Top 20
Top 20 Law Colleges in India: To Pursue a Career
The top Law colleges to study in India contextualizes the latest policies and practical developments in various fields, such as Arts, Commerce, Business Administration, Social Work, Science, Technology, etc. Many students find interest in studying Law at some of the best institutes across India and making a successful career in the field.
A Quick Look at Studying Law in Indian Schools/Universities
When it comes to studying Law in colleges and universities in India, students are usually offered a wide selection of programs in the undergraduate (UG), post-graduate (PG), and Doctoral (Ph.D.) levels. Also, there are varying criteria that are set by each Law School/University with regard to accepting admissions in their institutes.
Law or Legal Studies, as it is called, has a myriad of disciplines or departments. A few common ones include Constitutional Law, Business Law, Trade Law, Tax Law, International Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property Rights Law, and so on.
Therefore, in order to pursue a career in Law in India, students are required to take up degree programs, for instance, the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Legislative Law (B.A. LL.B.) (Hons.) degree program is a five-year integrated Administrative Law bachelor’s degree program. Also, there is a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Legislative Law (B.B.A. LL.B.) (Hons.), which is a five-year integrated Administrative Law degree program. Similarly, for the master’s program, there is a Master of Legislative Law (LL.M).
Admission to Law Schools/Universities in India is generally done by various Law Entrance Exams like the CLAT, SLAT, AILET, and LSAT. Some universities also conduct their own entrance tests such as JMI BA LLB, MAH CET LAW, AP LAWCET, etc. There are many law universities that accept the CLAT to short-list the candidates for admission. However, the top Law Schools in India mostly prefer CLAT for admission.
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Let us now take a look at some of the best Law Colleges to pursue a career in the legal domain in India.
List of 20 NIRF-Ranked Best Law Colleges & Universities of India to Pursue Career in Law
Below is a list of twenty top-ranked colleges and universities to pursue Law in India.
Note: We have also provided links to the websites of the respective institutions where you can find details about the admission, fee structure, courses offered, regulations, examination, placements, etc.
1. National Law School of India University
City: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Website: https://www.nls.ac.in/
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru is the top law college in the country. The institute was established in 1986 under the National Law School of India Act (Karnataka Act 22 of 1986). The NLSIU was one of the first institutions in the country to introduce the five-year integrated law degree at the undergraduate level with the commencement of the first batch in 1988.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to national and international students. The courses offered at NLSIU are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), 3-Year LLB (Hons), LL.M., Master’s Programme in Public Policy, Ph.D. in Law, and Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Programme, and Online and Hybrid Programmes.
There are also activities where students get to engage in moot courts and debates at a competitive level, both domestically and internationally. The university is equipped with a state-of-the-art library, multiple academic centers, student housing, and various essential facilities.
2. National Law University Delhi
City: New Delhi, Delhi
Website: https://nludelhi.ac.in/
The National Law University Delhi (NLUD) is one of the top law colleges in India. The institute was opened in 2008 and is located in the capital city’s Dwarka sector. It is accredited by NAAC. Admissions to the undergraduate (BA LL.B (Hons) program are done through the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), a test which is conducted each year by the university.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered at NLUD are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), 3-Year LLB (Hons), LL.M., LL.M (Pro), Ph.D., as well as post-graduate Diploma courses, Online Courses, Bridge Courses, and Scholarships. The university has a total of thirteen research centers for various disciplines.
NLUD also provides the students facilities such as a library, computer center, digital classrooms, seminar rooms, E-moot court hall, and auditorium.
3. Symbiosis Law School
City: Pune, Maharashtra
Website: https://www.symlaw.ac.in/
Symbiosis Law School (SLS), also known as SLS Pune, situated in Pune is ranked among the top law colleges in India. This law school was established in 1977 and was then associated with the University of Pune until 2002. It later became a constituent of Symbiosis International University (SIU) and gained autonomous status. SLS Pune is the flagship campus of Symbiosis International University.
The university provides undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs to students. The courses offered at SLS Pune are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), 3-Year LLB (Hons), LL.M, BBA LL.B (Hons) as well as eight specializations in LL.M, which is a one-year post-graduate law degree program.
