Choosing the right law school is a critical decision for aspiring legal professionals in India. Among the many options, the top 5 NLUs in India stand out for their academic excellence, strong faculty, and impressive placement records.
These National Law Universities (NLUs) have consistently produced some of the finest lawyers in the country, making them the most sought-after institutions for legal education.
Here, we’ll know about the 5 best NLUs in India, helping you make an informed choice for your legal career.
Top 5 NLUs in India (2024 NIRF Rank)
| NIRF Rank | College/University | Location | NIRF Score |
| 1 | National Law School of India University (NLSIU) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 83.83 |
| 2 | National Law University (NLU), Delhi | New Delhi, Delhi | 77.48 |
| 3 | NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad, Telangana | 77.05 |
| 4 | West Bengal National University of Juridicial Sciences | Kolkata, West Bengal | 76.39 |
| 8 | Gujarat National Law University | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 69.56 |
These are the latest NIRF NLU rankings.
Top 5 NLUs in India (Details)
Let’s talk in detail about the top 5 national law universities in India:
1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU)
NLSIU offers a five-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) program and a one-year LL.M. program, both designed with a strong interdisciplinary approach. The programs emphasize academic excellence, practical training, and comprehensive legal education.
NLU Bangalore is considered the best law college in India.
Campus Facilities:
- Library: The Shri Narayan Rao Melgiri Memorial National Law Library, spread over 30,000 sq.ft., houses over 70,000 books and journals, with seating for 600 people.
- Sports Facilities: Includes a gymnasium, football, basketball, and tennis courts, among other amenities.
- Accommodation: Residence halls for men and women, though accommodation availability may vary.
Academics and Research
NLSIU offers over 100 elective courses taught by senior law practitioners, judges, and academics, with a focus on clinical and experiential learning.
The university engages in extensive research across five focus areas:
- Labour and Work
- Climate Justice
- State Capacity and Reform
- Access to Justice & Legal System Reform,
- Technology and Society
Student Life
NLU Bangalore supports a vibrant student life with activities such as mooting, which has garnered international acclaim, and newly established student colleges aimed at enhancing the student experience and sense of community.
Financial Assistance
Being among the top 5 NLUs in India, NLSIU provides scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid to ensure that no student discontinues their studies due to financial hardship.
| Program | Duration | Annual Fees (General) | Annual Fees (SC/ST) | Total Seats |
| B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | ₹4,55,000 | ₹4,50,000 | 300 |
| LL.M. | 1 Year | ₹4,55,000 | ₹4,50,000 | 120 |
2. NLU Delhi
The NIRF ranking of NLU Delhi is 2nd. It has retained the spot for the last 7 consecutive years. NLU Delhi has quickly gained a reputation for its academic rigor and emphasis on research and policy-making.
NLU Delhi conducts its own entrance exam, the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), for admissions. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a well-stocked library, moot court halls, and advanced research centers.
Facilities
- Justice TPS Chawla library: Stocked with major legal and research works, legal theories, legal manuals, govt reports, NGO reports, etc. It has collection of 50,000+ print documents, 26000+ eBooks, 9800+ e-Journals, and more.
- Internet center with 50 high-end desktops
- Wi-Fi enabled campus
- Digital classrooms
- Auditorium
- Seminar Rooms
- Moot Court Hall
Courses and Fee Structure
| Courses | Tuition Fees (Annual) |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | INR 1,35,000 |
| BA LLB (Specialized Hons.) | INR 1,35,000 |
| BCom LLB | INR 1,35,000 |
| LLM | – |
| PhD | – |
20+ Research Centers
- Alternate Dispute Resolution
- Business and Financial Laws
- Communication Governance
- Comparative Law
- Constitutional Law, Policy and Governance
- Corporate Law and Governance
- Criminology and Victimology
- Cyber laws
- Environmental Law, Policy and Research
- Human Rights and Subaltern Studies
3. NALSAR University of Law
NALSAR is known for its interdisciplinary approach, offering a wide range of elective and seminar courses. It also has a strong research focus with dedicated research centers.
The university has a vibrant student life with active participation in moot courts, debates, and other co-curricular activities.
Campus Facilities
- Library: Extensive collection with remote access to electronic resources.
- Sports: Football stadium, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, gym, and indoor games.
- Accommodation: Double occupancy rooms, with 24-hour power backup and Wi-Fi enabled campus.
