1. Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NIRF Law Ranking 2024: Rank 5
Admission Test: SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test)
Symbiosis Law School Pune is widely regarded as the best private law school in India. The institution is known for strong corporate law placements, international collaborations, and a vibrant moot court culture. Graduates frequently join leading law firms, corporate legal teams, and consulting organisations.
2. Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur
NIRF Law Ranking 2024: Rank 6
AdmisFor many students preparing for CLAT, the primary goal is to secure admission into a National Law University (NLU). However, NLUs offer a limited number of seats and thousands of students compete for them every year. Not getting into an NLU does not mean the end of a strong legal career.
India has several excellent law schools outside the NLU system that provide strong academic training, internship opportunities, and professional exposure.
To identify reliable institutions, we can refer to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) published by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, which ranks universities based on teaching quality, research output, graduation outcomes, outreach, and perception.
Below are some of the best law colleges outside the NLU system, arranged according to their NIRF Law Ranking 2024 (where applicable).
sion Test: IIT Kharagpur Law Entrance Test
This is the first law school established within an IIT. The program focuses on technology law, intellectual property law, and innovation policy. Students benefit from interdisciplinary exposure with engineering and technology departments within IIT Kharagpur.
3. Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia
NIRF Law Ranking 2024: Rank 8
Admission Test: Jamia Law Entrance Test
Jamia Millia Islamia’s Faculty of Law has developed a strong reputation for academic rigor, especially in constitutional law and public law. Being located in Delhi gives students access to internships with courts, law firms, and public institutions.
4. Christ University – School of Law, Bengaluru
NIRF Law Ranking 2024: Rank 24
Admission Test: Christ University Law Entrance Test
Christ University is known for its structured academic system, disciplined campus environment, and strong emphasis on legal research and moot courts. It has developed a strong reputation among private law schools.
5. Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad
NIRF Law Ranking 2024: Rank 27
Admission Test: CLAT
The Institute of Law at Nirma University is known for its strong academic structure and focus on corporate and commercial law. Located in Ahmedabad, the university provides good access to law firms and corporate internships.
6. Army Institute of Law, Mohali
NIRF Law Ranking 2024: Rank 30
Admission Test: Army Institute of Law Entrance Test
Army Institute of Law is known for its disciplined academic environment and consistent placement performance. Many graduates pursue careers in litigation, corporate law, and public service.
Important Additional Colleges (Not Always Ranked Separately in NIRF)
Some institutions are highly respected in legal education but may not appear separately in the NIRF law ranking list every year. These include:
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
Admission Tests
• CLAT (for 5-year integrated programs)
• CUET-PG (for the 3-year LL.B.)
The Faculty of Law at Delhi University, established in 1924, is one of the oldest law institutions in India.
Delhi University now offers 5-year integrated programs:
- B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
- B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
These programs operate under the Faculty of Law alongside its traditional centres:
- Campus Law Centre
- Law Centre-I
- Law Centre-II
Its location in New Delhi provides access to the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, law firms, and policy institutions, making it one of the most strategically located law schools in India.
NMIMS School of Law, Mumbai
Admission Test: NLAT (NMIMS Law Admission Test)
NMIMS School of Law is located in Mumbai, India’s financial capital. The program offers strong industry exposure, internships with law firms and corporations, and a professionally oriented curriculum.
Jindal Global Law School
Admission Test: LSAT—India
Jindal Global Law School has developed a strong global reputation. It is frequently ranked among the top law schools in Asia in the QS World University Rankings and is known for international faculty, global partnerships, and research-oriented legal education.
Final Thought for CLAT Aspirants
While NLUs remain highly sought after, they are not the only pathway to a successful legal career. Many outstanding lawyers, judges, academics, and policymakers have graduated from universities outside the NLU system.
What ultimately matters is how seriously you approach the study of law and how you use the opportunities available during your law school years.
At The Legal Project, we believe CLAT aspirants should understand the entire landscape of legal education in India, so that even if one door closes, many other meaningful opportunities remain open.