SLS Pune is a core partner in the Erasmus Mundus consortium’s global network of legal colleges. It has also been chosen by the Ministry of Social Welfare of the Government of India to give scholarships to SC and ST students. SLS Pune also has partnerships with several prestigious national and international educational institutes.
4. NALSAR University of Law
City: Hyderabad, Telangana
Website: http://www.nalsar.ac.in/
The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), which is commonly known as the NALSAR University of Law, was established in 1998 in Telangana. The functioning of the University is managed through organizations established in the statute as well as bodies created to implement the statute. The university has imparted legal education in an interdisciplinary manner. Consequently, there is a convergence between the disciplines of law, social sciences, humanities, and management studies in both developing and executing the curriculum in the various degree and diploma courses.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered at NALSAR University of Law are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), 3-Year LLB (Hons), and LL.M, as well as short-term certification courses for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Additionally, NALSAR has research centers that have been set up to mandate research on issues in their respective domain, which would inform policy, and strengthen teachings and advocacy.
5. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences
City: Kolkata, West Bengal
Website: https://www.nujs.edu/
The National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata is an academic community whose founding statute is The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) Act, 1999. WBNUJS campus is located in the Salt Lake city of Kolkata overlooking the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), 3-Year LLB (Hons), and LL.M. WBNUJS has several Centres of Studies and Research where the students get the opportunity of associating themselves as Research Assistants. In addition, students may engage themselves in various academic and extra-curricular activities like organizing workshops/seminars/debates, etc.
WBNUJS provides a hostel and several facilities to its students and faculties. It also has its own auditorium on campus with all modern facilities.
6. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
City: Kharagpur, West Bengal
Website: http://www.iitkgp.ac.in/
The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has an academic unit, the School of Law, under which the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, where students can pursue their degree in Law. The Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law is the first of its kind in the IIT system that was set up in 2006.
The institute is a part of the global endeavor to integrate technology and law to build lawyers with expertise to deal with legal issues in the interface of technology and law. The School offers three programs, which are LL.B with specialization in IP Rights, LL.M, and Doctoral Programme in Law. The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), 3-Year LLB (Hons), LL.M, and Ph.D.
A wide range of electives and a breadth of subjects offered provide students with greater insights into different areas. The institute invites several guest faculty, adjunct faculty, and industry experts to build practical exposure to students in different areas of law. Workshops, clinical legal courses, and courtroom exercises provide the students with in-house training in practical aspects.
7. Jamia Millia Islamia
City: New Delhi, Delhi
Website: https://jmi.ac.in/
The Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is a central university accredited with A++ Grade by NAAC. It also has affiliations with UGC, AIU, AICTE, NBA, and ACU. The institute was founded in 1920 in Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh) but was later moved to its present location in New Delhi.
For students that seek to pursue Law at JMI, the institute has a Faculty of Law division which was established in 1989. The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), LL.M, Ph.D, and PG Diploma in Labour Law and Air and Space Law. It also offers two year Executive LL.M program for working professionals.
JMI being a central university has a multitude of schools, and universities for undergraduate and postgraduate degree studies and centers, both at national and international levels.
8. Gujarat National Law University
City: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Website: https://gnlu.ac.in/
The Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) is the statutory university established by the Govt. of Gujarat under the Gujarat National Law University Act, 2003. The university is recognized by BCI and UGC. Since its inception in 2003, GNLU has been holding regular in-house Moot Court competitions, after which meritorious students are sent abroad for participating in Moot Court jamborees.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), BSW LLB (Hons), LL.M, Ph.D., and PG Diploma in Biotechnology, Law and Policy, Intellectual Property Rights, and Medical Law, Policy and Ethics.
GNLU is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), International Association of Law Schools (IALS), Asian Law Institute (ASLI), and Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute.
9. Siksha `O` Anusandhan
City: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Website: https://www.soa.ac.in/snil
Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), also known as SOA University, is a Deemed to be University situated in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. The University is accredited with A++ status by NAAC. It is also granted Category-I Graded Autonomy Status by UGC, Govt. of India. SOA University has several faculties that provide degree-level programs to students in various disciplines.
