Every year, over 60,000 aspirants appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) with a dream to secure a seat in the prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs). However, getting into a top NLU isn’t just about clearing the exam — it’s about scoring high enough to beat the cutoff ranks, which vary significantly by category, course, and NLU.
The CLAT cutoff serves as the gateway to the 5-year integrated BA LLB and 1-year LLM programs offered by the 24 participating NLUs. These cutoffs are declared after each round of CLAT counselling, and understanding them is crucial to:
- Set realistic college expectations.
- Fill in your NLU preference list smartly.
- Strategise effectively for upcoming CLAT attempts.
Note: The cutoff isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of demand, competition, and your relative standing among thousands of aspirants.
In this blog, we bring you a deep dive, data-backed breakdown of:
- NLU-wise & Category-wise CLAT UG and PG Cutoffs
- Round-wise trends and closing ranks
- Year-on-year cutoff shifts
- Seat matrix of all NLUs
- Tips on how to use this data to your advantage during counselling
Whether you’re a CLAT 2025 aspirant or someone planning long-term, this guide will help you understand the exact score vs rank vs college equation that decides your legal future.
What is the CLAT Cutoff?
The CLAT cutoff is the minimum rank or score required to secure admission to a specific National Law University (NLU). These cutoffs are declared after each round of counselling by the Consortium of NLUs and vary based on several factors.
Understanding the CLAT cutoff is essential because even a slight difference of 2–3 marks can mean the difference between NLSIU Bangalore and NLU Odisha.
Types of CLAT Cutoffs
There are different types of cutoffs to be aware of:
Type of Cutoff | Description |
Institute-wise Cutoff | Cutoff ranks for each NLU (e.g., NALSAR Hyderabad cutoff rank for General) |
Round-wise Cutoff | Closing ranks after each counselling round (1st to 5th) |
Category-wise Cutoff | Separate cutoffs for GEN, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD, etc. |
Course-wise Cutoff | Different cutoffs for BA LLB (UG) and LLM (PG) |
Domicile/State Quota Cutoff | Some NLUs reserve seats for candidates from their own state |
Why Does the Cutoff Vary So Much?
The cutoff for each NLU is influenced by a mix of factors:
Factor | Impact on Cutoff |
Number of applicants | More applicants = higher competition = higher cutoff |
Difficulty level of CLAT | Tougher paper may lead to lower cutoffs |
Seat intake at each NLU | Fewer seats = higher cutoff |
Candidate preferences | NLUs ranked higher in preference lists see higher closing ranks |
Reservation policies | Seats reserved for categories reduce general category availability |
Number of counselling rounds | Some students drop out or upgrade, affecting later round cutoffs |
Example:
In CLAT 2024, a General category candidate with an AIR 85 could get NLSIU Bangalore. But someone with AIR 437 may only get GNLU Gandhinagar in the same round.
Hence, understanding cutoff trends is your roadmap to building a smart NLU preference list and targeting the proper rank.
Types of CLAT Cutoffs
To navigate CLAT counselling effectively, it’s crucial to understand the different types of cutoffs that the Consortium of NLUs and participating universities release after the exam. Each cutoff serves a specific purpose in the admission process.
Below is a breakdown of the major types of CLAT cutoffs:
1. Institute-Wise Cutoff (NLU-Wise)
Every NLU has a different reputation, intake, and popularity. Hence, each university sees its own opening and closing ranks. Top-tier NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad have much higher cutoffs. In contrast, newer NLUs like NLU Tripura or DNLU Jabalpur tend to have lower ranks closing in the final rounds.
NLU | General Category Closing Rank (2024) |
NLSIU Bangalore | 85 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 173 |
WBNUJS Kolkata | 241 |
HNLU Raipur | 805 |
DNLU Jabalpur | 2412 |
2. Round-Wise Cutoff
The CLAT counselling is conducted in multiple rounds (usually five), and the cutoffs keep shifting with each round based on seat availability, student withdrawals, and upgrades.
NLU | Round 1 Closing Rank | Round 3 | Round 5 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 173 | 202 | 231 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 437 | 511 | 562 |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 592 | 648 | 705 |
Insight: As rounds progress, closing ranks usually increase, giving opportunities to borderline candidates.
3. Category-Wise Cutoff
CLAT follows the reservation system, and each NLU allots a fixed number of seats to different categories like SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD, and State Domicile. Each of these has its own cutoff rank, which is generally lower than the General category.
NLU | General | SC | ST | EWS |
NLSIU Bangalore | 85 | 1104 | 2201 | 401 |
NLU Jodhpur | 312 | 2234 | 4005 | 729 |
RGNUL Patiala | 989 | 6013 | 8002 | 1615 |
Tip: A candidate from the SC/ST category can secure a top NLU with a much lower rank than general category students.
4. Course-Wise Cutoff
The CLAT is conducted for two separate courses:
- 5-Year Integrated BA LLB (UG)
- 1-Year LLM (PG)
Each course has its own counselling process and distinct cutoff lists. LLM cutoffs tend to be lower due to fewer applicants and lower seat intake.
5. Domicile/State Quota Cutoff
Some NLUs like RMLNLU Lucknow, MNLU Mumbai, and HNLU Raipur offer special quotas for students from their home state. These candidates often benefit from a lower cutoff rank under the state domicile quota.
In Summary:
Type of Cutoff | Varies By | Affects |
Institute-Wise | Popularity & Ranking of NLU | All students |
Round-Wise | Seat Availability & Withdrawals | Late applicants |
Category-Wise | Reservation policies | SC/ST/OBC/EWS |
Course-Wise | BA LLB vs LLM | All students |
State Domicile | State-specific quota policies | Local students |
Understanding these variations helps aspirants:
- Target the right rank
- Set smart preferences
- Avoid counselling blunders
Top NLUs in India: Overview
India has 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) that accept CLAT scores for admission to their BA LLB and LLM programs. However, not all NLUs are equal in terms of academic reputation, placements, alumni network, and student preference.
While every NLU has its merits, some consistently rank among the top choices due to their legacy, faculty strength, infrastructure, and corporate outreach.
Top NLUs Based on Popularity & Cutoffs
Here’s a snapshot of the most sought-after NLUs based on CLAT 2024 closing ranks, student preference trends, and academic reputation:
Rank | NLU Name | Location | Established | Intake (UG) | Last Gen. Closing Rank (2024) |
1 | NLSIU Bangalore | Karnataka | 1987 | 310 | 85 |
2 | NALSAR Hyderabad | Telangana | 1998 | 132 | 173 |
3 | WBNUJS Kolkata | West Bengal | 1999 | 132 | 241 |
4 | NLU Jodhpur | Rajasthan | 1999 | 120 | 312 |
5 | GNLU Gandhinagar | Gujarat | 2003 | 172 | 437 |
6 | RMLNLU Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 2005 | 187 | 592 |
7 | HNLU Raipur | Chhattisgarh | 2003 | 170 | 805 |
8 | MNLU Mumbai | Maharashtra | 2014 | 100 | 516 |
9 | RGNUL Patiala | Punjab | 2006 | 180 | 989 |
10 | NUALS Kochi | Kerala | 2005 | 120 | 1152 |
Note: NLU Delhi is not part of CLAT; it conducts AILET separately.
