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    RMNLU Lucknow vs NLU Odisha: Which is Better?

    RMNLU Lucknow vs NLU Odisha: Which is Better?

    Isha GargUpdated on 23 Feb 2026, 05:12 PM IST

    Choosing between Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMNLU), Lucknow, and National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack, is a strategic decision for CLAT aspirants. While both institutions are well-established within the legal community, they support distinct career paths. RMNLU, founded in 2005, has become a leading institution for students aiming for civil services and litigation. Whereas NLU Odisha, founded in 2009, is recognised for its strong mooting culture and higher median placement packages, making it a preferred choice for corporate law.

    RMNLU Lucknow vs NLU Odisha: Which is Better?
    RMNLU Lucknow vs NLU Odisha: Which is Better?

    The choice between these two law schools depends more on their specific institutional strengths than on their general ranking. Most students choose NLUs for corporate careers, but the culture in Uttar Pradesh makes RMNLU a hub for those aiming for the judiciary and civil services. NLUO has a better ranking in NIRF 2025 law and higher median salaries. RMNLU provides a more affordable education (approx. Rs 2.05 lakhs per year) and is higher in student preference for its affordability and judicial services.

    NIRF Ranking and Score Comparison (2021-2025)

    Year

    RMNLU Lucknow

    NLU Odisha

    2025

    21

    15

    2024

    20

    26

    2023

    21

    30

    2022

    17

    25

    2021

    15

    18

    NLUO’s NIRF position of rank 15 in 2025 is largely driven by its Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) score of 80.87. NLU Odisha’s TLR score in NIRF 2025 is significantly higher than RMNLU’s 60.35. TLR measures the quality of the academic foundation, focusing on faculty-student ratios, faculty qualifications, and the utilisation of financial resources.

    However, RMNLU consistently performs better in Graduation Outcomes (GO), scoring 85.37 against NLUO’s 58.72 in 2025. GO measures success in ensuring that students complete courses on time and achieve career goals, such as placements, higher studies, or entrepreneurship. The high GO score suggests RMNLU students have higher success rates in clearing exams and competitive goals post-graduation.

    RMNLU vs NLUO Seat Matrix and Intake Comparison

    Category

    RMNLU (BA LLB) seats

    NLUO (BA LLB) seats

    NLUO (BBA LLB) seats

    Unreserved / General (All India)

    80

    45

    22

    OBC / SEBC (State)

    43

    14

    7

    Scheduled Caste

    34

    20

    10

    Scheduled Tribe

    3

    27

    14

    EWS (State)

    9

    -

    -

    NRI / NRI Sponsored / PIO

    20

    10

    5

    Foreign National

    -

    4

    2

    Kashmiri Migrants / Pandits

    2

    -

    -

    Total Intake

    191

    120

    60

    RMNLU and NLUO Combined Annual Fee Structure (2026-27)

    Head of Fees

    RMNLU Lucknow

    NLU Odisha

    Admission Fee

    Rs 10,000

    Rs 12,000

    Tuition Fee (Gen/SC/ST/OBC)

    Rs 1,25,000

    Rs 1,32,000

    Utility Charges / Facilities Fee

    Rs 60,000

    Rs 97,520

    Hostel Accommodation

    Included in Utility

    Rs 30,000

    Refundable Caution Money / Deposits

    Rs 10,000

    Rs 20,000

    Total Annual (Year 1)

    Rs 2,05,000

    Rs 2,91,520

    For the 2026-27 academic year, NLUO, with annual fees of Rs 2,91,520, is approximately 42% more expensive than RMNLU (Rs 2,05,000). A crucial detail is that RMNLU includes Hostel Accommodation within its utility charges, whereas NLU Odisha charges an additional Rs 30,000 specifically for the hostel.

    CLAT General Opening and Closing Ranks

    Year

    University

    Round 1 (opening rank)

    Round 2 (closing rank)

    Round 3 (closing rank)

    2026

    RMNLU Lucknow

    411

    776

    -

    NLU Odisha

    459

    832

    -

    2025

    RMNLU Lucknow

    461

    755

    780

    NLU Odisha

    469

    1007

    1013

    2024

    RMNLU Lucknow

    410

    733

    -

    NLU Odisha

    591

    1147

    -

    2023

    RMNLU Lucknow

    432

    -

    -

    NLU Odisha

    504

    -

    -

    The CLAT cutoff data shows that RMNLU Lucknow remains the higher-priority choice for CLAT top-rankers. Over the last four years, RMNLU has maintained its opening rank between 410 and 461, consistently closing its third round within the top 800 rankings. In contrast, while NLUO also has closing ranks between 459 and 591 in the first round, it doesn't show stability in later rounds and extends beyond the 1000-1100 ranking by the final rounds.

