
National Law Universities (NLU) are public law schools in India, founded pursuant to the second generation of reforms for legal education implemented by the Bar Council of India. NLUs are single-subject universities with a focus on law and complementary social sciences. The first NLU was the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), which admitted its first batch of students in 1988. Since then, most states in India have established NLUs, with 27 currently across the country. These universities are known for their academic rigour and innovative pedagogy, producing excellent lawyers, experts, academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs and civil society workers.
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What You'll Learn
- National Law Universities (NLUs) are public law schools in India
- NLUs are single-subject universities with a focus on law
- They were founded to implement second-generation reforms for legal education
- NLUs are recognised as 'state universities' and are affiliated with the Bar Council of India
- NLU Delhi is one of the leading law universities in the country

National Law Universities (NLUs) are public law schools in India
NLUs have been consistently ranked as some of the most prestigious and premier law schools in India and abroad by various agencies. They are also referred to as the IITs of Legal Education. Admissions to these universities are conducted through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), except for the National Law University, Delhi, which has its own entrance examination called the All India Law Entrance Test. NLU Meghalaya also has its own entrance tests for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes. CLAT, which is the main gateway to NLUs, has been ranked as one of the top five toughest entrance examinations in India.
These law schools were granted autonomy to devise their curriculum and teaching methods to best suit the students' abilities and understanding. A unique feature of NLUs is that they are single-subject universities, with law as the main focus, complemented by other social sciences. The NLUs were established under specific legislation passed by the respective State legislatures. They are recognised by the university grants commission as "state universities" and are affiliated with the Bar Council of India.
The NLUs offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including integrated degrees. For instance, NLSIU offers a five-year integrated undergraduate BA LLB (Hons) Degree Programme and a three-year LLB (Hons) Programme. Additionally, NLSIU provides postgraduate programmes such as the one-year Master of Laws (LLM) Programme and the two-year Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP). The University also offers research degree programmes, including Ph.D. programmes in Law and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy.
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NLUs are single-subject universities with a focus on law
National Law Universities (NLUs) are public law schools in India. NLUs are single-subject universities with a focus on law, with other complementary social sciences also being taught. The first NLU was the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), which was established in 1988 to pioneer legal education reforms in the country. Since then, most states in India have NLUs, with 27 currently across the country. These universities are highly regarded and are ranked as some of the most prestigious law schools in India and abroad.
The admissions process for NLUs is generally through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), which is one of the toughest entrance examinations in India. However, some NLUs, such as NLU Delhi, have their own entrance examinations. NLUs are known for their high academic standards and innovative pedagogy, with a focus on critical thinking and analysis. They offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including integrated degrees where students can study for a law degree alongside another degree of their choice.
NLUs are recognised by the university grants commission as "state universities" and are affiliated with the Bar Council of India. The Bar Council has involved various talented individuals, including highly placed constitutional functionaries such as the Chief Justice of India, to improve the standards of legal education and ensure that the desired standards are met. The NLUs have played a significant role in legal research and reform, working on key legislation that has shaped India's development.
NLUs offer a unique educational experience with a specific focus on law, providing students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the legal profession and make a difference in their communities. With their prestigious reputation and focus on academic excellence, NLUs are highly sought-after institutions for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals in India.
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They were founded to implement second-generation reforms for legal education
National Law Universities (NLUs) are public law schools in India. They were founded to implement second-generation reforms for legal education, as sought to be implemented by the Bar Council of India. The first NLU was the National Law School of India University (NLS/NLU Bangalore), which opened in 1988. Since then, most Indian states have established NLUs, with 27 currently across the country. These universities are consistently ranked as some of the most prestigious and premier law schools in India and abroad.
NLUs were founded to address the need for reform in legal education. They were established as single-subject universities with a primary focus on law, complemented by other relevant social sciences. These institutions were granted autonomy to devise their curricula and teaching methods to suit the students' abilities and ensure a strong understanding of legal concepts. The admissions criteria were also changed, with NLUs admitting students who had completed Grade 12, unlike traditional law schools that required prior graduation.
The NLUs offer innovative and interdisciplinary programmes. For instance, NLSIU offers a five-year integrated undergraduate BA LLB (Hons) Degree Programme, which provides a strong foundation for further academic or professional pursuits. The university also offers postgraduate programmes, including a one-year Master of Laws (LLM) Programme and a two-year Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP). Additionally, NLU Delhi, another leading NLU, offers a B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) programme with a focus on critical thinking, deep analysis, and holistic understanding of the law.
