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NLUs through CLAT: Rank-wise Cutoff Trends & Student Strategy

NLUs through CLAT: Rank-wise Cutoff Trends & Student Strategy

When aspirants discuss admission in, NLUs via CLAT the first question asked is: "What rank or score do I require to get into NLSIU, NALSAR, or other NLUs?" In the past 4–5 years, the cutoffs (in the form of closing rank or marks) have had some interesting trends. In this blog, we mention top NLUs based on cutoff rank, compare trends between 2022 and 2025, and then provide recommendations on where students should put their preparation efforts.

Rank wise cutoff of top NLUs from 2021 to 2025

The following is a simplified table of approximate closing (or high competition) ranks of some of the best NLUs specifically for general category:

NLU Name

2025 closing rank

2024 closing rank

2023 closing rank

2022 closing rank

NLSIU Bengaluru

140

102

114

85

NALSAR Hyderabad

186

167

177

162

NUJS Kolkata

277

279

260

257

NLIU Bhopal

460

452

463

451

GNLU Gandhinagar

444

464

462

430

NLU Jodhpur

367

379

383

378

RMLNLU Lucknow

780

764

749

756

HNLU Raipur

807

791

805

756

NLU Odisha

1013

1205

1207

1191

In case of SC, ST, OBC, PWD seats these cutoff ranks changes for the candidates falling in these categories. With respect to EWS category the cutoff rank is similar to general categories or slightly changes with respect to the general category cutoff.

You can check out the official allotment list by the consortium for different NLUs in different years on the consortiums website the data you can show above is also taken from there and different public websites. You can read more on the given links below:

https://www.flamesclat.com/blog/clat-previous-year-cut-offs/

From this table, we can observe that:

  • NLSIU, NALSAR virtually always require top 100 rank (or equivalent) under general category.
  • NLUJ, NLIU, WBNUJS slightly more lenient but very competitive.
  • Over time, cutoffs have compressed (i.e. the margin between top NLUs is narrowing).
  • Difficulty level, number of candidates appearing, number of seats available, reservation policy, domicile quota all these affects the cutoffs.

What the 4-Year Trend Suggests & Where to Focus

 1. Ultra competitiveness at the top

To enter NLSIU or NALSAR in General category, one must aim for top 1–100 rank (or equivalent highest marks). There is virtually no room for error in one section. The trend over years shows they consistently maintain this elite cutoff.

2. Marginal gain is more crucial now

Since the cut-offs between high NLUs are extremely close, pushing your score by 1–3 marks (or negating negative marks) can make a huge difference in your rank. In close competition, each question makes a difference.

 3. Balanced sectional performance

Numerous students fail because they overlook weaker sections. Due to the proximity, you cannot allow a "weak section." Logical reasoning, legal reasoning, data interpretation, etc. All need to be good.

 4. Time management & accuracy

Mistakes are expensive as you reach top-level scores. Practice with tight mock tests, identify persistent errors, and avoid dumb mistakes.

5. Reservation & category leverage

If you are in OBC, SC, ST, or EWS category, monitor category-wise cutoffs. Trend is a decline compared to general, but competition in category is also tough. Employ category reservation intelligently, but don't presume much margin.

6. Target safe NLUs & backup

If you are unable to get into top-100, aim to get NLUs with slightly lower cutoff (NLUJ, NLIU, WBNUJS). Also prepare backup plan: as soon as your rank is "safe" for a tier-2 NLU, don't take risky decision.

Also Read: https://www.flamesclat.com/blog/clat-2025-revised-result-what-the-merit-list-changes-mean-for-ranks-1000-to-2000-in-the-counselling-process/

Suggested Focus Plan for Students

Here is a suggested roadmap:

1. Foundation (First 2 months): Develop concept clarity in all CLAT sections, do proper practice in logical reasoning, English, etc. Keep question-journal.

2. Mid Phase (next 4–5 months): Begin timed mocks every 10–15 days, identify sectional weaknesses, practice speed + accuracy, practice earlier years CLAT papers

3. Final Phase (last 2–3 months): Start attempting Full-length mocks in exam conditions, concentrate on polishing strategies (which questions to omit, time management), practice full tests on the identical time with negative marking conditions.

4. Revision & Polishing: Last 2–3 weeks: revising key concepts, formulae, words, Mock + review cycle on a daily basis, Preserve calmness and exam attitude

5. Backup & Preference Strategy: When completing NLU preferences, don't overstretch; put in safe and stretch preferences, keep an eye on domicile, horizontal reservation, and how they affect your effective rank

 Conclusion

Between 2022 and 2025, the picture is clear: the best NLUs have hairline margins, and only near-perfect performers on every section can hope to make it in the general category. But for   most students, it is possible to get a comfortable rank in a marginally lower NLU with diligent preparation. And every year these cutoffs are subject to change according to the level of the paper but generally we see when the paper is difficult the cutoff rank or marks is low as we can see in 2023 and 2022 whereas when the paper is moderate the cutoff increases as we can see in 2024 and 2025.

Join our Flames CLAT Family at https://t.me/flamesclat

For Informative videos, do check out  https://youtube.com/@flamesclat?si=-PqiaRLEjutM-iYj

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