Top Law Colleges in India 2023

In the twenty-first century, students after completing their schooling are getting more attracted to the law than any other professional course. The shift in choice can either be due to the comparatively less competition in this stream or because of the growing career prospects. Students who pursue their higher education in law have attractive career growth prospects in the private sector as well as the government sector. 

In a very basic sense, the law can be understood as a set of rules imposed by the country on its people to maintain peace, harmony, and welfare of its country. LLB which means Legum Baccalaureus which is a Latin word or Bachelor of Law is a five-year integrated course with a BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), or BCom (Bachelor of Commerce). Earlier, LLB was a three-year-long course after completing graduation. Some colleges like Delhi University, Panjab University, and Government law colleges of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh still offer 3-year LLB courses. After completing the bachelor's, many students start with their legal practice in courts or join a law firm or enrol themselves in the master's degree, which is known as LLM (Magister Legum). LLM is a two-year-long post-graduation course in law, after PG-interested students even complete their PhD in Law. 

Top Law Colleges in India (NIRF ranking)

NIRF stands for National Institutional Ranking Framework. NIRF ranks the educational institutes in India on various important parameters like,

• Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)
• Research and Professional Practice (RP)
• Graduation Outcomes (GO)
• Outreach and Inclusivity (OI)
• Peer Perception

The first edition of NIRF ranking was released in the year 2016. Here are the top law colleges in India, based on NIRF Ranking 2023. 

Top 30 Law Colleges in India - NIRF 2023 Ranking

Top 10 Law Colleges in India (Careers360 ranking)

Careers360 ranks educational institutes based on their performance in various ranking parameters which are essential for students. The ranking is based on public reviews and in-house research. The parameters used for ranking by Careers360 include infrastructure, placement, value for money and internship opportunities as well as academics and student reviews. Mentioned below are the top law colleges in India, as per the latest ranking. 

LLB Course Fee in India - Top Law Colleges

The fees for a degree in law are comparatively higher as compared to other professional courses. Hence, the overall course fee is also a crucial parameter to be considered when comparing law colleges for selecting the best college which suits your pocket and choice. Students need to ensure that the fees should match the facilities provided. Here is the list of the top law colleges with their fees.

Top Law Colleges in India Based on Placement

Other than the excellent facilities provided by the various colleges and universities, it is also important for law students to look at the career opportunities available after graduation. It is vital to gauge the future prospects of a degree before pursuing it, thereby, making informed decisions. Most known universities usually have a collaboration with noted law firms, banks, private companies. These entities recruit potential students from the respective institutions depending on who fulfills the required criteria during the placement drive. Enclosed below is the list of top law colleges in India along with the names of top recruiters.

Top 5 Law Colleges in India - Brief Details 

1. National Law School of India University, Bengaluru

Ever since its establishment in the year 1986, the National Law School of India University has been regarded as the most prestigious law college in India. It was set up under the National Law School of India University Act as the first national law university of India. It is recognized by the UGC and is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). NLSIU accepts Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for selecting students for admission to BA LLB and LLM courses. The university also conducts NLSAT exam for admission to the 3-year LLB programme.  

2. National Law University, Delhi 

NLU Delhi is located in the heart of the city and is one of the leading law schools in the year, established in the year 2008, under NLU Delhi Act 2007.  NLU Delhi offers undergraduate, and postgraduate law degrees as well as PG Diploma courses. The university conducts the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) for admissions to its law courses. The college offers seven streams across two courses. It is the only NLU that does not accept CLAT scores.

3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad 

NALSAR Hyderabad is another prominent law school of India and attracts students from all over the country for admission to various courses being offered. It was established in the year 1988 and the campus is present in Hyderabad which is equipped with all modern facilities to help the students complete their studies most effectively. NALSAR Hyderabad is recognized by the UGC and has been rated with “A++” score by the NAAC. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, as well as research level programs for students.

4. Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 

Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law (RGSOIPL) was established in the year 2006; it is a law school based at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. It was set up in collaboration with the George Washington University Law School, Washington DC. It is the only law university under IIT, and also the first law school in India to impart full-time Intellectual Property education along with other regular courses prescribed by the Bar Council of India. For admission to the LLB course, you need to have B.E/B.Tech/M. Sc/MBA with a science/engineering background. Based on the application, students would be shortlisted for the Written Test and Personal Interview. 

5. National Law University, Jodhpur 

NLU Jodhpur is one of the most prominent law schools in the country and is a part of the coveted group of 25-NLUs in India. The university has been operational since 1999 and offers both undergraduate and postgraduate level courses in law for the students to choose from. The most popular courses offered by NLU Jodhpur are BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), and LLM. The college accepts the CLAT Score for shortlisting the students for admission to various courses.

