CLAT 2026: Choosing Your NLU Preferences While Applying

The registration process for the CLAT 2026 examination opened on 1st August 2025. Students have until 31st October to fill their applications for the examination. It is very important for students to have clear goals for the colleges they wish to get admission to in mind when applying for the exam. Choosing preferred NLUs is an important part of the CLAT registration process. This article highlights key tips students can use when filling-in their NLU preferences as well as some of the top NLUs interested students can aspire for.

Choosing NLU Preferences Guide

Choosing NLUs to aim for is very important for students to do when registering for the CLAT 2026 examination. When choosing an NLU to pursue a law program from, there are several factors students should take into account. It is recommended for all students to thoroughly research the colleges they hope to apply for. Doing so can ensure students know what they are doing during this process.

The NLU preferences guide for the CLAT 2026 exam are as follows:

• Check The Requirements: It is crucial for students to first check the required cutoffs and ranks for the NLUs they are hoping to gain admission to. Doing so can ensure students can prepare for the CLAT examination according to the colleges they aspire to get admission to. It can also help students manage their overall expectations of themselves and keep them realistic if they are not satisfied with their result. Students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for their colleges of preferences.
• Placements and Career Goals:This is another crucial aspect students must take into account as well. If students are certain of their long-term career goals within the field of law, the placements of the colleges they are looking into is a crucial factor to take into consideration. Placements should ideally match a student’s long term goals as well as have scope for students. It is recommended for aspiring students to reach out to alumni from the colleges they hope to apply for to gain more insight on the placement situations of these NLUs.
• Location:There are several NLUs that are spread all across the country. For some, the region of certain NLUs can be a make-or-break factor when deciding to pursue their law programs. For students who consider location to be an important factor, it is recommended they thoroughly contemplate, research and seek advice.Different regions can lead to different lifestyles and climates that may not suit all students. It is very crucial for students to thoroughly take this into consideration as UG LLB programs are a 5-year long commitment.
• Infrastructure and Faculty:All NLUs do not have the same quality of infrastructure and faculty. Some colleges may have better facilities and infrastructure than others. It is recommended for all students to research and properly consider the infrastructure, facilities and course faculty of the colleges they are aiming to get into through the CLAT exam before committing to a college.

Also Read: CLAT 2026 For LLB Everything You Need to Know

Top NLUs to Apply for After CLAT 2026

When selecting the preferences of colleges to pursue through the CLAT 2026 examination, there are several top NLUs that students may aspire to get admission to. Some of these colleges are as follows:

• NLSIU Bangalore
• NALSAR Hyderabad
• NLU Jodhpur
• NLU Bhopal
• WBNUJS Kolkata
• Gujarat National Law University
• NUALS Kochi
• NLU Odisha
• CNLU Patna
• Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Patiala
• Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur
• NUSRL Ranchi

CLAT 2026 Important Dates

Provided below is an overview of the important dates for the CLAT 2026 examination. Keeping up with these key dates ensures students are updated on all key events and deadlines about the CLAT examination. These dates ensure students do not miss out on anything important for the CLAT exam. It is recommended for all students to keep themselves updated about important dates about CLAT through the official CLAT website.

The CLAT 2026 important dates are as follows:

Students Can Also Read: CLAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria After Class 12th