The 20 Best Universities in India to Study Law in 2026

Preliminary Note: Ranking Methodology

The preparation of this ranking has been based on a combined analysis of different aspects that help us better understand each university and the education it provides. We have examined their curricula, the structure of their programmes and the way each institution organises teaching, paying particular attention to the quality and up-to-date nature of the content, as well as its connection to students’ needs and the challenges facing society.

We have also taken into account the teaching methods, resources and facilities available at each university. These elements help shape the environment in which academic life takes place and can directly influence students’ experiences. In addition, we have reviewed information published on the institutions’ own websites, their news and their presence in the media, as complementary ways to understand their initiatives, development and the image they project.

The analysis has been complemented by exploratory consultations conducted on a random basis among young people and students. The aim was to understand how they perceive the education they receive and what they think of the university they attend. These impressions offer a perspective rooted in students’ everyday experiences and complement the examination of institutional information. We have also considered, as supplementary material, assessments and references produced by other institutions and specialised organisations, without allowing them to replace our own analysis.

The competitiveness of universities and their ability to respond to current academic and professional demands also form part of the assessment. However, we believe that the quality of an institution cannot be measured solely by its market position, resources or international profile. We have therefore chosen to pay particular attention to the human dimension: honesty, a humanistic approach to education, ethics, learning and the transmission of values.

In our view, a university fully fulfils its purpose when, in addition to preparing students for professional practice, it contributes to their personal and civic development. Academic excellence is inseparable from responsibility, respect, critical thinking and the ability to act with integrity. With this approach, the ranking seeks to offer a broad view of universities, considering both the strength of their educational offering and the principles that guide the education they provide.

National Law School of India University leads the ranking compiled by Impact Lawyers, followed by National Law University Delhi and NALSAR University of Law.

Editorial criteria

NLSIU tops the first edition of the Impact Lawyers ranking of the best universities in India for studying Law. NLU Delhi and NALSAR take second and third place, while WBNUJS, Jindal Global Law School and GNLU complete the top six.

This editorial selection considers key dimensions of legal education across India, focusing on teaching quality, academic resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcomes, institutional outreach, and overall standing.

The editorial selection also considers broader global dimensions of legal education, focusing on academic reputation, research output, internationalisation, innovation and societal impact.

This editorial selection also takes into account degrees, admissions, legal clinics, moot courts, research, internships, placements, alumni networks and relationships with courts, law firms, companies, regulators and civil-society organisations.

This editorial selection reflects diverse institutional models and academic strengths rather than relying on a single framework. Jindal Global Law School offers an internationally oriented curriculum, while institutions such as NLIU Bhopal and the University of Delhi contribute profound historic and professional influence across the legal landscape.

A methodology adapted to India

India has one of the world’s largest and most competitive legal-education markets. National Law Universities coexist with traditional faculties inside public universities, private law schools and specialised programmes.

There are two principal academic routes. School leavers may enter a five-year integrated degree, commonly a BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB or BSc LLB. Applicants who already hold a first university degree may pursue a three-year LLB.

Approval by the Bar Council of India is decisive for professional purposes. The BCI treats the three- and five-year LLB as regular programmes and does not recognise wholly correspondence, distance or online law degrees as qualifying routes to practise.

Many National Law Universities use the Common Law Admission Test. The Consortium of NLUs coordinates CLAT for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at participating members. NLU Delhi uses its own AILET examination, while private institutions may apply different procedures.

NLSIU, India’s benchmark

National Law School of India University ranks first. Based in Bengaluru, it transformed Indian legal education by pioneering the five-year integrated model and establishing an enduring academic standard in the country.

Its BA LLB (Hons) combines law with history, economics, sociology and political science. Teaching uses discussion, case studies, research, projects and moot courts. NLSIU also offers a three-year LLB, LLM, doctoral education and public-policy training.

Bengaluru provides links to leading firms, technology companies, courts, public-interest organisations and a dynamic innovation market. In this selection, the university occupies the first position, with an alumni network spanning the judiciary, litigation, academia, government and corporate practice.

NLU Delhi and NALSAR

National Law University Delhi ranks second. Its location gives students access to the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, ministries, regulators, major firms, arbitration centres and human-rights organisations. It is particularly strong in constitutional, criminal, commercial and international law and public policy. Undergraduate admission is primarily through AILET rather than CLAT.

NALSAR University of Law takes third place. Its Hyderabad campus combines a strong academic culture with business and technology connections. NALSAR stands out in corporate law, aviation, intellectual property, technology, competition, arbitration and human rights.

Both institutions offer selective cohorts, intensive mooting and national professional networks. The choice often turns on whether the student prefers Delhi or Hyderabad and on the precise academic specialism sought.

WBNUJS and Jindal Global Law School

WBNUJS ranks fourth. The Kolkata university belongs to the historic core of leading National Law Universities and has an extensive network in the judiciary, litigation, government and corporate firms. It is strong in commercial, constitutional, international and criminal law and human rights.