NLUs Grouped by Tier (for Counselling Strategy)
Tier | NLUs |
Tier 1 | NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, NLU Jodhpur, GNLU |
Tier 2 | RMLNLU, MNLU Mumbai, HNLU, RGNUL, NUALS |
Tier 3 | CNLU, DNLU, NLUJAA, TNNLU, DSNLU, MNLU Nagpur, HPNLU, NLUT, etc. |
Tip: If your CLAT rank is under 300, you should aim for Tier 1 NLUs. Ranks between 300–800 can secure Tier 2 colleges, while ranks beyond that typically go into Tier 3 NLUs.
Why Tier 1 NLUs Have Higher Cutoffs
- Better placement opportunities (top law firms, PPOs)
- Rich alumni networks
- Legacy and brand value
- More national exposure
However, don’t ignore newer NLUs entirely. Many are rapidly improving their academics and infrastructure. What matters most is your own learning curve and consistency, not just the brand name.
CLAT NLU 2025 Round-Wise Cut-Off Information
The CLAT 2025 NLU cut-off indicates the rank of the last candidate allotted admission in each category. These cut-offs are released separately for every NLU and for each course.
NLU Cut-Off 2025 After Three Counselling Rounds
NLU | General (Open – Close) | EWS (Open – Close) | OBC (Open – Close) | SC (Open – Close) | ST (Open – Close) |
NLSIU Bengaluru | 1 – 112 | 119 – 703 | 209 – 1541 | 182 – 3133 | 678 – 3396 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 17 – 159 | 372 – 546 | 333 – 1219 | 1483 – 3273 | 1311 – 3621 |
NLIU Bhopal (BA LLB) | 257 – 480 | 787 – 1377 | 1658 – 1757 | 5077 – 5763 | 6166 – 8243 |
NLIU Bhopal (BSc LLB) | 486 – 915 | 1338 – 1997 | 2217 – 2464 | 6764 – 8625 | 10384 – 11901 |
WBNUJS Kolkata (BA LLB) | 57 – 327 | – | 1359* – 4168* | 3048 – 4753 | 4823 – 6343 |
WBNUJS Kolkata (BSc LLB Hons) | 299 – 711 | – | 4168* – 4596* | 4244 – 6987 | 8994 – 9739 |
NLU Jodhpur | 159 – 367 | 542 – 986 | 1333 – 1776 | 3343 – 5445 | 4343 – 5955 |
HNLU Raipur | 480 – 807 | – | 2156 – 2408 | 6232 – 7660 | 9746 – 10507 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 236 – 444 | 819 – 1118 | 1396 – 2303 | 974 – 5934 | 4457 – 8568 |
GNLU Silvassa Campus | 755 – 1461 | 1447 – 2620 | 2745 – 2620 | 8584 – 8826 | 12320 – 15112 |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 461 – 780 | 1327* – 2088* | 1064* – 3769* | 1832* – 11228* | 19305* – — |
RGNUL Patiala | 565 – 1279 | – | – | 2067 – 8625 | 7540 – 12742 |
CNLU Patna (BA LLB) | 882 – 1398 | 1420* – 1950* | 1861* – 7359* | 7884 – 12662* | 16829* – — |
CNLU Patna (BBA LLB) | 1215 – 1555 | 1928* – 2316* | 3106* – 8364* | 12269* – 15833* | 27043* – — |
NUALS Kochi | 350 – 1346 | 4238* – 22632* | – | 9871 – 15029* | 32306* – — |
NLU Odisha (BA LLB) | 469 – 1013 | – | – | 3196 – 7247 | 8920 – 12967 |
NLU Odisha (BBA LLB) | 552 – 1176 | – | – | 7630 – 7891 | 10921 – 15161 |
NUSRL Ranchi (BA LLB) | 864 – 1667 | 1501 – 2551 | 1671 – 3597 | 8542 – 9902 | 10015 – 15023 |
NUSRL Ranchi (BBA LLB) | 1164 – 1760 | 2052 – 2714 | 1845 – 4096 | 8493 – 38622* | 10573 – 13619 |
NLUJA Assam | 1163 – 2141 | 3740* – 18701* | 10753* – 40275* | 4020* – 26413* | 8513* – 39689* |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 957 – 1682 | 1506 – 2571 | 2472 – 3813 | 8198 – 9330 | 13506 – 15632 |
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli (BA LLB) | 1231 – 1763 | – | 2045 – 4082 | 6291 – 10327 | 14211 – 15384 |
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli (BCom LLB) | 1259 – 1947 | – | 3432 – 4987 | 6571 – 12470 | — – — |
MNLU Mumbai | 443 – 1473 | 2524* – 7523* | 4161* – 8067* | 7180* – 15622 | 10288* – 13124* |
MNLU Nagpur (BA LLB) | 722 – 1529 | 7863* – 16868* | 2230 – 15059* | 13108* – 27496* | 43425* – 16886* |
MNLU Nagpur (BBA LLB) | 1214 – 1623 | 13166* – 19846* | 9041* – 16794* | 17024* – 26619* | 41775* – 19846* |
MNLU Aurangabad (BA LLB) | 1023 – 1949 | 8328* – 23203* | 11062* – 19813* | 7378* – 30029* | 55196* – 23203* |
MNLU Aurangabad (BBA LLB) | 1361 – 2393 | 8244* – 19846* | 15631* – 21108* | 22029* – 31652* | 56594* – 19846* |
HPNLU Shimla (BA LLB) | 949 – 2555 | – | – | 8641 – 11597 | 13499 – 18083 |
HPNLU Shimla (BBA LLB) | 1298 – 2634 | – | – | 9542 – 13886 | 15632 – 19910 |
MPDNLU Jabalpur | 1371 – 2243 | 2112 – 2922 | 3766 – 4228 | 9959 – 11065 | 13674 – 20674 |
DBRANLU Sonepat | 626 – 1930 | 1768 – 2727 | 2173 – 4210 | 7991 – 12802 | 12630 – 19973 |
NLUT Agartala | 1964 – 2855 | – | – | 29955* – 49197* | 25887* – — |
RPNLU Prayagraj | 1446 – 2469 | 2636* – 3726* | 3454* – 5559* | 12017* – 21354* | — – 25539* |
IIULER Goa (BA LLB) | 1314 – 2784 | 2446 – 3623 | 2721 – 5597 | 6774 – 14412 | 12362 – 21325 |
IIULER Goa (BBA LLB) | 1198 – 2832 | 2277 – 3751 | 4440 – 5892 | 11342 – 14867 | 11093 – 22260 |
NLU Previous Year Cut-Offs
The tables below present the cut-off ranks for all participating NLUs from the previous admission cycle.
