Detail of NLUs Participating in CLAT UG 2027
Reviewed by Rajni Bala, Assistant Professor of Law | Academic Review Panel
Last Updated: July 22, 2026
If you are preparing for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT UG) 2027, one of the most important decisions you will make is selecting the right National Law University (NLU) during the counselling process. While your CLAT score determines your eligibility for admission, your final college allotment depends largely on the NLU preferences you submit during counselling. Therefore, understanding which NLUs participate in CLAT UG, the undergraduate law programmes they offer, and how they differ from one another is essential before you fill your preference list.
As of 22 July 2026, admissions to participating National Law Universities are conducted through the Consortium of National Law Universities using CLAT UG scores. Each participating NLU has its own academic strengths, fee structure, seat intake, reservation policy, campus environment, and career opportunities. Consequently, choosing a university solely based on its popularity or ranking may not always be the most suitable strategy.
This comprehensive guide provides a verified and student-focused overview of every National Law University participating in CLAT UG 2027. In addition to the complete list of participating NLUs, you will also learn about the courses offered, programme variations, counselling considerations, and important factors that can help you make informed admission decisions.
Whether you are aiming for a top-ranked NLU, comparing integrated law programmes, or planning your CLAT counselling strategy, this pillar guide will help you understand the participating universities before making one of the most important academic decisions of your legal career.
Quick Answer
As of July 22, 2026, a total of 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) participate in the CLAT UG admission process conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities. These universities collectively offer five-year integrated undergraduate law programmes, including BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), B.Com LL.B. (Hons.), B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.), and BA LL.B. with specialised curricula, depending on the respective university.
Explore more -> Important Dates | Eligibility | Syllabus | Cut-Off | Study Tips | Participating NLUs
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
By reading this guide, you will understand:
- Which National Law Universities participate in CLAT UG 2027.
- The undergraduate law programmes offered by participating NLUs.
- How participating universities differ from one another.
- Factors to consider before preparing your counselling preference list.
- How to compare NLUs according to your career goals.
- Frequently asked questions about participating NLUs and CLAT counselling.
At a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | CLAT UG 2027 |
| Conducting Body | Consortium of National Law Universities |
| Participating Universities | 22 National Law Universities* |
| Admission Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | Five Years |
| Degree Type | Integrated Law Programmes |
| Common Courses | BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), B.Com LL.B. (Hons.), B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.)* |
| Admission Process | CLAT UG Score → Counselling → Seat Allotment |
| Counselling Authority | Consortium of National Law Universities |
Important: Participation, programme availability, and seat matrix remain subject to the official admission notification and counselling process for the relevant admission cycle. Applicants should always verify the latest information released by the Consortium before submitting their NLU preferences.
Why Knowing the Participating NLUs Matters
Many CLAT aspirants focus exclusively on improving their examination score but spend comparatively little time understanding the universities they may eventually join. However, selecting the appropriate NLU is equally important because the choice you make during counselling can influence your academic experience, internship opportunities, professional network, and long-term career path.
Before finalising your NLU preference list, you should evaluate several important factors, including:
- Whether the university participates in CLAT UG for the relevant admission cycle.
- The integrated law programmes offered by the university.
- Location, campus facilities, and learning environment.
- Approximate seat intake and reservation policies.
- Internship, moot court, and research opportunities.
- Placement ecosystem and alumni network.
- Fee structure and financial considerations.
- Long-term career goals, such as litigation, corporate law, judiciary, academia, civil services, or higher studies.
Understanding these aspects beforehand enables you to prepare a more practical and informed counselling strategy instead of relying only on institutional reputation.
What Are National Law Universities (NLUs)?
National Law Universities (NLUs) are autonomous public institutions established primarily through State legislation to provide specialised legal education, advanced legal research, and professional training in law and allied disciplines. Since the establishment of the first National Law University, these institutions have played a significant role in modernising legal education in India by introducing integrated undergraduate law programmes, interdisciplinary learning, clinical legal education, and extensive practical exposure.
Today, most leading National Law Universities admit students to their five-year integrated undergraduate law programmes through CLAT UG, which is conducted annually by the Consortium of National Law Universities. However, a few prominent law universities in India follow separate admission processes and do not participate in CLAT UG. Therefore, candidates should verify the admission route of each institution before applying.
How Many National Law Universities Participate in CLAT UG 2027?
As of July 22, 2026, 22 National Law Universities participate in the CLAT UG admission process conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities. These institutions collectively offer thousands of seats across various integrated undergraduate law programmes, although the exact seat matrix, programme availability, and reservation categories are published separately by the Consortium during the admission process.
