1. NLIU Bhopal Cutoff | Overview & How It Works
National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal is one of India's established National Law Universities, founded in 1997 under the Rashtriya Vidhi Sansthan Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam enacted by the Madhya Pradesh State Legislature. Ranked NIRF #27 in Law 2025 and recognised by both UGC and BCI, NLIU offers three law programmes through CLAT: the BA LLB (Hons.) 5-year integrated programme, the BSc LLB (Hons.) 5-year programme with Cyber Security specialisation (introduced from 2024), and the LLM (Master of Laws) through CLAT PG.
The NLIU Bhopal cutoff is released by the Consortium of NLUs at consortiumofnlus.ac.in as part of the CLAT counselling merit lists. Unlike the national media's single-round perception, the Consortium releases multiple rounds of cutoff data (typically 5 rounds for UG and 3–4 for PG), with opening and closing ranks varying slightly in each round as candidates accept, reject, or upgrade allotments. The cutoff is expressed as the All India Rank (AIR) in CLAT, not marks or percentile.
All India (AI) Quota: 50% of seats at NLIU Bhopal are open to students from all over India, regardless of domicile. These seats carry lower (tighter) cutoffs because they attract competition from the entire national CLAT candidate pool.
Home State (HS) Quota: 50% of seats are reserved for students with Madhya Pradesh domicile. Since fewer students qualify for this quota (only MP students), the cutoff rank numbers are higher (meaning ranks like 700–1085 are acceptable, which would not qualify under AI quota). If you have an MP domicile certificate, always check HS quota cutoffs | your chances are substantially higher.
2. NLIU Bhopal BA LLB (Hons.) CLAT Cutoff 2026 | Round-Wise, Category-Wise
The following are the official CLAT 2026 cutoff ranks for NLIU Bhopal's BA LLB (Hons.) 5-year programme, released by the Consortium of NLUs through the CLAT 2026 merit lists. CLAT 2026 results were declared on December 17, 2025.
The last round closing ranks of 11,630 (AI) and 20,146 (HS) appear very high but are not relevant to General category candidates. These high rank numbers represent reserved category seats (SC/ST/PwD) that are filled in the final rounds. A General category candidate with rank 11,000 would NOT get admission to NLIU Bhopal. General category AI quota closes around rank 432–480. The high last-round numbers reflect the full range of all categories including deeply reserved seats in final rounds.
3. NLIU Bhopal BSc LLB (Hons.) Cyber Security Cutoff 2026
The BSc LLB (Hons.) with Cyber Security specialisation was introduced at NLIU Bhopal from the 2024 admissions cycle | making it one of India's most innovative and unique law-technology combination programmes at an NLU. This programme combines legal education with an integrated understanding of cyber security, digital forensics, privacy law, and technology law. Given its novelty and the growing demand for technology lawyers, it has quickly become a sought-after programme.
* Approximate based on trend. | BSc LLB last round AI closing: 24,966 | HS closing: 25,913 (all categories, 2026). Verify at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
The BSc LLB (Cyber Security) cutoff is significantly lower than BA LLB (General AI 684 vs 432 in Round 1). However, candidates who choose BSc LLB should have a genuine interest in technology, cyber law, and information security | the curriculum is substantially different from a traditional law degree. The BSc LLB programme includes subjects in programming, digital forensics, cyber crime investigation, and network security alongside core legal subjects. If you have an AIR between 433 and 700 in CLAT and cannot get BA LLB General quota, BSc LLB with Cyber Security is an excellent option at NLIU Bhopal | the specialisation has very high placement value in India's growing tech-law sector.
4. NLIU Bhopal LLM CLAT PG Cutoff 2026
NLIU Bhopal admits students to its LLM programme through CLAT PG (Postgraduate) scores. The LLM programme is a 2-year postgraduate degree in law with multiple specialisation options. CLAT PG is a separate exam from CLAT UG and is taken by candidates who already hold an LLB / BA LLB degree and wish to pursue postgraduate law education.
