🎯 CLAT 2025: How to Fill the Perfect NLU Preference List (with Seat Matrix)

Choosing the right National Law University (NLU) is not just about rank, it's about the right fit for your goals, budget, background, and career plan. Here's your one-stop guide to building a perfect, practical, and personalized NLU preference list for CLAT 2025.

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✅ Step 1: Know the Rules of the Game

Before we jump into rankings, remember:

• You get only one shot to submit your preference list during CLAT counselling.
• You can’t reshuffle preferences later.
• The order you submit determines which college you’ll be allotted (if eligible).

Your top preferences should be aspirational but realistic.

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🏆 The Ultimate NLU Ranking Guide (CLAT 2025 Edition)

So you're staring at the list of 26 National Law Universities, wondering: "Which one should I aim for?" "What’s the actual ranking?"

Let’s clear the fog.

Here's a realistic, reputation-based ranking of NLUs not just based on perception, but a mix of:

✅ Academic culture ✅ Placements & alumni network ✅ Peer group quality ✅ Internship exposure ✅ Mooting, debates, research

🎓 TIER 1 – The Dream League

These are the IITs of Law. Top law firms and even international recruiters look here first.

Preference Rank	Law School	Short Form
1	National Law School of India University, Bangalore	NLSIU
2	National Law University, Delhi*	NLU Delhi
3	NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad	NALSAR
4	WB National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata	WBNUJS

🔒 Note: NLU Delhi doesn't participate in CLAT admission is through AILET.

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🧠 UPPER TIER 2 – The Power Players

Preference Rank	Law School	Short Form
5	National Law University, Jodhpur	NLUJ
6	National Law Institute University, Bhopal	NLIU
7	Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar	GNLU
8	Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow	RMLNLU
9	Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai	MNLUM
10	Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur	HNLU
11	National Law University Odisha, Cuttack	NLUO
12	Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala	RGNUL
13	National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi	NUALS
14	Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Vizag	DSNLU

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🛠️ LOWER TIER 2 – The Underdogs with Potential

Preference Rank	Law School	Short Form
15	Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur	MNLUN
16	National University of Study & Research in Law, Ranchi	NUSRL
17	Chanakya National Law University, Patna	CNLU
18	Tamil Nadu National Law University, Tiruchirapalli	TNNLS
19	Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur	DNLU
20	National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam	NLUJA

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🧱 TIER 3 – The Newcomers (Approach with Research)

Preference Rank	Law School	Short Form
21	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat	DBRANLU
22	Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad	MNLUA
23	Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla	HPNLU
24	Gujarat National Law University, Silvassa	GNLU-S
25	National Law University, Tripura (Agartala)	NLU Agartala
26	Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj	RPNLU Prayagraj

⚠️ These are new and evolving ideal if you're self-driven or have strong location/budget constraints.

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📊 CLAT 2025 NLU-Wise Seat Distribution (General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST)

Before you finalize your preference list, it’s important to know how many seats are actually available in each NLU for your category.

Here’s the CLAT 2024 seat matrix (expected to be similar for 2025):

S.No	NLU Name	Gen	EWS	OBC	SC	ST
1	NLSIU Bengaluru	121	30	81	45	23
2	NALSAR Hyderabad	66	13	26	19	8
3	NLIU Bhopal (BA LLB)	52	12	14	16	20
4	NLIU Bhopal (BSc LLB)	26	6	7	8	10
5	WBNUJS Kolkata (BA LLB)	73	-	7	20	8
6	WBNUJS Kolkata (BSc LLB)	32	-	3	11	4
7	NLU Jodhpur	62	-	25	18	9
8	HNLU Raipur	91	-	23	23	33
9	GNLU Gandhinagar	79	16	42	23	12
10	RMLNLU Lucknow	80	9	43	34	3
11	RGNUL Patiala	134	-	-	27	14
12	NUALS Kochi	36	18	-	5	1
13	NLUO Cuttack (BA LLB)	85	-	-	8	13
14	NLUO Cuttack (BBA LLB)	43	-	-	4	6
15	NUSRL Ranchi	60	-	19	15	21
16	NLUJA Assam	31	-	16	4	9
17	DSNLU Vizag	55	12	13	16	7
18	TNNLU (BA LLB)	17	-	14	11	1
19	TNNLU (BCom LLB)	17	-	14	10	1
20	MNLU Mumbai	37	10	19	13	7
21	MNLU Nagpur (BA LLB)	46	12	23	16	8
22	MNLU Nagpur (BBA LLB)	23	6	11	8	4
23	MNLU Aurangabad (BA LLB)	23	6	11	8	4
24	MNLU Aurangabad (BBA LLB)	23	6	11	8	4
25	HPNLU Shimla (BA LLB)	46	-	-	9	5
26	HPNLU Shimla (BBA LLB)	46	-	-	9	5
27	DBRANLU Haryana	47	12	30	15	7
28	NLU Tripura	28	-	-	16	9
29	GNLU Silvassa	31	6	16	9	4

🔍 Some NLUs offer multiple programs (BA, BBA, BSc). Make sure to prefer the one that aligns with your strengths.

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🧩 Final Thoughts on Preference List Strategy

• Start with ambition (Tier 1)
• Then move to backup with credibility (Upper Tier 2)
• Round off with safe options (Lower Tier 2 & Tier 3)
• Always consider seat availability, category reservation, and campus quality

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📣 Need Help?

If you're still unsure, confused between two NLUs, or want a personalized preference list based on your rank and background, drop your query or join my Telegram community. I personally respond to all CLAT 2025 aspirants there.

Your NLU journey begins here. Make every choice count.