While all participating universities use CLAT UG scores for admission, they differ considerably in terms of:
- Year of establishment.
- Academic reputation.
- Campus infrastructure.
- Faculty strength.
- Undergraduate programmes offered.
- State domicile policies (where applicable).
- Fee structure.
- Internship ecosystem.
- Placement outcomes.
- Alumni network.
- Research opportunities.
For this reason, aspirants should avoid preparing their counselling preferences solely on the basis of popular rankings. Instead, they should compare each participating NLU carefully according to their own academic interests, career goals, financial considerations, and preferred learning environment.
How to Use This NLU List Effectively
The participating National Law Universities listed below are presented for informational and counselling purposes. The order of appearance should not be interpreted as an official ranking or preference order.
While reviewing each NLU, compare universities based on:
- Undergraduate law programmes offered
- Academic reputation and faculty
- Internship and placement opportunities
- Campus location and learning environment
- Fee structure and scholarship availability
- Research ecosystem and student activities
- Your long-term career goals
Evaluating these factors together will help you prepare a more informed CLAT UG counselling preference list.
List of National Law Universities Participating in CLAT UG 2027
The following National Law Universities participate in the CLAT UG 2027 admission process based on the admission framework in place as of 22 July 2026. Although all participating universities use CLAT UG scores for admission, they differ in terms of academic focus, integrated law programmes, campus facilities, research opportunities, internships, alumni network, and career outcomes. Therefore, candidates should evaluate each university carefully before finalising their counselling preferences.
1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
Established: 1987
State: Karnataka
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is India’s first National Law University and is widely regarded as one of the country’s leading law schools. It is known for its rigorous academics, strong research culture, national and international collaborations, and highly competitive placement opportunities.
2. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Established: 1998
State: Telangana
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
NALSAR University of Law is recognised for its academic excellence, interdisciplinary legal education, research centres, and consistent placement record. It remains one of the most preferred choices among high-ranking CLAT aspirants.
3. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
Established: 1997
State: Madhya Pradesh
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
NLIU offers a strong academic environment supported by experienced faculty, research initiatives, moot court activities, and practical legal training. It attracts students from across India through the CLAT admission process.
4. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
Established: 1999
State: West Bengal
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
WBNUJS has earned a strong reputation for corporate law, constitutional law, legal research, and competitive placements. Its extensive alumni network further enhances internship and career opportunities.
5. National Law University, Jodhpur
Established: 1999
State: Rajasthan
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
National Law University, Jodhpur is well known for its focus on corporate law, business law, legal research, and professional development. The university maintains strong industry engagement through internships and academic collaborations.
6. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
Established: 2003
State: Gujarat
Common Undergraduate Programmes
- BA LL.B. (Hons.)
- BBA LL.B. (Hons.)
- B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.)
GNLU offers multiple integrated undergraduate law programmes, enabling students to choose a course that aligns with their academic background and career interests. The university is also recognised for research, international collaborations, and multidisciplinary legal education.
7. Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur
Established: 2003
State: Chhattisgarh
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
HNLU has developed a strong reputation for legal education, research, moot court competitions, and student development. It continues to attract CLAT aspirants seeking a balanced academic environment.
8. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow
Established: 2005
State: Uttar Pradesh
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
RMLNLU offers integrated legal education with emphasis on academics, research, internships, and professional skill development. Its location also provides students with access to diverse legal institutions.
9. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala
Established: 2006
State: Punjab
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
RGNUL is recognised for its modern campus, active research culture, national moot court participation, and growing placement opportunities. It remains one of the leading NLUs in northern India.
10. Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna
Established: 2006
State: Bihar
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
CNLU focuses on quality legal education through academic learning, practical training, legal aid activities, and research programmes. Students from across the country secure admission through CLAT.
11. National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi
Established: 2005
State: Kerala
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
NUALS is known for interdisciplinary legal education, legal research, maritime law initiatives, and practical learning opportunities supported by its strategic location in Kerala.
12. National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack
Established: 2008
State: Odisha
Common Undergraduate Programmes
- BA LL.B. (Hons.)
- BBA LL.B. (Hons.)
NLUO combines classroom learning with clinical legal education, research, internships, and student participation in national competitions. It also offers programme choices for students interested in management-oriented legal studies.
13. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam
Established: 2008
State: Andhra Pradesh
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
DSNLU provides integrated legal education with emphasis on advocacy, legal research, practical training, and professional development through various academic and co-curricular initiatives.