Popular Law Streams in India

- Civil Law - It is the uncodified law in India that deals with the settlement of disputes that are considered civil in nature i.e. the offence can not be categorised as a criminal offence. Most of the time, civil law administers the disputes related to two individuals pertaining to marital discord, property issues, family partition, personal animosity etc.   Civil law is not against the state but always against an organisation or an individual and usually involves compensation instead of punishment. Top colleges that provide civil law in India are-

1.      National Law School of India University, Bengaluru

2.      NALSAR University, Hyderabad

3.      National University, Bhopal

4.      Symbiosis University, Pune

5.      Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law

- Criminal Law - Criminal law is a vast field and offers ample career opportunities for professionals. It involves punishment like imprisonment to moral wrongdoings. Cesare Beccaria was a criminologist and economist and is known as the father of modern criminal law. Criminal law is never against an individual but always against the state or country (e.g. KM Nanavati v/s State of Maharashtra). Top law colleges that offer specialisation in criminal law are-

1.      NALSAR University, Hyderabad

2.      The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, West Bengal

3.      Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar

4.       Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law

5.      Dr Ram Manohar Lohia University, Lucknow

- Constitutional law - In simpler words, constitutional law deals with the constitution and the fundamental rights, duties, etc., and their violation. Indian constitution is the lengthiest with 448 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules. Constitutional law is fixed and does not amend so easily. It trains the students with concepts of fundamental legal structures and concepts that are found in constitutions like basic rights, the rule of law, judicial review, systems of governance, etc. The top colleges offering specialisation in constitutional law are -

1.      National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore

2.      Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, New Delhi           

3.      NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad           

4.      Symbiosis Law School, Pune

5.      The National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal

Other popular law specialisations available in India are: -

·         Contracts

·         Intellectual property rights

·         Taxation law

·         Business law

·         Family law

·         Labour law

·         Army law

Admission Process

Law, as a professional, is in great demand with students. But to get admission into these law colleges, the students must fulfil the eligibility criteria, so that they are eligible to appear for the examination.

·  Candidates should have completed their class 12th exams from a recognized school education board of India or should have an acceptable alternate qualification.

·    If the candidate belongs to the General or OBC category or is specially-abled, then the minimum marks required in class 12th exams are 45%. In the case of SC and ST candidates, the requirement is lowered to 40%.

Interested students need to appear in the following exams and qualify them to get admission into their desired colleges. After the exams, colleges conduct personal interviews and group discussion rounds to shortlist the most eligible candidates. Some of the most popular entrance exams for law schools in India are as follows: -

1.  CLAT- It is one of the most popular entrance exams for admission into law colleges in India. Along with the NLUs, CLAT scores are accepted by more than 100 law colleges and universities in India. Thousands of students appear for CLAT every year, as it is conducted only once in a year. Due to the limited number of seats available, the candidates must score more than the cut off marks to be eligible for selection. Previously, CLAT was conducted by one of the NLUs on a rotational basis every year, but since 2019, the exam is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities i.e. CLNU. Candidates must complete their applications online on the official website before the deadline to be considered for admission. 

2.  AILET- All India Law Admission test is organised for National Law University, Delhi every year, and is an annual offline pen, paper-based exam. The exam is quite difficult as compared to CLAT as it is exclusive to a single university.

How to select the best law college in India

Among the multiple options available for law colleges, both government and private, it is essential to select the best law college in India that meets your expectations. Students need to compare various parameters while finalising the selection in an engineering college, including the following: -

·         Ranking

·         Fees

·         Placement

·         Internship

·         College infrastructure

·         Campus

·         Hostel facility

·         Popular Stream

·         Value for money

·         Moot court facility

·         Debate club

·         MUNs

·         College participation in various trials

·         Library

·         Access to legal sites like Manupatra, LexisNexis

FAQs

1.  What is a moot court?

Ans. Moot court is a replica of the original court where the students are trained and taught about the working of courts

2.  What are the qualities required for a law college?

Ans. There is no such predefined quality. Law colleges train you in the skills required for the profession like speaking skills, debating skills etc.

3.  What all different societies are present in law schools?

Ans.  The societies vary from college to college, but the compulsory societies that are part of every law school are: -

· Moot court society

· Trial and advocacy society

· Youth Parliament

· Debate club

· Legal document drafting society

4.  Can we practice in a court after completing PG?

Ans. No, after completing your graduation, you need to get a license from Bar Council of India obtained after clearing the exam conducted by BCI. Only after having obtained the license can you start practising law as a lawyer.

5.  What is the age limit for CLAT?

Ans. There is no age limit to appear for CLAT.

6.  Do we need to have pre-defined knowledge in law?

Ans. No, there is no requirement for a pre-defined knowledge in law, either for law school entrance tests or CLAT.

7.  What subjects are taught in a Law school?

Ans. A lot of subjects are part of the law curriculum. Some of the most important subjects that are taught are across law schools are: -

· Contracts

· Constitutional

· Crime

· Legal research writing

· Legal History

· Legal English

8.  What are the legal maxims?

Ans. Legal maxims can be understood as Latin legal phrases.

9.  Is teaching a good option after PG?

Ans. Yes, teaching is a profitable career choice, and you can switch to practice whenever you feel like. Law professors also have good salary packages.

10. What is the best time to start preparing for Judiciary?

Ans. It is highly recommended to start coaching from the fourth year of law school for the judiciary exam.

11. What is the best law university in india?

Ans. As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023 for law schools, the National Law School of India University is the top-ranked law college in India. 

12. What is the BA LLB fees at best law school in India?

Ans. NLSIU is the best law school in India as per NIRF ranking 2023 for law schools. The BA LLB course fee at NLSIU is around 3.30 Lakh per annum.

13. What is CLAT exam?

Ans. CLAT is a national-level law entrance exam for admission to 24 national law universities (NLUs). It is conducted for admission to 5-year LLB and LLM programmes offered by these law schools. 

14. What are the best colleges for law?

Ans. NLSIU Banglore, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, and WBNUJS Kolkata are among the top law colleges in India.