The expected rank for CLAT 2026 marks of 60 to 65 is generally between 14000 to 18000. It is a challenge to get into National Law Universities (NLUs) with this score. But, majority of students achieve these marks and get into NLUs by correctly utilising the CLAT counselling process. Factors like reservations, category-wise seat distribution, and preferences influence the final seat allocation. All NLUs are competitive, but some of the Tier 2 or 3 NLUs tend to have lower cut-offs, especially for reserved categories. Candidates who do not get NLUs within the 60 to 65 score range can apply to CLAT-affiliated colleges. These accept students with low CLAT scores. Read this article to understand the expected rank for CLAT 2026 marks of 60 to 65 and the possible NLUs for this range.
The table details the equivalent rank for CLAT 2026 scores between 60 and 65 based on the previous year’s CLAT cut-offs.
Score | Rank |
60.5 | 18330 |
62 | 16834-17004 |
62.25 | 16600 |
62.5 | 16434-16475 |
63 | 15834 |
63.25 | 15697 |
63.75 | 15161 |
64 | 15006-15021 |
64.25 | 14783 |
64.5 | 14616 |
64.75 | 14397 |
65 | 14152 |
The cut-offs for the general category remain comparatively higher. Unfortunately, CLAT 2026 marks between 60 and 65 will not secure admission at NLUs. for this category. Candidates need to score 90+ to get into NLUs.
Based on CLAT 2025 cut-offs, only MNLU Nagpur admitted students with CLAT scores of 60 and 65 for its BA LLB program. The opening rank for EWS was around 7,863, while the closing rank was 16,868.
Candidates can get admitted to the BBA LLB program at MNLU Aurangabad and BA LLB and BBA LLB courses at MNLU Nagpur. Both NLUs accepted candidates with ranks starting from 2230 and closing at 21108.
NLU | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
MNLU Aurangabad - BBA LLB | 15631* | 21108* |
MNLU Nagpur - BA LLB | 2230* | 15059* |
MNLU Nagpur - BBA LLB | 9041* | 16794* |
*state reservation
Candidates from the SC category have better chances of admission during the CLAT counselling process. MNLU Nagpur considered these students at the start of its admission process for the BBA LLB programme. Other NLUs, like CNLU Patna, MNLU Mumbai, IIULER Goa and more closed at ranks within the 14000-18000 range.
NLU | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
MNLU Nagpur - BBA LLB | 17024* | 26619* |
CNLU Patna (BBA LLB) | 12269* | 15833* |
9871* | 15029* | |
MNLU Mumbai | 7180* | 15622* |
IIULER Goa BA LLB | 6774 | 14412 |
IIULER Goa BBA LLB | 11230 | 14867 |
*state reservation
ST category candidates generally have a stronger chance of securing an NLU seat even with a CLAT score of around 60. Several NLUs had closing ranks in the 15,000–19,000 range in past admission cycles. This allowed ST candidates with similar scores to secure seats in the later rounds of counselling.
NLU | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
CNLU Patna (BBA LLB) | - | 27043* |
CNLU Patna (BA LLB) | - | 16829* |
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli BA LLB | 14211 | 15384 |
HPNLU Shimla - BBA LLB | 15632 | 19910 |
HPNLU Shimla - BA LLB | 13499 | 18083 |
12320 | 15112 | |
NLU Odisha BBA LLB | 10921 | 15161 |
NUSRL Ranchi BA LLB | 10015 | 15023 |
DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 13506 | 15632 |
MNLU Nagpur - BA LLB | 43425* | 57657* |
*state reservation
On Question asked by student community
With an AIR of 34724 and OBC category rank of 7153, chances of getting a seat in DSNLU Visakhapatnam are low in early rounds. However, since you are already invited for counselling, there may be some chance in later rounds depending on seat vacancy and cut-off movement. You should participate in all counselling rounds and keep other college options open.
You can check CLAT cutoffs and counselling details here:
https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-cutoff
With a CLAT LLM rank of 13656, getting a top NLU is difficult. You may have chances in lower-ranked NLUs or private law universities, depending on seat availability and category.
You can check CLAT LLM counselling details here:
https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-llm-cut-off
With a CLAT PG rank of 1257 in the SC category and being a woman candidate with Rajasthan domicile, you do have a realistic chance of securing admission to several National Law Universities, though the top NLUs may be difficult at this rank. Admission chances depend heavily on category-wise cut-offs, domicile reservations, and how many seats are available in a given year. For top-tier NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, or NLUD, the closing ranks for SC category usually fall much lower, so chances there are minimal. However, you should definitely consider mid- and lower-ranked NLUs where SC category cut-offs often extend beyond 1200–1500 ranks.
