List of National Law Universities accepting CLAT Scores

CLAT Scores 2025

CLAT, the Common Law Admission Test, is the main entrance exam for students who wish to take up undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in India. Conducted yearly by the Consortium of National Law Universities, it is the pass gate to getting into the country’s best law institutions, which we term National Law Universities (NLUs). 

By 2025, the number of NLUs that partake in the CLAT scores admission will have grown to 24. These universities provide quality legal education and are also known for academic excellence, state-of-the-art infrastructure, practical training, and excellent placement records. We take a look at the NLUs in detail, which accept CLAT scores, and what each has to offer.

CLAT SCORES:

NLSIU, BANGALORE- NATIONAL LAW SCHOOL OF INDIA UNIVERSITY

• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• UG Intake: Approx 240.
• Established in 1999.
• NLSIU is out in front as the best law school in India. In terms of academic performance, CLAT scores, and also what it does for its students, it does very well and reports to always be at the top of the pack in terms of Indian law schools. Also, it has very successful alumni which including key lawyers, judges, academics, and public figures. 

NALSAR UNIVERSITY OF LAW, HYDERABAD

• Location: Hyderabad in Telangana.
• UG Intake: Around 132.
• Established in 1998.
• At NALSAR, they focus on in-depth academic work, legal research, and also have a great live moot court culture. Also, they have connections with international institutions, which in turn give the students a more rounded legal education.

NATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY (NLIU), BHOPAL

• Location: Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
• UG Intake: ~100.
• NLIU Bhopal is known for its work in the fields of theory and practice of law. In the areas of constitutional and criminal law, they excel and also run student-run journals. 

THE WEST BENGAL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF JURIDICAL SCIENCES, KOLKATA

• Year of Establishment: 1999
• Location: Kolkata in West Bengal.
• UG Intake: About 132.
• Admissions based on CLAT scores, NUJS provides a dynamic academic environment that sees traditional class work come together with co-curriculars like debates and internships. Also known for the large network of successful graduates in corporate law and litigation.

NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY (NLU), JODHPUR

• Location: Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
•  UG Intake: Approx 104.
•  Established in 1999
• At NLU Jodhpur, it is the specialty programs that have brought this school to the fore, as well as the solid academic design. Also, they offer integrated dual degrees and are very much on top in terms of placements.

Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur

• Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh
• UG Intake: 180
• Established in 2003
• Named after the former Chief Justice M. Hidayatullah, at HNLU, we emphasize academic excellence and holistic legal training. It has become a key institution in Central India.

GUJARAT NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY (GNU), GANDHI NAGAR

• Location: Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat
• UG Intake: 187
• Established in 2003
• GNLU is in the area of interdisciplinary legal education. Also known for their research put forth and international partnerships, they also present to you business law and technology law as choice elective fields.

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

• Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• UG Intake: 178
• Established in 2005
• RMLNLU is to the fore as a choice for law aspirants in North India. We see from them sound legal training and opportunities in the fields of litigation and public service. 

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala

• Location: Patiala, Punjab
• UG Intalke: 180
• Established in 2006
• RGNUL is known for its structured academic environment and is also a growing player in research. They host seminars and also run the Moot court events, which are based on what is seen in the present legal climate.

Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna

• Location: Patna, Bihar
• UG Intake: 138
• Established in 2006 
• CNLU is to report on the improvement in quality of its academic programs, also in the area of internship support and legal aid, which they have been into. 

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

• Location: Kochi, Kerala
• UG Intake: 120
• Established in 2005
• NUALS is in a very key legal area and is known for work done in maritime and cyber law. Also, they are in the very active field of policy making and legal reform.

 National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack

• Location: Cuttack, Odisha
• UG Intake: 180
• Established in 2009
• NLUO has strong academic backing and good practical exposure through its legal aid clinics and mooting. Being situated near courts and legal buildings is a boon.

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

• Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand 
• UG Intake: 180
• Established in 2010
• NUSRL has a current approach to legal education and is following the academic trends and judicial services.

National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJAA), Guwahati

• Location: Guwahati, Assam
• UG Intake: 60
• Established in 2010
• NLUJAA is instrumental in supporting legal education in the North-East. It is particularly focused on tribal rights, environmental law, and public policy.

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam

• Location: Visakhapatnam, Uttar Pradesh
• UG Intake: 120
• Established in 2008
• DSNLU is gaining popularity due to its academic innovation and focus on socio-legal education. It often works with the government and NGOs.

Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli

• Location: Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 
• UG Intake:110
• Established in 2012
• TNNLU provides a range of law programmes emphasizing justice and constitutional governance. It’s growing in terms of faculty, research centers, and communications with students.

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai

• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• UG Intake: 100
• Established in 2014
• Advantages of MNLU Mumbai: MNLU Mumbai is located in the financial capital of India. Students have the opportunity to learn from some of the best law firms, courts, and lawyers.

MNLU, Nagpur

• Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
• UG Intake: 120
• Established in 2016
• This university has developed a discipline with the contribution of the judiciary. It provides courses on hot topics such as AI and legal tech.

MNLU, Aurangabad

• Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra
• UG Inake: 60
• Established in 2017
• The youngest of Maharashtra’s NLUs was set up with a mission of ensuring that students develop a solid legal base with exposure to legal aid, internships from an early stage.

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla

• Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
• UG Intake:120
• Established in 2016
• HPNLU has a beautiful campus and it is on the way to transform into a research law school with a special religious on environmental and constitutional law.

Tabular Presentation:

Conclusion

Choosing the right NLU is a critical step for any aspiring law student, and understanding which institutions accept CLAT scores is the first move in that direction. While legacy institutions like NLSIU, NALSAR, and NUJS have set high standards in legal education, the newer NLUs are steadily carving their own space, offering quality academics and unique regional strengths. By carefully evaluating factors like faculty, specialization, location, and long-term career goals, you can make the most informed decision based on your CLAT scores. Remember, your CLAT scores open doors to a wide range of opportunities, and each NLU offers a distinct path that can shape your legal journey. So, use your CLAT scores wisely to secure a future that aligns with your aspirations and potential.

TO READ MORE INFORMATION REGARDING CLAT, REFER TO the PULSE PHASE.