    RMNLU Lucknow Placement And Salary Analysis

    Academic year

    No. of students

    graduated

    Students placed

    Median salary of placed graduates

    Students selected for higher studies

    2023-24

    171

    158

    Rs 7.00 LPA

    0

    2022-23

    174

    148

    Rs 7.00 LPA

    26

    2021-22

    178

    106

    Rs 6.55 LPA

    20

    2020-21

    176

    104

    Rs 5.00 LPA

    11

    2019-20

    176

    18

    Rs 4.50 LPA

    122

    Over the last five years, RMNLU has maintained a high placement rate, placing a majority of its graduating batch. For the 2023-24 academic year, RMNLU achieved a 92.4% placement rate, with 158 out of 171 graduating students securing job offers. While RMNLU showcases a high placement rate, the median salary has remained stagnant, ranging from Rs. 4 to 7 LPA over five years.

    NLU Odisha (NLUO) Placement And Salary Analysis

    Academic year

    No. of students

    graduated

    Students placed

    Median salary of placed graduates

    Students selected for higher studies

    2023-24

    158

    77

    Rs 14.00 LPA

    10

    2022-23

    177

    87

    Rs 14.50 LPA

    11

    2021-22

    172

    47

    Rs 9.00 LPA

    17

    2020-21

    179

    34

    Rs 6.00 LPA

    3

    2019-20

    111

    48

    Rs 8.40 LPA

    6

    Median salary of placed graduates at NLU Odisha shows a massive jump over the years, from Rs 8.40 LPA in 2019-20 to Rs 14.00 LPA in 2023-24. NLUO’s median pay peaked at Rs 14.50 LPA in the 2022-23. While NLUO’s median package is double that of RMNLU’s in 2023-24, its campus placement rate remains lower. The placement rate for the 2023-24 cycle stood at 48.7% (77 out of 158 students). Higher studies remain consistent for NLUO students, with about 6% to 10% of the batch opting for higher studies annually.

    Litigation, Moot courts, Location and Infrastructure

    RMNLU is situated in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. This location offers an advantage for students focusing on litigation due to its proximity to the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench). NLU Odisha is located in Cuttack, the judicial capital of Odisha, which houses the Orissa High Court, providing similar geographic benefits for those interested in the state's legal hub.

    While NLU Odisha is slightly more isolated from a major metropolitan centre than RMNLU, the university stands out in other ways. NLUO is famous for having built one of the most competitive Moot Court cultures in the country. Driven by a highly active Moot Society, NLUO maintains a competitive environment through Internal University Moot Court Competitions (IUMCC). This prepares students for prestigious international platforms, such as the NLUO Bose & Mitra & Co. International Maritime Arbitration Moot.

    Reputation, Alumni Network and Top Recruiters

    RMNLU, established in 2005, has a strong alumni network. Many of the RMLNLU’s graduates are in the Indian judicial services and hold powerful positions in the Indian courts. This is reflected in the university’s Graduation Outcome (GO) score of 85.37, which shows that its students are highly successful in clearing exams like the PCS-J (Judicial Services). While RMNLU attracts recruiters like Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and AZB & Partners, it also sees high recruitment from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

    Conclusion: RMNLU Lucknow vs. NLU Odisha

    Choosing between RMNLU Lucknow and NLU Odisha (NLUO) ultimately depends on a candidate’s specific career trajectory. For the Judiciary and Civil Services, RMNLU Lucknow is the ideal choice due to its location in the state capital and a culture deeply rooted in administrative and judicial preparation. With a significantly lower fee structure, it offers a higher Return on Investment (ROI) for students focusing on long-term competitive exams rather than immediate corporate roles. Furthermore, while Tier 1 and Tier 2 law firms visit both campuses, RMNLU is often placed better due to its superior internship opportunities, with 92.4% placement rate.

    For Corporate Law and high-value placements, NLU Odisha holds the upper hand. Despite a lower placement percentage (48.7%), its median salary of Rs 14.00 LPA is double that of RMNLU’s. Its Rank 15 in the NIRF 2025 law rankings, and a dominant mooting culture makes it the preferred destination for students targeting Tier-1 law firms and international maritime arbitration.

    As per student preference and cutoffs, CLAT data shows that top-rankers consistently prefer RMNLU, with opening ranks starting at 411 compared to NLU Odisha’s 459. RMNLU’s stability in closing ranks suggests it remains a higher-priority institution for the general category. If candidates are seeking affordability and a high placement probability (92.4%), focused on litigation or public service, they should choose RMNLU Lucknow. However, if they are willing to pay for superior academic infrastructure (TLR score 80.87) and aim for top-tier corporate salaries, NLU Odisha is the better strategic fit.

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    Questions related to CLAT

    On Question asked by student community

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    Hello Santosh,

    Domicile cut-offs are unpredictable. You can apply and get a seat only if the domicile category is selected. You can apply, but the chances of getting either of them are rare.

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    Hello, it is highly unlikely to get admission to the GGSIPU Main Campus or VIPS. However, you can target other colleges affiliated with GGSIPU through the counselling process.