CLAT NLU 2024 Cut-Off
NLU | General (Open – Close) | EWS (Open – Close) | OBC (Open – Close) | SC (Open – Close) | ST (Open – Close) |
NLSIU Bengaluru | 1 – 102 | 122 – 523 | 151 – 971 | 372 – 3007 | 239 – 7487 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 6 – 167 | 175 – 564 | 189 – 1116 | 1604 – 3574 | 263 – 6083 |
NLIU Bhopal (BA LLB) | 311 – 450 | 621 – 1376 | 1191 – 1315 | 4573 – 5178 | 8403 – 11527 |
NLIU Bhopal (BSc LLB) | 187 – 1047 | 1248 – 1777 | 1112 – 1959 | 6497 – 7622 | 13905 – 15219 |
WBNUJS Kolkata (BA LLB) | 140 – 279 | – | 2610* – 23192* | 2056 – 4503 | 5215 – 8860 |
WBNUJS Kolkata (BSc LLB Hons) | 289 – 1010 | – | 7619* – 26986* | 4663 – 8958 | 10961 – 11917 |
NLU Jodhpur | 170 – 379 | – | 1079 – 1424 | 3574 – 5178 | 6666 – 8960 |
HNLU Raipur | 434 – 791 | – | 1841 – 2069 | 3408 – 6765 | 9218 – 12035 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 210 – 464 | 603 – 1248 | 1284 – 1858 | 4584 – 6175 | 7712 – 11580 |
GNLU Silvassa Campus | 593 – 1060 | 1113 – 1935 | 2225 – 2429 | 8833 – 10735 | 11291 – 13964 |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 410 – 764 | 1022* – 2326* | 1170* – 3613* | 5397* – 10340* | 20456* – 34174* |
RGNUL Patiala | 502 – 1250 | – | – | 3234 – 10253 | 9562 – 16875 |
CNLU Patna (BA LLB) | 790 – 1358 | 1378* – 2122* | 2139* – 2776* | 4522* – 14864* | 23802* – — |
CNLU Patna (BBA LLB) | 1051 – 1552 | 1571* – 2703* | 2560* – 4147* | 13550* – 16714* | 1339* – — |
NUALS Kochi | 231 – 1136 | 6867* – 14922* | — | 12306* – 15245* | 13117 – — |
NLU Odisha | 591 – 1205 | — | — | 5997 – 9869 | 11580 – 16676 |
NUSRL Ranchi | 637 – 1594 | 1468 – 2255 | 1837 – 3005 | 5972 – 11124 | 16161 – 19635 |
NLUJA Assam | 1344 – 1704 | — – 7386* | 37438* – 8824* | 17168* – 17149* | 46899* – — |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 656 – 1390 | 1242 – 2195 | 2068 – 2940 | 8057 – 10568 | 11917 – 18342 |
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli (BA LLB) | 806 – 1628 | — | 1634 – 3135 | 9853 – 11289 | 38376* – — |
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli (BCom LLB) | 821 – 1711 | — | 2178 – 3800 | 10130 – 12418 | 16910 – 21607 |
MNLU Mumbai | 99 – 590 | 811* – 3932* | 2123* – 6468* | 4506* – 11392* | 24593* – 34264* |
MNLU Nagpur (BA LLB) | 491 – 1587 | 3974* – 6285* | 3089 – 17245* | 11235* – 25115* | 29470* – 50326* |
MNLU Nagpur (BBA LLB) | 611 – 1685 | 6100* – 16730* | 4790* – 14814* | 12722* – 29474* | 42740* – 46480* |
MNLU Aurangabad (BA LLB) | 945 – 1832 | 4220* – 18008* | 14714* – 18004* | 8281* – 28813* | 41238* – — |
MNLU Aurangabad (BBA LLB) | 681 – 2115 | 8662* – 18056* | 7755* – 19003* | 21344* – 29975* | 47604* – 51334* |
HPNLU Shimla – BA LLB | 885 – 2102 | – | – | 9061 – 12158 | 13213 – 20412 |
HPNLU Shimla – BBA LLB | 284 – 2150 | – | – | 9789 – 12740 | 16386 – 23188 |
MPDNLU Jabalpur | 1060 – 1824 | 1935 – 2769 | 2677 – 3445 | 10083 – 12556 | 16830 – 23145 |
DBRANLU Sonepat | 503 – 2050 | 1887 – 2687 | 2273 – 3861 | 9107 – 12447 | 17161 – 23000 |
NLUT Agartala | 1716 – 2243 | – | – | 32520* – — | 31488* – — |
CLAT LLM Cut Off 2024
NLU & Course Name | General (Open – Close) | EWS (Open – Close) | OBC (Open – Close) | SC (Open – Close) | ST (Open – Close) |
NLSIU Bengaluru | 14 – 239 | 302 – 940 | 165 – 1236 | 385 – 1642 | 2253 – 3663 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 119 – 298 | 884 – 990 | 531 – 1432 | 699 – 2247 | 4313 – — |
NLIU Bhopal | 300 – 651 | — | 1217 – 1992 | 2749 – 3721 | 4726 – 5970 |
WBNUJS Kolkata | 158 – 620 | — | 1952* – 11255* | 805 – 2732 | 3263 – 5555 |
NLU Jodhpur | 290 – 638 | — | 1236 – 2039 | 2209 – 3465 | 3880 – 5562 |
HNLU Raipur | 564 – 1094 | — | 1939 – 3428 | 3815 – 5056 | 5562 – 7718 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 125 – 627 | 851 – 1205 | 1177 – 2757 | 2976 – 3815 | 5555 – 6372 |
GNLU Silvassa Campus | 634 – 1267 | 1083 – 2237 | 2145 – 3858 | 3779 – 6459 | — |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 19 – 261 | 562* – 1307* | 315* – 2145* | 19* – 1628* | — |
RGNUL Patiala | 90 – 987 | — | — | 1883 – 5971 | 5417 – 6881 |
NUALS Kochi | 486 – 1707 | 4815 – 9708 | — | 6171 – 8179 | 9811 – — |
NLU Odisha | 494 – 1358 | — | — | 4010 – 5215 | 6881 – 8575 |
NUSRL Ranchi | 827 – 1623 | 1343 – 3062 | 1778 – 3234 | 4860 – 6869 | 5241 – 6097 |
NLUJA Assam | 1321 – 2195 | — | 4205* – 11821* | 6383* – 9703* | 8483 – 9702 |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 754 – 2033 | 1700 – 2420 | 2771 – 3929 | 5118 – 6890 | 6196 – 9326 |
TNNLU (Corporate & Securities Law) | 660 – 1578 | — | — | 1818 – 4028 | 4162 – 11187* |
TNNLU (Intellectual Property Law) | 641 – 1011 | — | — | 1956 – 3236 | 4753 – 6848 |
TNNLU (Natural Resources Law) | 1006 – 2246 | — | — | 3019 – 4108 | 5401 – 7072 |
MNLU Mumbai | 242 – 727 | 2705* – 4227* | 2000* – 3683* | 5070 – 5242* | 5368* – 9388* |
