1. About NLU Delhi | Overview & History
National Law University Delhi (NLUD), officially known as "National Law University, Delhi," is a public law university established by the Government of Delhi through the National Law University Delhi Act, 2007. The university was inaugurated and began operations in 2008, making it one of the newer but most rapidly ascendant NLUs in India. Its campus is located at Sector 14, Dwarka, South-West Delhi | strategically positioned close to India's legal capital.
What makes NLU Delhi unique among the 25 National Law Universities is that it does not participate in CLAT (Common Law Admission Test). Instead, it independently conducts the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) for both BA LLB (UG) and LLM (PG) admissions. This independent exam has made AILET one of India's most competitive law entrance tests, with only 110 seats for BA LLB and thousands of aspirants competing nationwide.
NLU Delhi is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI), accredited by NAAC with Grade A, and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Its academic programmes are internationally recognised, and the university holds international collaborations with universities in the US, UK, and Europe for joint degree programmes.
2. NLU Delhi Rankings | NIRF, QS & Other Agencies
NLU Delhi has consistently been among the top 2–3 law schools in India across all major ranking frameworks:
| Ranking Agency | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF (Govt. of India) | Law | #2 (Score: 80) | #2 | #2–3 |
| QS World Rankings | Law Stream | 201–250 band | 201–250 band | Not ranked separately |
| India Today | Law Colleges | Top 3 | Top 3 | Top 3 |
| Outlook | Law Colleges | Top 3 | Top 3 | Top 3 |
| The Week | Law Schools | Top 3 | Top 3 | Top 3 |
NLU Delhi's consistent #2 ranking in NIRF Law is driven by its exceptional peer perception score, high research and publication output, outstanding placement metrics (median ₹18 LPA), and strong graduating outcomes. The university's location in Delhi allows easy access to the Supreme Court, Parliament, and top law firms | directly boosting its industry connect and placement scores in NIRF methodology.
3. Courses Offered at NLU Delhi
NLU Delhi offers law programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Here is the complete list of programmes available:
| Programme | Duration | Seats | Admission | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons) | 5 Years (Integrated) | 110 | AILET UG | Class 12 | 45% (Gen) / 40% (SC/ST) |
| B.Com LLB (Hons) | 5 Years (Integrated) | ~30 (within 110) | AILET UG | Class 12 | 45% (Gen) / 40% (SC/ST) |
| LLM (Master of Laws) | 1 Year | 81 | AILET PG | LLB degree | 55% (Gen) / 50% (SC/ST) |
| IP-Joint Masters/LLM | 2 Years | Limited | AILET PG + Partner University | LLB + Meeting partner university criteria |
| PGIP-MA/LLM | 2 Years | Limited | AILET PG | Graduate in any discipline |
| PhD in Law | 3–5 Years | Limited | Research Entrance Test + Interview | LLM with 55% marks |
| PG Diploma (PGDUEML, PGDELP, PGDTEL) | 1 Year | Limited | Direct application | Graduation in relevant discipline |
The 5-year integrated BA LLB (Hons) programme is the flagship programme and the most sought-after course at NLU Delhi. With only 110 seats and an AILET General cutoff of AIR 60 (2026), an effective admission rate of under 0.5%, this is among the most selective undergraduate law programmes in India and the world. The curriculum integrates liberal arts, social sciences, and rigorous legal education over 10 semesters.
4. NLU Delhi Fee Structure 2026
The NLU Delhi fee structure is officially published each year on the university website. Below are the current indicative fees for all major programmes:
BA LLB (Hons) | 5-Year Total Fee Breakdown
| Fee Component | Per Year (Approx) | 5-Year Total (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹2,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 |
| Academic Services & Development | ₹50,000 | ₹2,50,000 |
| Library, IT & Other Fees | ₹30,000 | ₹1,50,000 |
| Hostel (if availed) | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Mess / Food Charges | ₹50,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| Approximate Total | ₹4,10,000 – ₹4,60,000 | ~₹20,50,000 – ₹23,00,000 |
LLM | 1-Year Total Fee
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (1 Year) | ₹1,60,000 |
| Academic Services & Other Fees | ₹40,000 |
| Hostel (optional) | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Total LLM Fee (without hostel) | ~₹2,00,000 – ₹2,40,000 |
NLU Delhi provides scholarships and financial aid to eligible students based on merit and financial need, in accordance with university and government norms. SC/ST/OBC/EWS students may be entitled to Government of India fee scholarships and post-matric scholarships. Students from economically weaker sections (EWS) are advised to apply for financial aid at the time of admission. AILET application fee: SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,050 | General/EWS/OBC/Foreign nationals | ₹3,050.