NLIU Bhopal LLM cutoff showed significant year-on-year variation. In 2025, the last round closing rank was 6,501 (AI). In 2026, it increased to 8,200 (AI), suggesting more CLAT PG candidates are targeting NLIU Bhopal for LLM. The Round 1 General AI cutoff of 391 in 2026 is lower (easier to get) compared to many top NLUs' LLM cutoffs, making NLIU one of the more accessible options for LLM among Tier-2 NLUs. For CLAT PG aspirants, a rank below 390 in General AI is the safe target for Round 1 LLM admission.
5. Home State (Madhya Pradesh Domicile) Quota | Special Section
NLIU Bhopal reserves 50% of seats in every category for Madhya Pradesh domicile candidates under the Home State (HS) quota. This is one of the most significant quota provisions among NLUs and substantially benefits MP state students. Understanding the HS quota cutoffs separately is essential for any MP domicile candidate targeting NLIU Bhopal.
6. NLIU Bhopal Cutoff 2025 | All Categories, All Courses & Rounds
The following is the official CLAT 2025 cutoff data for NLIU Bhopal, released by the Consortium of NLUs through the 2025 merit lists (results declared December 2024):
7. NLIU Bhopal Cutoff 2024 | Category-Wise (BA LLB & BSc LLB)
CLAT 2024 was notable for NLIU Bhopal as it marked the first year of the BSc LLB (Cyber Security) programme, which saw immediate strong demand. The BA LLB cutoff in 2024 reached a near-historic low for the General AI category:
| Programme | Category | AI R1 Closing | AI Last Round | HS (MP) Closing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons.) | General | 404 | 450 | ~900 |
| OBC (NCL) | ~1,700 | ~1,950 | ~2,400 | |
| EWS | ~1,300 | ~1,500 | ~1,900 | |
| SC | ~5,500 | ~6,000 | ~7,500 | |
| ST | ~8,500 | ~9,500 | ~12,000 | |
| BSc LLB Cyber Security (New 2024) | General | 878 | 1,047 | ~2,000 |
| OBC | ~2,500 | ~3,000 | ~4,000 | |
| SC | ~9,000 | ~10,500 | ~12,000 | |
| LLM (CLAT PG 2024) | General | ~650 | ~1,200 | ~900 |
8. NLIU Bhopal Cutoff 2023 | Category-Wise
CLAT 2023 was the most competitive year in recent NLIU Bhopal history, with the General AI closing rank for BA LLB touching 407 | reflecting a surge in CLAT applicants after pandemic recovery and increased awareness of NLU admissions:
| Category | BA LLB AI R1 | BA LLB AI Last Round | BA LLB HS (MP) | LLM AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 407 | 470 | ~850 | 835 |
| OBC (NCL) | ~1,700 | 2,511 | ~2,500 | ~1,800 |
| EWS | ~1,200 | ~1,600 | ~1,800 | ~1,400 |
| SC | ~5,200 | 7,388 | ~7,000 | ~4,000 |
| ST | ~8,000 | 19,810 | ~11,000 | ~8,000 |
9. NLIU Bhopal Cutoff 2022 & 2021
| Category | AI Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| General | 741 |
| OBC | ~2,200 |
| EWS | ~1,600 |
| SC | ~6,500 |
| ST | ~14,000 |
| LLM Gen | 539 |
| Category | AI Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| General | 600+ |
| OBC | ~2,500 |
| SC | ~7,000 |
| ST | ~15,000 |
| LLM Gen | 393 |
10. Year-Wise NLIU Bhopal Cutoff Trend 2021–2026 | Analysis
Understanding the historical trend of NLIU Bhopal's CLAT cutoff is essential for setting your CLAT 2027 target rank. Here is the consolidated trend for the General AI category, BA LLB (Hons.) | Round 1 closing rank:
11. Factors That Determine NLIU Bhopal Cutoff Each Year
NLIU Bhopal's CLAT cutoff is not static | it shifts every year based on several intersecting variables. Understanding these factors helps you interpret historical data and set realistic targets for CLAT 2027:
