NLU Delhi ranks higher nationally at NIRF #2 (score 80/100) vs GNLU at NIRF #5. Both deliver the same median UG placement of ₹18 LPA. The critical difference: NLU Delhi does not accept CLAT | it conducts its own AILET exam. GNLU accepts CLAT with a closing rank of approximately AIR 392–444 (General, 2025–2026). NLU Delhi's total academic fee is significantly lower (~₹7.45 lakh for 5 years) than GNLU (~₹12.22 lakh). For CLAT aspirants ranking AIR 300–600, GNLU is the best CLAT-accepting NLU available. For NLU Delhi, a separate AILET preparation is required.
1. Overview | GNLU Gandhinagar & NLU Delhi
This comparison pits two elite NLUs against each other | one in the capital of India, and one in the economic capital of western India. Understanding what each institution stands for is the foundation of making the right choice.
2. GNLU vs NLU Delhi | Master Comparison Table 2026
The table below provides a side-by-side data comparison across every key parameter. Green highlights indicate a relative advantage in that parameter.
| Parameter | GNLU, Gandhinagar | NLU Delhi |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 2003 | 2008 |
| NIRF Law Rank 2025 | #5 (↑ from #8 in 2024) | #2 ★ (Score: 80/100) |
| NAAC Grade | A | A+ |
| UG Admission via | CLAT (All India Quota) | AILET Only (Not CLAT) |
| UG Seats (BA LLB) | 180 (BA + BBA + BCom LLB combined ~180) | ~110 (BA LLB Hons.) |
| CLAT Cutoff 2025 (Gen AI) | AIR 402–444 (Round 1–2) | Does not accept CLAT |
| CLAT Cutoff 2026 R1 (Gen) | AIR 392 (R1 closing) | AILET | separate exam |
| AILET 2026 Cutoff (Gen UG) | | | ~AIR 65–75 (AILET rank) |
| Academic Fee (5-yr UG Total) | ₹12.22 lakh ✓ Lower | ₹7.45 lakh (tuition only; living costs higher) |
| Total Cost incl. Hostel (5 yrs) | ~₹14–16 lakh | ~₹18–21 lakh (Delhi living costs) |
| Median UG Placement (NIRF 2025) | ₹18 LPA | ₹18 LPA |
| UG Students Placed (2024 data) | 175 / 181 students (97%) | 65 / 79 students (82%) |
| QS World Rank (Law Subject) | Not separately ranked | Top 250 globally |
| Location | Gandhinagar, Gujarat (30 km from Ahmedabad) | New Delhi (20 min from Supreme Court) |
| Campus Size | ~50 acres | Compact urban campus, Sector 14 Dwarka |
| Hostel | Available; not mandatory; ₹24,000/year | On-campus halls of residence; mandatory for outstation |
| LLM Admission via | CLAT PG | Cutoff ~AIR 387–565 (Gen, 2025) | AILET PG (separate) |
3. GNLU vs NLU Delhi | NIRF & Other Rankings 2025
Rankings tell an important story about academic quality, faculty strength, research output, and institutional reputation. Here is the complete ranking picture for both institutions:
3.1 NIRF Law Category Rankings | 2024 vs 2025 Trends
GNLU's jump from NIRF #8 in 2024 to NIRF #5 in 2025 is one of the most significant upward movements among NLUs | driven by improvements in graduate outcomes, teaching resources, and research output. NLU Delhi's stable #2 position reflects consistent excellence across all parameters, particularly in Perception (reflecting its reputation among employers and academics) and in Teaching, Learning & Resources (driven by its dedicated faculty and proximity to legal institutions).
