Beyond NLUs: Hidden Law Schools Every Aspirant Should

Consider in 2025

For thousands of law aspirants, NLUs often feel like the only destination. But the truth is simple—India’s legal education ecosystem is far bigger, richer, and more diverse than just the 26 NLUs.
If CLAT or AILET didn’t go your way, it doesn’t mean your legal dream ends. Some of India’s most successful lawyers, judges, academicians, and corporate counsels are graduates of non-NLU institutions.

In 2025, the smart aspirant is one who explores every strong option. Here are the top law schools and entrance exams beyond NLUs that offer excellent academics, exposure, placements, and global opportunities.

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1. Symbiosis Law Schools (Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, Nagpur)

Entrance Exam: SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test)
Symbiosis is consistently ranked among the top private law universities in India. With strong corporate exposure, internships, and a modern curriculum, SLS campuses are a great choice.

Why Choose:

• Amazing campus culture

• Excellent placements in litigation & corporate

• International collaborations

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2. Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), Sonipat

Entrance: LSAT—India / JSAT (for some programs)
Jindal is India’s first globally ranked law school with international faculty and a research-oriented atmosphere.

Why Choose:

• World-class infrastructure

• Strong international exchange programs

• Placement opportunities with top law firms & think tanks

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3. Christ (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru

Entrance: CUET / Christ’s own test + PI
Known for discipline and consistent academic excellence.

Why Choose:

• Great environment for overall development

• Strong alumni network

• Good placements and moot court culture

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4. NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law (Mumbai & Navi Mumbai)

Entrance: NMIMS-LAT (formerly NMIMS NPAT)
A fast-growing name in corporate law education.

Why Choose:

• Excellent industry connect in Mumbai

• Corporate-friendly curriculum

• Good internships at law firms & companies

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5. ILS Law College, Pune

Entrance: MH-CET Law
One of India’s oldest and most prestigious non-NLU government colleges.

Why Choose:

• Affordable fees

• Strong litigation culture

• Excellent academic reputation

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6. GLC Mumbai (Government Law College)

Entrance: MH-CET Law
Produces some of India’s biggest lawyers and judges.

Why Choose:

• Legendary alumni (SolI. Generals, senior advocates)

• Direct exposure to courts

• Big opportunities in litigation

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7. National Law University Delhi – AILET Alternative: NLAT

While NLUD already conducts AILET, some institutions now accept NLAT, a test designed to offer another pathway to high-quality legal education.

Accepted at (varies yearly):

• Some private universities

• Emerging national-level law colleges

(Note: Depends on the institutions you apply for in 2025—keep track of updates.)

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8. OP Jindal / Ashoka / Krea – With LNAT (UK) Acceptability

Some globally aligned Indian universities and international pathways accept LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test), a globally recognized law entrance exam.

Why Choose LNAT?

• Helps apply abroad (UK law schools)

• Accepted by a few interdisciplinary Indian universities

• Great option if you want global exposure

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9. Bennett University School of Law

Entrance: CUET / SAT / LSAT–India
Quickly becoming known for its industry partnerships and global faculty.

Why Choose:

• Modern facilities

• Media + law advantage (Times Group)

• Strong internships

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10. Amity Law School (Noida)

Entrance: CUET / Amity’s own test
A huge private university with strong reputation and active moot court programs.

Why Choose:

• Good infrastructure

• International tie-ups

• Wide range of electives

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11. UPES School of Law (Dehradun)

Entrance: ULSAT / CUET / LSAT-India
Known for its specialization-focused law degrees (Tech law, Energy law, Cyber law).

Why Choose:

• Specialized courses

• Modern campus

• Strong placements in corporate and tech sectors

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12. ICFAI Law Schools (Hyderabad, Dehradun, Jaipur)

Entrance: ILSAT
Good academic curriculum combined with practical training.

Why Choose:

• Moot court culture

• Internships with corporates & NGOs

• Affordable compared to many private universities

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Entrance Exams Beyond CLAT & AILET

Here’s a quick list of law entrance exams you can apply to apart from CLAT:

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Final Thoughts: Your Law Career Is Bigger Than One Exam

NLU is a brand—but it’s not the only brand that defines your career.

What truly matters is:

• The opportunities you grab

• The internships you pursue

• The consistency you maintain

• The network you build

If you choose smartly, even a non-NLU can give you:
Great placements
Corporate exposure
Moot court excellence
Global opportunities

Your dream to become a lawyer doesn’t depend on an acronym. It depends on you.