NLUs offering 3-year LLB: Complete List, Entrance Exams, Course Details & Fees
  • Law Exams
  • CLAT Exam
  • NLUs offering 3-year LLB: Complete List, Entrance Exams, Course Details & Fees

NLUs offering 3-year LLB: Complete List, Entrance Exams, Course Details & Fees

Isha GargUpdated on 30 Sep 2025, 02:24 PM IST

National Law Universities (NLUs) are India’s top institutes for legal education. There are 24 NLUs in India, and most of them admit students through the CLAT entrance exam. While all NLUs offer 5-year integrated law programmes, a few also offer 3-year LLB, opening themselves up for graduate students interested in studying law.

NLUs offering 3-year LLB: Complete List, Entrance Exams, Course Details & Fees
4 NLUs offering 3-year LLB

The 3-year LLB course in NLUs is open to all students irrespective of their stream of graduation. The courses are designed to offer focused legal training and prepare the students for the legal profession.

Currently, four NLUs offer 3-year LLB programs. CNLU PaTS LAWCET 2024: Counselling (Started), Web Options, Seat Allotment, Cut off, Collegestna is the latest in the list to add a 3-year LLB course in 2025. The mode of admission to these courses remains university-specific entrance exams.

NLUs Offering 3-Year LLB Courses

National Law University

Entrance exam

NLSIU, Bangalore

National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT-LLB)

CNLU, Patna

CNLU Entrance Test (CNLU-ET)

NLU, Odisha

NLUO 3-year LLB Entrance Test (NAIET)

NLU, Visakhapatnam

DSNLU 3 Year LLB Entrance Test (DET)

3-Year LLB Course Offered by NLUs in India

The 3-year LLB at NLUs is designed for graduates from various disciplines seeking entry into legal practice or academic specialisation. The curriculum emphasises analytical skills, legal reasoning, and practical training to prepare students for a variety of law careers.

Admission to the 3-year LLB course in the NLUs is through university-specific entrance exams. Each university maintains distinct admission criteria and exam patterns aligned with its academic standards.

National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) Admission

The NLSAT is the exclusive entrance exam conducted by NLSIU Bangalore for admission to its 3-year LLB (Hons.) programme. The total intake for this course is 120 students. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for reserved candidates). Final year graduation students can also apply, provided they complete their degree by December.

The NLSAT consists of a single question paper divided into two parts: Part A and Part B, with a total duration of 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes). Part A contains 75 MCQs covering comprehension, current affairs, and critical reasoning, with negative marking for wrong or unanswered questions. Candidates scoring above zero in Part A qualify for Part B evaluation, which includes subjective questions that test legal aptitude and analytical ability. Final admissions are based on total score and reservation policies.

CNLU Entrance Test (CNLU-ET)

The CNLU Entrance Test (CNLU-ET) is the specific exam for admission to the 3-year LLB (Hons.) course at Chanakya National Law University, Patna. It is conducted offline once a year, usually in the months of May or June. Registration starts around March or April, and candidates must register online via the official CNLU website and pay the applicable application fees (₹3,000 for general and ₹2,500 for reserved categories).

Candidates applying for CNLU-ET must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. The minimum marks required as per the category are 60% for general/BC/EBC/EWS/PWD and 55% for SC/ST.

The exam features 120 multiple-choice questions covering three main areas:

  • English (including reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary)

  • General awareness (aligning with UPSC Civil Services prelims level)

  • General & critical reasoning (logical, analytical puzzles and arguments)

Each question carries one mark; 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. The selection is merit-based. The university conducts an online counselling session to shortlist the candidates in the last stage.

NLU Odisha All India Entrance Test (NAIET)

NLU Odisha offers admission to its 3-year LLB programme through the NLUO All India Entrance Test (NAIET). The total intake for this course is 60 students. It is an offline exam conducted once a year. Candidates must have scored a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST) in graduation to apply. Final-year students can also apply, but they must submit proof of passing before admission.

The NAIET question paper will have 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed within two hours. The syllabus includes the following subjects:

  • English (approx. 40-45 questions)

  • General awareness (approx. 30 questions)

  • Logical reasoning (approx. 40-50 questions).

Amity University-Noida Law Admissions 2026

Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026

UPES Integrated LLB Admissions 2026

Ranked #18 amongst Institutions in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings | 16 LPA Highest CTC

Candidates will be awarded one mark for each correct answer, and there is no negative marking for incorrect or unattempted questions. Candidates must register online, complete fee payment, and appear on the exam date as announced on the official NLU Odisha website.

