Every student aspiring to be a lawyer aims to attain his education and degree from the top law colleges in the country. Before applying into one, rigorous research is done by every student. To ease the process many ranking authorities issue rankings based on certain criteria that help the students to narrow down their choices and prepare for the respective qualifying examinations. In this article, we will brief about the top 10 law colleges in India as per the NIRF ranking inclusive of the eligibility criteria and entrance examination.
As per the report by NIRF (National Institute of Ranking Framework), the 2021 list of top law colleges is as follows:
1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangaluru
– This is known to be the first Indian University set up specifically for legal research and studies. This university is recognized by the Bar Council of India and is regulated under the National Law School of India Act, 1986. Several renowned judges and lawyers have been associated with this university. The university course structure operates with a trimester system, which at the end of the 5-year law course will complete 60 subjects, 4 subjects in each semester. The university has been successfully held 1st position for the last many years according to the rankings by NIRF 2021.
Eligibility & Qualifying exam:
The University takes admission based on CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) score, which is held once a very year.
Fee for B.A., L.L.B (Hons) course
General- 1,87,700 rupees p.a.
SC/ST- 1,85,200 rupees p.a.
Foreign nationals- USD 7809 p.a.
2. National Law University (NLU), New Delhi
– This university was established in 2008 and is situated in New Delhi. This university is a state-level university and approved by UGC (University Grants Commission) and is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities. The university is also recognized by Bar Council India and has been ranked in the 2nd position by the NIRF 2021. The university offers 5 years integrated course of B.A., L.L.B (Hons).
Eligibility & Qualifying exam:
– Passed class 12th with a minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/persons with disability)
– Pass the entrance exam called AILET (All India Law Entrance Test).
Entrance exam fees:
General- Rs.3000
SC/ST- Rs.1000
(No fees for students below the poverty line)
Course Fee:
Rs.85,000 per annum
3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
– The University was established in 1998 and is engaged in providing services in teaching and research in the field of law. The University has been ranked 3rd by the NIRF. Since, its establishment the university has been able to mark its name through its students bagging huge achievements in the field of litigation, judiciary, social advocacy, and international organizations. The university offers 5 years integrated course of B.A., L.L.B (Hons).
Eligibility & Qualifying exam:
– The university takes into account CLAT score for admissions
– Total seats offered are 105, out of which 84 seats are open for admissions to citizens from all over India and 21 seats are reserved for Telangana candidates.
Fees:
– Tuition fee for the course amounts to Rs.1,15,000 p.a
4. NLU Kolkata (NUJS)
– West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, also known as NUJS is one of the most prestigious law schools in India. Ranked 4th by NRIF, this university has been given permanent affiliation by the Bar Council of India in July 2005. NJUS is one of the three National law schools that has the honorable Chief Justice of India as its chancellor. The university offers 5 years of integrated courses of B.A., L.L.B (Hons), and BSc-LLB (Hons).
Eligibility & Qualifying exam:
– Passed class 12th with a minimum 45% aggregate
– Qualifying exam is CLAT
Fees: 2.42 lakhs in total
5. Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur
– First, of its kind, this school aims to bring technology and law in one room to teach students about the intricacies related to technology and law. This setup was first introduced in 2006 in the IIT structure. The school offers 3 year LLB course and is currently ranked 5th by the NIRF in 2021.
Eligibility & Qualifying exam:
– Student should have completed his graduation with First class in the field of Engineering, Technology or Medicine or any other course; or
First-class MBA degree in any of the above fields
– Appear for the entrance exam conducted by IIT Kharagpur
(Selection is based on the marks obtained by the candidate in such entrance exam)
Course Fee (Total): Rs. 3,55,000
6. Gujarat National Law University
– Established under the Gujarat National Law University act, 2003 has been performing well since its establishment. The university is also recognized by the Bar Council of India and the UGC. The university is ranked at 6th as per the NIRF rankings offers 5 years of integrated full-time law courses: B.com LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, BSW LLB, and B.A. LLB. Every year, the university offers admissions into law to approximately 1000 students out of which 44% are women.
Eligibility & Qualifying exam:
– Passed class 12th with a minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/persons with disability)
– The university grants admission based on the CLAT score
Course fee: Rs. 8,92,000 for all 5 years integrated courses
7. Faculty of Law, Jamia Milia Islamia
– Established in 1989, the University offered 3 year LLB course which has now been replaced by a 5-year integrated course. It is ranked 7th by the NIRF and offers B. An LLB course. The university has been accredited with Grade A by the NAAC. The university is also renowned for providing paralegal training backed by National Legal Service Authority. Furthermore, the 5-year integrated course also includes four intensive practical training modules for the students.
Eligibility & Qualifying exam:
– Passed class 12th with a minimum 50% aggregate
– Appear for the JMI Law entrance exam
Course fee: Rs.52,000 – Rs.2,02,000
8. National Law University, Jodhpur
– NLUJ was established in 1999 under the NLUJ act as passed by the Rajasthan state legislature and is a state-based university recognized by the UGC. The university is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities and also of the Consortium of the National Law Universities. It has been ranked 8th by NIRF 2021 and offers a 5-year integrated course: BBA-LL.B, and B.A. LLB. The university is known for its collaborations with various prominent universities such as the University of London, University of Arizona, and Ural state law Academy, Russia.
Eligibility & Qualifying exam:
– Passed class 12th with a minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/persons with disability)
– The university considers CLAT scores for admissions
Course fee: Rs.12,29,000
9. Symbiosis Law School, Pune
– The university was established in 1977 and was set up under the affiliation of the University of Pune earlier which later became the member of Symbiosis International University, 2002. The University is ranked 9th by the NRIF and was also conferred with the Gold-star award by the Bar Council in 2013. The university also offers evening study options for its 5-year law programs.
Eligibility & Qualifying exams:
– Passed class 12th with a minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/persons with disability)
– Students need to appear for SLAT for taking admission into the course
Fees for SLAT: Rs.1950
Course fee: Up to Rs.3,61,500 p.a.
10. KIIT School of Law, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
– A Private law university known as the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, is recognized by the Bar Council of India and has been allotted grade ‘A’ by the NAAC. KIIT School of Law has also been associated with the International Association of Law Schools, Washington, USA, and Asia – Pacific Association of Law Schools, Australia. It has been ranked 10th by the NIRF 2021. This school of law is known for providing Bachelor’s in law in six specializations- Crime & Criminology Law, Intellectual Property Law, Business Law, Constitutional Law, Taxation Law, International Law, etc.
Eligibility & Qualifying Exam:
– Passed class 12th with a minimum 45% aggregate in any stream, if admission is to be sought in BSc LLB then the candidate should have scored at least 45% in the science stream
– Appear for the KIIT entrance exam and counseling shall take place based on ranking scored by the qualifying candidates
Course fee: Rs. 15,45,000