Last Updated: April 2026
In 2026, 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) admit students exclusively through CLAT scores. The combined intake across all NLUs stands at approximately 2,700 seats (UG) — making CLAT one of the most competitive law entrance examinations in India with a success rate under 2%.
How NLU Admission Works: The CLAT Score-to-Seat Pipeline
After CLAT results are declared, the Consortium of NLUs conducts a centralised counselling process. Candidates fill preferences online, and seats are allocated based on rank, category, and NLU-specific domicile quotas.
NLU Seat Matrix 2026 — Category-wise Breakdown
| NLU | General | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total UG Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 55 | 11 | 6 | 14 | 6 | 120 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 50 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 110 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 50 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 120 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 50 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 110 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 50 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 120 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 60 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 6 | 180 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 50 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 120 |
| HNLU Raipur | 50 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 120 |
| RGNUL Patiala | 45 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 4 | 100 |
| CNLU Patna | 40 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 80 |
CLAT Rank vs NLU — What Rank Gets You Where?
| CLAT Rank | Expected NLU (General Category) | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1–200 | NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad | Top Tier |
| 201–500 | NLIU Bhopal, WBNUJS Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur | Top Tier |
| 501–900 | GNLU, RMLNLU, HNLU | Tier 2 |
| 901–1400 | RGNUL, CNLU, NLU Odisha, NUSRL | Tier 2/3 |
| 1401–2000 | NLU Tripura, NLUJA Assam, DSNLU | Tier 3 |
| 2001–2700 | MNLU series, HPNLU, NUSRL | Tier 3/4 |
NLU Annual Fees Comparison 2026
| NLU | Annual Tuition | Hostel (Annual) | Total 5-Year Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | ₹2.15 Lakh | ₹1.20 Lakh | ₹16–18 Lakh |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | ₹1.95 Lakh | ₹1.10 Lakh | ₹15–17 Lakh |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | ₹1.75 Lakh | ₹90K | ₹13–15 Lakh |
| CNLU Patna | ₹95K | ₹60K | ₹7–9 Lakh |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | ₹1.20 Lakh | ₹80K | ₹10–12 Lakh |
NLU Counselling Process — Step by Step
- Registration: Register on the Consortium portal using CLAT roll number and score
- Preference Filling: Rank all 22 NLUs in order of preference
- Seat Allotment Round 1: Based on rank + preference + category quota
- Fee Payment: Pay acceptance fee (₹50,000–₹1,00,000) to hold seat
- Upgradation Rounds: 2–3 more rounds for seat upgrades
- Document Verification: Original documents at allotted NLU
- Reporting: Physical reporting and admission completion
Key Documents Required for NLU Admission
- CLAT 2026 scorecard and admit card
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets and certificates
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable
- Domicile certificate for state quota NLUs
- Aadhar card and passport-size photographs
- Transfer certificate from last institution
Domicile Quota at Key NLUs
Several NLUs reserve 15–30% seats for students domiciled in the home state:
- CNLU Patna: 30% Bihar domicile quota
- RMLNLU Lucknow: 25% UP domicile quota
- GNLU Gandhinagar: 25% Gujarat domicile quota
- HNLU Raipur: 25% Chhattisgarh domicile quota
Frequently Asked Questions — NLU Admission via CLAT
What is the minimum CLAT score required for NLU admission?
There is no fixed minimum score. Admission depends on rank. In 2025, NLSIU Bangalore’s closing rank for General category was around 68. Even rank 2,700 can secure admission at newer NLUs. Aim for 100+ out of 120 for top NLUs.
Is CNLU Patna a good choice for Bihar students?
CNLU Patna is a solid choice for Bihar domicile students. It offers a 30% domicile quota, significantly lower fees (~₹95K/year tuition), and strong placement opportunities in Bihar’s growing legal sector.
How many rounds of NLU counselling are held?
The Consortium typically conducts 3–4 rounds: Round 1 (main allotment), Round 2 (upgradation), Round 3 (second upgradation), and sometimes a Spot Round for remaining vacancies.
Can I get NLU admission with a CLAT rank above 3,000?
NLU admission via CLAT is generally limited to the top 2,700 ranks (total UG seats). However, many state NLUs and private law colleges accept CLAT scores beyond rank 3,000.
What is the deadline to accept a seat after CLAT counselling allotment?
After each round of allotment, candidates typically have 48–72 hours to pay the acceptance fee online. Missing this deadline forfeits the allotted seat.
For expert CLAT coaching in Patna, visit CLAT Gurukul Courses or our CLAT 2027 Preparation Hub.
