The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the entrance to the best National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. But there are many other good law colleges that also take CLAT scores, and they also provide good legal education. In this article, we are going to explore in detail such colleges, their eligibility, specializations, placements, and the importance of CLAT scores in such colleges, which are sought after by aspirants who do not want to join NLUs.
Why Consider Law Colleges Beyond NLUs?
1. Diverse Specialisations
Niche programs such as maritime law, corporate governance, intellectual property, and public policy are also available in many institutions, and not necessarily in NLUs.
2. Optimal Fee & Location Balance
Competitive fees and convenient city bases may not be accompanied by a compromise on quality education in non-NLU colleges.
3. Less Batch Size & More Individual Attention
Such colleges tend to have smaller groups in which there is more interaction between the faculty and the students.
4. Good Placement Potential
A lot of firms and corporations actively recruit in non-NLUs; placement records can be as high as NLUs or even higher in many instances.
Notable Law Colleges Accepting CLAT Scores (UG & PG)
College Name |
Location |
Programs Offered |
CLAT Cut-off (Approx.) |
Noteworthy Feature |
Symbiosis Law School |
Pune |
BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM |
55–60 percentile |
Strong corporate connections; diverse electives |
Jindal Global Law School (OP Jindal) |
Sonipat, Haryana |
BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD |
60–65 percentile |
Global partnerships; Harvard model campus |
Christ University Law School |
Bengaluru |
BA LLB, BBA LLB |
50–55 percentile |
Practical training; mooting excellence |
Amity Law School, Noida |
Noida, UP |
BA LLB, LLM |
50–55 percentile |
Impressive infrastructure; legal aid centre |
Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) |
Gandhinagar |
LLM (PhD) |
50–60 percentile |
Centres of excellence in maritime law, IPR |
Alliance School of Law |
Bengaluru |
BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM |
50–55 percentile |
Strong experiential learning, internships |
Note: Percentiles and cut-offs represent typical admission trends. Exact values vary annually.
Read More: How to Master Legal Reasoning for CLAT Admission Test 2026?
Understanding CLAT Score Utilisation by Non-NLU Colleges
Overview of Admission Process
1. Registration & Submission of CLAT Score
The aspirants apply individually to colleges that accept CLAT scores and send their percentiles and scorecards.
2. Shortlisting on Score and other Criteria
Merit lists are made. Other colleges complement the scores with group discussions or personal interviews, or written tests.
3. Admission and Final Selection Formalities
Offer letters are sent; students do verification and pay fees to confirm their seat.
The role of CLAT Percentile
The percentile or score in CLAT is a criterion of eligibility. Take an example, a score of 60 percentile and above can help you to be competitive in JGLS, and 50-55 percentile can take you to Amity or Christ University.
What are the benefits of non-NLU law colleges with CLAT scores?
Curricular Variety: These colleges may offer a variety of specialisations such as IPR, sports law, and ADR.
• Wholesome Development: Internships, moot courts, pro-bono clinics, and industry exposure.
• Location Advantage: Convenient access to courts, law firms, corporates, particularly in metros.
• Flexible Fee Structure: The tuition may be cheaper or have varied scholarship models to NLUs.
What to choose NLU or non-NLU?
Assess the following:
• Your CLAT Percentile: Greater the scores, the more doors are opened to NLUs; intermediate scores might suit the non-NLU colleges.
• Interest Area: Some schools excel in global law, ADR, or cyber law.
• Preferred Learning Style: Large NLU classrooms as opposed to small cohorts in the private colleges.
• Financial: Total cost versus placement and ROI.
Are non-NLU colleges good in placement?
Yes. Most graduates are regularly placed in the best law firms, consultancies, and legal departments of MNCs. Others have placed cells that specialize in corporate, litigation, and public policy opportunities. Although NLUs usually top in median packages, good private colleges provide similar opportunities.
Are the cut-offs of the non-NLU colleges lower in CLAT?
Generally, yes. NLUs need the highest percentile ranges (90s and more). Conversely, the best state and privately owned law schools can take scores that are within the 50-70 percentiles. This is however, dependent on the demand of the seats annually.
Do colleges other than NLUs provide dual degrees?
No doubt- Symbiosis, JGLS, and Christ University all have dual degrees such as BA LLB + BBA or BA LLB + BA in Social Sciences, which add value to both professional and liberal education.
How to Strengthen Your CLAT Application for Non-NLU Law Colleges
Optimize CLAT Strategies
Use CLAT books and CLAT preparation books that include structured drills, sectional tests, and time management strategies to boost your score above percentile thresholds.
