Introduction
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the gateway to the most prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) in India, drawing thousands of aspirants each year. One of the most critical pieces of information for any CLAT aspirant is the previous years’ college-wise cutoff, as it provides a realistic benchmark for securing a place in their dream NLU.
What Are CLAT Cutoffs?
The CLAT cutoff is the minimum rank or score a candidate needs to gain admission into a particular NLU. Cutoffs vary yearly due to factors such as the exam difficulty level, the number of test-takers, and seat availability. Each NLU has its cutoff, determined by these factors and by candidate preferences and category-based seat allocations.
Factors Influencing CLAT Cutoffs
Understanding what impacts CLAT cutoffs can help you strategize your preparation better. Key factors include:
- Number of Candidates: Higher competition generally results in higher cutoffs.
- Difficulty Level: If the exam is more challenging, cutoffs tend to be lower, and vice versa.
- Seat Availability: NLUs with more seats or newer NLUs often have relatively lower cutoffs.
- Reservation Policies: Category-wise seats and domicile quotas significantly influence cutoff variations across different NLUs.
A Snapshot of CLAT Cutoffs: College-wise Trends for Recent Years
Let’s take a look at the approximate cutoffs for some of the top NLUs over the past years. Please note that these ranks are for the general category; cutoffs for reserved categories are lower, varying according to category-specific reservation policies.
1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
- 2023: Rank 1 – 130
- 2022: Rank 1 – 100
- 2021: Rank 1 – 90
NLSIU Bangalore consistently holds the highest cutoff due to its top ranking and limited seat intake. Securing admission here requires a top score and a highly competitive rank.
2. National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- 2023: Rank 50 – 135
- 2022: Rank 40 – 110
- 2021: Rank 35 – 95
NALSAR Hyderabad has a high cutoff but slightly more seats than NLSIU, leading to a cutoff slightly lower than Bangalore’s NLSIU.
3. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
- 2023: Rank 150 – 300
- 2022: Rank 120 – 280
- 2021: Rank 110 – 250
NLIU Bhopal sees a more moderate cutoff, with increased intake capacity compared to NLSIU and NALSAR, making it accessible to a broader range of top-scoring candidates.
4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- 2023: Rank 130 – 200
- 2022: Rank 120 – 180
- 2021: Rank 110 – 160
WBNUJS offers a strong reputation and a high cutoff, with many candidates considering it among their top choices.
5. National Law University, Jodhpur (NLUJ)
- 2023: Rank 150 – 250
- 2022: Rank 140 – 220
- 2021: Rank 130 – 200
NLUJ Jodhpur consistently attracts high ranks but remains slightly more accessible than the top three NLUs.
6. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
- 2023: Rank 200 – 350
- 2022: Rank 190 – 300
- 2021: Rank 180 – 270
GNLU Gandhinagar has a high preference due to its campus facilities and growing reputation, resulting in competitive cutoffs, though more accessible than the older NLUs.
7. Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur
- 2023: Rank 300 – 500
- 2022: Rank 290 – 480
- 2021: Rank 280 – 450
HNLU Raipur remains an attractive option for candidates aiming to join the top NLUs, offering quality education and a slightly more lenient cutoff.
8. Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab
- 2023: Rank 350 – 550
- 2022: Rank 340 – 520
- 2021: Rank 330 – 500
RGNUL Punjab provides good facilities and a robust academic program, with cutoffs that appeal to those ranking below the top-tier NLUs.
9. National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack
- 2023: Rank 450 – 700
- 2022: Rank 430 – 680
- 2021: Rank 420 – 650
For students aiming to join an NLU, NLUO offers a promising education with relatively accessible cutoffs, particularly for those scoring moderately.
10. National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi
- 2023: Rank 600 – 800
- 2022: Rank 580 – 780
- 2021: Rank 570 – 750
NUSRL Ranchi and other newer NLUs typically have lower cutoffs, making them a viable option for students with ranks outside the top NLUs.
Trends in CLAT Cutoffs
In recent years, CLAT cutoffs have shown certain trends that can offer a perspective for future candidates:
- Increased Competitiveness: As CLAT grows in popularity, the cutoffs for the top five NLUs have become increasingly competitive. Students aiming for the top three NLUs should ideally rank within the top 100 to 150.
- Preference for Specific NLUs: The older NLUs (e.g., NLSIU, NALSAR, NLIU) often have higher cutoffs due to their established reputation. Students should assess NLU-specific factors like location, placement statistics, and faculty quality before making a preference list.
- Variation in Seat Allocation: With newer NLUs increasing intake, students scoring slightly lower have increased opportunities. This trend benefits candidates with ranks that may not meet the stringent requirements of older NLUs.
Tips for Achieving a Top Rank in CLAT
Given the rising cutoffs, here are some tips to help you achieve a rank that maximizes your options for top NLUs:
- Prioritize Core Subjects: Focus on sections like legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension, which carry significant weight in CLAT.
- Mock Tests: Regularly taking mock tests familiarizes you with the exam pattern, boosts time management skills, and helps analyze weak areas.
- Time Management: With only two hours for 150 questions, speed and accuracy are crucial. Practice managing time during mock tests to improve efficiency.
- Strategize Sectional Practice: Balance your preparation across sections to avoid scoring gaps that can pull down your rank.
- Stay Informed on Trends: Following the cutoff trends and understanding the score needed to achieve your target NLU can keep your preparation focused and realistic.
FAQs on CLAT Cutoffs
Q1: Do cutoffs vary between UG and PG CLAT programs?
Yes, cutoffs for undergraduate (BA LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) programs vary, with UG cutoffs generally more competitive.
Q2: How much do cutoffs change each year?
The change is usually minor but is influenced by exam difficulty, number of candidates, and category-based reservations.
Q3: Are there state quotas in any NLUs?
Yes, certain NLUs offer state domicile reservations, which can impact cutoffs for local candidates.
Conclusion
Understanding CLAT’s previous years’ college-wise cutoffs is essential for aspirants to set realistic expectations and goals.