The establishment of NLUs aimed to improve the standards of legal education in India. The Bar Council of India involved talented individuals, including highly placed constitutional functionaries such as the Chief Justice of India and various High Courts as "Visitors" and "Chancellors". This ensured constant supervision and input from elite figures in the Indian legal profession. The NLUs were also required to maintain high standards on par with other national-level institutions, making them a prestigious choice for aspiring law students.
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NLUs are recognised as 'state universities' and are affiliated with the Bar Council of India
National Law Universities (NLUs) are public law schools in India. They were founded pursuant to the second-generation reforms for legal education sought to be implemented by the Bar Council of India. NLUs are recognised as state universities and are affiliated with the Bar Council of India.
The first NLU was the National Law School of India University, aka NLS/NLU Bangalore, which admitted its first batch in 1988. Since then, most states in India have established NLUs. Currently, there are 27 NLUs across the country, with one being an off-centre campus of Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, GNLU SILVASSA Campus. These law schools have consistently been ranked as some of the most prestigious and premier law schools within India and abroad by various agencies. They are also referred to as the IITs of Legal Education.
NLUs have been established by acts of their respective state governments. Even though they are called "National" Law Universities, they are essentially state-level law universities. So, every NLU is recognised as a State University by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The admissions to these universities are conducted through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), except in the case of NLU Delhi, which conducts its own entrance examination called the All India Law Entrance Test.
NLUs are single-discipline universities that offer integrated honours and law degrees to aspirants. They were established to impart legal education in an integrated and diversified manner. The aim was to revitalise the legal profession by making law an attractive profession and making it competitive to attract talent. NLUs offer five-year integrated undergraduate programmes, such as the BA LLB (Hons) Degree Programme, which provides a strong foundation for professional options or further academic opportunities. They also offer postgraduate programmes, including one-year Master of Laws (LLM) and two-year Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP).
NLUs have produced excellent lawyers, experts, academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and civil society workers. They aim to impart knowledge and inculcate values so that their students can contribute to achieving social, political and economic justice. NLUs encourage their students to think critically, analyse deeply and understand holistically. They offer a liberal, diverse, and inclusive space that enables learning and the exchange of knowledge.
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NLU Delhi is one of the leading law universities in the country
National Law Universities (NLU) are public law schools in India, founded pursuant to the second-generation reforms for legal education sought to be implemented by the Bar Council of India. The first NLU was the National Law School of India University (NLS/NLU Bangalore), which opened its doors in 1988. Since then, most Indian states have established NLUs, with 27 currently operating across the country. These law schools have consistently been ranked among the most prestigious and premier law schools within India and abroad by various agencies and are referred to as the IITs of Legal Education.
The university conducts integrated B.A.LL.B and L.L.M courses (residential courses) and offers distant and online PG Diplomas. Notably, NLU Delhi admits students through its own entrance examination, the All India Law Entrance Test, rather than the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) used by most other NLUs.
NLU Delhi has played a significant role in legal research and reform, influencing key legislation that has shaped India's development. Its specialised research centres have contributed to improving laws and their implementation in areas such as intellectual property, child rights, and environmental law. The university also organises events like the Student Induction Programme for the B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) programme and the WIPO-NLUD-IPO Joint Masters/LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law and Management.
NLU Delhi's achievements and contributions to legal education and research solidify its position as one of the leading law universities in India. Its commitment to academic excellence and social impact sets a standard for legal institutions in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
NLUs are public law schools in India. They were founded pursuant to the second generation of reforms for legal education, which were implemented by the Bar Council of India.
The first NLU was the National Law School of India University (NLS/NLU Bangalore). It opened in 1988 and has been a leader in Indian legal education for over 30 years.
There are currently 27 NLUs across India. Most states have one, but Gujarat has two: one in Gandhinagar and one in SILVASSA.
NLUs are single-subject universities with a focus on law and complementary social sciences. They are autonomous and can grant their own degrees. They are also known for their high academic standards, innovative pedagogy, and industry-linked global curriculum.
Admissions to NLUs are conducted through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). However, NLU Delhi has its own entrance exam, and NLU Meghalaya has its own set of tests for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD admissions.











































