NLU Preference List 2026: Complete Guide to Choose the Best Law School After CLAT

19 December, 2025

Radhika Joshi

Now that the CLAT 2026 results are out on December 17, 2025, your next step is to fill in your NLU preference list. The order you choose matters because seat allotment is based on your preferences during counselling. There are 26 NLUs in total,25 through CLAT and NLU Delhi through AILET, so if you do not order your preferences carefully, you might miss out on a better NLU even with a good rank. This guide will help you make a smart, rank-based NLU preference list for 2026, covering top NLUs, placements, key factors, and common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding the NLU Preference List

Aspect	Details
What is the NLU Preference List?	An ordered list of National Law Universities you choose for admission through CLAT counselling
Where is NLU Preference List submitted?	Consortium of NLUs official counselling portal
Seat Allotment Basis	CLAT rank, category, domicile status, and preference order
Mandatory Submission	Only NLUs listed in your preferences will be considered for seat allotment
Minimum Preferences Required	At least 15 NLUs must be selected
Maximum Preferences Limit	No upper limit on the number of NLUs
Importance of Order	Seats are allotted strictly in the order of preferences; higher-ranked choices are considered first
Lock-In Rule	Preferences cannot be changed after locking
Editing Window	Preferences can be edited until the final locking deadline

CLAT preference list

Top NLUs Preference list by IMS Get Set Law

Preference	Name of College	Course	Year	Short Form
1	National Law School of India University, Bangalore	–	1986	NLSIU
2	National Academy of Legal Study & Research University of Law, Hyderabad	–	1998	NALSAR
3	The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata	–	1999	WBNUJS
4	National Law University, Jodhpur	–	1999	NLU
5	National Law University, Jodhpur	BBA LLB Hons.	1999	NLU
6	Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar	–	2003	GNLU
7	National Law Institute University, Bhopal	BA LLB Hons.	1997	NLIU
8	Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow	–	2005	RMNLU
9	National Law Institute University, Bhopal	BSc. LLB*	1997	NLIU
10	Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai	–	2014	MNLU
11	Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur	–	2003	HNLU
12	National Law University, Odisha	BA LLB Hons.	2009	NLUO
13	National Law University, Odisha	BBA LLB Hons.	2009	NLUO
14	The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata	BSc. LLB*	1999	WBNUJS
15	Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala	–	2006	RGNUL
16	National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi	–	2005	NUALS
17	Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam	–	2008	DSNLU
18	Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur	BA LLB Hons.	2014	MNLU
19	Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur	BBA LLB Hons.	2014	MNLU
20	National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi	BA LLB Hons.	2010	NUSRL
21	National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi	BBA LLB Hons.	2010	NUSRL
22	Chanakya National Law University Patna	BA LLB Hons.	2006	CNLU
23	Chanakya National Law University Patna	BBA LLB Hons.	2006	CNLU
24	The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli	BA LLB Hons.	2012	TNNLU
25	The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli	B.Com LLB Hons.	2012	TNNLU
26	Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur	–	2018	MPDNLU
27	National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam	–	2009	NLUJA
28	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat	–	2012	DBRANLU
29	Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad	BA LLB Hons.	2017	MNLU
30	Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad	BBA LLB Hons.	2017	MNLU
31	Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla	BA LLB Hons.	2016	HPNLU
32	Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla	BBA LLB Hons.	2016	HPNLU
33	Gujarat National Law University, Silvassa	–	2022	GNLU
34	National Law University, Tripura, Agartala	–	2022	NLUT
35	Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj	–	2020	RPNLUP
36	India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa	BA LLB Hons.	2022	IIULER
37	India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa	BBA LLB Hons.	2022	IIULER

Note: *BSc. LLB course can be applied only when you have taken 10+2 in science stream

What are the Factors to Consider When Creating Your NLU Preference List?