5. NLU Delhi Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Programme | Qualifying Exam | Min. Marks (Gen/EWS/OBC) | Min. Marks (SC/ST/PwD) | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons) / B.Com LLB (Hons) | Class 12 (10+2) any stream | 45% aggregate | 40% aggregate | Max 20 years (as of July 1, 2026) for Gen; 22 for SC/ST/PwD |
| LLM (Master of Laws) | 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB | 55% aggregate | 50% aggregate | No age limit |
| PhD in Law | LLM from a recognised university | 55% in LLM | 50% in LLM | No age limit |
Unlike most NLUs under CLAT (which have removed age limits following Supreme Court rulings), NLU Delhi as of 2026 still maintains an age limit for its BA LLB programme. Candidates must not have crossed 20 years of age (General/EWS/OBC) or 22 years of age (SC/ST/PwD) as of July 1 of the admission year. Always verify the current year's AILET notification for any changes to the age limit policy before applying.
6. NLU Delhi Admission Process | AILET 2026
Admission to NLU Delhi's BA LLB and LLM programmes is conducted exclusively through AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), organised by NLU Delhi itself. The exam is held annually in December. Here is the complete step-by-step admission process for 2026:
7. AILET Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026
AILET is a distinct exam from CLAT. It has its own pattern, and preparation strategies differ. Here is the complete AILET 2026 exam pattern for BA LLB:
| Parameter | AILET BA LLB Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Online |
| Duration | 90 Minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) in 2025–26 pattern; verify for 2027 |
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs |
| Maximum Marks | 150 marks |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer | −0.25 for each wrong answer | 0 for unattempted |
| Language | English only |
| Exam Centres | 35 cities across India |
| Exam Date 2026 | December 14, 2025 (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) |
AILET BA LLB Section-Wise Distribution
| Section | Questions (Approx) | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | ~35 | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, para-jumbles, fill-in-the-blanks, error detection |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | ~35 | Current events (national/international), static GK, science, geography, polity, awards, sports, legal news |
| Legal Reasoning | ~35 | Principle-fact questions, legal maxims, constitutional provisions, legal awareness, legal aptitude scenarios |
| Logical Reasoning | ~35 | Analogies, series, coding-decoding, syllogisms, blood relations, direction sense, critical reasoning |
| Mathematics / Quantitative Aptitude | ~10 | Number systems, percentages, ratio, averages, profit/loss, basic algebra (Class 10 level) |
Unlike CLAT (which uses passage-based comprehension questions and has eliminated standalone GK), AILET tests direct GK questions and standalone legal reasoning principles. AILET is a CBT (online) exam while CLAT is pen-and-paper. AILET is held on a single day (same as CLAT in December), and it admits candidates to only NLU Delhi (110 seats) | making the competition per seat far more intense than CLAT.
8. NLU Delhi AILET Cutoff 2026, 2025, 2024 | Category-Wise
The AILET cutoff at NLU Delhi is expressed as the All India Rank (AIR) | the last rank in each category that received admission. Lower AIR numbers indicate more competition. Here are the historical cutoffs:
AILET 2026 Cutoff | BA LLB (Hons)
| Category | Round 1 AIR | Round 2 AIR | Round 3 AIR | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 60 | 70 | 71 | 🔴 Extreme |
| EWS | ~290 | ~310 | ~320 | 🔴 Very High |
| OBC | ~457 | ~500 | ~520 | 🟡 High |
| SC | 1,480 | ~1,600 | ~1,650 | 🟢 Competitive |
| ST | 1,372 | ~1,500 | ~1,550 | 🟢 Competitive |
AILET Cutoff History (2024 & 2025) | General Category
| Year | Gen Round 1 | Gen Round 3 (Final) | LLM Gen Round 1 | LLM Gen Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AILET 2026 | AIR 60 | AIR 71 | ~AIR 58 | ~AIR 68 |
| AILET 2025 | AIR 53 | AIR 61 | AIR 41 | AIR 58 |
| AILET 2024 | AIR 62 | AIR 71 | AIR 51 | AIR 68 |
| AILET 2023 | ~AIR 55 | ~AIR 65 | ~AIR 45 | ~AIR 60 |
To have a safe chance at NLU Delhi (General category), aim for AIR 1–50 in AILET | this gives you admission in the first merit list. Ranks between AIR 50–80 are in a "mayfall" zone across rounds. For reserved categories: EWS should target AIR 1–250; OBC should target AIR 1–400; SC/ST candidates with AIR 1–1,200 are generally safe. Competition is growing each year | aim for maximum accuracy in English, GK, and Legal Reasoning to break into the top 50.