3.2 Other Rankings Comparison
| Ranking Body | GNLU Rank | NLU Delhi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF Law 2025 | #5 | #2 |
| NAAC Grade | A | A+ |
| QS World University (Law) | Not separately listed | Top 250 globally |
| QS World | South Asia | | | Top ranked |
| India Today Law Rankings 2025 | Top 10 | Top 5 |
| Outlook India Law Rankings 2025 | Top 10 | Top 5 |
On every comparative ranking metric, NLU Delhi ranks above GNLU in 2025. However, GNLU's rapid upward trajectory | gaining 3 NIRF positions in a single year | signals strong institutional momentum. For a law student, ranking is one input among many: fees, location, entrance route, batch culture, and career goals matter equally.
4. GNLU vs NLU Delhi | Admission Process & Eligibility 2026
The single most important difference between GNLU and NLU Delhi is their admission routes. This distinction fundamentally changes which students can access each institution.
5. GNLU CLAT Cutoff 2026 & NLU Delhi AILET Cutoff 2026
Understanding the entry cutoffs at each institution is essential for building a realistic preference list. GNLU and NLU Delhi serve fundamentally different student populations: GNLU serves top CLAT rankers in the AIR 200–600 band; NLU Delhi serves AILET rankers in the top 80–110 out of its applicant pool.
5.1 GNLU Gandhinagar | CLAT Cutoff 2025 & 2026
| Category | CLAT 2025 | Round 1 | CLAT 2025 | Round 2 | CLAT 2026 | Round 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (AI) | AIR 402 | AIR 444 | AIR 392 |
| EWS | AIR 1,118 | AIR 1,118 | ~AIR 1,000 |
| OBC | AIR 2,138 | AIR 2,303 | ~AIR 2,000 |
| SC | AIR 5,796 | AIR 5,934 | ~AIR 5,500 |
| ST | AIR 7,639 | AIR 8,568 | ~AIR 8,000 |
Note: CLAT 2026 Round 1 closing rank for General (AI) was approximately AIR 392. Full round-wise CLAT 2026 data will be updated as subsequent rounds close. GNLU also has a Gujarat State domicile quota with separate (higher) closing ranks.
5.2 NLU Delhi | AILET Cutoff (Score-Based)
| Programme / Category | AILET 2025 Cutoff (Score) | AILET 2026 (Approx.) | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB | General | ~68–75/150 | ~70–75/150 | ~110 |
| BA LLB | OBC | ~60–68 | ~60–68 | |
| BA LLB | EWS | ~62–70 | ~62–70 | |
| BA LLB | SC | ~45–55 | ~45–55 | |
| BA LLB | ST | ~35–45 | ~35–45 |
6. GNLU vs NLU Delhi | Fee Structure 2026 Comparison
The fee comparison is one of the most consequential factors for most families. The contrast between GNLU and NLU Delhi on fees is stark and counterintuitive: NLU Delhi | the higher-ranked institution | actually has significantly lower academic tuition fees. However, the overall cost of attending NLU Delhi may be higher due to Delhi's living costs.
The key takeaway: while NLU Delhi's academic fees are remarkably low by NLU standards, the cost of living in Delhi | accommodation, food, transport | is significantly higher than in Gandhinagar. The overall 5-year investment ends up being higher at NLU Delhi despite its lower tuition. Both institutions are government-funded NLUs and substantially more affordable than private law schools like JGLS Sonipat.
7. Courses & Programmes | GNLU vs NLU Delhi
The two institutions differ significantly in the diversity of programmes they offer, particularly at the UG level. GNLU has a notably broader range of integrated law programmes while NLU Delhi is more focused.
