The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) serves as the entrance exam for the best National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. NLUs are among the most popular places to study law, but there are also plenty of renowned non-NLU law schools that provide top-notch academic and professional prospects. Having a more comprehensive view and taking these alternative law schools into account as part of their backup and strategic planning is essential for applicants aiming for CLAT 2026.
We shall examine some of the top non-NLU law schools in India in this blog, going into their curricula, admissions procedures, and distinctive qualities. We will also offer our thoughts on why these institutions are worthwhile.
- Symbiosis Law School (SLS)- Symbiosis Law School, with campuses in Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, and Nagpur, is one of the most reputable private law schools in India.
Key Highlights:
- Offers BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLM programs.
- Known for its strong academic curriculum, experienced faculty, and vibrant campus life.
- Excellent placement records, particularly in Pune.
Admission Process:
Admissions are based on the Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT). After clearing SLAT, candidates undergo a personal interview and writing ability test (PI-WAT).
| Campus | Courses Offered | Average Placement Package (2023) | Top Recruiters |
| Pune | BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM | ₹10-12 LPA | ICICI Bank, AZB & Partners |
| Noida | BA LLB, BBA LLB | ₹8-10 LPA | Deloitte, Khaitan & Co. |
| Hyderabad | BA LLB, BBA LLB | ₹6-8 LPA | Wipro, Trilegal |
- Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), Sonipat
Key Highlights:
- Offers BA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.), and LLM programs.
- Collaborations with top global law schools for student exchange and dual-degree programs.
- World-class faculty and state-of-the-art campus facilities.
Jindal Global Law School, a part of O.P. Jindal Global University, is one of the most premium private law schools in India.
Admission Process:
Admissions are based on the LSAT-India score.
| Programs | Average Fees (Per Year) | Global Collaborations | Placement Package (2023) |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | ₹6.5 Lakhs | Harvard, Cornell, and NYU | ₹10-15 LPA |
| LLM | ₹4 Lakhs | University of Oxford, Cambridge | ₹12-18 LPA |
3. Christ University, Bangalore
Christ University School of Law is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and co-curricular excellence.
Key Highlights:
- Offers BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLM programs.
- Known for excellent moot court training and internships.
- Strong industry connections with frequent guest lectures and workshops.
Admission Process:
Admissions are conducted via an entrance test (CUET) followed by a skill assessment, micro presentation, and interview.
| Courses | Average Placement Package (2023) | Recruiters | Unique Features |
| BA LLB, BBA LLB | ₹5-7 LPA | Infosys, Amarchand Mangaldas | Moot court and legal aid clinics |
| LLM | ₹6-8 LPA | KPMG, Cyril Amarchand | Specialized streams in human rights |
4. NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, Mumbai
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) has built a solid reputation for its law school over the years.
Key Highlights:
- Offers BA LLB and BBA LLB programs.
- Focus on experiential learning through internships, moot courts, and legal research.
- Growing reputation in corporate law and legal consultancy.
Admission Process:
Admissions are based on the CLAT/LSAT-India scores, followed by an internal screening process.
| Programs | Fees (Per Year) | Average Placement (2023) | Notable Recruiters |
| BA LLB, BBA LLB | ₹2-3 Lakhs | ₹6-9 LPA | Tata Group, Wadia Ghandy |
5. ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
ICFAI Law School is gaining recognition for its focus on practical legal education.
Key Highlights:
- Offers BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLM programs.
- Emphasis on internships and skill-building.
- Affordable fees with quality education.
Admission Process:
Admissions are based on the ICFAI Law School Admission Test (ILSAT) or CLAT scores.
| Programs | Fees (Per Year) | Placement Package (2023) | Top Recruiters |
| BA LLB, BBA LLB | ₹1.8 Lakhs | ₹5-7 LPA | L&T, Legal Process Outsourcing |
6. Other Prominent Law Schools to Consider
| Law School | Exam Accepted | Average Placement | Special Features |
| Amity Law School, Noida | CLAT, LSAT-India | ₹4-6 LPA | Strong alumni network |
| Nirma University, Ahmedabad | CLAT | ₹5-8 LPA | Legal aid and public policy focus |
| UPES School of Law, Dehradun | ULSAT, CLAT | ₹4-6 LPA | Energy and environmental law |
| Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai | CLAT | ₹6-9 LPA | Focus on corporate law |
7. Renowned Government and Semi-Government Law Schools Beyond NLUs:
A number of esteemed government and semi-government institutions provide high-quality legal education in addition to NLUs and private law schools. These universities frequently provide great job opportunities, reasonable tuition costs, and a rich history. Let’s examine a some of the most well-known names:
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi (DU)
The Faculty of Law at DU is one of the oldest and most respected law schools in India, with a history of producing eminent legal professionals and judges.