14. National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJAA), Guwahati
Established: 2009
State: Assam
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
NLUJAA promotes legal education through interdisciplinary teaching, research activities, judicial studies, and student participation in national legal competitions.
15. Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli
Established: 2012
State: Tamil Nadu
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
TNNLU focuses on legal education, constitutional studies, public law, research, and experiential learning through clinics, internships, and moot court programmes.
16. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai
Established: 2014
State: Maharashtra
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
Located in India’s financial capital, MNLU Mumbai provides students with valuable exposure to corporate law firms, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and internship opportunities.
17. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur
Established: 2016
State: Maharashtra
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
MNLU Nagpur offers integrated legal education supported by research centres, practical legal training, and growing industry engagement across multiple legal domains.
18. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Established: 2017
State: Maharashtra
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
MNLU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly MNLU Aurangabad) focuses on academic excellence, research, legal aid, and professional skill development through its integrated law programme.
19. Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla
Established: 2016
State: Himachal Pradesh
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
HPNLU provides legal education with emphasis on constitutional values, research, advocacy, and experiential learning while serving students from different regions of India.
20. Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur
Established: 2018
State: Madhya Pradesh
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
DNLU seeks to strengthen legal education through interdisciplinary learning, practical legal training, research activities, and student engagement in academic competitions.
21. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonipat
Established: 2012 (University operational in later years)
State: Haryana
Common Undergraduate Programme: BA LL.B. (Hons.)
DBRANLU aims to provide modern legal education through integrated learning, research initiatives, legal clinics, and student-focused academic development.
22. National Law University Tripura (NLUT), Agartala
State: Tripura
Common Undergraduate Programme: As notified for the relevant admission cycle.
National Law University Tripura has been included among the participating institutions for recent CLAT admission cycles. Candidates should refer to the latest Consortium notification for programme availability, seat matrix, and admission-related updates applicable to the relevant counselling year.
Important Note for CLAT UG Aspirants
Although all participating National Law Universities use CLAT UG scores for admission, they are not identical in terms of academic environment or opportunities. Before preparing your counselling preference list, compare universities on factors such as:
- Academic curriculum and programme structure.
- Campus location and learning environment.
- Internship and moot court opportunities.
- Research centres and faculty expertise.
- Placement ecosystem and alumni network.
- Fee structure and scholarships.
- Career goals, including litigation, corporate law, judiciary, public policy, or higher education.
A well-researched preference list can help you make a more informed admission decision rather than relying solely on institutional rankings.
Which NLU May Be Better for Different Career Goals?
Although every participating National Law University offers quality legal education, each institution may provide different strengths depending on your career aspirations. Therefore, candidates should evaluate universities according to their professional interests rather than relying solely on popularity or historical rankings.
| Career Goal | Factors to Prioritise While Comparing NLUs |
|---|---|
| Corporate Law | Strong placement ecosystem, corporate internships, business law exposure |
| Litigation | Moot court culture, advocacy training, legal aid activities |
| Judiciary | Constitutional law, procedural law, judicial research opportunities |
| Higher Studies & Research | Faculty expertise, research centres, academic publications |
| Public Policy & Civil Services | Interdisciplinary learning, policy research, governance initiatives |
Ultimately, the most suitable NLU is the one that aligns with your academic interests, financial considerations, preferred location, and long-term professional goals.
Which Integrated Law Programmes Are Offered by Participating NLUs?
Although BA LL.B. (Hons.) is the most widely available programme, some participating National Law Universities also offer additional integrated law programmes. Therefore, candidates should verify the programme offered by their preferred university before submitting their CLAT counselling preferences.
Generally, participating NLUs may offer:
- BA LL.B. (Hons.)
- BBA LL.B. (Hons.)
- B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.)
- Other approved integrated undergraduate law programmes, where applicable.
Programme availability differs from one university to another and is subject to the latest admission notification.
How Does Your CLAT Rank Affect NLU Allotment?
Admission to participating NLUs is conducted through the centralised counselling process administered by the Consortium of National Law Universities. Receiving a good CLAT score alone does not guarantee admission to a particular university. Your final allotment depends on several factors working together.
The major factors include:
- Your All India Rank (AIR) in CLAT UG.
- The order of NLU preferences submitted during counselling.
- Category-wise reservation policies.
- Horizontal reservation, where applicable.
- Availability of seats in each counselling round.
- Applicable domicile or state reservation policies, where notified.
As counselling progresses through multiple rounds, seat availability changes because candidates may upgrade, freeze, or withdraw their allotted seats. Therefore, preparing a realistic and carefully planned preference list is just as important as achieving a competitive CLAT score.
