CLAT Rank vs NLU 2026: Cut off, Marks, Result Analysis

Samiksha Rautela

Updated On: December 07, 2025 08:41 PM

If you are confused about choosing an NLU as per your CLAT 2026 rank, you can go through this article to get a detailed analysis of CLAT Rank vs NLU 2026. It will help you in shortlisting the best NLU as per your CLAT rank.

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CLAT Rank vs NLU

CLAT Rank vs NLU 2026: Law aspirants should select their preferred NLU based on their CLAT 2026 rank. Any applicant can develop a clear and useful admission pathway by knowing which NLU they can realistically seek depending on their projected or achieved CLAT rank. While other respectable NLUs offer possibilities to students with ranks as high as several thousand, leading NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata usually close admissions within the top few hundred ranks. Numerous factors, such as category reservation, domicile quotas, seat matrix modifications, and yearly fluctuations in exam difficulty, influence this rank–NLG mapping.

A thorough grasp of CLAT Rank vs. NLU 2026 helps students maximize their preparation efforts, counseling decisions, and expectations during the admissions process in addition to providing guidance on potential universities. Students can get a clear view of their possibilities and make well-informed decisions at every step of CLAT counseling by using the most recent seat allocation forecasts and trends from prior years. The CLAT rank obtained by a student is an important factor when it comes to deciding whether or not the student will get admitted to their preferred NLU. The CLAT 2026 participating colleges release different CLAT 2026 cutoffs and students whose names appear on the CLAT merit list can then participate in the counselling round and get seats allotted in the top NLUs. However, the question remains intact - What rank should be obtained to get admission to the preferred NLU? Go through the information below to find out more details about CLAT ranks and marks.

Expected CLAT 2026 Rank vs NLUs

You can check the expected NLU vs Rank of CLAT 2026 from the below table.

CLAT Rank Range NLUs You Can Expect
1 – 100 NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, NLUD (AILET only), NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar
100 – 300 WBNUJS Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur, NLIU Bhopal, HNLU Raipur, GNLU Gandhinagar
300 – 600 NLU Odisha (Cuttack), NLU Assam (A:NLUJA), DSNLU Visakhapatnam, TNNLU Tiruchirappalli, MNLU Mumbai (borderline)
600 – 1000 NLU Odisha, NLU Assam, DSNLU, TNNLU, MNLU Nagpur, MNLU Aurangabad
1000 – 1500 NLU Assam, DSNLU, TNNLU, MNLU Nagpur, MNLU Aurangabad, HPNLU Shimla
1500 – 2500 HPNLU Shimla, DNLU Jabalpur, DBRANLU Haryana, MNLU Aurangabad
2500 – 4000 DNLU Jabalpur, DBRANLU Haryana, HPNLU Shimla (some categories), MNLU Aurangabad
4000 – 6000 Lower NLUs for category candidates; General category may face difficulty
6000 – 10000+ Usually not eligible for NLUs (General), but category seats or domicile quota may help

Previous Year CLAT Rank vs NLU

After the release of the CLAT result, candidates can check the exact cutoff for CLAT, however, we have presented the CLAT 2026 expected cutoff based on the previous years' CLAT cutoff trends. Candidates can take a look at the CLAT rank vs NLU analysis below:

Name of the NLU

CLAT 2025 Closing Rank Round 1

CLAT 2024 Closing Rank Round 1

CLAT 2023 Closing Rank Round 1

CLAT 2022 Closing Rank after Round 5

CLAT 2021 Closing Rank after Round 1

CLAT 2020 Closing Rank

National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore

5233

97

107

13869

80

98

National Academy of Legal Study and Research (NALSAR), University of Law, Hyderabad

6528

161

167

16269

163

177

The West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata

17377

262

244

12809

216

227

National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur

9763

341

344

7467

317

323

Gujarat National Law University, (GNLU), Gandhinagar

14022

429

417

10805

348

470

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala

29588

1129

1073

25179

940

1012

National Law Institute University (NLU), Bhopal

14393

409

407

17826

350

538

National Institute of Advanced Legal Sciences (NUALS), Kochi

34227

1117

1175

28235

978

1076

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMNLU), Lucknow

21506

695

681

20391

600

738

Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur

23190

707

733

170

651

701

National Law University (NLU), Odisha, Cuttack

23892

1080

988

34635

348

1052

National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi

36503

1336

1389

40538

1233

1290

Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna

44258

1374

1242

33540

1184

1256

National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJAA), Guwahati

45940

1474

1575

48523

1337

1584

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, (DSNLU) Vishakhapatnam

42139

1233

1400

38481

1158

1518

The Tamil Nadu National Law School, (TNNLS) Tiruchirapalli

1516

1401

1325

44427

1469

1799

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai

18972

547

533

43608

423

557

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad

18256

1631

1743

46407

1575

1947

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur

39273

1425

1483

40090

1276

1575

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla

43876

1773

1930

38853

1598

2005

Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur

45127

1578

1699

48558

1533

2000

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat

40089

1714

1902

25003

1669

2074

Also Read: Key Features to Be Considered Before Taking Admission to a Law School

CLAT 2026 Cut Off for NLUs

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CLAT 2026 seat allotment list will be prepared based on the rank obtained by the candidate in the exam. The candidates who are eligible for the CLAT counselling round will get invitation emails according to the names that appear on the merit list. Candidates will have an idea of their performance and the probable rank that they might get in the exam based on which they can get a better idea of the NLU that they will be allotted. The test-takers can analyse their rank if they go through the previous years' CLAT cutoffs. There are certain factors on which the CLAT cutoff will depend which are listed below:

  • The total number of test-takers for the CLAT 2026 exam. Last year more than 70,000 law aspirants took the CLAT exam.
  • The difficulty level of the CLAT 2026 question paper.
  • The number of available seats in the NLUs - CLAT UG has 3241 seats and CLAT PG has 1248 seats.
  • Many national law schools offer both domicile and national category-based reservations. Candidates who fall under the said category may benefit from the domicile reservation.
  • Marks and ranks obtained by the candidates.
  • The choice of college as given by the candidates.

