Best Law Colleges to Consider After CLAT

The Common Law Admission Test, or CLAT, is one of the most competitive exams for students aspiring to pursue a career in law. It serves as the gateway to admission in the best National Law Universities and other prestigious law schools across India. This can happen once a person passes CLAT and then selects a college as per aspirations, career objectives, and personal preferences. In this blog, we will look at the top colleges that one should choose after clearing CLAT and the factors that may help you take a better decision.

What is CLAT?
CLAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by a consortium of NLUs for undergraduate and postgraduate law programs, BA LLB and LLM. It is one of the most competitive exams in the country, where thousands of students compete for a few seats in the top law schools across India. Scoring well in CLAT opens up a range of opportunities, especially in premier law schools where students can receive a world-class legal education and excellent placement prospects.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Law College After CLAT

Before diving into the list of top colleges, it's important to consider the following factors while choosing the best law college:

Ranking: The first step to shortlisting colleges, while shortlisting, is the ranking of law schools. The higher in rank, the better exposure and placement opportunities, thus the better internships and other exposures.
Curriculum and Specializations: Among various law schools, many specialize in different branches such as corporate law, criminal law, constitutional law, and international law. Based on your interest, opt for a college that has an offering of courses relevant to your interest.
Placement Records: Placement record of a college is a critical issue. Top law colleges have strong industry connections and a very high placement record in most law firms, multinational companies, and governmental agencies.
Faculty and Infrastructure: Experienced faculty members along with all modern infrastructure including libraries, moot courts, and research facilities must be there to be called a good law school.
Campus Life: Choose colleges that have a lively campus life, offering extracurricular activities like mooting, debates, internships, and legal aid services, which contributes to the all-round development of a student.

Top Colleges to Choose After CLAT
Here's the list of some of the best law colleges in India you should look for after CLAT:

1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore: A Premier Choice for Aspiring Lawyers
CLAT Cut-off: 100+ (Year-wise)
Why Choose NLSIU: NLSIU is widely regarded as the leading law school in India, consistently securing top rankings for its academic excellence and distinguished reputation in the legal field. Known for its rigorous academic environment, world-class faculty, and impressive placement records, NLSIU offers students opportunities to work with some of the best law firms and corporates globally. It is a great choice for those seeking a well-rounded education in law with exposure to international legal practices.

2. 2. National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad: A Hub for Excellence in Legal Education
CLAT Cut-off: 95-98
Why NALSAR: NALSAR has been famous for its curriculum and research-based approach towards law. The University ranks high among the leading law schools in India time and again. It provides an extensive range of specialization courses. NALSAR has close ties with the legal profession, offering high-quality internship and placement facilities to the students. Plus, the campus culture here is very good with events and activities managed by the students themselves.

3. National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi)
CLAT Cut-off: Not applicable (NLU Delhi conducts its own exam, the AILET)
Why Choose NLU Delhi: NLU Delhi is one of the most prestigious law schools in India. Though it doesn't participate in CLAT, it conducts the AILET. NLU Delhi is famous for brilliant faculties, innovative teaching pedagogies, and fantastic placements. It offers variety ranging from LLB and LLM to a totally accepted legal education system on an international level.

4. National Law University, Jodhpur (NLU Jodhpur)
CLAT Cut-off: 95-98
Why Choose NLU Jodhpur: NLU Jodhpur offers a well-structured curriculum, along with various specializations in law such as corporate law, criminal law, and intellectual property law. The law school provides excellent placement opportunities with top law firms, corporations, and the judiciary. The campus is equipped with modern infrastructure and is situated in a calm, conducive environment for legal studies.

5. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
CLAT Cut-off: 95-98
Why Choose WBNUJS: WBNUJS is another top law school that offers a comprehensive law program with various specializations. The college has a strong track record of academic excellence and research in law. The campus has an active student body with regular moots, debates, and legal aid services, which provide ample opportunities for students to grow.

6. National Law University, Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack
CLAT Cut-off: 85-90
Why Choose NLUO: NLUO has come out as one of the leading law schools in India in recent years. Famous for its excellent faculty and focus on research, NLUO offers opportunities to work in collaboration with national and international law firms. It provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for the diversified field of law.

7. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala
CLAT Cut-off: 85-90
Why Choose RGNUL: RGNUL is one of the best law universities in Punjab and offers a great law education with strong research and internship work. The campus is modern, and students can use the college's industry network to gain better placement opportunities.

8. National Law University, Lucknow (NLU Lucknow)
CLAT Cut-off: 85-90
Why NLU Lucknow: NLU Lucknow is known for its academic intensity and excellent placement record. The college offers a wide range of law programs, such as BA LLB and LLM, and has an active campus life with a wide variety of extracurricular activities. The faculty at NLU Lucknow includes some of the most distinguished names in the field of law.

10. Symbiosis Law School, Pune

CLAT Cut-off: Not applicable (SLS Pune conducts its own entrance exam, SLAT)

Why Choose SLS Pune: Symbiosis Law School, Pune, is one of the best private law schools in India. It conducts its own entrance exam, the Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT). Known for its vibrant campus and academic excellence, SLS Pune offers a unique learning experience, with strong corporate connections and international exposure.

Summary

Choosing the right law college after CLAT is a crucial step toward building a successful legal career. Colleges like NLSIU, NALSAR, and NLU Delhi remain the top choices for many aspirants, offering outstanding education, faculty, and placement records. However, there are several other prestigious law universities like WBNUJS, NLU Jodhpur, and RGNUL that provide quality education and opportunities to excel in the field of law. By considering factors such as academic excellence, specializations offered, faculty, campus life, and placement records, you can select the law college that best suits your career aspirations.