- Health and Counseling: Health Centre with medical staff and a Counseling Centre.
Courses and Fees
| Program | Duration | Tuition Fee |
| B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | ₹1,60,000/year |
| LL.M. | 1 Year | ₹65,000/year |
| 2-Year LL.M. (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws) | 2 Years | Same as LL.M. |
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4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)
WBNUJS, located in Kolkata, is one of India’s top national law universities, known for its strong academic culture and commitment to producing top legal professionals. The university offers a robust curriculum supported by experienced faculty, extensive research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life that fosters holistic student development.
Campus Facilities
- Library: A well-stocked library with access to numerous law journals, reports, and digital resources.
- Hostels: Separate accommodation for male and female students with necessary amenities.
- Sports and Recreation: Facilities for various sports, including tennis, basketball, and a gymnasium.
Courses and Fees
| Program | Duration | Tuition Fee |
| B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | ₹1,25,000 per semester |
| LL.M. | 1 Year | ₹40,000 per semester |
5. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) – Overview
GNLU, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is renowned for its research-based teaching and interdisciplinary approach to legal education.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate law programs with specializations, supported by state-of-the-art facilities, a robust academic framework, and a vibrant student life.
Facilities
- Library: Extensive collection of law books, journals, and digital resources.
- Hostels: Comfortable accommodation with necessary amenities.
- Sports Facilities: Gymnasium, tennis courts, basketball courts, and other sports facilities.
- Mess: Hygienic and well-managed dining facilities.
- Wi-Fi: Campus-wide internet access.
Academic Excellence
- Interdisciplinary Programs: Integration of law with arts, commerce, science, business administration, and social work.
- Research Opportunities: Focus on research in various legal and interdisciplinary fields.
- Global Collaborations: Partnerships with international universities and law schools.
- Student Development: Emphasis on mooting, debates, and other co-curricular activities.
Courses and Fees
| Program | Duration | Tuition Fees |
| B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | ₹1,20,000 |
| LL.M. | 1 Year | ₹1,20,000 |
| Ph.D. | As per UGC norms | – |
Check the complete list of NLUs in India.
How to Secure Admission in Top 5 NLUs in India?
1. Clear the Entrance Exam (CLAT/AILET)
Admission to the top 5 NLUs is through CLAT for 24 NLUs and AILET for NLU Delhi. Coaching can significantly enhance your preparation and chances of success.
2. Achieve a High Rank in CLAT/AILET
Securing a high rank is crucial as the top NLUs have limited seats. Focused preparation, including enrolling in India’s best CLAT coaching or AILET coaching, helps in achieving a top rank.
3. Participate in Counseling
After the law entrance exams, participate in the centralized counseling process. Your CLAT/AILET rank determines your eligibility for admission to the top 5 NLUs.
4. Prepare Documents for Verification
Gather and prepare all required documents, including mark sheets, entrance exam scorecards, and identification proofs.
5. Complete the Admission Process
Once allocated a seat, complete the admission formalities, including payment of fees and submission of documents. Timely preparation and guidance can make this process smoother.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
FAQs About Top 5 NLUs
The top 5 NLUs in India according to the NIRF Law Rankings 2024 are NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, and GNLU Gandhinagar.
NLSIU Bangalore is known for its academic excellence, rigorous curriculum, strong faculty, and exceptional placement record, making it the most prestigious law school in India.
NLU Delhi stands out for its specialized programs, strong connections with the judiciary, and high placement rates. It also has a unique position being located in the capital city, which offers additional opportunities for students.
GNLU is included for its interdisciplinary focus, strong industry connections, comprehensive curriculum, and active student life, all of which contribute to a well-rounded legal education.
Admission to the top 5 NLUs is extremely competitive, with thousands of students vying for limited seats through the CLAT Exam and AILET entrance exams.
Admission to NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, and GNLU is through CLAT. NLU Delhi conducts its own entrance exam, AILET.
While all top 5 NLUs offer strong corporate law programs, NLSIU Bangalore and NLU Delhi are particularly renowned for their focus on corporate and business law.
Yes, the top 5 NLUs offer scholarships and financial aid to meritorious and economically disadvantaged students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder education.
NLSIU Bangalore is known for having one of the most extensive law libraries in India, with a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.
WBNUJS Kolkata has an excellent track record in mooting, often winning national and international competitions, making it a top choice for students interested in moot courts.
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