CLAT NLU Preference List 2026, Factors to Consider, NLUs Ranking, How to Select

CLAT NLU Preference List 2026: Choosing the right NLU is very important for CLAT aspirants in terms of their future legal career. The NLU you attend shapes your exposure to internships, placements, peer groups, and alumni network, all of which play a vital role in your professional journey. Candidates who have been shortlisted for the CLAT counselling are required to fill in their NLU reference during registration. At least 15 NLUs should be selected. There is no limit to the CLAT NLU preferences. 

CLAT NLU Preference List 2026 will determine the order in which candidates will be considered for admission during the counselling process. Only those NLUs included in the list will be available for seat allocation. Candidates should carefully research each NLU, considering factors like academic reputation, placements, faculty, campus facilities, and personal priorities, before making their NLU preference list. The submitted preference list cannot be changed later.

CLAT NLU Preference List 2026 Important Dates

The CLAT 2026 official notification has not been released yet. Candidates must keep an eye on the official website, i.e., www.consortiumofnlus.ac.in, for any updates regarding CLAT exam dates. Candidates who get shortlisted in the CLAT entrance exam are invited for counselling process, where they can select the NLUs as per their preference. Aspirants also have the option to upgrade their seats before the final allotment. Once the notification is out, the following table will be updated. 

How to Enter NLU Preference List for CLAT?

To provide the CLAT NLU preference list 2026, candidates must log in to their account on the official portal. Enter your NLU preference list using the following steps. 

• Log in to your CLAT 2026 account using the CLAT credentials. 
• Click on the “Counselling Registration” option. 
• Select the “Update” preferences tab. 
• Fill in your NLU preference list. 
• Pay the registration fee. Submit the form. 

List of Participating NLUs and Courses for CLAT 2026

The CLAT exam opens doors to a wide network of prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) across India, each offering integrated five-year undergraduate law programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, etc.) and one-year postgraduate LLM courses. 

For CLAT 2026, 26 NLUs are participating, collectively offering thousands of seats for both UG and PG law aspirants. In addition to the NLUs, several affiliated and private law colleges also accept CLAT scores for admission.  Aspirants need to review the list of participating universities and available courses before filling their preference list to make informed choices. 

Top Ranked NLUs in India 

According to the latest NIRF Law Rankings 2025, the leading institutions include NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, and GNLU Gandhinagar. These NLUs consistently produce some of the country’s best legal professionals, making them the preferred choice for CLAT aspirants aiming for a strong foundation and successful career in law. Here is the list of top-ranked NLUs in India according to the NIRF ranking 2024 for National Law Universities. 

NLU Preferences Based on CLAT Marks and Ranks

CLAT NLU preferences should be chosen strategically based on your CLAT marks and expected rank. The final seat allotment is determined by a combination of your rank and the order of NLU preferences you submit during counselling. Based on recent cut-off trends for the General category in CLAT, here is a table mapping CLAT marks and ranks to the corresponding NLU preference. 

Top 10 CLAT NLU Preference List 2026 by Ranking & Placement

Top NLUs such as NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata typically require higher CLAT scores and offer the best academic environments and placement opportunities. Understanding the relationship between your CLAT marks, rank, and the cut-offs of these NLUs helps you make informed choices and maximise your chances of admission to a university with strong career prospects. Here is the list of top 10 CLAT NLU preferences based on placement and ranking. 

Important Factors to Consider for Selecting NLUs for Admission Preference

When selecting NLUs for your admission preference list, it is important to consider a range of academic, professional, and personal factors to ensure the best fit for your goals. Some key aspects include academic reputation and national rankings, faculty expertise and resources. Financial considerations, such as tuition fees and availability of scholarships, as well as reservation policies and state domicile quotas, can also significantly impact your decision. Thoughtful assessment of these factors will help you create a well-informed and strategic NLU preference list. Some common factors which must be considered while selecting any NLU for admission preference are as follows. 

• Academic reputation and national rankings
• Faculty expertise and curriculum
• Placement records and internship opportunities
• Courses and seats offered by NLUs
• Eligibility criteria for admission to the law programme
• Campus facilities and infrastructure
• Location and Accessibility
• Previous year cut-offs of NLUs
• Alumni network and student life
• Financial Considerations