
Tier-wise List of NLUs for CLAT 2026 Counselling: The list of NLUs tier-wise for CLAT 2026 counselling will help law aspirants understand the distinctions between National Law Universities. Law aspirants can assess the various colleges by checking the tier of the colleges, based on their rank, infrastructure, and reputation.
Here are the NLUs in Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, important dates such as dates of CLAT 2026 counselling, fees, counselling process, and procedure to fill NLUs preferences.
A candidate needs to know all these things in order to avoid any confusion in the admission process of a candidate.
The tier-wise list of NLUs for CLAT 2026 counselling is a ranking or categorization of National Law Universities in accordance with their performance and popularity. Not all National Law Universities provide equal opportunities in academics, placement, or infrastructure.
These institutes are categorized into Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 based on parameters like NIRF rankings, closing ranks of CLAT of the previous years, and overall reputation, among others. It assists the students in prudent college selection during counselling sessions.
This section explains all three NLU tiers in detail. It also provides useful information about the CLAT 2026 counselling timeline and fee structure, which is essential for completing admission formalities without delays.
Tier 1 NLUs are considered the most prestigious law universities in India. These colleges offer excellent academic exposure, strong placement records, and experienced faculty. Admission to these NLUs usually requires top CLAT ranks.
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Tier 1 NLUs for CLAT 2026 |
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NLU |
NIRF Ranking 2025 |
Opening Rank |
Closing Rank |
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NLSIU Bengaluru |
1 |
1 |
112 |
|
NALSAR Hyderabad |
3 |
17 |
159 |
|
WBNUJS Kolkata |
4 |
57 |
327 |
|
NLU Jodhpur |
6 |
159 |
367 |
|
GNLU Gandhinagar |
5 |
236 |
444 |
|
NLIU Bhopal |
27 |
257 |
480 |
Tier 2 NLUs are well-established institutions with good infrastructure and academic quality. While their cut-offs are slightly lower than Tier 1, they still provide strong learning environments and decent placement opportunities.
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Tier 2 NLUs for CLAT 2026 |
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NLU |
NIRF Ranking 2025 |
Opening Rank |
Closing Rank |
|
HNLU Raipur |
– |
480 |
827 |
|
RMLNLU Lucknow |
21 |
461 |
780 |
|
RGNUL Punjab |
– |
565 |
1279 |
|
CNLU Patna (BA LLB) |
17 |
882 |
1398 |
|
NUALS Kochi |
– |
350 |
1346 |
|
NLUO Odisha (BA LLB) |
15 |
469 |
1013 |
|
NUSRL Ranchi |
30 |
864 |
1667 |
|
MNLU Mumbai |
31 |
443 |
1473 |
|
DSNLU Visakhapatnam |
– |
957 |
1682 |
|
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli |
– |
1231 |
1763 |
Tier 3 NLUs mostly include newer law universities. These colleges are still developing their campus facilities, alumni networks, and placement systems. However, they offer good opportunities for candidates with higher CLAT ranks and provide quality legal education.
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Tier 3 NLUs for CLAT 2026 |
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NLU |
Opening Rank |
Closing Rank |
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NLUJA Assam |
1163 |
2141 |
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MNLU Nagpur |
722 |
1529 |
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MNLU Aurangabad |
1023 |
1949 |
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HPNLU Shimla |
949 |
2555 |
|
DNLU Jabalpur |
1371 |
2243 |
|
DBRANLU Haryana |
626 |
1930 |
|
NLUT Agartala |
1964 |
2855 |
|
RPNLU Prayagraj |
1446 |
2469 |
|
IIULER Goa (BA LLB) |
1314 |
2784 |
The CLAT 2026 counselling process follows a fixed timeline. Candidates must complete each step within the given dates to stay eligible for seat allotment. The table below shows the complete schedule for UG and PG counselling.
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CLAT Counselling Schedule 2026 |
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Event |
Dates (UG) |
Dates (PG) |
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Counselling Registration Opens |
Dec 17, 2025 |
Dec 17, 2025 (6:00 pm) |
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Last Date for Registration |
Dec 27, 2025 (10:00 pm) |
Dec 27, 2025 (10:00 pm) |
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First Allotment List |
Jan 07, 2026 (10:00 am) |
Jan 07, 2026 (10:00 am) |
|
Fee Payment (1st Round) |
Jan 07–15, 2026 |
Jan 07–15, 2026 |
|
Second Allotment List |
Jan 22, 2026 |
Jan 22, 2026 |
|
Fee Payment (2nd Round) |
Jan 22–29, 2026 |
Jan 22–29, 2026 |
|
Third Allotment List |
Feb 05, 2026 |
Feb 05, 2026 |
|
Fee Payment (3rd Round) |
Feb 05–12, 2026 |
Feb 05–12, 2026 |
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University Fee Payment (1–3 rounds) |
Apr 24, 2026 |
Apr 24, 2026 |
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Fourth Allotment List |
May 02, 2026 |
May 02, 2026 |
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Fee Payment (4th Round) |
May 02–08, 2026 |
May 02–08, 2026 |
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Final Allotment List |
May 15, 2026 |
May 15, 2026 |
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Fee Payment (Final Round) |
May 15–20, 2026 |
May 15–20, 2026 |
|
University Fee Payment (4–5 rounds) |
May 30, 2026 |
May 30, 2026 |
Candidates must understand the CLAT 2026 counselling fee structure before registering. These fees are required to participate in counselling and confirm seat allotment.
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CLAT Counselling Fees 2026 |
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|
Fee Type |
Amount |
Purpose |
|
Counselling Registration Fee |
₹30,000 (General) / ₹20,000 (Reserved) |
Required to join counselling |
|
Confirmation Fee |
₹20,000 |
Paid after seat allotment |
|
Balance University Fees |
Varies by NLU |
Adjusted after confirmation fee |
The CLAT 2026 counselling process includes multiple steps, and each step must be completed carefully. One of the most important parts is filling NLU preferences, as seat allotment is done strictly based on this order.
Follow these steps to complete NLU choice filling correctly:
Register for Counselling: Log in to the official website (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) using your CLAT credentials after receiving the counselling invitation.
Pay Counselling Fee: Complete payment of ₹30,000 (General) or ₹20,000 (Reserved categories) using online payment options.
Select NLUs: Open the “Update NLU Preferences” section to view all 26 NLUs and IIULER Goa with available courses.:
Arrange Preferences: Place your most preferred NLUs at the top of the list based on your rank and goals.
Review and Submit: Carefully check the order and submit it. The same preference list will be used for all counselling rounds.