NIRF Rankings and Reputation

NIRF rankings help you compare law schools. Higher-ranked NLUs usually have excellent faculty and research.
But rankings are not everything. Newer law schools may have new buildings, a good location, or extra seats for local students.

Placement Records and Career Outcomes

Placements matter a lot. The best NLUs in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Gandhinagar have 80-95% of students getting jobs, with average salaries between ₹14–20 lakh per year.

What should you check?

What percent of students get placed?
What is the average salary, not just the highest?
Which law firms hire from the college?
What types of roles do students get? (corporate, litigation, policy, judiciary)
What do alumni do after graduation?

Big law firms, such as Cyril Amarchand, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., AZB, Trilegal, JSA, Luthra & Luthra, and Saraf, hire from these schools. International firms like Linklaters and Clifford Chance also visit top NLUs.

Location and Connectivity

Where the law school is matters; NLUs in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune offer more internships in law firms, companies, and courts. Many students also choose a college closer to home for comfort, language, and being near family. Think about the weather and how easy it is to travel home for holidays or emergencies.

Campus Infrastructure and Facilities

Modern law schools have air-conditioned classrooms, smart boards, digital libraries, moot courts, sports grounds, good hostels with Wi-Fi, and medical help. Older NLUs may have more facilities, but some new ones are catching up fast.

Faculty Quality and Academic Culture

Good teachers make a big difference. Look for law schools with experienced teachers, visiting faculty from courts or law firms, and instructors who conduct legal research. Top NLUs have teachers who are well known in India and abroad.

Domicile Reservation Benefits

Some NLUs have special seats for students from their own state (15–30%). For example:

NLU Jodhpur for Rajasthan
RGNUL Patiala for Punjab
RMLNLU Lucknow for UP
NLU Assam for Assam
NUSRL Ranchi for Jharkhand
NUALS Kochi for Kerala
HNLU Raipur for Chhattisgarh

If you get a state quota, put your own state’s NLU higher on your list, even if it ranks lower. This gives you a better chance of getting in.

Specializations and Research Centers

Some law schools are best for certain subjects:

Corporate Law: NLSIU, NALSAR, GNLU, NLU Jodhpur
International Law: GNLU, NLSIU
Intellectual Property: NLU Jodhpur, NLIU Bhopal
Human Rights: NALSAR, NLU Delhi
Constitutional Law: NLU Delhi, NLSIU
Environmental Law: NLIU Bhopal

Pick a law school that matches your interests. If you are passionate about international law, GNLU is a great choice.

Moot Court and Competition Records

Winning moot court competitions shows good training. NLSIU, NALSAR, and WBNUJS win significant national and international moot court competitions. A strong moot court culture means you’ll get real-world legal experience and meet more people in law.

Alumni Network and Professional Connections

A good alumni network helps you in your career. Top NLUs have alumni who are judges, lawyers, teachers, and legal experts. They can give you advice, recommend you for jobs, and help you find internships.

Course Structure and Flexibility

Check the law school’s courses and options. See if they have:

Many electives
Legal clinics
Exchange programs with foreign universities
Research and writing programs
Courses that mix law with business, economics, or technology

Read More: Top Law Colleges in Maharashtra

How to Fill Your NLU Preference List 2026

Follow these step-by-step instructions to fill your preference list correctly:

Log in to the CLAT counselling website

Go to the official Consortium of NLUs website and log in using your mobile number and password. This will bring you to the counselling dashboard.

Find the preference filling section

Click on “Counselling Registration.” Then pick “Update Preferences” or “Fill Preference List.” You will see all 26 NLUs listed.

Take your time to research

Don’t rush. Look at where each NLU is, what courses they offer, and what facilities they have. Think about your home state, reservation benefits, and your career goals.

Put NLUs in your preferred order

Use drag-and-drop or arrow buttons to arrange NLUs. Start with dream choices, then realistic ones, and finally go for safe options. If you have home-state benefits, make sure your state NLU is in the correct location.

