India has a wide legal education system including several National Law Universities (NLUs). The NLUs provide specialised legal education and are known for their high academic standards. Known to include innovative curricula and remarkable alumni, some of them carry years of history.
Continue reading to learn all about the top NLUs in India (rank-wise) and their noted alumni list. This ranking is based on the reputation and historical standing of these institutions. Along with this, the total number of UG and PG seats is also kept in mind while curating the list.
Top NLUs in India: Rank-Wise and Noted Alumni List
According to their reputation and historical standing, these institutions have been finalised as the top 10 NLUs in India, along with their alumni.
1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
Established in 1987, NLSIU is the first National Law University in India. Often regarded as the best law school in the country, it offers a five-year integrated BA LLB (Hons) program. This is provided to undergraduate students. Along with this, there are also postgraduate programs available for the law students. The UG seats are a total of 310, while the PG seats are 100.
Noted alumni from this university include Sanjay Hegde, who is a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. Moreover, Harish Salve, who is the Former Solicitor General of India also makes it to the list. Lastly, Sushma Swaraj, the Former Minister of External Affairs and senior BJP member is also included in the list.
Also read: Top 10 Criminal Law Firms in India: Expertise, Achievements, and Legal Aid
2. National Law University, Delhi
Founded in 2008, NLU Delhi is widely recognised as one of the premier law institutes in the country. Including a comprehensive curriculum, it focuses on legal research and multidisciplinary studies. The UG seats are a total of 123 and the PG seats are 83 (both including Supernumerary seats). The noted alumni from this institute include Vikram Singh, a prominent lawyer, and legal expert.
Secondly, there is K. S. Puttaswamy, who is recognised for his iconic privacy judgement in India. Along with this, there is also Bhagwant Mann, who is the Chief Minister of Punjab.
3. National Academy of Legal Study & Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad
Established in 1998, NALSAR is well known for its research output and diverse curriculum. There are ample opportunities provided here to engage in legal activities under the institute. A total of 132 UG seats are available here, along with 66 PG seats. When it comes to the noted alumni, Raghav Chaddha, Aam Admi Party leader and Member of Rajya Sabha is counted on the list.
Along with him, M. R. Madan Mohan Rao, a leading corporate lawyer is also on the list. Finally, Mahesh Jethmalani, a Senior Advocate and Politician also is an alumnus of this institute.
4. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
Founded in 1999, WBNUJS has significantly impacted the quality of legal education in India. The university is best known for its commitment to social justice and public interest. A total of 132 UG seats and 70 PG seats are available here. Among the noted alumni is Sukanta Majumdar, a BJP MP and political figure in West Bengal. Along with him, there is Amit Dutta, a prominent criminal lawyer. Finally, there is Manan Kumar Mishra, who is the Chairman of the Bar Council of India.
5. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
NLIU was established in 1997 and carries a reputation for excellence in legal education. It includes innovative teaching methods and proactive engagement in legal activities for its students. A total of 102 UG seats and 60 PG seats are available in this institute. Some of the noted alumni include B. L. Shankar, who is a leading legal consultant and advisor. Moreover, there is Nikhil T., who is well-known in corporate law.
6. National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
Founded in 1999, it is known for its focus on practical legal education. Having developed robust industry partnerships to facilitate student interaction, it is well known for its placements. There are a total of 120 UG seats and 50 PG seats here. Among its noted alumni is Krishna Suchet Singh, a distinguished lawyer and legal educator. Moreover, there is Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a Senior Advocate and politician.
Also read: Top 10 Best Law Colleges in Rajasthan | Best Legal Education
7. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
Established in 2003, GNLU focuses on research and public policy. Containing a vibrant student community, it has a range of extracurricular activities meant for the students. These include seminars, workshops and practical training. A total of 172 UG seats and 57 PG seats are available here. When it comes to the noted alumni, there is Kiran Bedi, the well-known first female police officer to join the Indian police. Along with her, there is Sanjay Bhattacharyya, a Senior Advocate and scholar in constitutional law.
8. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow
Founded in 2005, the university focuses on using law as a tool for social change. There are innovative programs under this, stressing on contemporary legal issues. The university has a strong focus on human rights. A total of 187 UG seats and 33 PG seats are available here. Among the noted alumni are Kartik Chawla, a leading attorney in corporate litigation. Moreover, there is Puja Singh, an Advocate and an activist known for women’s rights.
9. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala
Established in 2006, RGNUL is recognised for its prominence in excellent infrastructure and a comprehensive legal curriculum. It includes a total of 180 UG seats and 60 PG seats. When it comes to its noted alumni, there is Nidhi Saraf, who is a legal advisor in many high-profile cases. Along with this, there is Harpreet Singh, who is an advocate focusing on civil rights.
10. National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi
This university was established in 2005. Known for its excellent quality education, it lays emphasis on legal research and innovative programs. It includes a total of 120 UG seats and 60 PG seats. The noted alumni here include Krishna Prasad, a prominent trial lawyer. Along with him, there is Ananth Narayan, who is well-known in the field of arbitration and dispute resolution.
Also read: Top 10 Corporate Law Firms in India | Best Legal Services