| Factor | How It Affects Cutoff | Current Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Total CLAT Applicants | More applicants → tighter cutoffs for top NLUs; relaxes for mid-NLUs slightly | 92,000+ in 2026 | high |
| CLAT Difficulty Level | Tougher paper → lower raw scores → higher rank numbers (easier cutoffs) | Moderate in 2026 |
| Total Seats Available | NLIU has 120 BA LLB + 60 BSc LLB + 22 LLM = 202 UG total; stable | Stable at 202 UG seats |
| Preference of Top Scorers | Top 500 CLAT rankers choose NLSIU/NALSAR/WBNUJS | opens NLIU's competitive range | Typical pattern holds |
| 50% MP Domicile Quota | Reduces AI quota competition significantly; HS quota absorbs many MP candidates | Consistent |
| New Programme (BSc LLB) | Adds 60 additional seats but also attracts new category of applicant | Growing demand; tightening cutoff |
| Round-Wise Vacancies | Candidates rejecting allotments in R1/R2 slightly relax later round cutoffs | Typical 10–30 rank relaxation R1→R3 |
| Gender Horizontal Reservation | 30% horizontal reservation for women | within each category's seats | Applies as per NLU norm |
12. Safe Target Rank for NLIU Bhopal 2027 | Category-Wise Guide
Based on 6-year historical data (2021–2026) and trend analysis, here are the safe target CLAT ranks for CLAT 2027 aspirants aiming at NLIU Bhopal. These targets are set conservatively | achieving them puts you in a comfortable position for Round 1 allotment:
Safe target = rank that historically secures Round 1 allotment. These are conservative estimates for CLAT 2027. Actual 2027 cutoffs may vary based on difficulty and applicant pool.
- General AI + BA LLB: Aim for CLAT AIR below 420. A rank of 430–480 may still work in Round 2 or 3.
- General MP (HS) + BA LLB: Aim for CLAT AIR below 700. Much more accessible than AI quota.
- General AI + BSc LLB (Cyber Security): Aim for AIR below 650.
- OBC AI + BA LLB: Aim for AIR below 1,650.
- SC AI + BA LLB: Aim for AIR below 5,200.
- ST AI + BA LLB: Aim for AIR below 9,000.
- General + LLM: Aim for CLAT PG rank below 380 for safe Round 1.
13. NLIU Bhopal vs Neighbouring NLUs | Cutoff Comparison 2026
NLIU Bhopal competes primarily with other Tier-2 and Tier-3 NLUs for candidates with CLAT ranks in the 400–1,000 range. Here is how its cutoff compares with similar NLUs for CLAT 2026 General AI category:
| NLU | State | BA LLB Gen AI R1 2026 | NIRF 2025 Law | vs NLIU Bhopal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | Karnataka | ~101 | #1 | Far tighter |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | Telangana | ~170 | #3 | Far tighter |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | West Bengal | ~290 | #4 | Tighter |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | Gujarat | ~390 | #5 | Similar (slightly tighter) |
| NLIU Bhopal ✓ | MP | 432 | #27 | Baseline |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | UP | ~500 | #8 | Slightly easier |
| HNLU Raipur | CG | ~600 | #7 | Easier |
| DNLU Jabalpur | MP | ~1,447 | | | Much easier |
NLIU Bhopal's General AI cutoff of 432 places it approximately 8th–10th in difficulty among NLUs | meaning candidates with CLAT ranks in the 400–450 range who cannot get GNLU (390) or WBNUJS (290) will typically find NLIU Bhopal as their best available NLU option. For MP domicile candidates, the HS quota makes NLIU Bhopal accessible up to rank ~735 in General category | making it a realistic target even for candidates who would otherwise be competing for Tier-3 NLUs under AI quota.