Check your list carefully.

Go through your order again. Make sure everything matches your goals and rank. Even a small mistake can make a big difference.

Save your list.

Click “Save” to save your list. You can change your list as many times as you want before the deadline.

Lock your list when sure.

Once you’re happy with your list, click “Lock” or “Submit.” After this, you cannot edit it anymore, so be 100% sure.

Download the confirmation.

Save the confirmation PDF. Keep it safe for your records during the counselling process.

Strategic Approach: Three-Layer Preference Strategy

Expert counsellors suggest a simple three-layer plan for your NLU preference list based on your CLAT rank:

Aspirational NLUs (Dream Choices)

These are your dream colleges. You might get into one of them if the cut-offs shift slightly or you get lucky.
Choose 2-4 NLUs that are just above where you think your rank will get in.
For example, if your rank is 800, you could put GNLU, NLU Jodhpur, and NLIU Bhopal on your list. Don’t go overboard, but keep a few big dreams in mind.

Realistic NLUs (Good Match)

These are the colleges where your rank fits well, based on last year’s cut-offs.
Add 6-8 NLUs that match your rank and reservation category. For example, if your rank is 2,500, you could add NLUJA Assam, MNLU Aurangabad, and RPNLU Prayagraj.
These should make up most of your list, since you have a strong chance of getting in.

Safe NLUs (Backup Choices)

These are your backup options, just in case things don’t work out with your higher choices.
Choose 5-6 NLUs that are newer or have more seats, where your rank is almost sure to get you a place.
For example, if your rank is 4,000, you could include NLUT Agartala, NLU Meghalaya, and NLU Sikkim. These make sure you get a seat somewhere.
This three-layer method helps you dream big, stay practical, and also have a backup so you don’t miss out on law school.

Important Notes for All Rank Ranges:

Category Reservations: If you belong to SC, ST, OBC, or EWS, check your special cut-offs. These are usually much lower than the general category.
Domicile Benefits: If your state NLU offers seats for local students, put it higher on your list.
Gender Reservation: Some NLUs have extra seats for women, so female candidates get a better chance.
PWD Reservation: All NLUs keep 5% of their seats for students with disabilities.
Counselling Rounds: Cut-off ranks usually decrease in later rounds (Rounds 2-5) because some students withdraw and seats become available.

Understanding CLAT Cut-Off Trends

CLAT cut-offs change every year because of a few key reasons:

If the exam is difficult, cut-offs tend to decrease. If the exam is easy, cut-offs go up.
More students appearing means more competition and usually higher cut-offs.
The best NLUs have fewer seats, so their cut-offs are higher.
Top NLUs are picked first by high-ranking students, making their cut-offs tough to reach.
Every category (such as SC, ST, and OBC) has its own cut-off.
If students drop out or leave their seats, cut-offs often drop in later rounds.

Cut-offs also change during each round of counselling:

Round 1 has the strictest cut-offs since everyone aims for their dream college.
Round 2 usually brings a drop in cut-offs, especially for mid-tier NLUs (sometimes by 300-500 ranks).
Round 3 sees more drops, especially for new NLUs and BBA LLB courses.
Round 4 is best suited for students with ranks between 3,000 and 9,000, as they tend to see the most significant gains.
Round 5 brings big drops for new NLUs, but there isn’t much change for the top 8-10 NLUs.
Spot counselling at the end can give you a last chance if seats are still available.

Stay in all rounds of counselling. Many students get a better NLU in the later rounds than they would have if they’d only tried in Round 1.

What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling NLU Preferences?

Copying Someone Else’s List

Everyone’s rank, category, and goals are different. If you just copy your friend’s or a senior’s list, you might miss out on a better NLU for yourself. Make your own list that fits your situation.

Ignoring Domicile Benefits

Many students forget about home-state seats. If your state NLU gives 25–30% reservation, put it higher in your list. This can make getting a seat much easier.

