Careers360 Logo
Search Colleges, Exams, Schools & more
ask-icon
share
    What if I don't get an NLU through CLAT 2026

    What if I don't get an NLU through CLAT 2026

    #CLAT
    Sansar Singh ChhikaraUpdated on 25 Aug 2025, 10:34 AM IST

    The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will conduct the CLAT 2026 on December 07, 2025. Through the scores of the Common Law Admission Test, candidates can get admission to 24 NLUs and other participating law colleges. If you don't secure a National Law University (NLU) seat through CLAT 2026, you still have options to pursue a legal education and career. Every year, thousands of candidates appear in CLAT exam to get admission to top National Law Universities. There are limited seats available in the NLUs, therefore, only the top ranking candidates get the opportunity to get admission. Candidates who are not able to get an NLU through CLAT exam get disheartened. Such candidates should understand that there are many good alternatives. There are several CLAT affiliated colleges and other top private universities that are offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in law. To know more about other good options and information regarding other top law schools. In this article, candidates will get detailed information on what to do if they don't get an NLU through CLAT 2026.

    This Story also Contains

    1. What should I do if I don't get admission to NLU after CLAT 2026
    2. Top Law Entrance Exams Other Than CLAT
    3. CLAT 2026 and Other Participating Colleges
    What if I don't get an NLU through CLAT 2026
    What If I Don’t Get an NLU Through CLAT

    What should I do if I don't get admission to NLU after CLAT 2026

    Candidates shouldn't get disheartened upon failing to get admitted to the National Law University. There are several good options for such candidates. A few of them are listed below:

    • Apply for Affiliated Colleges: Apart from 24 National Law Universities, there are 65 CLAT affiliated colleges that grant admission to various law courses. Candidates with lower ranks can apply to these colleges.

    • Appear for other law entrance exams: There are many popular law entrance tests that are held for admission to law schools. Candidates should look into the details of exams such as AILET, LSAT—India, SLAT, CUET Law, etc. The syllabus of the law entrance tests are mostly similar, which puts the candidates in an advantageous position to prepare for the exams.

    Amity University-Noida Law Admissions 2026

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

    Apply
    Jindal Global Law School Admissions 2026

    Ranked #1 Law School in India & South Asia by QS- World University Rankings | Merit cum means scholarships | Applications Closing Soon

    Apply

    Top Law Entrance Exams Other Than CLAT

    Exam Name


    Courses offered


    Details

    AILET

    BA LLB, LLM

    The National Law University Delhi conducts the All India Law Entrance Test once a year, in offline mode.

    SLAT

    BA LLB, BBA LLB

    The Symbiosis Law School Admission Test is conducted by Symbiosis International University Pune in online mode.

    ULSAT

    3-year LLB, B.Com LLB, BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM

    University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun, conducts the ULSAT. The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Law Studies Aptitude Test once a year in online mode. It's a university-level exam.

    • Apply for state universities: Almost every state in India has their own law universities. There are some state-level entrance exams such as MH CET, TS LAWCET, etc, which can help candidates get admission in the best law universities and colleges of the respective state

    • Private universities: There are several private universities that are offering admissions in law courses such as 3-year LLB, integrated LLB, LLM, and Diploma in Law. Generally, admissions to such universities are granted either based on merit or through a university-level entrance exam.

    CLAT Sample Paper 2027 with Answer Key
    Download CLAT 2027 sample paper PDF with the latest exam pattern. Practice descriptive questions, improve accuracy, and strengthen your preparation for the upcoming CLAT exam.
    Download Ebook

    CLAT

    CLAT Counselling

    DU LLB 5 Year Counselling

    CLAT 2026 and Other Participating Colleges

    Apart from 24 National Law Universities, 65 other participating law universities will accept CLAT 2026 scores. Candidates can visit the respective college’s website to learn more about the admission process.

    Other CLAT participating universities

    Sl. No

    		Institute NameCourses Offered

    1

    Aurobindo Institute of Law, Indore

    BA LLB, LLB LLM

    2

    AAFT University, Noida

    BBA LLB

    3

    ABBS School of Law, Bengaluru

    BBA LLB

    4

    Alliance University, Bengaluru

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB, LLM

    5

    Amity University, Noida

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB, LLB, LLM

    6

    Apex University Jaipur

    BA LLB, LLB, LLM

    7

    Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur

    BBA LLB

    8

    ASBM University, Bhubaneshwar

    BA LLB, BBA LLB

    9

    Asian Law College, Noida

    BA LLB, LLB

    10

    BITS Law School, Mumbai

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)