MNLU Nagpur | 1 – 1808 | 6366* – 9403* | 5499* – 9083* | 4731* – 9822* | 7928* – 10923* |
MNLU Aurangabad | 924 – 2250 | 2833* – 8514* | 5454* – 9280* | 6051* – 9876* | 10127* – — |
HPNLU Shimla | 623 – 2132 | — | — | 4191 – 6997 | 6614 – 8575 |
MPDNLU Jabalpur | 1216 – 2278 | 1618 – 2532 | 2777 – 3299 | 4569 – 5545 | 8418 – 9145 |
NLUT Agartala | 1619 – 2530 | — | — | 9760* – 11928* | 9326* – 9637* |
NLUs Cut-Off 2023 for 5-year LLB
NLU Name | General (OR–CR) | EWS (OR–CR) | OBC (OR–CR) | SC (OR–CR) | ST (OR–CR) |
NLSIU Bengaluru | 1 – 114 | 129 – 510 | 171 – 923 | 181 – 2674 | 1781 – 2835 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 25 – 177 | 365 – 680 | 931 – 1116 | 702 – 3388 | 3375 – 6174 |
WBNUJS Kolkata | 136 – 260 | – | 1397 – 7119* | 588 – 4217 | 6121 – 7792 |
NLIU Bhopal | 186 – 463 | 796 – 1290 | 591 – 1268 | 4505 – 5311 | 8143 – 10960 |
NLU Jodhpur | 70 – 383 | – | – | 2360 – 4457 | 6689 – 8076 |
HNLU Raipur | 481 – 805 | – | 2031 – 2061 | 6997 – 7137 | 10117 – 11277 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 147 – 462 | 488 – 1210 | 1150 – 1878 | 3680 – 5683 | 8790 – 10837 |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 432 – 749 | 1432* – 1845* | 772* – 3088* | 6014* – 9582* | 18980* – 27764* |
RGNUL Patiala | 563 – 1307 | – | – | 5693 – 8856 | 10300 – 15585 |
CNLU Patna | 628 – 1541 | 2002* – 2501* | 1511* – 5260* | 7741* – 13369* | 20004* – 24547* |
NUALS Kochi | 638 – 1461 | 5660* – 41647* | – | 6498* – 26009* | 27055* – 28147* |
NLUO Odisha, Cuttack | 504 – 1207 | – | – | 6147 – 7957 | 13445 – 16910 |
NUSRL Ranchi | 939 – 1895 | 2332 – 2688 | 2248 – 2756 | 7695 – 10032 | 14248 – 18477 |
TNNLU Tiruchirapalli | 704 – 2045 | – | 2509 – 4119 | 6192 – 10557 | 14452 – 15641 |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 538 – 2080 | 2477 – 3285 | 7113* – 16077* | 9337* – 17282* | 13295* – – |
MNLU Mumbai | 325 – 590 | 2034* – 4878* | 3078* – 9880* | 5963* – 8923* | 17578* – 32870* |
MNLU Nagpur | 878 – 2102 | 2710* – 14738 | 7420* – 22745* | 4921* – 21215* | 23125* – 39121* |
MNLU Aurangabad | 1824 – 2655 | 13589* – – | 12558 – 24704 | 21626* – 26769* | 37995* – – |
NLUJA Assam, Guwahati | 1375 – 2569 | – | 4913* – 38136* | 15313* – 31993* | 25618* – 42731* |
HPNLU Shimla | 822 – 2816 | – | – | 8337 – 11982 | 13021 – 20699 |
DNLU Jabalpur | 1696 – 2698 | 2969 – 3513 | 3905 – 4318 | 10030 – 12073 | 17883 – 23002 |
DBRANLU Sonipat, Haryana | 767 – 2713 | 2584 – 3412 | 2533 – 4515 | 9611 – 11010 | 10923 – 21673 |
GNLU Silvassa Campus | 810 – 1820 | 1863 – 2984 | 2435 – 3992 | 8339 – 10104 | 13276 – 14846 |
*state category reservation
NLUs LLM Cut Off 2023
NLU / Course | General (Open – Close) | EWS (Open – Close) | OBC (Open – Close) | SC (Open – Close) | ST (Open – Close) |
NLSIU Bengaluru | 8 – 200 | 269 – 469 | 237 – 902 | 678 – 1927 | 251 – 3096 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 19 – 230 | 566 – 710 | 700 – 1056 | 1460 – 1642 | 514 – 3854 |
WBNUJS Kolkata | 175 – 787 | – | 1749* – 5981* | 1127 – 3140 | 3109 – 4813 |
NLIU Bhopal | 274 – 494 | – | 1056 – 1289 | 1482 – 3221 | 4479 – – |
NLU Jodhpur | 236 – 909 | – | – | 3133 – 3756 | 5206 – 6998 |
HNLU Raipur | 719 – 1606 | – | 1734 – 3703 | 4225 – 5361 | – |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 37 – 766 | 864 – 1478 | 801 – 1942 | 1301 – 3767 | 5606 – 7812 |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 12 – 101 | 1002* – 1335* | 217* – 640* | 187 – 1084* | 1481* – – |
RGNUL Patiala | 239 – 1645 | – | – | 2665 – 4526 | 5429 – 7874 |
NUALS Kochi | 545 – 1799 | – | – | 2687* – 6501* | 4447* – – |
NLUO, Odisha, Cuttack | 369 – 1997 | – | – | 4345 – 6101 | 7332 – – |
NUSRL Ranchi | 529 – 1513 | 2209 – 2536 | 1714 – 3378 | 3077 – 3772 | 3701 – 5445 |
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli | – | – | – | – | – |
LLM: Corporate and Securities Laws | 968 – 1918 | – | – | 2339 – 3252 | 4709 – 4839 |
LLM: Intellectual Property Laws | 1582 – 1830 | – | – | 2037 – 4001 | 2018 – 2390 |
LLM: Natural Resources Laws | 769 – 2757 | – | – | 3473 – 4078 | 5863 – 7921 |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 766 – 2583 | 2268 – 2894 | 5527* – 7465* | 6005* – 8479* | 6491* – 8177* |
MNLU Mumbai | 202 – 679 | 1781* – 4380* | 2421* – 5743* | 3153 – 6371* | 7132 – – |
MNLU Nagpur | 643 – 2488 | 5242* – 6435* | 4436* – 6714* | 7024* – 8188* | – |
MNLU Aurangabad | 2169 – 2780 | – | 6281* – 7926* | — | – |
NLUJA Assam, Guwahati | 1594 – 2621 | – | 3859* – 8555* | 5222* – 6490* | 4647* – 8383* |
HPNLU Shimla | 698 – 2362 | – | – | 3436 – 5697 | 6023 – 8699 |
DNLU Jabalpur | 1629 – 2815 | 2554 – 3008 | 3230 – 3802 | 6206 – 6268 | 8217 – 8531 |
GNLU Silvassa Campus | 1628 – 2179 | 2154 – 2969 | 2100 – 4135 | 5471 – – | – |
*state category reservation
NLU Cut Off 2022 for 5-year LLB
NLU | General (Open – Close) | OBC (Open – Close) | SC (Open – Close) | ST (Open – Close) |