Practice with the CLAT previous year question paper
Regularly solve and analyze prior years' papers to uncover patterns and practice speed and accuracy, essential for securing a higher percentile.
Build a Strong Profile
Highlight internships, workshops, international exposure, moot court experience, and participation in legal research.
Prepare for Interviews/GDs
Focus on case discussions, current legal affairs, and clarity in articulating goals. Colleges like Symbiosis and Amity often conduct group discussions or personal interviews.
Admission Requirements & Key Highlights
College |
CLAT Percentile Needed |
Additional Criteria |
Highlight Offering |
Symbiosis Law School, Pune |
55–60 pctl |
GD + PI |
International internships, corporate tie-ups |
Jindal Global Law School |
60–65 pctl |
Personal interview, declaration |
Global tie-ups, Harvard-type campus |
Christ University, Bengaluru |
50–55 pctl |
Written test + interview |
Mooting, research, law outreach projects |
Amity Law School, Noida |
50–55 pctl |
Personal interview |
Legal aid programs and industry internships |
Gujarat NLU (GNLU), Gandhinagar |
50–60 pctl |
Centre-level exam + interview |
Maritime, IPR, arbitration excellence |
Alliance School of Law, Bengaluru |
50–55 pctl |
Personal interview, written test |
Focus on experiential learning and internships |
Integrating CLAT books & CLAT preparation books
Add advanced practice modules to address logical reasoning, legal reasoning and current affairs. Focus on deep dives topic-wise in such a way that your percentile goes up steadily.
Drilling with the CLAT last year question paper
Determine monthly or bi-weekly objectives to complete papers in exam conditions. Find areas of weakness and review concepts accordingly.
Timing strategy
Practice test environment and perfect your speed and accuracy. Monitor time on each section and adjust it.
Scoring smart
Be accurate and smart in the selection of questions. The aim is to achieve maximum percentile, not correct answers.
Can I apply to non-NLUs even with a lower CLAT score?
Yes--there is a lot of cut-off flexibility in many colleges, depending on the strength of the application. With such a score of the 50th percentile, you can still apply to colleges such as Amity, Alliance, or Christ, provided you strengthen your profile with internships or extra-curricular accomplishments.
Should I attend college-specific entrance exams too?
Yes, where necessary. As an example, Symbiosis can ask you to attend SLAT (which has been replaced); some schools use the same type of Group Discussion/Interview. Keep abreast of the admission portal of every college.
How much weightage is given to CLAT preparation strategies?
Significant. With the help of dedicated CLAT preparation books, CLAT previous year question paper, and by following your study patterns, you can easily improve your score by 10-20 percentile points, which is a world of difference in terms of eligibility.
What career paths do these colleges open?
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Litigation: Graduates often join district courts, high courts, and the Supreme Court as litigators.
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Corporate Law: Large corporations and law firms hire for compliance, due diligence, and M&A roles.
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Academics & Research: Many go on to pursue LLMs, PhDs, or teaching roles.
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Policy & Governance: Opportunities include drafting, public policy analysis, and NGO legal work.
Final Checklist: How To Apply Strategically
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List out eligible colleges accepting CLAT and check yearly cut-off trends.
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Select 5–6 target colleges: include 2 safe, 2 target, and 1–2 reach schools.
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Keep CLAT score copies ready while filling out each institution’s form.
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Prepare intensively using CLAT books and mock papers.
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Practice interview and GD skills—watch videos, attend workshops, rehearse legal conversations.
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Track deadlines: Application, registration, form fees, GD/PI schedules.
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Write a compelling statement of purpose (where required), underlining your interests: litigation, corporate law, research, etc.
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Attend counseling sessions and lock seats by paying fees once calls are out.
Final Thoughts
The CLAT is certainly the biggest hurdle for law aspirants, but life beyond NLUs holds tremendous promise. With consistent study driven by effective CLAT preparation books, strategic use of CLAT books, and by practising with real CLAT previous year question paper sets, you can confidently aim for top private and state-level law colleges offering outstanding education, placements, and specializations.
Remember:
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A good percentile opens doors—score above the median cut-offs.
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Preparation needs to be calibrated: speed, comprehension, logic.
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Broader profile enhancements (internships, moot, writing) matter.
By choosing the right mix of NLUs and high-quality non-NLU institutions, you maximize options for growth and success. Evaluate colleges based on their offerings, check admission criteria properly, and leverage your CLAT score wisely.
Best of luck! May you find the perfect law college match that empowers your legal journey—be it through courts, boardrooms, classrooms, or policy halls.