SOA University’s Faculty of Legal Studies is the SOA National Institute of Law (SNIL). It is also known as SOA National School of Law. SNIL has several departments in which programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels are offered to students. The courses offered are 5-Year Integrated BA LL.B (Hons), 5-Year BBA LL.B (Hons), 3-Year LL.B (Hons), LL.M in Corporate and Commercial Law, and Ph.D. Program.
10. National Law University Jodhpur
City: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Website: http://www.nlujodhpur.ac.in/
The National Law University Jodhpur (NLUJ) s one of India”s leading Law schools situated in the city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The university was established in 1999 and has endeavored to produce exceptional lawyers and legal scholars aimed at pushing and challenging the existing boundaries of knowledge.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year Integrated BA LL.B (Hons), 5-Year BBA LL.B (Hons), LL.M in Corporate Laws, IPR, and Technology Laws. The University also offers LL.D. and Ph.D. programs in the quest for attaining excellence in higher education.
NLUJ boasts of a dynamic faculty comprising both experienced and young academicians coming from diverse backgrounds and drawn from all across India.
11. KIIT School of Law
City: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Website: https://law.kiit.ac.in/
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) is a leading international Law University situated in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. Prior to becoming a university, KIIT initially started off in 1992 as a vocational coaching center, and five decades later, the institute began offering degree programs in Engineering to students. In 2004, the institute was given the status of Deemed University by the Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India. The institute is accredited and recognized by both national and international universities.
KIIT School of Law, also known as the School of Law, KIIT University is a constituent unit of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology. The degree as well as integrated degree programs offered at the institute are B.A. LL.B., BBA LL.B., B.Sc. LL.B and LL.M.
At present, KIIT has several constituent schools. A few of these are the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, School of Rural Management, School of Biotechnology, School of Law, School of Fashion Technology, School of Film & Television Production, and KIIT Media School.
12. Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University
City: Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
Website: https://amu.ac.in/faculties/faculty-of-law
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is one of India’s oldest educational institutions. The Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University is a division that provides degree programs to students in the field of Law. The Department of Law, at Aligarh Muslim University, is one of the oldest departments in India. The teaching of Law at AMU was introduced in the year 1883 by its founder, Sir Sayed Ahmad Khan. The Department of Law, AMU Centre Malappuram is an extension of the Faculty of Law, AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to national and international students. The courses offered at the institute are 5-Year Integrated BA LLB (Hons), 2-Year LL.M, Ph.D., and Diploma Courses in various disciplines.
In addition to providing degree programs, the university also offers facilities like Moot Court, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Debating, and participating in quiz competitions, etc.
13. LPU School of Law
City: Phagwara, Punjab
Website: https://www.lpu.in/
LPU School of Law is a privately-owned Law College situated in Punjab that functions under Lovely Professional University (LPU). the School undertakes meticulous planning of internships with Judicial Officers, prominent legal practitioners, law firms, and Commissions like Human Rights, Women, Child and Information Commission, etc. The School also organizes international conferences and interactions with acclaimed law practitioners to broaden the horizon of students and to familiarise them with emerging legal developments.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), B.Com LLB (Hons), BBA LL.B (Hons), LL.B., LL.M, and Ph.D.
Regular Moot Court sessions are also available which help students appreciate various interpretations of the law and develop analytical ability and argumentative skills.
14. Saveetha School of Law
City: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Website: https://saveethalaw.com/
Saveetha School of Law (SSL) is a department of the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), a Deemed University, and is situated in the Poonamalle campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The institute was established in 2009 and maintains higher standards of Legal Research and Training. SSL is accredited with A++ Grade by NAAC and is recognized by UGC and BCI.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are BA LL.B (Hons), BBA LL.B (Hons), and B.Com LL. B (Hons), PG Diploma in IPR, LL.M, and Ph.D.