| Programme | GNLU, Gandhinagar | NLU Delhi |
|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons.) | ✓ Available | ✓ Available (Flagship) |
| BBA LLB (Hons.) | ✓ Available | ✗ Not offered |
| BCom LLB (Hons.) | ✓ Available | ✗ Not offered |
| BSc LLB (Hons.) | ✓ Available (unique) | ✗ Not offered |
| BSW LLB (Hons.) | ✓ Available (rare) | ✗ Not offered |
| LLM | ✓ Available (via CLAT PG) | ✓ Available (via AILET PG) | Multiple specialisations |
| IP-Joint Master / LLM | Not offered | ✓ Available (unique international IP programme) |
| PGIP | MA/LLM | Not offered | ✓ Available (unique) |
| PhD in Law | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
| MBA (Law-related) | ✓ MBA (Financial Management & Business Laws) | Not offered |
GNLU's breadth of integrated programmes is one of its most significant differentiators. The BSc LLB programme is virtually unique among NLUs | making GNLU the top choice for science students who want to combine technical knowledge with law (particularly valuable for IP law, pharma regulatory, and tech law careers). The MBA offering adds further interdisciplinary depth. NLU Delhi compensates with unique postgraduate programmes | the IP Joint Master/LLM programme with international partners is one of its most prestigious offerings.
8. GNLU vs NLU Delhi | Placements 2025: Data, Recruiters & Analysis
Both institutions report a median UG placement salary of ₹18 LPA in their NIRF 2025 reports | a remarkable convergence that reflects the genuine quality of both institutions. However, the nuances differ significantly.
8.1 UG Placement Data Comparison (NIRF 2025)
8.2 Top Recruiters
- Tier-1 & Tier-2 Indian Law Firms (corporate practice)
- Gujarat-based corporates | Adani Legal, Reliance Legal
- Financial institutions and banking sector legal teams
- International law firms with India presence
- Big 4 Advisory Firms (EY, Deloitte, KPMG Legal)
- Government and PSU legal departments
- Strong in-house corporate recruitment (Arete Group, ICICI)
- LPO / Legal analytics companies
- AZB & Partners
- Trilegal
- Khaitan & Co.
- Saraf & Partners
- BMR Legal
- Nishith Desai Associates
- ICICI Bank Legal
- TT&A Advocates and Solicitors
- P&A Law Offices | B&P | Zeus Law
- Government bodies (proximity to SC, HC, Ministries)
9. Campus, Hostel & Infrastructure | GNLU vs NLU Delhi
10. NIRF Parameter-Wise Score Analysis | GNLU vs NLU Delhi 2025
Understanding where each institution scores strongly (and where it lags) helps you evaluate fit beyond the overall rank number. The NIRF methodology evaluates five parameters with different weightages.
11. GNLU vs NLU Delhi | Who Should Choose Which College?
After a comprehensive data analysis, the decision between GNLU and NLU Delhi is rarely straightforward | because these two schools serve students with different entry exam strategies, career goals, and location preferences. Here is the definitive framework:
- Your CLAT 2027 target rank is AIR 300–600 | GNLU is the best CLAT-accepting NLU at this range
- You are a science or commerce student | BSc LLB and BCom LLB are unique to GNLU among top NLUs
- You want to build a career in corporate, transactional, or business law | Gujarat's industrial ecosystem is an advantage
- You want the lowest all-in cost | GNLU's Gandhinagar location means much lower daily living expenses
- You want a larger, more socially active peer group | 180 UG seats vs ~110 at NLU Delhi
- You value guaranteed placement outcome | GNLU's 97% placement rate is the highest of any NLU
- You want to avoid AILET preparation | GNLU is accessible via CLAT alone
- You are targeting a career in litigation, constitutional law, or government practice | Delhi proximity to Supreme Court is unmatched
- You want the higher NIRF rank (#2 vs #5) and its reputational premium with employers
- You want QS World Top 250 recognition | valuable for international career aspirations
- You are comfortable preparing for AILET as a separate exam in addition to CLAT
- You want unique LLM programmes | the IP Joint Master/LLM and PGIP are unavailable elsewhere
- You want access to Delhi's internship ecosystem | Supreme Court, HC, CCI, Law Ministry clerkships
- You want lower academic tuition | ₹7.45 lakh for 5 years is among the lowest in India
12. GNLU vs NLU Delhi | FAQs
NLU Delhi ranks higher nationally at NIRF #2 with a score of 80/100, compared to GNLU at NIRF #5. Both institutions deliver an equal median UG placement salary of ₹18 LPA. The practical decision depends on your situation: if you can qualify via AILET and target litigation or policy careers leveraging Delhi's ecosystem, NLU Delhi is the stronger choice. If your CLAT rank is AIR 300–600 and you want the best CLAT-accepting NLU with strong corporate placement outcomes and lower total cost, GNLU is excellent. There is no objectively wrong choice between these two premier institutions.