Colleges for Direct Admission without CLAT

Due to the cut-throat competition and fixed seat intake, most of the candidates are unable to make it to the NLUs. However, getting a low CLAT rank does not put an end to the dream of pursuing law. Check out the colleges below that offer admission to aspirants without the CLAT score. You can click on the links provided below to directly apply for admission to the desired law college.

Law College

Location

Jagran Lakecity University (JLU)

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Chandigarh University (CU)

Chandigarh, Punjab

Sanskriti University

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

SRM University Delhi-NCR

Sonepat, Haryana

Invertis University

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

Raffles University (RU )

Neemrana, Rajasthan

K.L.E. Society Law College

Bangalore, Karnataka

Ganpat University (GU)

Mehsana, Gujarat

The Faculty of Law, ICFAI University (ICFAI LAW)

Dehradun, Uttrakhand

Amity University

Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Also Read: Difference Between CLAT, AILET and LSAT

Importance of CLAT 2026 Cutoff

The CLAT cutoff is an important factor for students who want to get admitted to top NLUs. Find below the importance of the CLAT 2026 cutoff:

  • By going through the CLAT cutoff, law aspirants get an idea of the rank they have to secure in order to get admitted to their preferred NLUs.
  • Since the CLAT 2026 cutoff is prepared based on the categories of the students and the number of seats available, the candidates need to refer to the course he/ she is applying for admission.
  • The factors determining the CLAT cutoff are important and students need to keep a check on these factors as well. These factors will play an important role in preparing the CLAT 2026 cutoff list.

CLAT is a pivotal law exam of the national level that is conducted every year to shortlist deserving candidates for legal education. Through the exam, aspirants get admission in the best government as well as private Universities in India. Check Private Law Colleges in India Accepting CLAT Scores to explore other college options besides NLUs.

Also Read : What is a Good Score in CLAT 2026?

Related Links

Total NLU Seats in India - CLAT 2026 Seat Matix

Colleges Accepting CLAT 2026 Score and Seat Matrix

CLAT 2026 Marks Vs Rank

What is a Good Score in CLAT 2026?

Low Rank in CLAT? Check the List of Law Colleges

How to Choose the Best NLU after CLAT 2026?

Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more information on the CLAT 2026 exam!

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FAQs

Which NLU is possible with rank 3000 or more?

Lower-ranked NLUs like HPNLU, DNLU, DBRANLU, Himachal/Nagpur/Aurangabad campuses, may be possible. Private universities also become strong options.

Which NLUs can I get with a CLAT rank between 500–1000?

You may get NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar, NLU Delhi (AILET only), HNLU Raipur, RMLNLU Lucknow, depending on seat availability and domicile factors.

Which NLUs are generally possible with a rank under 100?

With a rank below 100, top NLUs such as NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata are highly probable, depending on category.

What is the importance of the CLAT rank predictor?

The CLAT rank predictor can calculate your estimated rank quickly and easily, the tool follows the CLAT 2024 style Rank Calculation Formula, and candidates can explore their college options.

How is the CLAT seat allotment list prepared?

The CLAT seat allotment list is prepared based on the rank obtained by the candidate in the exam. The candidates who are eligible for the CLAT counselling round will get invitation emails according to the names that appear on the merit list. 

Which are some of the top NLUs that accept CLAT scores?

Some of the top NLUs that accept CLAT scores are the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore, National Academy of Legal Study and Research (NALSAR), University of Law, Hyderabad, The West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata, National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur, Gujarat National Law University, (GNLU), Gandhinagar, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala, National Law Institute University (NLU), Bhopal, etc.

What is the importance of the CLAT rank?

The CLAT rank obtained by an individual becomes the deciding factor as to whether or not the aspirant will get the desired NLU. Each year various cutoffs of the CLAT are released by the participating colleges and students who clear the CLAT exam will get to see their names on the merit list and are provided with an admission seat in the top NLUs.

Why is CLAT conducted?

CLAT is an important national-level law entrance exam that is conducted by the Consortium of the NLUs every year to shortlist deserving candidates for legal education. Through the exam, aspirants get admission to National Law Universities, the best government as well as private Universities in India.

What is the importance of the CLAT cutoff?

The CLAT cutoff gives the law aspirants an idea as to what rank they have to secure to get admission into NLU. Since the CLAT 2024 cutoff is prepared based on category and programme, the candidates need to refer to the course he/ she is applying for admission. These factors play an important role in preparing the CLAT cutoff list. 

Which colleges provide direct admission without CLAT?

The colleges that provide direct admission without CLAT are Jagran Lakecity University (JLU) Bhopal, Chandigarh University (CU), Chandigarh, Sanskriti University Mathura, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, Invertis University, Bareilly, Raffles University (RU), Neemrana, K.L.E. Society Law College, Bangalore, Ganpat University (GU), Mehsana, The Faculty of Law, ICFAI University (ICFAI LAW), Dehradun, etc. 

Do colleges provide direct law admission without the CLAT score?

Yes, there are some colleges that provide direct law admission without the CLAT score. Due to the cut-throat competition and fixed seat intake, most of the candidates are unable to make it to the NLUs. So, these candidates can try to take admission to these law colleges if their CLAT score is poor. 

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