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.
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.
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