Ranking New NLUs Too High

New law schools may look impressive, but often lack strong placements, experienced faculty, or extensive alumni networks. It’s usually better to choose older, mid-tier NLUs over brand-new ones.

Being Over-Optimistic About Your Rank

Don’t fill your list with only dream NLUs and ignore safe options. If you’re too hopeful about the cut-offs, you might end up with no seat at all. Always include a few backups.

Being Too Careful (Underestimating Yourself)

If you only pick safe options, you could miss a chance for a better college if cut-offs move. Add a few dream choices, too.

Caring Only About the Course

Don’t worry too much about BA LLB vs BBA LLB. The college’s reputation and placements matter more. A BBA LLB from a top college is often better than a BA LLB from a new one.

Skipping Later Counselling Rounds

Some students give up after the first or second round. However, significant movement occurs in Rounds 3–5 and in spot rounds. Stay in till the end.

Only Looking at Rankings

Rankings like NIRF help, but they are not everything. Think about location, what each college offers, home-state benefits, and what fits you best.

Missing Deadlines

If you forget to register or lock your list on time, you could lose your chance for the year. Mark all important dates and set reminders.

Not Reading Official Instructions

The rules can change a little each year. Always read the official Consortium guidelines before you make your list.

Post-Preference Filling: What Happens Next?

Counselling Schedule

After you fill your preferences, the Consortium runs several rounds of counselling:

Round 1: You get your first seat offer based on your rank and list.
- Payment Deadline: If you get a seat, you need to pay the fees within 2–3 days.
- Freeze/Float/Slide:
  - Freeze: Take the seat and leave counselling.
  - Float: Accept the seat but stay in for upgrades if a better NLU opens up.
  - Slide: Don’t accept this seat and wait for a better one in the next round.
Rounds 2–5: More seats open as students move, withdraw, or change choices.
Spot Counselling: If there are still seats left after all rounds, there’s a final chance to get one.

How Seat Allotment Works

The system checks your CLAT rank and category.
It compares your rank with the cut-offs for each NLU in your list, in order.
You get the highest NLU where you qualify.
You get an email and SMS about your seat.
You must accept or reject and pay the fees by the deadline.

Document Verification

After you pay and get a seat, you must show your documents (either online or in person).

Bring these documents:

CLAT admit card and scorecard
10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
Proof of birth (birth certificate or 10th certificate)
Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if needed
Domicile certificate (if you want home-state quota)
Disability certificate (if you have 40%+ disability)
Recent passport photos
Transfer certificate from your old school/college
Character certificate
Migration certificate (if you’re coming from another board/institution)

Make sure all documents are self-attested. Also, bring the originals for checking.

Freeze, Float, or Slide – What Do They Mean?

Freeze:
- You take the seat you got and finish counselling.
- You cannot try for other seats in later rounds.
- Use this if you are happy with the seat.
Float:
- You accept your seat but stay in the process to see if a better NLU becomes available.
- If you get a higher choice later, you move up automatically.
- Your old seat will be given to someone else.
- This is the safest option if you want a chance for a better college but don’t want to lose your spot.
Slide:
- You say no to your current seat but stay in for the next rounds.
- This is risky; you might not get a seat in the end.
- Only do this if you are sure you can get a better seat later.

Expert Tip: Unless you have got your dream NLU, it’s usually best to choose “Float.” This way, you keep your current seat safe while still hoping for an upgrade.