9. AILET Counselling & Seat Allotment Process
The AILET counselling is conducted directly by NLU Delhi. Unlike CLAT counselling (which is centralised for all 24 NLUs), NLU Delhi manages its own admission rounds independently. Here is the process:
10. NLU Delhi Placements 2025 | Packages, Recruiters & Statistics
NLU Delhi's placement record is one of its strongest selling points. Its strategic location in New Delhi | India's legal and policy capital | gives students year-round access to the Supreme Court, High Courts, Parliament, top law firms, and international organisations. Here are the verified placement statistics:
| Students Graduating | ~83 |
| Students Placed | 65+ (80%+ placement rate) |
| Median Salary | ₹18 LPA |
| Highest Salary | ~₹25 LPA |
| Students in Higher Studies | ~10 (LLM abroad, judicial services) |
| Students Graduating | ~81 |
| Students Placed | 48 (70%+ placement rate) |
| Median Salary | ₹10.68 LPA |
| Sectors | Research, Policy, Corporate Law, NGOs |
| Students in Academia | ~15 (PhD, foreign universities) |
Top Recruiters at NLU Delhi
NLU Delhi's placement advantage is not just its ranking | it's its location. Being 30 minutes from the Supreme Court means internships with senior advocates are easier to secure. The university mandates internships every semester, building practical experience by year 3. Mandatory internship every semester, strong alumni network in judiciary and Tier-1 firms, and placement cell with continuous mentorship contribute to the high median salary of ₹18 LPA.
Placement Trend (2022–2025)
| Year | UG Students Placed | Median UG Salary | PG Students Placed | Median PG Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (NIRF 2025) | 65 | ₹18 LPA | 48 | ₹10.68 LPA |
| 2023 (NIRF 2024) | 69 | ₹14 LPA | 50 | ₹12 LPA |
| 2022 (NIRF 2023) | 59 | ₹19 LPA | ~45 | ~₹11 LPA |
11. NLU Delhi Campus, Hostels & Infrastructure
NLU Delhi's campus at Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi, spans a purpose-built facility designed for a modern law school. While smaller in area than some older NLUs, it is a fully equipped academic campus in one of Delhi's well-planned districts:
12. Why Choose NLU Delhi? | 7 Compelling Reasons
13. NLU Delhi vs Other Top NLUs | Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parameter | NLU Delhi | NLSIU Bangalore | NALSAR Hyderabad | NUJS Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF Rank 2025 | #2 | #1 | #3–4 | #6–7 |
| Admission Exam | AILET (self) | CLAT | CLAT | CLAT |
| BA LLB Seats | 110 | ~120 | ~115 | ~80 |
| CLAT/AILET Gen Cutoff | AILET AIR ~60 | CLAT AIR ~120 | CLAT AIR ~250 | CLAT AIR ~400 |
| Total BA LLB Fees (5yr) | ~₹21 lakh | ~₹25 lakh | ~₹15 lakh | ~₹10 lakh |
| Median Placement | ₹18 LPA | ₹18–20 LPA | ~₹14 LPA | ₹20 LPA (2025) |
| Location | New Delhi | Bangalore | Hyderabad | Kolkata |
| Court Proximity | Supreme Court (30 min) | High Court (30 min) | High Court (40 min) | High Court (20 min) |
| Established | 2008 | 1987 | 1998 | 1999 |
Both NLSIU Bangalore (#1) and NLU Delhi (#2) offer comparable placement outcomes (₹18–20 LPA median) and elite academic environments. Choose NLU Delhi if: you want a career in litigation, constitutional law, policy, or arbitration | Delhi's legal ecosystem is unmatched. Choose NLSIU if: you want maximum corporate law placement from the oldest and most alumni-rich NLU. Both require exceptional AILET/CLAT preparation. The "better" choice depends entirely on career goals, not rankings.
14. AILET 2027 Preparation Strategy | How to Crack NLU Delhi
AILET is one of the toughest law entrance exams in India | not because of question difficulty, but because of the extreme competition for 110 seats. Here is an expert strategy to target AIR 1–50 in AILET 2027:
Best Books for AILET 2027 Preparation
- AILET All-in-One Guide: Arihant / Universal's AILET Guide | covers all 5 sections with practice questions
- English: Wren & Martin (grammar), Norman Lewis Word Power Made Easy, The Hindu Editorial archives
- Legal Reasoning: Pearson Guide to Legal Aptitude for CLAT/AILET; AP Bhardwaj Legal Aptitude
- GK & Current Affairs: Manorama Yearbook 2027; Pratiyogita Darpan monthly; Bar & Bench (legal news)
- Logical Reasoning: RS Aggarwal | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning; MK Pandey Analytical Reasoning
- Previous Papers: AILET 2014–2026 papers from official NLU Delhi website (free)
- Mock Tests: iQuanta AILET mocks, LegalEdge, Endeavor Careers | aim for 5+ full mocks per week in the final month