    11

    BML Munjal University, Gurgaon

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB,

    12

    BRCM Law College, Bhiwani, Haryana

    BA LLB, LLB, LLM

    13

    DME Law School, Noida

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)

    14

    SGT University, Gurgaon

    BA LLB,BBA LLB, LLB, LLM

    15

    Fairfield School of Law, Delhi

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM

    16

    Galgotias University, Noida

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons)

    17

    GD Goenka University, Gurgaon

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM

    18

    Gitam School of Law, Visakhapatnam

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM,

    19

    GLA University, Mathura

    BBA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons), LLM,

    20

    GLS University, Ahmedabad

    BA LLB, BBA LLB (Hons), LLM

    21

    Gopal Narayan Singh University, Rohtas, Bihar

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB, LLM

    22

    Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM

    23

    Harlal School of Law, Noida

    BA LLB

    24

    IAMR Law College, Ghaziabad

    BA LLB, LLB

    25

    IILM University, Gurgaon

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM,

    26

    IIM, Rohtak

    5 Year Integrated Programme in LAW (IPL)

    27

    Indore Institute of Law, Indore

    BBA LLB (Hons) with Global and Transnational Studies, BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM

    28

    Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad

    BA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons), LLM

    29

    IPEM Law Academy, Ghaziabad

    BA LLB, B.Com LLB, LLB

    30

    ISBR Law College, Bangalore

    BBA LLB, LLB

    31

    ITM University, Raipur

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM

    32

    JECRC University, Jaipur

    BA LLB(Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), B.Sc (Forensic Science) LLB (Hons)

    33

    JIMS Engineering Management Technical Campus School of Law, Noida

    BA LLB, BBA LLB

    34

    Kalinga University, Naya Raipur

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB, LLM

    35

    Karnavati University, Gandhinagar

    BA LLB(Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM

    36

    K R Mangalam University, Gurugram

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons)

    37

    LLoyd Law College, Greater Noida

    BA LLB, LLB

    38

    Mahindra University, Hyderabad

    BA LLB(Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons)

    39

    Mangalayatan University, Beswan, UP

    BA LLB, B.Com LLB, LLB, LLM

    40

    Manipal Law School, Bengaluru

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons),LLM

    41

    Manipal University, Jaipur

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons), B.Sc (Hons), LLB

    42

    Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat

    BA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons)

    43

    Mewar University, Gangrar, Rajasthan

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB, LLM,

    44

    MIT World Peace University, Pune

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB, LLM,

    45

    Mody University, Lakshmangarh, Sikar, Rajasthan

    BA LLB , BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM

    46

    National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar

    B.Sc LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM

    47

    Oriental University, Indore

    BA LLB, LLB, LLM

    48

    Presidency University, Bangalore

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), B.Com (Hons), LLM

    49

    Quantum University, Roorkee, Uttarakhand

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons)

    50

    Raffles University, Neemrana

    BA LLB (Hons),BBA LLB (Hons), LLB, LLM

    51

    Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

    LLM

    52

    Renaissance Law College, Indore

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), B.Com (Hons), LLB (Hons)

    53

    Reva University, Bengaluru

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM

    54

    RNB Global University, Bikaner

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB, LLM

    55

    Sai University, Chennai

    BA LLB (Hons), LLM

    56

    Sanskriti University, Mathura

    BA LLB (Hons), LLM

    57

    Siddhartha Law College, Dehradun

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB, LLM

    58

    SRM University, Delhi

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM

    59

    SVKM’s NMIMS, Mumbai

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM

    60

    Techno India University, Kolkata

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB, LLB, LLM

    61

    Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad

    BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB, LLM

    62

    Teri School of Advanced Studies, Delhi

    LLM

    63

    ICFAI University, Dehradun

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM

    64

    University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), B.Com (Hons), LLB

    65

    Uttaranchal University, Dehradun

    BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM

    Reappearing for CLAT

    There is no limit to the number of attempts in CLAT. Candidates who don't get into NLU can also take a drop and appear for the exam again next year. Candidates should make sure that they analyse their past year’s mistakes to make a better strategy. The primary focus of the candidates should be on building the right strategy, solving CLAT previous year papers and taking a lot of mocks.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Will CLAT 2026 be hard?
    A:

    The CLAT is known to be one of the most popular and toughest entrance exams in India. Considering previous year question papers and trends, CLAT 2026 will be easy to moderate.