How to Choose the Right NLU During CLAT Counselling
Many students prepare a counselling preference list by simply following popular rankings. However, the best National Law University for one candidate may not necessarily be the best option for another. A more informed approach is to evaluate each university based on factors that directly affect your education and future career.
Before finalising your preferences, consider the following:
- Academic reputation and curriculum.
- Faculty expertise and research opportunities.
- Campus infrastructure and student life.
- Internship and moot court exposure.
- Placement ecosystem and alumni network.
- Fee structure, scholarships, and financial considerations.
- Geographic location and personal preferences.
- Career interests, such as corporate law, litigation, judiciary, public policy, academia, or civil services.
Comparing universities on these parameters can help you make a balanced and informed admission decision rather than relying only on historical cut-offs or public perception.
Key Points to Remember Before Filling CLAT Preferences
Before submitting your NLU preferences during CLAT counselling, keep the following points in mind:
- Verify the latest list of participating NLUs from the Consortium of National Law Universities.
- Review the programmes offered by each university.
- Read the official counselling notification carefully.
- Check the applicable reservation and domicile policies.
- Understand the fee structure and scholarship options.
- Compare universities according to your career goals instead of relying solely on rankings.
- Fill your preferences carefully because they play a significant role in seat allotment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which National Law Universities (NLUs) participate in CLAT UG 2027?
As of 22 July 2026, 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) participate in the CLAT UG admission process conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities. Candidates should always verify the latest official notification before counselling, as participation may change in future admission cycles.
2. Do all NLUs accept CLAT UG scores for admission?
No. While most National Law Universities admit students through CLAT UG, some well-known law institutions follow their own admission process. Therefore, always check the admission requirements of the university you wish to join.
3. Do all participating NLUs offer the same integrated law programme?
No. Although BA LL.B. (Hons.) is the most common programme, some NLUs also offer BBA LL.B. (Hons.), B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.), or other integrated law programmes. Programme availability varies by university.
4. How should I decide which NLU to place higher in my CLAT preference list?
Compare universities based on academic reputation, courses offered, faculty, internships, placements, fee structure, location, and your career goals instead of relying only on rankings or popularity.
5. Can I change my NLU preference order after submitting it during CLAT counselling?
Preference modification depends on the counselling schedule and rules notified by the Consortium of National Law Universities for the relevant admission cycle. Candidates should carefully review the official counselling guidelines and complete any permitted changes within the prescribed deadline.
6. Which NLU should I prefer during CLAT counselling?
There is no single “best” NLU for every student. The right choice depends on your CLAT rank, preferred programme, career goals, fee considerations, location, internships, and placement opportunities. Compare universities carefully before finalising your counselling preferences.
Related Law Entrance Examinations
If you are exploring undergraduate law admissions beyond CLAT UG, you may also consider the following law entrance examinations depending on the admission requirements of different institutions.
- AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)
- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
- SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test)
- UGC NET Law
- PU CET LAW
Conclusion
Understanding the National Law Universities participating in CLAT UG 2027 is an important step towards making informed admission decisions. Although all participating NLUs admit students through the Common Law Admission Test, they differ in terms of academic programmes, campus environment, research opportunities, fee structure, internships, and career prospects.
Rather than preparing your counselling preferences solely on the basis of rankings or public perception, compare each university according to your academic interests, financial considerations, and long-term professional goals. A carefully planned preference list can significantly improve your chances of joining an institution that aligns with your aspirations.
As the Consortium of National Law Universities may update programme offerings, seat matrices, counselling schedules, or participation details from time to time, candidates should always verify the latest official notifications before completing the admission process.
Continue Learning (Previous Guide)
Choosing the Right Law College After CLAT?
After qualifying CLAT, selecting the right National Law University or best private law college is one of the most important decisions.Explore verified law colleges, approvals, courses, fee structures, and admission pathways through our detailed College Directory.
Editorial Note
This article is reviewed periodically to ensure that the participating National Law Universities, programme offerings, and admission-related information remain consistent with official notifications issued by the Consortium of National Law Universities.
Whenever significant admission updates are announced, this guide is revised accordingly to help aspirants access accurate and reliable information.
Source Verification Statement
This article is prepared by the Lawsection Editorial Team, based on:
- Official notifications and counselling data released by the Consortium of NLUs
- Admission brochures of individual National Law Universities
- Verified academic admission platforms and historical CLAT counselling trends
Students are strongly advised to verify final participation lists and seat matrices from the official CLAT website during the admission cycle.