No. National Law University Delhi is the only NLU that does not participate in the CLAT Consortium and does not accept CLAT scores for its BA LLB (Hons.) programme. Admission to NLU Delhi's UG programmes is through AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) | conducted independently by NLU Delhi. For LLM, NLU Delhi uses AILET PG scores. Candidates targeting NLU Delhi must register and prepare separately for AILET in addition to CLAT if targeting other NLUs. AILET overlaps significantly with CLAT in syllabus but differs in exam structure (150 Qs including Mathematics vs CLAT's 120 passage-based Qs).
GNLU Gandhinagar CLAT 2026 General category (All India quota) opening rank was AIR 163 and closing rank approximately AIR 392 in Round 1. In CLAT 2025, the General closing rank was AIR 444 (Round 2) and AIR 402 (Round 1). GNLU's CLAT cutoff has been tightening year-on-year (from ~AIR 700 in 2022 to ~AIR 392 in 2026 R1), reflecting its rapid ranking improvement. For CLAT 2027, aspirants should target AIR sub-380 for a comfortable Round 1 allotment at GNLU in the General category.
GNLU Gandhinagar total academic fee for 5-year BA LLB (Hons.) is ₹12.22 lakh (approximately ₹2.44 lakh/year). With hostel (₹24,000/year) and Gandhinagar's modest living costs, the total 5-year all-in cost is approximately ₹14–16 lakh. NLU Delhi's total academic tuition for 5-year BA LLB (Hons.) is approximately ₹7.45 lakh (₹1.49 lakh/year) | making it one of the most affordable NLUs by tuition. However, Delhi's higher living costs (accommodation, food, transport) bring the total 5-year all-in cost to approximately ₹18–21 lakh. NLU Delhi has lower academic fees; GNLU has lower total cost of attendance.
GNLU Gandhinagar is ranked #5 in the NIRF Law Rankings 2025 | a significant jump from its #8 position in NIRF 2024. This 3-position improvement is one of the most notable upward movements in the NIRF Law category in 2025, driven primarily by improvements in Graduation Outcomes (placement rate of 97% | 175/181 students placed with median ₹18 LPA), Teaching & Learning Resources, and research output. NLU Delhi holds #2 in NIRF Law 2025 with an overall score of 80/100 | a position it has held consistently for multiple consecutive years.
Both institutions deliver identical median UG placement packages of ₹18 LPA as per NIRF 2025 data. GNLU leads on placement volume: 175 out of 181 graduating UG students were placed (97% rate) versus NLU Delhi's 65 out of 79 placed (82% rate). For LLM placements, NLU Delhi leads with a median of ₹10.68 LPA vs GNLU's ₹6.20 LPA. The lower placement rate at NLU Delhi reflects more students self-selecting out of corporate placements to pursue judiciary, UPSC, or academic paths | facilitated by Delhi's proximity to government and judicial institutions. Students who do participate in placements at both institutions achieve comparable starting packages.
GNLU offers several unique 5-year integrated programmes that NLU Delhi does not: BSc LLB (Hons.) | for science graduates targeting IP law, pharma regulatory, or tech law; BCom LLB (Hons.) | combining commerce and law; BBA LLB (Hons.) | management and law integration; BSW LLB (Hons.) | social work and law; and MBA in Financial Management and Business Laws. NLU Delhi, conversely, offers unique programmes that GNLU doesn't: an IP Joint Masters/LLM programme with international law school partners, and a PGIP | MA/LLM programme. NLU Delhi's UG offerings are limited to BA LLB (Hons.) only | making GNLU the significantly more diverse option for students with science, commerce, or management backgrounds.