Best Law Colleges After CLAT 2026: Complete NLU Preference List Guide
Best Law Colleges After CLAT 2026: Complete NLU Preference List Guide
Choosing the right law college after CLAT is one of the most important decisions of your academic life. Every year, thousands of students secure a decent CLAT rank but still regret their college choice—mainly because they didn't prepare a proper NLU preference list.
If you are a CLAT 2026 aspirant studying in Class 10, 11, 12, or already 12th pass, this detailed guide by CLAT Tribe will help you create your perfect NLU preference list with clarity, confidence, and logic.
Know your ideal preference list: https://www.clattribe.com/nlu-preference-list
What Is an NLU Preference List & Why It Matters in CLAT Counselling?
After the CLAT results are declared, students must fill an NLU Preference List during the CLAT counselling process. This list decides which National Law University (NLU) you will be allotted based on:
- Your CLAT rank
- Your category & domicile
- The order of preferences you fill
Even with a good rank, a poorly arranged preference list can push you into a lower-ranked law college. That's why building a smart, realistic preference list is crucial for CLAT 2026.
Factors to Consider Before Finalising Your NLU Preference List
Before jumping into rankings, every CLAT aspirant should consider these five key factors:
1. CLAT Rank vs Previous Cut-Offs
Always check:
- Previous year closing ranks
- Category-wise cut-offs
- Home-state reservations
This helps you set realistic expectations.
2. Placements & Internships
Top NLUs offer:
- Tier-1 law firm placements
- Strong internship support
- Exposure to corporate law, litigation, judiciary, and policy work
3. Faculty & Academic Reputation
Good faculty impacts:
- Moot court performance
- Research opportunities
- Higher studies (LLM in India or abroad)
4. Location & Exposure
NLUs in metro or semi-metro cities offer:
- Better internship opportunities
- Court exposure
- Networking events
5. Alumni Network & Campus Culture
A strong alumni base helps in:
- Job referrals
- Career guidance
- Long-term professional growth
NLU Preference List for CLAT 2026 (Recommended Order)
Below is a well-structured, realistic NLU preference list table prepared by CLAT Tribe, based on reputation, placements, academics, and counselling trends.
| S. No. | Name of University / College | City | Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Law School of India University (NLSIU) | Bengaluru | 112 |
| 2 | NALSAR University of Law (NALSAR) | Hyderabad | 159 |
| 3 | The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) | Kolkata | 327 |
| 4 | National Law University (NLU) Jodhpur | Jodhpur | 367 |
| 5 | National Law Institute University (NLIU) – B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Bhopal | 480 |
| 6 | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) | Gandhinagar | 444 |
| 7 | WBNUJS – B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) (Science only) | Kolkata | 711 |
| 8 | NLIU – B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) (Cyber Security – Science only) | Bhopal | 915 |
| 9 | Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) | Lucknow | 780 |
| 10 | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) | Mumbai | 1473 |
| 11 | Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) | Raipur | 807 |
| 12 | National Law University Odisha (NLUO) | Odisha | 1013 |
| 13 | Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) | Punjab | 1279 |
| 14 | National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) | Kochi | 1346 |
| 15 | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) – B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Patna | 1398 |
| 16 | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) – New Campus | Silvassa | 1461 |
| 17 | National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL) | Ranchi | 1667 |
| 18 | Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) | Visakhapatnam | 1682 |
| 19 | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) – B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Patna | 1555 |
| 20 | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) – B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Nagpur | 1529 |
| 21 | National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA) | Assam | 2141 |
| 22 | Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) – B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Tiruchirappalli | 1763 |
| 23 | Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) – B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.) | Tiruchirappalli | 1947 |
| 24 | Dharmashastra National Law University (MPDNLU) | Jabalpur | 2243 |
| 25 | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) – B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Aurangabad | 1949 |
| 26 | Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) – B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Shimla | 2555 |
| 27 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLUP) | Prayagraj | 2469 |
| 28 | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) – B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Nagpur | 1623 |
| 29 | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU) | Sonepat | 1930 |
| 30 | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) – B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Aurangabad | 2393 |
| 31 | Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) – B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | Shimla | 2634 |
| 32 | National Law University Tripura (NLUT) (New Campus) | Agartala | 2855 |
| 33 | India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) | Goa | 3000 |
Note: This is a general preference order. Students should tweak it based on their rank, category, domicile, and career goals.
Rank-Wise Best Law Colleges After CLAT 2026
CLAT Rank: Top 100
- NLSIU Bengaluru
- NALSAR Hyderabad
CLAT Rank: 100–500
- WBNUJS Kolkata
- NLU Jodhpur
- GNLU Gandhinagar
CLAT Rank: 500–1500
- NLU Bhopal
- HNLU Raipur
- RMLNLU Lucknow
CLAT Rank: 1500–3000
- NUALS Kochi
- RGNUL Patiala
- NLU Odisha
CLAT Rank: 3000+
- NLU Visakhapatnam
- NLU Nagpur
- NLU Ranchi
Common Mistakes Students Make While Filling NLU Preferences
- Blindly following online rankings
- Ignoring previous year cut-offs
- Over-prioritising location
- Not considering long-term career goals
- Panic-filling the preference list
Avoid these mistakes to make the most of your CLAT 2026 rank.
How CLAT Tribe Helps You Build the Right NLU Preference List
At CLAT Tribe, we go beyond exam preparation. We help students with:
- Personalized CLAT counselling
- Rank-based NLU preference list strategy
- Honest, unbiased guidance
- Career mentorship by law students & toppers
Our aim is simple: help you choose the right law college, not just any law college.
Final Checklist Before Locking Your CLAT 2026 NLU Preference List
- ✓ Checked previous cut-offs
- ✓ Compared placements & alumni
- ✓ Balanced ambition with realism
- ✓ Considered location & exposure
- ✓ Took expert guidance
If you've ticked all these boxes—you're ready.
Final Thoughts: Your Law College Choice Matters
There is no single "best law college after CLAT" for everyone. The best NLU is the one that aligns with your rank, goals, and personality.
Make your choice wisely. CLAT Tribe is here to guide you—every step of the way.