You should prioritise NLUs that offer domicile or state quota benefits, especially those closer to your home state or neighbouring regions. National Law University Jodhpur (if applicable under domicile or category movement), Hidayatullah National Law University Raipur, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University Lucknow, Gujarat National Law University Gandhinagar, Maharashtra National Law University (Nagpur or Aurangabad), National Law University Odisha, and Tamil Nadu National Law University are some options where candidates in the SC category with similar ranks have secured seats in previous counselling rounds. Lower-tier NLUs like Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Himachal Pradesh National Law University, and Dharmashastra National Law University can also be kept in your preference list as safer options.
Your strategy should be to keep a wide preference list during counselling, placing mid-ranked NLUs first and then moving to lower NLUs, rather than restricting yourself only to a few choices. Also, stay active during subsequent counselling rounds and vacancy rounds, as many seats in the SC category are filled later due to withdrawals. Overall, while top NLUs may be tough, you have a fair chance of getting into a decent NLU if you plan your preferences smartly and remain flexible.
With a CLAT PG rank of around 11,000, getting admission into the top National Law Universities (NLUs) is not likely, as their general category cut-offs usually close much earlier. However, you still have realistic chances in lower-ranked and newer NLUs, especially in the later rounds of CLAT counselling or through vacant seats.
At this rank, you may consider NLUs such as NLU Tripura, NLU Meghalaya, NLU Nagaland, NLU Sikkim, NLU Andhra Pradesh, NLU Odisha, NLU Jabalpur, and NLU Aurangabad, particularly if you belong to a reserved category like SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or have domicile or women reservation applicable. Cut-offs for these universities tend to go higher in rank compared to older NLUs, and seats often open up in subsequent counselling rounds due to withdrawals.
If you do not secure an NLU seat, you should also strongly consider reputed state and private law universities that accept CLAT PG scores or conduct their own entrance tests. Universities such as Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Delhi University (DU – through CUET PG), Jamia Millia Islamia, Symbiosis Law School, Christ University, Jindal Global Law School, and Nirma University are good alternatives for LLM aspirants. Many of these institutions offer strong academic exposure, experienced faculty, and good research opportunities, sometimes even better than newer NLUs.
Overall, while a rank of 11,000 limits options in top NLUs, admission is still possible in newer NLUs or good non-NLU law universities, provided you actively participate in counselling rounds and keep backup options ready.
With a CLAT 2026 All India Rank around 2070, Telangana domicile, and holding an OBC certificate (girl candidate), your chances of getting admission into a top-tier NLU like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, NUJS Kolkata or NLU Jodhpur are quite low, as their closing ranks are usually much higher. However, you still have realistic chances in several mid-tier and newer NLUs, especially if OBC reservation and domicile or women reservation is applicable.
Based on previous years’ counselling trends, you can reasonably expect chances in NLUs such as NLU Odisha (Cuttack), NLIU Bhopal (borderline, depending on category movement), NLU Assam (Guwahati), DSNLU Visakhapatnam, TNNLU Tiruchirappalli, HPNLU Shimla, NLU Tripura, NLU Meghalaya, NLU Sikkim, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar NLU Sonipat. Some of these universities see rank movement in later rounds and vacancies, particularly for reserved categories and women candidates.
Since you are from Telangana, you should definitely keep NALSAR Hyderabad in your preference list, but only after all higher NLUs, as the domicile quota is limited and usually closes at a much better rank. Still, it is worth trying because domicile and category together can sometimes help in spot or vacancy rounds.
Your best strategy would be to prepare a balanced preference list: first include all top NLUs, then mid-tier NLUs like NLU Odisha and NLIU Bhopal, followed by newer and lower-ranked NLUs where your rank has a stronger chance. Make sure you actively participate in all counselling rounds, including vacancies, as many seats open up after withdrawals.
Cut-offs vary every year depending on seat intake, category distribution, and counselling dynamics, so even if you miss out in early rounds, you should not lose hope. Keep your documents ready, track counselling updates closely, and stay flexible with preferences to maximize your chances of securing an NLU seat.
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Ranked #18 amongst Institutions in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings | 16 LPA Highest CTC
AICTE & UGC Approved | NAAC A+ Accredited
NAAC A++ Approved | Curriculum Aligned with BCI & UGC
India's Largest University | BCI approved | Meritorious Scholarships up to 5 lacs |
Integrated Learning – A balanced blend of management and legal education