14. CLAT Preparation Strategy to Clear NLIU Bhopal Cutoff
Clearing the NLIU Bhopal CLAT cutoff requires achieving a General AI rank of approximately 420–432. For CLAT 2027, here is a focused preparation strategy to achieve this target:
If you are from Madhya Pradesh, ensure you have a valid MP domicile certificate before applying for CLAT counselling. This certificate unlocks the 50% Home State quota at NLIU Bhopal where General HS cutoff is ~735 vs 432 for AI quota | giving you a 300+ rank cushion. Obtain the domicile certificate from your Tehsildar / SDM office in advance and upload it correctly during CLAT counselling. Failure to submit proper domicile documentation can result in being considered only for AI quota despite being MP domicile.
15. NLIU Bhopal Cutoff | Frequently Asked Questions
The NLIU Bhopal CLAT 2026 cutoff for the BA LLB (Hons.) programme under General All India (AI) quota was: Round 1 closing rank = 432 and Round 2 closing rank = 451. For BSc LLB (Hons.) Cyber Security, the General AI Round 1 closing rank was 684. For LLM (CLAT PG 2026), the General AI Round 1 cutoff was 391 and Round 2 was 400. Under the Home State (Madhya Pradesh) quota, the General HS closing rank for BA LLB was approximately 735–759. These cutoffs are released by the Consortium of NLUs at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
For General category All India (AI) quota admission to NLIU Bhopal BA LLB (Hons.), you need a CLAT rank below approximately 420–432 for safe Round 1 allotment (based on 2026 data). A rank up to 480 may still get you admission in Round 2 or 3. For BSc LLB (Cyber Security), aim for a rank below 650 (General AI). For LLM, aim for CLAT PG rank below 380 for Round 1. If you have an MP domicile, your effective target is more relaxed | around rank 700 or below for BA LLB General HS quota. For OBC, aim below 1,650; SC below 5,200; ST below 9,000.
NLIU Bhopal's General AI cutoff showed a sharp tightening between 2022 (rank 741) and 2023 (rank 407) | a compression of approximately 330 ranks in a single year. Since 2023, the cutoff has remained relatively stable in the 400–480 range (2023: 407, 2024: 404, 2025: 458, 2026: 432). This stability suggests the cutoff has found its equilibrium in the mid-400s for General AI. The BSc LLB (Cyber Security) cutoff has tightened steadily since launch: from 878 in 2024 to 684 in 2026. For CLAT 2027, expect General AI BA LLB cutoff in the range of 420–460 and BSc LLB in the range of 640–700.
NLIU Bhopal CLAT 2026 Round 1 cutoff for BA LLB All India quota: OBC (NCL) = 1,714 | EWS = 1,315 | SC = 5,407 | ST = 9,461. Round 2 (slightly relaxed): OBC = 1,894 | EWS = 1,380 | SC = 5,541 | ST = 9,595. For BSc LLB Round 1: OBC = 2,326 | EWS = 2,056 | SC = 7,996 | ST = 10,429. For Home State (MP) quota, the cutoffs are higher in rank numbers across all categories. These figures are based on official CLAT 2026 Consortium of NLUs merit list data.
Yes. NLIU Bhopal reserves 50% of all seats in every category for candidates with Madhya Pradesh domicile | this is the Home State (HS) quota. This is one of the largest state quotas among NLUs. For example, out of 120 BA LLB seats: 60 are AI quota (nationwide competition) and 60 are HS quota (only MP domicile candidates eligible). The HS quota cutoff is significantly higher in rank number | General HS Round 1 closing was approximately 735 (2026) and 1,085 (2025) vs General AI of 432 (2026). To access HS quota, you must submit a valid MP domicile certificate during CLAT counselling at consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
The NLIU Bhopal LLM cutoff for CLAT PG 2026 (General AI category) was 391 in Round 1 and 400 in Round 2. In 2025, the Round 1 cutoff was 161 (much easier) and Round 2 was 387. The last-round AI overall closing rank was 8,200 (2026). Note that CLAT PG rank is different from CLAT UG rank | they are separate exams. A CLAT PG rank below 380 is recommended as a safe target for NLIU Bhopal LLM General AI Round 1 admission for CLAT PG 2027.