DSNLU 3-Year LLB Entrance Test (DET)

NLU Visakhapatnam conducts the DSNLU 3-Year LLB Entrance Test (DET) every year to admit graduates from any discipline. Application fees range from Rs. 1,800 for SC/ST to Rs. 2,500 for the general category.

The exam is offline (pen and paper-based) and includes 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark. The exam duration is 120 minutes, and there is no negative marking. Subjects covered are General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, and Current Affairs.

Eligibility for DET requires a recognised bachelor’s degree with at least 45% aggregate marks for the general category, 42% for BC, and 40% for SC/ST candidates. Candidates with slightly lower percentages in graduation can qualify if they have higher marks in additional graduation or post-graduation degrees.

The total intake for the programme is 132 seats, including 12 supernumerary seats for foreign citizens, NRIs, and NRI-sponsored applicants. Admission is strictly based on DET scores. The qualifying mark for DET is 35%, with no minimum for SC/ST candidates.

3-Year LLB Fees at NLUs

National Law University

Annual fees (INR)

NLSIU, Bangalore

₹5,06,000

₹5,01,500 (SC/ST)

CNLU, Patna

₹1,85,470

NLU, Odisha

₹2,47,520

NLU, Visakhapatnam

₹1,70,000

The annual fees for 3-year LLB programmes at National Law Universities vary significantly due to differences in infrastructure, facilities, and location. These fees include tuition, examination, development, and hostel and mess charges. Candidates should carefully evaluate the eligibility criteria, course details, entrance exams, and fee structures of NLSIU Bangalore, CNLU Patna, NLU Odisha, and NLU Visakhapatnam before registering for the courses.

Articles
|
Upcoming Law Exams
Ongoing Dates
BITS LAT Application Date

27 Aug'25 - 6 Jan'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
NLSAT Application Date

15 Nov'25 - 23 Mar'26 (Online)

Certifications By Top Providers
Study from Still Life
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Political Ideologies
Via Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
Introduction to History of Architecture in India
Via Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune
Introduction to Peace and Conflict Management BGP-001
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Home Science-Extension and Communication Management Level-2
Via English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad
Education for Sustainable Development
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Swayam
 162 courses
Edx
 129 courses
Futurelearn
 74 courses
NPTEL
 74 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?

If you have secured a CLAT 2026 rank of 13656 and are aiming for admission to LLM programmes in National Law Universities (NLUs), it’s important to understand how selection usually works. LLM admissions at most NLUs depend primarily on the candidate’s CLAT PG rank, but the level of competition is high because many applicants compete for a limited number of seats. With a rank around 13656, the chances of securing a seat in the most sought-after NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata or National Law University Delhi are quite slim because these institutions tend to have much higher closing ranks for most specialisations in their LLM programmes.

However, your rank keeps you in a position to explore other good NLUs and national law schools where the closing ranks are relatively lower or have larger seat matrices. Institutions such as Hidayatullah National Law University Raipur, National Law University Odisha, Gujarat National Law University, Tamil Nadu National Law University, Chanakya National Law University Patna and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University Lucknow have historically had closing ranks beyond the top five NLUs. These universities often offer quality legal education, experienced faculty, moot court activities, internships and decent placement opportunities for LLM graduates. Many of them also have specialisations in areas like constitutional law, corporate law, human rights law and international law, giving you options to pursue your interests.

It is also essential to remember that CLAT PG counselling usually happens in multiple rounds, including mop-up and stray vacancy rounds, through which seats in various universities are reallocated as candidates make changes or withdraw. With a rank in the mid-range, participating in all counselling rounds will improve your chances because some seats open up later in the process. Apart from NLUs, some universities and law schools that accept CLAT PG scores may also offer admission based on home-state quotas or reserved category benefits if applicable to you. Evaluating all these options with an open mind will help you find a suitable law institute where you can pursue your LLM and build your legal career.

All the best.

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.

Hello there,

Here is a list of government and semi-government colleges that accept CLAT score:

  1. IIM Rohtak
  2. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
  3. National Forensic Science University
  4. CUSAT
  5. Jamia Hamdard University

However, these universities also carry out separate registration to apply using your CLAT Scorecard.

I hope this helps you.

Thankyou.