law focus. It is one of the few top NLUs to offer a BBA LLB alongside the BA LLB.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.) and BBA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 164 seats combined)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

5. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar

Website: https://www.gnlu.ac.in

Established in 2003, GNLU entered the NIRF top five in 2025. It offers the widest range of five-year law degrees among NLUs and also runs a second campus at Silvassa.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB and BSW LLB (all Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 172 seats at Gandhinagar)
  • BA LLB (Hons.) at GNLU Silvassa campus, through CLAT (about 66 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

6. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal

Website: https://www.nliu.ac.in

Founded in 1997, NLIU is one of the oldest NLUs and offers a specialised BSc LLB in Cyber Security. About half its seats are reserved for Madhya Pradesh domicile candidates.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 116 seats)
  • BSc LLB (Hons.) in Cyber Security, 5 years, through CLAT (about 59 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

7. Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur

Website: https://www.hnlu.ac.in

Established in 2003 and named after former Chief Justice of India M. Hidayatullah, HNLU has one of the larger BA LLB intakes among NLUs.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 170 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

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

Website: https://www.rmlnlu.ac.in

Set up in 2005, RMLNLU is Uttar Pradesh’s National Law University and a popular choice for students from North India.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 169 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

How Admission to NLUs Through CLAT Works

Admission to all participating NLUs is based on your CLAT All India Rank, your category and the order of NLU preferences you fill during centralised counselling. Individual NLUs do not hold separate interviews or tests for CLAT admissions.

  1. Take CLAT: CLAT 2027 is on 6 December 2026, for admission in the 2027–28 academic year.
  2. Check your result and rank: Results are expected in mid-December 2026.
  3. Register for counselling: Fill your NLU and program preferences in order on the Consortium portal.
  4. Receive an allotment: Seats are allotted across several rounds based on rank, category, domicile quota and preference.
  5. Freeze, float or exit: Accept the seat, stay in for a better preference, or withdraw.
  6. Pay the confirmation fee and report: Complete document verification at the allotted NLU.

How to choose the right NLU

  • Rank and cutoff: Compare your expected rank with each NLU’s previous closing ranks. In CLAT 2026 Round 1, NLSIU closed at 101, NALSAR at 148 and WBNUJS at 284 (General category).
  • Programme: Choose BBA LLB or BCom LLB if you plan a corporate, tax or business law career; BSc LLB suits technology, IP and cyber law.
  • Domicile reservation: Many NLUs reserve a share of seats for students from their state, which can improve your chances at your home NLU.
  • Location and placements: NLUs in metro cities usually have easier access to law firms, courts and internships.
  • Fees: Annual fees vary widely between NLUs; check the latest fee structure on each official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best LLB college through CLAT?

NLSIU Bengaluru is the best LLB college through CLAT. It ranked No. 1 in the NIRF 2025 law rankings and has the highest CLAT cutoff, closing at rank 101 for the General category in CLAT 2026 Round 1.

How many NLUs accept CLAT scores?

26 National Law Universities participate in CLAT, offering about 4,000 five-year integrated LLB seats. Several private law schools also accept CLAT scores.

Does NLU Delhi accept CLAT?

No. NLU Delhi admits students through its own entrance exam, the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET).

Which NLUs offer BBA LLB through CLAT?

NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar, NLU Odisha, CNLU Patna.

Additionally, NUSRL Ranchi, MNLU Nagpur, MNLU Aurangabad, HPNLU Shimla, and IIULER Goa offer BBA LLB through CLAT, top LLB colleges.

Which NLUs offer BSc LLB through CLAT?

WBNUJS Kolkata, GNLU Gandhinagar and NLIU Bhopal (Cyber Security) offer BSc LLB through CLAT.

What CLAT rank is needed for a top NLU?

For the top three NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS), General category candidates usually need a rank under about 300. Top-five NLUs typically close within rank 400, and tier-2 NLUs up to around rank 1,000–1,500.

Which NLU has the most seats?

NLSIU Bengaluru has the largest BA LLB intake through CLAT, with about 310 seats.

Can I get a 3-year LLB through CLAT?

No. CLAT UG is for five-year integrated programs. NLSIU admits 3-year LLB students through its own test, NLSAT.

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Sources (for fact-checking; remove before publishing)

Before publishing, open each university link to confirm it loads, and check program and seat details against the 2027 admission notices on consortiumofnlus.ac.in.

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

Website: https://www.rgnul.ac.in

Established in 2006, RGNUL is Punjab’s National Law University and has one of the largest BA LLB intakes among NLUs.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 180 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

10. National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack

Website: https://www.nluo.ac.in

Set up in 2009, NLUO is one of the fastest-rising NLUs in national rankings. It is also one of the few NLUs that offer a 3-year LLB.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 106 seats)
  • BBA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 53 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

11. Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna

Website: https://www.cnlu.ac.in

Established in 2006, CNLU is Bihar’s National Law University and splits its UG intake equally between BA LLB and BBA LLB.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 69 seats)
  • BBA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 69 seats)
  • Postgraduate and 3-year LLB programs: check the university’s admission notice

12. National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi

Website: https://www.nuals.ac.in

Founded in 2005, NUALS is Kerala’s National Law University. Its small batch size means a close student-faculty ratio.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 60 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

13. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai

Website: https://mnlumumbai.edu.in

Established in 2014, MNLU Mumbai benefits from its location in India’s financial capital, close to major law firms, courts and corporate offices.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 100 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

14. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam

Website: https://dsnlu.ac.in

Set up in 2008, DSNLU is Andhra Pradesh’s National Law University, located on a coastal campus in Visakhapatnam.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 120 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

15. Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli

Website: https://www.tnnlu.ac.in

Established in 2012, TNNLU is one of the few NLUs offering a BCom LLB, which suits students interested in tax and corporate law.

Programmes offered:

  • BA LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 60 seats)
  • BCom LLB (Hons.), 5 years, through CLAT (about 60 seats)
  • LLM, 1 year, through CLAT PG

Other NLUs that accept CLAT

The remaining participating NLUs include NUSRL Ranchi, NLUJA Assam, MNLU Nagpur, MNLU Aurangabad, HPNLU Shimla, DNLU Jabalpur, DBRANLU Sonipat, NLU Tripura and IIULER Goa.

Note: The above listing is collated by our expert team through its own internal research.

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