
Getting into a top National Law University is a major goal for many CLAT candidates. However, knowing the opening and closing ranks of leading NLUs can help you understand the level of competition and assess your admission chances. The comparison covers NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, NLIU Bhopal and NLU Jodhpur.
As you prepare your CLAT preference list, these admission trends can help you identify your target NLU and consider suitable alternatives. PW supports your CLAT journey with live and recorded classes, exam-focused preparation and practice resources, helping you strengthen your preparation and work towards securing a seat at your preferred NLU.
CLAT admission ranks are commonly presented as an opening rank and a closing rank. Both figures help you understand the range within which candidates received admission offers.
Opening Rank: The rank at which admission begins for a particular university.
Closing Rank: The last rank at which an admission offer is made during the specified counselling process.
A lower numerical rank generally indicates a stronger position in the merit list. You should compare these figures with the relevant category and counselling round when assessing your admission chances.
The five NLUs discussed include institutions in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bhopal and Jodhpur. The available numerical rank ranges are:
|
NLU |
Opening Rank |
Closing Rank |
|
NLSIU Bangalore |
1 |
112 |
|
NALSAR Hyderabad |
17 |
159 |
|
WBNUJS Kolkata |
57 |
327 |
|
NLIU Bhopal |
257 |
480 |
|
NLU Jodhpur |
159 |
367 |
Opening and closing ranks can help you estimate your admission prospects, but they should not be the only factors guiding your preference list. Consider the following points when evaluating your options:
Compare your CLAT rank: Check how your rank stands against the opening and closing ranks of your preferred NLU.
Check your category: Admission cut-offs can differ across categories, so refer to the applicable category-wise figures.
Consider counselling rounds: Closing ranks may vary between rounds depending on seat availability and candidate preferences.
Prioritise your preferred NLU: Include your Dream NLU according to your interests and priorities.
Keep alternatives: Add other suitable NLUs to your preference list rather than depending on a single option.
Review official admission updates: Check the latest counselling information and university notices before finalising your choices.
Your preference list should reflect your college priorities and admission prospects. A particular closing rank can offer a useful reference, but it does not guarantee admission in a future counselling process.
What ranks secured admission to the top five NLUs through CLAT 2026? Check the opening and closing ranks for NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad, along with the comparison of NLUs in Kolkata, Bhopal and Jodhpur. Find out which NLU is your Dream NLU.
NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad recorded opening-to-closing rank ranges of 1–112 and 17–159, respectively, in CLAT 2026. As you compare cut-offs and plan your Dream NLU preferences, PW's CLAT classes, guidance and preparation resources can help you strengthen your preparation and work towards securing admission to your preferred law university.