Important Dates for CLAT 2026 Counselling

CLAT Counselling Events	Schedule
Registration for Admissions Counselling & payment of registration fee	06:00 P.M., December 17, 2025, to 10:00 P.M., December 27, 2025
Publication of 1st Allotment List (First round of counselling starts)	January 07, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Payment of Confirmation Fee for Freeze and Float options and Admission by NLUs for the 1st Allotment List	10:00 A.M. on January 07, 2026 to 1:00 P.M. January 15, 2026
Publication of 2nd Allotment List (Second round of counselling starts)	10:00 A.M. on January 22, 2026
Payment of Fee for Freeze and Float options and Admission by NLUs for the 2nd Allotment List	10:00 A.M. on January 22, 2026 to 1:00 P.M. on January 29, 2026
Publication of 3rd Allotment List (Third round of counselling starts)	10:00 A.M. on February 05, 2026
Payment of Confirmation Fee for Freeze and Float options and Admission by NLUs for the 3rd Allotment List	10:00 A.M. on February 05, 2026 to 1:00 P.M. on February 12, 2026
Payment of University Fee (after adjusting for Confirmation Fee and Counselling Registration Fee) for all candidates who have chosen the Freeze Option in the counselling process for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Allotment Lists (1st, 2nd & 3rd rounds of counselling)	April 24, 2026, by 5.00 PM
Publication of 4th Allotment List (Fourth round of counselling starts)	10:00 A.M. on May 2, 2026
Payment of Confirmation Fee for Freeze and Float options and Admission by NLUs for the 4th Allotment List	10:00 A.M. on May 2, 2026 to 1:00 P.M. on May 8, 2026
Publication of 5th and Final Allotment List (Fifth round of counselling starts)	10:00 A.M. on May 15, 2026
Payment of Fee for Freeze option and Admission by NLUs for the 5th and final Allotment List	10:00 A.M. on May 15, 2026 to 1:00 P.M. on May 20, 2026
Payment of University Fee (after adjusting for Confirmation Fee and Counselling Registration Fee) for all candidates who have chosen the Freeze Option in the counselling process of 4th & 5th Allotment Lists (4th & 5th rounds of counselling)	May 30, 2026, by 5.00 PM

Tips for Maximizing Your Counselling Success

Do Your Own Research
Don’t just trust guides or what others say. Visit NLU websites, read student reviews on sites like Lawctopus and Quora, and try to chat with current students or alumni to get real stories.
Join Virtual Open Days
Many NLUs have online tours and sessions. Attend these to learn about the campus, teachers, and what student life feels like before you decide.
Be Realistic About Your Chances
Download cut-off lists from past years on the Consortium site. Check trends for your category and see where your rank fits best. Also, you can refer to Law School Zone for the accurate data.
Think About Your Career Goals
If you are interested in corporate law, select NLUs with strong placements in law firms. For litigation, look for NLUs near big courts like Delhi, Kolkata, or Hyderabad.
Stay Calm During Counselling
Waiting can be stressful, but don’t panic. Take part in every round and trust your research. Many students get great NLUs in later rounds.
Have Your Documents Ready
Collect all certificates and documents early, so you are not stressed at the last minute.
Check Your Email and SMS Often
The Consortium sends important updates by email and SMS. Check your messages a few times a day so you do not miss anything.
Plan for Fees and Finances
NLU fees can be ₹3–5 lakh per year, so five years might cost ₹15–25 lakh. Think about your family’s finances, scholarships, and loans as you choose your colleges.
Ask for Help If Needed
If you are confused, consider consulting with coaching centres, seniors, or attending online webinars. It’s good to get advice, but make sure your final list fits you best.
Trust Your Gut
After all your research, listen to your instincts. These five years will shape your future, so pick the NLU that feels right for you.

Final Advice: Make the Choice Yours

Be serious about your preference list, as it is a significant step.
Use the three-layer strategy: dream NLUs, realistic ones, and safe bets.
Use any home-state or category benefits.
Rankings are important, but also think about location and what you want to study.
List at least 15–20 NLUs for better chances.
Stay active in all counselling rounds, and pick “Float” unless you get your dream NLU.
Remember: a better NLU now means more chances later.

The five years at your NLU will shape your career and life. Choose wisely, but know that your effort and love for law matter most, not just the college’s name.

Your journey really begins when you step onto your NLU campus. Make it count. Good luck with CLAT 2026 counselling!