SSL also encourages students’ active participation in various extra-curricular activities, such as Moot Court, Client Counselling, Community Outreach Programmes, Mock Trials, Seminars, etc. Saveetha School of Law offers the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) curriculum with the flexibility in choosing faculty and subjects and is digitized with flipped classes.
15. National Law Institute University
City: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Website: https://nliu.ac.in/
National Law Institute University (NLIU) has grown to its current status by imparting quality education. Its objective is to contribute to national development by instilling a sense of responsibility among its students. The institute was established in 1997 by the Rashtriya Vidhi Sansthan Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam, by an Act of 1997, enacted by the Madhya Pradesh State Legislature. NLIU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Bar Council of India (BCI).
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LL.B (Hons), B.Sc. LL.B (Hons), LL.M in specializations like Constitutional and Administrative Law, Human Rights and Criminal Law, Intellectual Property and Business Law, and more. It also offers Ph.D, PG Diploma, and Certification Courses to students.
The university has also taken necessary initiatives toward the development of students’ interests by organizing webinars, guest lectures, internship opportunities, etc.
16. School of Law, Christ University
City: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Website: https://christuniversity.in/
The School of Law, Christ University (SLCU) is a part of Christ University (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka. The institute was founded in 2006 and is administered by Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), the first indigenous Catholic religious congregation of India that renders its service to humanity in educational, social, healthcare, and other activities. SLCU has a flexible curriculum offering several options in different areas of specialization.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students as per the guidelines of BCI and UGC. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LL.B (Hons), BBA LL.B (Hons), LL.M, PG Diploma in Research Methodology (PGDR), and Ph.D.
The programs offered at SLCU incorporate a number of special opportunities, such as internships, clinical legal programs, supervisory research, writing, etc.
17. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University
City: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Website: http://www.rmlnlu.ac.in/
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) is a public law school and a National Law University located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The institute was established in 2005 as Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law Institute, and a year later, it came to be known as RMLNLU by an Act of Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. The university is named after its founder, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya, who was a Doctorate in Economics and Political Science and was a social reformer, too.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LL.B (Hons), LL.M, and Ph.D. in different specializations.
RMLNLU also provides facilities including hostels for boys and girls.
18. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law
City: Patiala, Punjab
Website: https://www.rgnul.ac.in/
The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) was established by the State Legislature of Punjab by passing the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab Act, 2006. The university is recognised by BCI and UGC. The University has instituted a Legal Aid Clinic under the aegis of the Punjab Legal Services Authority. The RGNUL Legal Aid Clinic, established in 2011 consists of Advocates, Faculty members, and students in general. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) School of Law is also functional at RGNUL.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), 3-Year LLB (Hons), and LL.M. Additionally, the University has set up seventeen centers of research for advanced studies in different fields.
The facilities provided at RGNUL include Library, Auditorium, Sports Complex, Boys and Girls Hostels, Guest House, Community Hall, Health Centre, Residences, Stadium, Gymnasium, Canteen, and more. There is also a provision of apartments for faculty members and staff.
19. SASTRA School of Law
City: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Website: https://law.sastra.edu/
Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) is a Deemed University that consist of many constituent schools, including the School of Law. SASTRA School of Law situated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu was established in 2008. The institute provides its students with diverse knowledge in the fields of Social Studies, Business and Economics integrated with legal education.
The university provides undergraduate degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year B.A. LL.B (Hons), B.Com LL.B (Hons), and BBA LL.B (Hons).
This co-educational Law School currently offers only undergraduate degree programs that are approved by the BCI curriculum.
20. Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University
City: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Website: https://bhu.ac.in/
The Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the oldest educational institutions in India. The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was established in 1916 in Banaras (now Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh. Its Law School is one of the earliest faculties established in 1924.
The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to students. The courses offered are 5-Year B.A. LL.B (Hons), 3-Year LL.B (Hons), LL.M (in Human Rights and Duties Educations), Ph.D., and PG Diploma Courses that are offered in various specializations.
Wrapping Up
The above-mentioned top-ranking Law colleges and universities in India are among the best institutes to pursue a career in the field of Law. However, there are also several other schools and universities that provide degree programs in Law for various departments, in which students can enroll themselves.