NLSIU Bangalore | 1 – 85 | 88 – 638 | 431 – 2224 | 554 – 3428 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 8 – 162 | 505 – 7849 | 1252 – 2761 | 3818 – 5158 |
WBNUJS Kolkata | 117 – 257 | 1989* – 11472* | 2503 – 4933 | 5084 – 7238 |
NLIU Bhopal | 241 – 451 | 774 – 1510 | 3618 – 4793 | 6076 – 10189 |
NLU Jodhpur | 155 – 378 | – | 2318 – 5881 | 1727 – 7620 |
HNLU Raipur | 430 – 756 | 1721 – 1980 | 4918 – 8797 | 11785 – 12027 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 175 – 430 | 752 – 1747 | 3779 – 6527 | 6155 – 12014 |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 377 – 756 | 902* – 3568 | 4565* – 10476 | 15889* – 19504 |
RGNUL Patiala | 437 – 1184 | – | 6134 – 9434 | 6449 – 16179 |
CNLU Patna | 932 – 1498 | 1882* – 9085* | 9825 – 18386* | 29956 – 19956* |
NUALS Kochi | 413 – 1315 | 2114* – 20999* | 8411 – 25640 | 16977* – 16977* |
NLU Odisha | 470 – 1191 | – | 5800 – 9726 | 13361 – 17417 |
NUSRL Ranchi | 933 – 1603 | 1386 – 2698 | 3540* – 21084* | 13311 – 31604 |
TNNLS Tiruchirappalli | 807 – 1816 | 1770 – 3789 | 6909 – 12015 | 15682 – 16880 |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 1002 – 1589 | 8881 – 11160 | 10847* – 10847* | 24160* – 24160* |
MNLU Mumbai | 64 – 548 | 1310* – 8987* | 4874*(W) – 16251*(W) | 14752*(W) – 43608*(W) |
MNLU Nagpur | 999 – 1657 | 6293* – 18196* | 16251* – 36646 | 30004 – 30479* |
MNLU Aurangabad | 1390 – 2323 | 19850* – 34225 | 20505* – 45669 | 44623*(W) – 46061 |
NLUJAA Guwahati | 1131 – 1979 | 5542* – 39724 | 25357* – 41911* | 16817* – 40718* |
HPNLU Shimla | 1056 – 2302 | – | 7229 – 12507 | 12778 – 22145 |
DNLU Jabalpur | 1314 – 2262 | 1647 – 3489 | 10967 – 12695 | 15638 – 22762 |
NLU Sonipat | 1094 – 2333 | 1917 – 4018 | 6448 – 12213 | 12177 – 23212 |
*state category reservation
NLU 2022 Cut Off for LLM
Name of NLU | General (All India)Opening – Closing | OBCOpening – Closing | SCOpening – Closing | STOpening – Closing |
NLSIU Bangalore | 14 – 163 | 138 – 549 | 353 – 1388 | 511 – 790 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 25 – 240 | 204 – 664 | 1014 – 1618 | 669 – 5158 |
WBNUJS Kolkata | 82 – 579 | 1498* – 3997* | 661 – 3172 | 1806 – 3113 |
NLIU Bhopal | 215 – 379 | 645* – 1609* | 1466 – 3154 | 3135 – 4757 |
NLU Jodhpur | 116 – 666 | – | 1433 – 2626 | 2037 – 4800 |
HNLU Raipur | 430 – 1038 | 1721 – 2485 | 4918 – 4607 | 4650 – 5538 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 377 – 514 | 664 – 1236 | 1256 – 3164 | 1916*(W) – 2347*(W) |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 3 – 127 | 206* – 491* | 273* – 1105* | 5554*(W) – 5554*(W) |
RGNUL Patiala | 133 – 769 | – | 1337 – 2805 | 2012 – 6324 |
NUALS Kochi | 545 – 1440 | 1682* – 4081* | 2804* – 7253* | 3113* – 3113* |
NLU Odisha Cuttack | 550 – 1333 | – | 2578 – 4329 | 4618 – 6668 |
NUSRL Ranchi | 493 – 1314 | 955 – 2560 | 2661 – 4315 | 2337 – 2350 |
TNNLS Tiruchirappalli | 549 – 1355 | 1201 – 2501 | 2500 – 2500 | 4226 – 4226 |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 826 – 1929 | 3259* – 7362* | 5374* – 5413* | 6616* – 6982* |
MNLU Mumbai | 194 – 735 | 2096* – 5060* | 3194* – 5631* | 6222* – 6222* |
MNLU Nagpur | 131 – 1561 | 3103* – 7383* | 3966 – 6755 | 6997* – 6997* |
MNLU Aurangabad | 1121 – 2195 | 6235* – 7776* | 5631* – 6217* | – |
NLUJAA Guwahati | 667 – 1721 | 2114* – 7764* | 6939* – 6939* | 3542* – 7298* |
HPNLU Shimla | 652 – 1524 | – | 2734 – 4760 | 4797 – 4797 |
*state category reservation
NLUs cut offs 2021 for 5-year LLB
NLU | General (All India) | OBC | SC | ST |
Open – Close | Open – Close | Open – Close | Open – Close | |
NLSIU Bangalore | 1 – 83 | – | 549 – 3042 | 486 – 3042 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 65 – 172 | 2703 – 10732 | 2161 – 2884 | 2844 – 6854 |
WBNUJS Kolkata | 24 – 241 | 1378 – 4575 | 2759 – 3644 | 2546 – 8125 |
NLIU Bhopal | 247 – 378 | 417 – 1045 | 3344 – 4086 | 9028 – 14684 |
NLU Jodhpur | 185 – 356 | – | 2954 – 5983 | 8323 – 15063 |
HNLU Raipur | 387 – 765 | 7238 – 9107 | 3209 – 9735 | 8757 – 14684 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 251 – 366 | 379 – 1693 | 4650 – 7277 | 6895 – 14753 |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 255 – 676 | 944 – 17831 | 3679 – 10062 | 13635 – 26103 |
RGNLU Patiala | 413 – 1075 | – | 7375 – 10357 | 12543 – 18707 |
CNLU Patna | 677 – 1312 | 1503* – | 10446 – 16784 | – |
NUALS Kochi | 414 – 1144 | – | 17266 – 29091 | – |
NLU Odisha (Cuttack) | 436 – 1072 | – | 7586 – 11031 | 13583 – 20296 |
NUSRL Ranchi | 1104 – 1507 | 1691 – 2596 | 10303 – 11742 | 16596 – 19273 |
TNNLS Tiruchirappalli | 1199 – 1834 | – | 11372 – 13332 | 10421 – 19551 |
DSNLU Vizag | 1036 – 1473 | – | *10397 – *20005 | *23268 – *28242 |
MNLU Mumbai | 371 – 453 | *1937 – *4124 | *6429 – *10350 | *26180 – *49307 |
MNLU Nagpur | 1052 – 1448 | *6808 – *19330 | *11603 – *31798 | *37629 – – |