    Q: What is the exam pattern of CLAT 2026?
    A:

    The types of questions asked in the CLAT are of objective type. Total of 120 questions are asked from the syllabus. For every right answer there are two marks and negative marking of 0.25.

    Q: How to get admission in NLU without CLAT?
    A:

    The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is a national-level law entrance exam that will be held by NLUD every year to enrol students at National Law University (NLU), Delhi.

    Q: Can i get admission in NLU without CLAT?
    A:

    No, CLAT exam is necessary for admission into the National Law Universities (NLUs), as they all accept the CLAT score except for NLU Delhi, which only accepts the AILET score.

    Q: Is CLAT worth a drop?
    A:

    Many students take a drop to prepare for CLAT. However, rigorous preparation for 9 to 10 months is enough to clear the exam.

    Q: Does CLAT have two attempts?
    A:

    There is no limit to the number of attempts a candidate can make for CLAT.

    Q: Is there any other way to get into NLU?
    A:

    To get admissions in NLUs, students will have to mandatorily appear for CLAT exam. Except for NLU Delhi, which accepts AILET scores, its own entrance exam for admissions.

    Articles
    Related Stories
    |
    Upcoming Law Exams
    BITS Law Admission Test
    Ongoing Dates
    BITS LAT Application Date

    27 Aug'25 - 28 Apr'26 (Online)

    National Law School Admissions Test
    Ongoing Dates
    NLSAT Application Date

    15 Nov'25 - 30 Mar'26 (Online)

    Certifications By Top Providers
    Study from Still Life
    Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
    Indian Government and Politics
    Via University of Kashmir, Srinagar
    Literature, Culture and Media
    Via Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
    Ergonomics Workplace Analysis
    Via Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
    Sociology of Development
    Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
    Geography of India
    Via University of Mysore, Mysore
    Swayam
     162 courses
    Edx
     129 courses
    Futurelearn
     74 courses
    NPTEL
     74 courses
    Coursera
     52 courses
    Explore Top Universities Across Globe
    University of Essex, Colchester
    Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
    University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
    King's College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX
    Keele University, Newcastle
    Staffordshire, UK, ST5 5BG
    The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
    Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
    Queen Mary University of London, London
    Mile End Road, London E1 4NS
    Lancaster University, Lancaster
    Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW

    Popular Courses and Specializations

    Popular Degrees

    Popular Branches

    List of colleges accepting CLAT

    Questions related to CLAT

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to CLAT ?
    without clat marks we didn't put admission in sastra university thanjavur

    SASTRA Deemed University accepts CLAT scores for admission. They admit students based on CLAT scores as well as class 12 marks, with an aggregate score of 50% in English. Based on these scores, a merit list is published by the university.

    Read Complete Answer
    J
    Jasmine
    20 Mar'26
    I didn't erite clat exam i can put admission in sastra university Thanjavur

    SASTRA Deemed University accepts CLAT scores for admission. The eligibility criteria require class 12 marks, with an aggregate score of 50% in English, CLAT scores, and a maximum age limit of 19 years as of August 1, 2025.


    Read Complete Answer
    J
    Jasmine
    20 Mar'26
    i have rank 3917 in clat pg for LLM what are my best options right now non nlus i will be giving cuet pg my llb was outside delhi


    With a rank of 3917 in CLAT PG, your best options for an LLM include top private universities that accept CLAT scores, along with CUETPG opportunities. Some of the best non-NLU options are BHU, LPU Jalandhar, UPES Dehradun, etc.

    Read Complete Answer
    M
    Mirza Farhan Baig
    14 Mar'26
    my clat rank 36415 and ews category rank is 3412 i have bihar domicile certificate, is there any chance to get any nlu or cnlu

    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.

    Read Complete Answer
    B
    Bhanu Pratap
    5 Mar'26
    Hello sir, my self simar , I want to know that in CLAT which type of questions is coming and to clear CLAT how much number is considered??

    CLAT is an entrance examination conducted for admissions into law colleges. The qualifying marks vary with the colleges. You should check the details on the website to get a clear idea regarding cut offs for the colleges. You will also get the exam pattern through the article shared.