Key Highlights:
- Offers an integrated 5 years BA LLB/BBA LLB, 3-year LLB program and LLM programs.
- Affordable fees with a focus on academic excellence.
- Alumni include many Supreme Court and High Court judges.
Admission Process:
Admissions are based on the scores of CLAT for ADMISSION TO A 5 YEAR Law course and for 3 years law course admissions are based on the scores of CUET PG and for LLM Course again it is based in the scores of CUET PG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
| Program | Fees (Total) | Placement Package (2023) | Notable Alumni |
| LLB (3 years) | ₹15,000 | ₹6-8 LPA | Arun Jaitley, Kapil Sibal |
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
The Faculty of Law at BHU is another prestigious institution with a rich academic tradition.
Key Highlights:
- Offers BA LLB (Hons.), LLB, and LLM programs.
- Known for its robust focus on constitutional and public law.
- Affordable fees and a strong alumni network.
Admission Process:
Admissions are based on CUET (UG) for BA LLB and PG CUET for LLM.
| Program | Fees (Total) | Placement Package (2023) | Special Focus |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | ₹60,000 | ₹5-7 LPA | Constitutional law, ADR |
- ILS Law College, Pune
The Indian Law Society (ILS) Law College is one of the most prominent law schools in India, known for its academic rigor and focus on research.
Key Highlights:
- Offers a 5-year BA LLB and 3-year LLB program.
- Known for its campus infrastructure and legal aid programs.
- Strong industry connections.
Admission Process:
Admissions are based on the MH-CET Law score.
| Program | Fees (Total) | Placement Package (2023) | Recruiters |
| BA LLB (5 years) | ₹2-3 Lakhs | ₹5-7 LPA | AZB & Partners, Deloitte |
- Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai
GLC Mumbai is one of the oldest law schools in Asia, with an unmatched legacy of excellence in legal education.
Key Highlights:
- Offers 5-year integrated and 3-year law programs.
- Strategically located in Mumbai, providing unparalleled internship and placement opportunities.
- Alumni include many legal luminaries and leaders in corporate law.
Admission Process:
Admissions are based on the MH-CET Law score.
| Program | Fees (Total) | Placement Package (2023) | Unique Advantage |
| BA LLB (5 years) | ₹25,000 | ₹7-9 LPA | Location advantage in Mumbai |
- Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow
BBAU’s School for Legal Studies is gaining prominence for its quality education and focus on marginalized communities.
Key Highlights:
- Offers BA LLB (Hons.), LLM, and Ph.D. in Law.
- Affordable fees and excellent faculty.
- Focus on human rights and social justice.
Admission Process:
Admissions are through CUET (UG) and CUET (PG).
| Program | Fees (Total) | Special Focus |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | ₹40,000 | Human rights, social law |
Why Consider Non-NLU Law Schools ?
NLUs are the best legal education institutions, although non-NLU law schools have some clear benefits as well:
- Various Admission Paths: Your prospects of getting a seat are increased by the availability of several admission tests, such as CUET, SLAT, and MHCET.
- Specialised Programs: A few universities provide specialised instruction in cutting-edge subjects like intellectual property, energy law, and cyber law.
- International Exposure: JGLS and other private colleges provide international partnerships that NLUs might not have.
- Affordability and Accessibility: A wide spectrum of students can enrol in non-NLU programs since they offer high-quality instruction at more affordable prices.
Concluding remarks
Without a doubt, the CLAT is a competitive exam, and aiming for NLUs is a respectable objective. Your chances of obtaining legal education at a respectable university can be improved, though, by expanding your horizons and investigating other prominent law schools. These non-NLU law schools are great choices for individuals hoping to pursue a prosperous legal profession because of their demanding coursework, solid placements, and international exposure.
Keeping abreast of all the alternatives available to students studying for CLAT 2026 guarantees a competitive advantage during the admissions process. Diversify your goals and go into the admissions season prepared and confident.
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