MNLU Aurangabad | 1474 – 2022 | *9091 – *22502 | *15447 – *36653 | – |
NLUJAA Guwahati | 1091 – 1659 | *6260 – *48871 | *14578 – *46516 | *22414 – *48642 |
HPNLU Shimla | 755 – 2009 | – | 8911 – 13033 | 18878 – 25226 |
DNLU Jabalpur | 1290 – 1949 | *2264 – *4321 | *12039 – *19700 | *27102 – *43898 |
NLU Sonipat | 1033 – 2040 | 2327 – 3666 | 11754 – 14185 | 18558 – 25209 |
*state category reservation
NLU cut offs 2021 for LLM programmes
Name of NLU | General (All India)Opening – Closing | OBCOpening – Closing | SCOpening – Closing | STOpening – Closing |
NLSIU Bangalore | 3 – 153 | • | 278 – 3244 | 1678 – 2445 |
NALSAR Hyderabad | 10 – 170 | *1829 – *3319 | 398 – 962 | 668 – 2891 |
WBNUJS Kolkata | 87 – 418 | *5047 – *6757 | 1377 – 1807 | 2945 – 3838 |
NLIU Bhopal | 28 – 222 | 506 – 647 | 1401 – 1615 | 3856 – • |
NLU Jodhpur | 131 – 434 | • | 895 – 2837 | 1397 – 5117 |
HNLU Raipur | 424 – 742 | • | 2844 – 3386 | 5127 – 5297 |
GNLU Gandhinagar | 173 – 240 *GC-GUJ | 401 – 1002 | 1927 – 2579 *SC-W | 2201 ST-W – 4769 ST-W |
RMLNLU Lucknow | 18 – 81 | 140 – 481 | *1260 – *1637 | *6749 – • |
RGNLU Patiala | 13 – 528 | • | 1884 – 2873 | 2236 – 4481 |
NUALS Kochi | 385 – 944 | • | *1691 – *5303 | *8242 – • |
NLU Odisha Cuttack | 364 – 796 | • | 1281 – 3486 | 4824 – 8113 |
NUSRL Ranchi | 219 – 938 | 1114 – 1315 | 3085 – 3124 | 4533 – 6015 |
TNNLS Tiruchirappalli | 815 – 1143 | • | 3516 – • | 6141 – • |
DSNLU Vishakhapatnam | 439 – 1134 | • | *6682 – *6907 | *7826 (W) – • |
MNLU Mumbai | 438 – 544 | *3515 – *5607 | *2736 – *5457 | • – • |
MNLU Nagpur | 260 – 990 | *2118 – *8565 | *4656 – *8267 | • – • |
MNLU Aurangabad | 721 – 1148 | *6906 – • | *7556 (W) – 8267 (W) | • – • |
NLUJAA Guwahati | 655 – 943 | *3469 – *7062 | *3747 – *7002 | *4702 – *7604 |
HPNLU Shimla | 461 – 829 | • – • | 2932 – 3583 | 3404 (W) – 5459 (W) |
*state category reservation
How to Use the CLAT Cutoff for Preference Filling in Counselling
Filling the NLU preference list during CLAT counselling isn’t a routine task — it’s a strategic decision that can either land you in your dream law school or cost you a better opportunity. Every year, several students with decent ranks end up in lower-tier NLUs simply because they didn’t order their preferences wisely.
Understanding and applying the cutoff trends play a vital role in making informed decisions.
Why Preference Filling Matters
- CLAT counselling works on the rank + preference system.
- Even with a low rank, a poorly filled preference list may block upgrades.
- Cutoffs from the past years help you set realistic yet ambitious goals.
How to Strategically Use Cutoff Data in Preference Order
Step 1: Know Your Rank and Category
- Note your All India Rank (AIR) and category-specific rank.
- Match them against the latest NLU-wise closing ranks (for your category).
Step 2: Segment NLUs Based on Past Cutoffs
Category | Rank Range (General) | Target NLUs |
Tier 1 NLUs | 1–300 | NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, NLUJ, GNLU |
Tier 2 NLUs | 301–800 | RMLNLU, MNLU Mumbai, HNLU, NLUO, RGNUL |
Tier 3 NLUs | 801–1500+ | CNLU, DNLU, TNNLU, DSNLU, NUALS, others |
This grouping is flexible — it depends on your category, domicile, and paper difficulty.
Step 3: Prepare Your Preference List Logically
- Place top NLUs first, even if you’re unsure about securing them. Why? Because upgradation is allowed in later rounds.
- Order preferences based on a mix of cutoffs + your academic & career goals.
- Avoid filling based solely on proximity or peer choices.
How Cutoff Shifts Help in Later Rounds
Many students vacate seats in the first few rounds due to:
- Admission in other universities (AILET, SLAT, etc.)
- Choice upgradation
- Dropping out voluntarily
This leads to a cutoff drop in subsequent rounds, and if your rank is close to the earlier cutoff, you can still make it in Round 3, 4, or 5.
Sample Preference Filling – GEN Rank ~550
Preference | NLU Name | 2024 GEN Cutoff |
1 | NALSAR Hyderabad | 173 |
2 | WBNUJS Kolkata | 241 |
3 | NLU Jodhpur | 312 |
4 | GNLU Gandhinagar | 437 |
5 | MNLU Mumbai | 516 |
6 | RMLNLU Lucknow | 592 |
7 | HNLU Raipur | 805 |
Even if you don’t get your top 3 choices in Round 1, you remain eligible for upgrades in subsequent rounds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving out top NLUs, assuming “I won’t make it.”
- Prioritising location over opportunity (e.g., choosing a closer NLU over a Tier 1 NLU).
- Not filling enough preferences (less than 10).
- Ignoring category and domicile-specific cutoffs.
Final Tips:
- Fill your preferences with a long-term mindset — where will you grow best?
- Use both rank data and seat matrix to make intelligent calls.
- Update yourself before each counselling round with seat vacancy lists and round-wise shifts.
A smartly filled preference list backed by data is your ticket to a better law school, even without a top rank.
