
Top 5 Non-NLUs Students Prefer Over NLUs: The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) is an open opportunity for candidates interested in admission to popular National Law Universities (NLUs) in India, such as NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad. For admission to NLUs, candidates need a higher score and percentile. However, if candidates score below-par scores in CLAT, nothing is lost. There are about 60+ law colleges that accept CLAT scores. So if your score is comparatively lower, you can very well apply to Non-NLUs for admission. Candidates can also appear for various state-level exams to pursue law as an education.
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While candidates often consider NLUs as the ultimate institutions for legal education in India, several non-NLUs have made their mark in recent times and have been considered as candidates' preference. Students prefer these non-NLUs over NLUs because they provide a good academic curriculum, experienced faculty, excellent placement opportunities, and industry connections. These non-NLUs sometimes surpass certain NLUs in various rankings and student preferences. As a result, these colleges have become alternatives for NLUs for admission to law courses. Here’s the list of the top 5 Non-NLUs over NLUs.
India’s top 5 non-NLUs are among the popular choices of candidates for admission to law courses, apart from NLUs. These colleges are renowned for their strong academic foundations, industry-oriented curricula, and impressive placement records. For candidates unable to secure a seat in NLUs, these non-NLUs present a gateway for a successful legal career.
Symbiosis Law School, Pune (SLS Pune) is a premier private law institute and a constituent of Symbiosis International University. The university is constantly ranked among the top law schools in India. SLS offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programs, including the popular five-year integrated BA LLB and BBA LLB courses. Candidates have to appear and qualify SLAT entrance exam for admission to SLS campuses, including Noida, Hyderabad, and Nagpur.
Delhi University’s Faculty of Law is popular for producing the largest number of sitting Supreme Court judges. Admission to the 5-year LLB course is based on CLAT scores. From 2023-24 onwards, the university has been offering BA LLB (Hons.) and BBA LLB (Hons.) programs. The department operates through three centres, namely, Campus Law Centre, Law Centre-I, and Law Centre-II.
The Faculty of Law at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, offers a range of programs including undergraduate (LLB, BA LLB), postgraduate (LLM), doctoral, and diploma courses, all approved by the Bar Council of India. Candidates need a valid merit score of the CUET UG entrance exam for admission to BA LLB courses.
Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), Sonipat, is widely preferred over NLUs to pursue legal education in the country. The school is in collaboration with and has exchange programs with leading global institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Oxford. From 2025-25 onwards, JGLS will conduct JGLS LNAT 2025 admissions based on scores obtained in LNAT UK for admission to 5-year LLB programs. The institute accepted LSAT scores for admissions earlier.
Government Law College, Mumbai (GLC Mumbai), is Asia’s oldest law school and one of India’s most prestigious legal institutions. It is affiliated with the University of Mumbai and offers admission to BA LLB programmes. Admission is done through the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test Law, conducted by the CET Cell, Maharashtra.
Choosing between NLUs and Non-NLUs depends on candidates’ scores obtained in CLAT, financial status, career goals, and the institute’s reputation. While NLUs are famous for their academics, national and international exposure, strong alumni networks, and better placement opportunities, Non-NLUs also provide excellent legal education, modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and diverse career paths. Both NLUs and NLUs have their advantages, and the final decision lies in the candidates’ hands.
The leading non-NLU law colleges include Symbiosis Law School (Pune), Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi, ILS Law College (Pune), Jindal Global Law School (Sonipat), and Government Law College (Mumbai).
Non-NLUs provide a range of undergraduate (BA LLB, BBA LLB), postgraduate (LLM), and diploma courses in specialized areas such as intellectual property law, cyber law, and business law.
Non-NLUs have robust placement cells with an average salary package ranging from INR 6 to 18 lakhs per annum, attracting top law firms, corporates, and legal consultancies.
Yes, institutions like Symbiosis Law School and Jindal Global Law School actively participate in national and international moot court competitions, enhancing practical legal skills.
Yes, all top non-NLUs mentioned are approved by the Bar Council of India and maintain high academic standards.