    Read Complete Answer
    L
    Labhanshi Kaim
    10 Mar'26
    View all

    Popular CLAT Questions

    Read the passage carefully and answer the question

    The Contract should be performed by the promisor himself. However, in certain cases, it can also be performed by his agents or legal representatives. It all depends upon the intention of the parties. Normally a contract can be performed by the following

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage carefully and answer the question

    The Contract should be performed by the promisor himself. However, in certain cases, it can also be performed by his agents or legal representatives. It all depends upon the intention of the parties. Normally a contract can be performed by the following

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage carefully and answer the question

    The Contract should be performed by the promisor himself. However, in certain cases, it can also be performed by his agents or legal representatives. It all depends upon the intention of the parties. Normally a contract can be performed by the following

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    In the case of M/S Halonex Limited, 59-A Noida vs State of U.P., it was held that “In reply to the aforesaid submission, learned counsel for opposite party no.2 submitted that the case of the applicants that no amount is due

    Read Complete Answer

    Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

    In the case of M/S Halonex Limited, 59-A Noida vs State of U.P., it was held that “In reply to the aforesaid submission, learned counsel for opposite party no.2 submitted that the case of the applicants that no amount is due

    Read Complete Answer

    Start a career in Law. Admissions Open for LLB courses for

    Amity University-Noida Law Admissions 2026
    Apply

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

    Manav Rachna University Law Admissions 2026
    Apply

    Admissions open for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.B Program (3 Years) | School of Law, MRU ranked No. 1 in Law Schools of Excellence in India by GHRDC (2023)

    SCSVMV Deemed to be University | Law Admissions 2026
    Apply

    Law at SCSVMV | NAAC 'A' Grade | AICTE, BCI & UGC Aproved | 100% Placement Support | Merit-based Scholarships

    RV University, Bangalore | Law Admissions 2026
    Apply

    Excellent curriculum; an impressive range of electives, besides core law courses. Up to 100% merit scholarship on a first-come, first-served basis

    Unitedworld School of Law Admissions 2026
    Apply

    Moot Court | Mock trials | Legal Aid Clinic

    SRM University, Chennai Law UG 2026
    Apply

    NAAC A++ Accredited | Ranked #11 by NIRF

    View all Application Forms

    CLAT Notifications

    Latest updates

    Explore Career Options

    By Industry
    Lawyer

    A lawyer advises clients on legal matters, represents them in court, and drafts legal documents. They work in various fields like criminal, corporate, or family law. Key skills include communication, research, and analytical thinking. To become a lawyer in India, one must complete a law degree, clear entrance exams, register with the Bar Council, and pass the All India Bar Examination.

    4 Jobs Available
    Civil Lawyer

    A civil lawyer handles non-criminal legal disputes like family, property, and contract issues. They represent clients in court, draft documents, and advise on legal rights. To practice in India, one needs an LLB degree and Bar Council enrollment. Civil lawyers work in firms, government, or independently, with growing demand across various specialisations.

    3 Jobs Available
    Human Rights Lawyer

    Individuals in the human rights lawyer career path are legal professionals responsible for advocating for people whose inherent dignity has been violated and who have suffered a lot of injustice. They take cases to defend the human rights of minorities, vulnerable populations, the LGBTQI community, indigenous people and others. 

    2 Jobs Available
    Criminal Lawyer

    A criminal lawyer defends individuals or organisations accused of crimes, ensuring fair trial and legal rights. They analyse cases, represent clients in court, conduct legal research, and negotiate plea deals. Strong communication, analytical, and ethical skills are essential. After earning a law degree, gaining experience, and registering with a Bar Council, they can practise independently or with law firms.

    2 Jobs Available
    Family Lawyer

    Family lawyers are required to assist a client in resolving any family-related problem. In general, family lawyers operate as mediators between family members when conflicts arise. Individuals who opt for a career as Family Lawyer is charged with drafting prenuptial agreements to protect someone's financial interests prior to marriage, consulting on grounds for impeachment or civil union separation, and drafting separation agreements.

    2 Jobs Available
    Cyber Lawyer

    Cyber lawyers look into matters that involve cybercrimes, data breaches, and online privacy concerns. The role requires individuals to draft legal documents, represent clients in court, and help organisations with cybersecurity regulations and compliance.

    2 Jobs Available
    Immigration Lawyer

    An immigration lawyer is responsible for representing the individuals (clients) involved in the immigration process that includes legal, and illegal citizens and refugees who want to reside in the country, start a business or get employment. 

    2 Jobs Available
    Government Lawyer

    A Government Lawyer represents the government in legal matters, provides legal advice to officials, drafts legislation, and prosecutes or defends cases. The role requires strong research, communication, and analytical skills. To pursue this career, one must obtain an LLB, pass the Bar Exam, gain court experience, and apply for government positions. Career progression includes roles from junior to senior government lawyer.

    2 Jobs Available

    Never miss CLAT update

    Get timely CLAT updates directly to your inbox. Stay informed!