How to Strategically Set Your Target Score for CLAT 2025?
Establishing a realistic and well-informed target score is essential to enhance your chances of securing admission to a top National Law University (NLU). Below are key steps to help you set an effective CLAT 2025 target:
- Review Past CLAT Cut-Off Trends
Start by analysing cut-off data from the last 3–5 years to understand score trends for various NLUs.
For example, general category cut-offs for the top 10 NLUs have typically ranged between 85–95 marks. This serves as a solid benchmark for your target.
- Factor in Exam Difficulty
The difficulty level of the CLAT paper can significantly influence cut-offs. If the exam is expected to be moderately challenging, aim for a higher score. If it’s likely to be difficult, adjust your expectations accordingly.
- Set Category-Wise Target Scores
Tailor your score goals based on your reservation category:
- General: 90–100 for top-tier NLUs; 80–90 for others
- OBC: 75–85 for top NLUs
- SC/ST: 60–65 for top NLUs; 55–60 for others
- EWS: 70–85, depending on preferred NLU
- PwD: 55–65 for top NLUs
- Include a Safety Margin
Always incorporate a buffer of 5–10 marks above the expected cut-off.
For instance, if you anticipate the cut-off to be 85 marks, set your target at 90–95 to account for any unexpected variations.
- Track Performance Through Mock Tests
Use CLAT mock exams to evaluate your current standing and measure progress. Regularly compare your mock scores with your target, and fine-tune your preparation strategy accordingly.
- Focus on Gradual Improvement
If your current scores fall short of your target, set smaller, achievable milestones.
For example, if you’re scoring 60, aim to reach 70 within a month. Steady progress will help you close the gap and meet your final goal.
By following this structured approach, you can set a well-informed, achievable target that aligns with your aspirations and maximises your admission prospects.
Key Factors Influencing CLAT 2025 Cut-Off Marks
Several crucial factors determine the CLAT cut-off scores each year. For CLAT 2025, the following elements are expected to play a significant role:
- Exam Difficulty Level
The complexity of the CLAT question paper significantly influences the cut-off marks. A more difficult paper typically results in lower cut-offs. In contrast, a moderate-level paper tends to push cut-offs higher.
For instance, CLAT 2023, considered one of the most challenging editions in recent years, saw lower cut-offs than CLAT 2021, which was moderate but lengthy.
- Number of Candidates Appearing
The total number of aspirants directly impacts the level of competition. A higher number of test-takers generally leads to an increase in the cut-off scores.
Approximately 60,000 candidates are expected to appear for CLAT 2025.
- Availability of Seats
The number of seats offered across NLUs for both UG and PG programs also affects the cut-off. Limited seat availability raises the competition, resulting in higher cut-offs.
For CLAT 2025, the total number of seats across NLUs is around 3,700.
- Overall Candidate Performance
If a large proportion of candidates perform exceptionally well, the cut-offs are likely to increase. Conversely, if the overall performance is weaker, the cut-offs may decrease accordingly.
- Reservation Policies
Cut-off marks vary by category due to reservation policies for General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and other categories. The number of seats allocated per category directly impacts these variations.
- Domicile Quotas
Some NLUs offer state domicile reservations, resulting in lower cut-off ranks for candidates applying under home-state quotas compared to those applying from other states.
- Preference for Specific NLUs
Cut-off trends vary across institutions. Top-ranked NLUs such as NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata typically have higher cut-offs due to higher demand. On the other hand, mid- and lower-tier NLUs generally see relatively lower cut-offs.
Tips to Improve Your Rank & Get into Top NLUs
Securing a seat at a top NLU like NLSIU, NALSAR, or WBNUJS isn’t just about hard work — it’s about smart strategy, targeted preparation, and consistency.
With cutoffs for Tier 1 NLUs closing under AIR 300, you need to be among the top 1% of candidates. But the good news? With the right plan, CLAT is highly crackable, even without coaching or a legal background.
Here’s how you can boost your rank and reach your dream law school:
1. Set a Target Rank and Work Backwards
Target NLU | Safe AIR (GEN) | Estimated Score (CLAT 2024-level) |
NLSIU Bangalore | Top 100 | 105+ marks |
NALSAR Hyderabad | Top 200 | 98–104 marks |
WBNUJS Kolkata | Top 300 | 95–100 marks |
Any NLU (GEN) | Up to 3000 | 70–80 marks |
Your preparation intensity should match your target. If you want Tier 1, you need Tier 1 habits.
2. Strengthen the Core – Focus on CLAT’s High-Yield Sections
CLAT tests reading and reasoning more than memory. Prioritise accordingly:
Section | Key Focus Areas |
English Language | Reading Comprehension, Tone, Inference |
Legal Reasoning | Principle-Fact Questions, Assumptions |
Logical Reasoning | Paragraph-based CR, Statement Logic |
Current Affairs | Quality editorials, legal news, PIB |
Quantitative Techniques | Basic Math (Class 8–10), DI, Percentages |
3. Practice > Theory
- Solve 1–2 full-length mocks per week from 6 months out.
- In the last 90 days: 3–5 mocks per week, with daily sectionals.
- After every mock, analyse:
- Accuracy
- Time spent per section
- Question selection strategy
CLAT is not about solving every question. It’s about solving the right ones at the right time.
4. Master Time Management
- Stick to a strict 2-hour test-taking strategy.
- Don’t get stuck on one tough passage — move on, return later.
- Practice section-wise time blocks:
- English: 25 min
- Legal: 35 min
- Logical: 25 min
- Current Affairs: 15 min
- Quant: 10–15 min
5. Use Smart Resources
- Don’t follow 10 sources — follow 1 smart one.
- Solve previous year CLAT papers.
- Read editorials from The Hindu, Indian Express for both English and GK prep.
6. Learn from Mentors & Toppers
- Watch topper interviews to understand mindset shifts.
- Join a mentorship program or peer prep group.
- Regularly take feedback on mocks — sometimes one external insight = 10 days of self-study.
Final Advice:
- Track your growth weekly.
- Maintain a mistake journal.
- Don’t burn out. Consistency wins over intensity.
In CLAT, even 1 mark can push you up or down by 50 ranks. Your rank depends not just on how much you know, but how well you manage time, pressure, and decision-making.
CLAT Cutoff Trends Over the Years (2021–2024)
One of the most effective ways to predict your chances of getting into a particular NLU is by understanding how cutoffs have evolved over the past few years.
By analysing past trends, you can:
- Set realistic goals for CLAT 2025
- Identify which NLUs are becoming more competitive
- Understand the impact of new NLUs, seat expansion, and category-wise shifts
Let’s look at the General Category closing ranks across top NLUs from 2019 to 2024 (Round 1 data wherever applicable).
