COLLEGE GUIDE | CLAT 2027
Last Updated: April 2026
• NLU Delhi (NLUD) — one of India top National Law Universities, established 2008
• CLAT 2027 General Category expected cutoff: AIR 20-60 range
• BA LLB (Hons) — 5-year integrated program, 60 seats (approx.)
• Top placements at Tier 1 law firms, average package Rs 18-22 LPA
NLU Delhi CLAT cutoff 2027 is among the most competitive in the country. The National Law University Delhi (NLUD), also known as NLU-D, was established in 2008 and has rapidly risen to become one of the top law schools in India. Located in the heart of the capital, NLUD offers unmatched access to India legal ecosystem — the Supreme Court, Parliament, top law firms, and corporate houses are all within reach. This guide gives you everything you need to know about NLUD admission through CLAT 2027.
About NLU Delhi (NLUD)
The National Law University Delhi was established by the National Capital Territory of Delhi under the National Law University Delhi Act, 2008. Unlike most NLUs, NLUD is not part of the CLAT Consortium and conducts its own entrance examination called AILET (All India Law Entrance Test). However, for students targeting NLU Delhi through CLAT, it is important to note this distinction — NLUD admissions are through AILET, while other NLUs use CLAT.
NLUD consistently ranks among the top 3 law schools in India alongside NALSAR Hyderabad and NLU Bangalore (NLSIU). The NIRF Law Rankings place NLUD in the top tier every year.
• Full name: National Law University Delhi
• Established: 2008
• Location: Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi
• Admission: Through AILET (not CLAT) for BA LLB; CLAT for LLM
• NIRF 2025 Law Ranking: Top 3 in India
• Affiliation: Autonomous; established by Delhi NCT Act
Courses Offered at NLU Delhi
NLU Delhi offers the following programmes:
| Programme | Duration | Seats | Admission Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons) | 5 years | ~70 seats | AILET |
| LLM | 1 year | ~30 seats | CLAT PG |
| PhD | 3-5 years | Limited | Own entrance + interview |
AILET vs CLAT: Understanding NLU Delhi Admission
This is critical for CLAT 2027 aspirants to understand: NLU Delhi uses AILET, not CLAT, for BA LLB admissions. AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) is conducted separately by NLUD. If your goal is specifically NLU Delhi for UG, you must appear in AILET.
CLAT scores are accepted by all other NLUs (23 NLUs in the CLAT Consortium). For LLM, NLU Delhi accepts CLAT PG scores.
AILET Cutoff Trends 2022-2026 (NLU Delhi BA LLB)
| Year | General (Last Admitted Rank) | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AILET 2022 | AIR 45-55 | AIR 18-22 | AIR 12-15 | AIR 5-8 |
| AILET 2023 | AIR 48-58 | AIR 20-24 | AIR 12-16 | AIR 5-9 |
| AILET 2024 | AIR 50-62 | AIR 22-26 | AIR 14-18 | AIR 6-10 |
| AILET 2025 | AIR 52-65 | AIR 22-27 | AIR 14-19 | AIR 6-11 |
| AILET 2027 (Expected) | AIR 55-70 | AIR 23-28 | AIR 15-20 | AIR 7-12 |
Fee Structure at NLU Delhi
NLU Delhi fee structure for the BA LLB programme (approximate figures, subject to annual revision):
- Tuition Fee: Rs 1,80,000 per annum (approximately)
- Hostel (if applicable): Rs 60,000 – Rs 80,000 per annum
- Total annual cost: Rs 2.5 – 3 lakh approximately
- 5-year total: Rs 12-15 lakh approximately (excluding living expenses)
NLU Delhi offers merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid. SC/ST students may be eligible for government scholarship schemes covering a significant portion of fees.
Placements and Career Outcomes at NLUD
NLU Delhi placements are among the best in the country. The Law School regularly attracts top-tier law firms, corporate legal departments, government organisations, and international opportunities:
- Top recruiters: AZB and Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Trilegal, Khaitan and Co, JSA, Luthra and Luthra
- Average package: Rs 18-22 LPA for top law firms (2024-25 placement data)
- Judicial services: Significant number of NLUD alumni appear in civil services/judicial services examinations
- International opportunities: LLM at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Columbia — NLUD has strong alumni networks at global universities
- Litigation: Strong presence at Supreme Court and High Courts; senior advocates with NLUD degrees
Campus Life and Facilities
Located in Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi, NLUD campus offers:
- Well-stocked law library with over 50,000 volumes and digital databases
- Moot court halls equipped for competitive mooting
- Hostel facilities for outstation students (limited; preference given based on distance)
- Proximity to the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for internship opportunities
- Active student bodies: law review, legal aid cell, arbitration moot team, debate society
Comparison with Other Top NLUs (CLAT Route)
| NLU | Location | CLAT Gen Cutoff (Approx.) | Admission Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | Bangalore | AIR 1-20 | CLAT |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | Hyderabad | AIR 20-60 | CLAT |
| NLU Delhi | New Delhi | AILET AIR 50-65 | AILET (not CLAT) |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | Kolkata | AIR 60-120 | CLAT |
| NLU Jodhpur | Jodhpur | AIR 120-200 | CLAT |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NLU Delhi accept CLAT scores for BA LLB admission?
No. NLU Delhi (NLUD) conducts its own entrance examination called AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) for BA LLB admissions. CLAT is not accepted for UG admissions at NLUD. However, CLAT PG scores are accepted for LLM admissions. Students targeting NLUD for BA LLB must separately appear in AILET.
What is the expected AILET cutoff for NLU Delhi General Category in 2027?
Based on historical trends (2022-2026), the General Category cutoff for NLU Delhi through AILET has been in the AIR 45-65 range for the last admitted student. For 2027, the expected range is AIR 55-70. However, AILET is a shorter, more focused exam than CLAT, and scoring in the top 70 requires consistent practice and subject mastery.
What are the career prospects after BA LLB from NLU Delhi?
NLU Delhi graduates have excellent career prospects. Top law firms (AZB, CAM, SAM, Trilegal, Khaitan) regularly recruit from campus, with packages of Rs 18-22 LPA for top hires. Judicial services, civil services, and international LLM programmes (Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard) are also popular paths. NLUD alumni have a strong presence at the Supreme Court and in senior corporate legal roles.
Which NLUs can I get with CLAT AIR 100 in 2027?
With a CLAT AIR around 100 in 2027, you can expect admission to top NLUs such as NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, and NLU Jodhpur in the General Category. NLSIU Bangalore typically requires AIR 1-20. Note that NLU Delhi is not in the CLAT system for UG admissions — it conducts AILET separately.
Aiming for NLU Delhi or a top NLU through CLAT 2027? Explore CLAT Gurukul complete preparation courses covering all five sections. Take our free CLAT mock test and get your AIR prediction. Read more CLAT 2027 preparation guides on our blog.
