CLAT 2025: What is a Good Score for Top NLUs?

CL Team April 15 2025
3 min read

Introduction

If you want more marks in the CLAT 2025 exam and want to secure a seat in one of India's leading law schools, National Law Universities (NLUs), one of your most persistent questions will be: "What is a good CLAT score?" The answer isn't always definite because it depends on some important factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates applying for the exam, and the seat matrix of the concerned NLU.

Here in this blog, we'll delve deeper into what's a good CLAT 2025 score is, talk about cutoff trends, and make you aware of where your rank and score stand relative to your dream law school. 

What is the CLAT Exam?


Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a nationwide entrance test for admission to postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) law courses at 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. CLAT evaluates the candidates for the UG course in:

  • English Language
  • Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
  • Legal Reasoning
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Techniques

CLAT is one of the most competitive law entrance tests in India, with over 60,000 students appearing for it every year.

What Constitutes a Good CLAT 2025 Score?


There is no "good score" for all. Of greatest significance is your All India Rank (AIR) because every NLU allots seats based on ranks, not marks. However, based on trends from previous year, we can provide an approximate score range that generally corresponds to specific ranks.
Factors Influencing CLAT Cut-Offs

Estimated Score vs. Rank Mapping (Based on Previous Years)



Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can change depending on the paper's difficulty and the number of test-takers.

 

Factors That Affect CLAT Cut-Offs


1. Difficulty Level of the Paper


Every year, the question paper of CLAT is different regarding difficulty level. If the paper is easy, cutoffs are higher. If the paper is difficult, even a low score will get you a good rank.

2. Total Number of Candidates


The more the number of students appearing for CLAT every year, the more competitive it is. More competitive usually leads to higher cut-offs.

3. Number of Seats Available


Each NLU has different numbers of seats and reservation policies. The seat matrix determines how far down the rank list an NLU will admit students.

4. Candidate Category


Your category (General, SC, ST, OBC, PwD, etc.) also affects your chances. Reserved category candidates have lower cutoffs.

Rank vs. Score: Which Matters More?


Whereas the majority of students are concerned with their score, the truth is that rank is what matters most. Two students can have the same score but a different rank depending on the performance of others. That is why it is essential to strive to perform well in relation to your peers, not necessarily scoring a specific score.

In easier examinations, the ideal NLUs could require a 110+ score, while in more difficult papers, the same colleges could welcome students with scores ranging from 95–100.

What if You Don't Meet the Target Score?


Failure to get accepted into the top 3–4 NLUs is not doomsday. There are quite a number of other NLUs, like HNLU, RGNUL, and CNLU, which offer decent legal education. You can also:

Consider skipping one year to reappear for CLAT with better preparation.

Study private law schools like Jindal Global Law School, Symbiosis Law School, etc.

Study the state law entrance exams like MHCET Law (Maharashtra), TS LAWCET (Telangana), etc.

The point is to gauge your choices based on your performance, interests, and ambitions.

Why It's Necessary to Monitor Mock Test Performance


Regular mock test practice is the best way to gauge your preparation. More significantly, you need to track:

Your mock test rank and percentile

Accuracy and time management

Weak areas that require improvement

This practice provides you with a real sense of where you are and what you need to work on to achieve your target rank.

Final Tips to Stay Ahead


Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed: CLAT rewards accuracy more than attempting to answer large numbers of questions at high speed.

Stay Current with Legal and Current Affairs: These sections are high-scoring with the right approach.

Do Not Neglect Mock Analysis: Reviewing your mistakes can save you in the actual exam.

Understand Your Target NLU's Previous Cut-Offs: This brings you back down to earth on your expectations.

Get Expert Help: One-on-one guidance can really make a difference to your preparation.

Need Help Planning for CLAT?


If you are starting fresh or require direction on your preparation, our Career Launcher Malviya Nagar experts are here to guide you. We provide:

Professional counseling

Mock test evaluation

Admission counseling post-CLAT

Call us at: 9650901754
Visit us: C-4, Second Floor, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi - 110017
Website: careerlauncher.com/delhi-malviya-nagar