General Category – CLAT UG Closing Ranks (2021–2024)
Year ↓ | NLSIU Bangalore | NALSAR Hyderabad | WBNUJS Kolkata | NLU Jodhpur | GNLU Gandhinagar |
2024 | 85 | 173 | 241 | 312 | 437 |
2023 | 114 | 177 | 260 | 315 | 455 |
2022 | 85 | 162 | 241 | 323 | 460 |
2021 | 83 | 172 | 241 | 356 | 366 |
2020 | 59 | 130 | 215 | 245 | 417 |
2019 | 54 | 120 | 213 | 245 | 374 |
Observation: While NLSIU and NALSAR continue to have cutoffs under AIR 200, NLUs like GNLU and NLUJ are now closing under AIR 500, indicating increasing competition.
What’s Driving These Changes?
Trend | Reason |
Rising Cutoffs | Higher number of well-prepared candidates; improved awareness |
Stable Top 3 | NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS consistently close under 250 |
Volatile Mid-Tier | Cutoffs for GNLU, RMLNLU, MNLUs vary based on location & batch choices |
Newer NLUs | DNLU, MPDNLU, and NLUT still closing above AIR 2000 |
Cutoff Stability Score (2021–2024)
(Lower value = more stable = consistent student demand)
NLU | Stability Index |
NLSIU Bangalore | ★★★★★ |
NALSAR Hyderabad | ★★★★★ |
WBNUJS Kolkata | ★★★★☆ |
NLU Jodhpur | ★★★★☆ |
GNLU Gandhinagar | ★★★☆☆ |
RGNUL Patiala | ★★★☆☆ |
MNLU Nagpur | ★★☆☆☆ |
What This Means for CLAT 2025 Aspirants
- Aim for higher accuracy and speed — cutoffs are only going up.
- For the top 5 NLUs, plan for a target score of 95–105 (depending on difficulty).
- If you’re targeting NLUs in the 600–1200 AIR range, build flexibility in your preference list — cutoff fluctuations are common.
Steps to Check the CLAT 2025 Cut-Off
Candidates can view the CLAT 2025 cut-off for each NLU via the provisional allotment lists released by the consortium for every counselling round. Follow these steps to access the cut-off:
- Visit the official CLAT website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
- Navigate to the CLAT 2025 tab and open the notification section
- Click on the link for the provisional allotment list for the desired round
- Choose the NLU for which you want to check the cut-off
- The CLAT 2025 cut-off PDF will appear on the screen
- Download and save the PDF for future reference
Final Thoughts
Cutoffs are more than just numbers — they’re a reflection of the intense competition, changing trends, and strategic choices that define every CLAT aspirant’s journey. Whether you’re aiming for NLSIU Bangalore or a newer NLU, the proper use of cutoff data can make all the difference in your admission outcome.
Key Takeaways:
- Top NLUs like NLSIU, NALSAR, and WBNUJS consistently close under AIR 300.
- Even a 2–3 mark difference can shift your rank by 50+ positions.
- Use past year cutoffs to plan your preparation, strategy, and preference list.
- Stay informed during counselling to make the most of seat movement in later rounds.
- Don’t underestimate Tier-2 or Tier-3 NLUs — consistency and clarity matter more than brand.
Final Word from Team Tarkashastra
Whether you’re aiming for the top 3 or just beginning your legal journey, remember: CLAT is a test of reading, reasoning, and resilience. The cutoff is your compass — use it wisely.
Need help building your preference list or understanding your chances? Join our free CLAT 2025 Mentorship Webinar or book a 1-on-1 session with a mentor.
FAQs on CLAT NLU Cutoffs
1. What is the CLAT cutoff?
The CLAT cutoff is the minimum rank or score required to get admission into a specific NLU. It varies by course, category, NLU, and counselling round.
2. Who releases the official CLAT cutoffs?
The Consortium of NLUs releases cutoff ranks after each counselling round based on seat allotments for each category and course.
3. Do cutoffs vary for each NLU?
Yes, each NLU has its own cutoff depending on its reputation, intake, and category-wise reservation. Top NLUs usually close under AIR 300.
4. Are cutoffs different for BA, LLB, and LLM?
Yes. BA LLB and LLM have separate counselling rounds and distinct cutoffs. LLM cutoffs are generally lower due to fewer applicants.
5. How many counselling rounds are conducted for CLAT?
Usually, there are five rounds of counselling. Cutoffs increase in each round as students move or drop out.
6. Do CLAT cutoffs increase or decrease over the rounds?
They usually increase with each round, but for some lower-tier NLUs, the cutoff may drop slightly in later rounds due to seat vacancies.
7. Can I get into an NLU with a low CLAT rank?
Yes, if you fall under a reserved or domicile category, or apply to newer NLUs where cutoffs are higher in number but lower in rank.
8. Are there different cutoffs for reserved categories?
Absolutely. SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories have separate and generally lower cutoffs compared to General category candidates.
9. What is a domicile quota cutoff?
Some NLUs offer a state quota for candidates from that state, with a separate, often lower, cutoff. E.g., MNLU Mumbai (Maharashtra quota).
10. Do all NLUs follow the same reservation policy?
No. Reservation rules vary by NLU and depend on state policies. Some follow horizontal reservation (PwD, female) in addition to vertical.
11. Is there any advantage in preference filling based on cutoff trends?
Yes. Knowing cutoff trends helps you strategically order preferences to ensure you’re considered for the best possible NLU your rank allows.
12. What if I miss the cutoff by a few ranks?
Stay in the counselling pool. Many students get upgraded in Round 3–5 due to dropout or shifting. Keep options open and don’t exit early.
13. How much can the cutoff vary year to year?
Cutoffs can fluctuate by 20–50 ranks for Tier 1 NLUs and more for others, depending on paper difficulty, competition, and seat intake.
14. Is it possible to get NLU admission with an AIR 1000+?
Yes, especially in Tier 2 and 3 NLUs or under reserved categories. Even candidates with ranks up to 2000–2500 have secured seats in past years.
15. Can I get admission into NLSIU or NALSAR with AIR 300?
Unlikely in the General category. You typically need a Top 100–150 rank for NLSIU and a Top 200–250 rank for NALSAR.
16. Where can I check the latest cutoffs?
The Consortium of NLUs website publishes official round-wise and category-wise cutoff PDFs during the counselling process.
17. Do NLUs publish cutoffs separately for each course (BA LLB vs BBA LLB)?
Yes. If an NLU offers both streams (e.g., BA LLB & BBA LLB), each course has a different cutoff based on preference and seat availability.
18. What if I don’t get any NLU after Round 5?
You will not be considered for further rounds. However, spot counselling or direct institute-level rounds may happen later (rare).
19. Does AILET have the same cutoff as CLAT?
No. AILET is a separate exam conducted only for NLU Delhi, and its cutoffs are entirely independent of CLAT.
20. Can I use last year’s cutoffs to plan my 2025 counselling?
Yes, they serve as a very reliable benchmark, though minor variations will occur. Use them to build a smart, rank-aligned preference list.