The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is widely known as the gateway to admission into National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. However, many students are unaware that several reputed private, state, and deemed law universities also accept CLAT scores for admission to their undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs. These institutions are often referred to as CLAT affiliate or CLAT-accepting colleges, even though they do not fall under the NLU category.
For students who do not secure a seat in NLUs or are looking for alternative law colleges with quality education, strong placements, and lower competition, these non-NLU colleges provide excellent opportunities.
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Why Do Non-NLU Colleges Accept CLAT Scores?
Many private and state universities use CLAT as a benchmark entrance exam to assess candidates’ aptitude in legal reasoning, logical thinking, English, and general awareness. Accepting CLAT scores helps these colleges:
Ensure transparency in admissions
Attract meritorious students from across India
Maintain a national-level selection process
Some colleges admit students directly based on CLAT rank, while others conduct their own counselling or interviews.
Top Law Colleges Participating in CLAT Counselling Apart from NLUs
Below is a list of well-known law colleges and universities that accept CLAT UG and PG scores, either through centralized or independent counselling:
1. Symbiosis Law School (Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, Nagpur)
Symbiosis Law School is among the most reputed private law institutions in India. While Symbiosis conducts its own entrance test (SLAT), it also considers CLAT PG scores for LL.M admissions in certain campuses.
2. NMIMS School of Law, Mumbai & Navi Mumbai
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) accepts CLAT scores for admission to its BA LL.B (Hons.) and BBA LL.B (Hons.) programs in some admission cycles, particularly for vacant seats.
3. UPES School of Law, Dehradun
UPES accepts CLAT UG scores for admission into its BA LL.B and BBA LL.B programs. It is known for its industry-oriented curriculum and strong corporate law exposure.
4. Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), Sonipat
Jindal Global Law School, a globally ranked law institution, considers CLAT UG and PG scores along with its own admission criteria. It offers international collaborations and modern legal education.
5. Amity Law Schools (Noida, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur)
Amity University law schools accept CLAT scores for both UG and PG law programs. Amity is popular for its wide campus network and infrastructure.
6. Bennett University, Greater Noida
Bennett University School of Law considers CLAT scores for admission to BA LL.B (Hons.) programs. The university is backed by the Times Group and focuses on practical legal training.
7. ICFAI Law School (Hyderabad, Dehradun, Jaipur)
ICFAI Law Schools accept CLAT scores for undergraduate law courses. These colleges are known for case-study-based teaching and corporate exposure.
8. MIT World Peace University, Pune
MIT-WPU accepts CLAT scores for admission to its law programs and is known for interdisciplinary learning and skill-based education.
9. Alliance University, Bengaluru
Alliance School of Law accepts CLAT UG scores and offers a curriculum focused on corporate law, arbitration, and international law.
10. Nirma University, Institute of Law (Ahmedabad)
Nirma University accepts CLAT scores for LL.M admissions and is recognized for academic rigor and consistent placement records.
Admission Process for Non-NLU CLAT Colleges
The admission process generally includes:
Applying separately on the college’s official website
Submitting CLAT scorecard and rank
Participating in institutional counselling or interviews
Document verification and fee payment
Unlike NLUs, these colleges do not participate in centralized CLAT counselling conducted by the Consortium.
Advantages of Choosing Non-NLU CLAT Colleges
Lower cut-off compared to NLUs
Good infrastructure and faculty
Strong focus on corporate and international law
Multiple campus options across India
Flexible admission policies
Conclusion
While NLUs remain the top preference, many non-NLU law colleges participating in CLAT admissions offer excellent academic quality, exposure, and placements. Students should carefully evaluate factors such as faculty, curriculum, internships, fees, and location before making a decision. For aspirants who miss out on NLUs, these colleges provide a strong and rewarding alternative pathway to a successful legal career.