O.P. Jindal Global University ranks fifth. Jindal Global Law School is recognized for its prominent international profile, global academic orientation and extensive engagement with cross-border legal education.

Jindal offers an international faculty, numerous exchange agreements and substantial coverage of global law, business, arbitration, technology and public policy. Fees are considerably higher than at many public universities, however, so scholarships, accommodation and total cost require close comparison.

GNLU and NLIU Bhopal

Gujarat National Law University ranks sixth. Based in Gandhinagar, it is closely connected to Gujarat’s corporate and regulatory economy. Its integrated offering covers several disciplinary combinations and it is particularly visible in corporate, maritime, financial, energy and competition law.

National Law Institute University ranks seventh in this editorial selection. NLIU Bhopal features an established professional track record and an active alumni network, remaining a reference point in commercial and constitutional law, intellectual property, cybersecurity and litigation.

IIT Kharagpur and Symbiosis Pune

IIT Kharagpur’s Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law ranks eighth. Its defining advantage is the intersection of law, engineering, science, innovation and business. It is especially attractive for intellectual property, patents, technology, data and industrial regulation. Its principal professional law programme is designed for university graduates.

Symbiosis Law School, Pune takes ninth place and is one of India’s most recognised private schools. It offers integrated degrees, an LLB and postgraduate study, with a practical orientation and a broad business network. Pune offers a major academic and corporate environment, although the cost is higher than at many public institutions.

Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University

Jamia Millia Islamia ranks tenth. Its Faculty of Law combines public-sector fees, diversity, research and access to New Delhi’s legal market. It is strong in public, criminal, international and family law and human rights.

Aligarh Muslim University ranks 11th. Its Faculty of Law has a long history and a deeply established national network. It offers rigorous and relatively affordable education, with particular strength in constitutional, personal, criminal and public law.

NLU Odisha, RMLNLU and HNLU

National Law University Odisha ranks 12th. It has grown through research, mooting and integrated programmes, with particular attention to maritime, corporate, constitutional and natural-resources law.

RMLNLU Lucknow ranks 13th and offers a strong network in Uttar Pradesh, the judiciary and public service. HNLU Raipur ranks 14th and retains substantial influence in central India, especially in corporate, environmental and natural-resources law.

Small differences between these NLUs matter less than the current faculty, electives, placement results, accommodation, scholarships and location.

CUSAT, KIIT and CNLU

Cochin University of Science and Technology ranks 15th. Its School of Legal Studies benefits from Kochi’s maritime and commercial setting and is strong in transport, trade, intellectual property and environmental law.

KIIT School of Law ranks 16th. It provides broad private-university infrastructure, interdisciplinary degrees and growing international activity. Chanakya National Law University ranks 17th and serves as an important public reference in Bihar, with especially relevant links to courts and government.

UPES, CHRIST and the University of Delhi

UPES School of Law ranks 18th. Its specialised profile is attractive for energy, infrastructure, transport, technology and business. Applicants should balance that specialisation and employability against the programme’s total cost.

CHRIST University ranks 19th. Its School of Law combines structured academic training, practical work and access to Bengaluru’s market. It offers integrated degrees within a large and diverse student community.

The University of Delhi completes the ranking in 20th place. Its Faculty of Law retains professional influence through its history, cost, scale and proximity to the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court and national institutions, maintaining enduring relevance in Indian legal practice.

Access to legal practice

The degree must come from an institution and programme recognised by the Bar Council of India. After the LLB, graduates seek enrolment with the relevant State Bar Council and must satisfy the rules governing the All India Bar Examination.

The BCI states that only students and graduates of recognised or approved three- or five-year programmes are eligible for AIBE. Completing the professional stages leads to a Certificate of Practice, subject to the rules in force.

International students must distinguish earning a degree from obtaining the right to practise. Nationality, recognition, enrolment, immigration status, transcript equivalence and knowledge of Indian law may all affect the professional route.

There is no perfect university for everyone

NLSIU offers a balanced academic profile; NLU Delhi benefits from a strategic institutional location; NALSAR combines prestige with a dynamic technology market; WBNUJS maintains an established historic network; and Jindal provides extensive internationalisation.

IIT Kharagpur is distinctive for technology and intellectual property. GNLU connects strongly with business and regulation; the University of Delhi offers a cost-to-opportunity ratio that is difficult to match; and Jamia and AMU stand out for public value and tradition.

The decision should consider programme recognition, entrance examination, fees, accommodation, scholarships, cohort size, specialisation, clinics, internships and city. In India, the financial difference between a public NLU and a private university may matter more than several positions in a ranking.

A legal system of immense scale

India combines common-law influence, a written Constitution, federal and state legislation, religious pluralism and an exceptionally influential judiciary. Its law schools supply courts, firms, companies, government, universities and civil-society organisations.

NLSIU leads this editorial selection. Its programme combines academic innovation with broad professional reach. NLU Delhi and NALSAR complete the top three positions, while Jindal adds an international dimension. This selection serves as an editorial guide, but BCI approval and the precise qualification route must be checked before enrolment.