Which Law College is Best for You? Rankings, Courses & Career Paths Explained

Planning to study law, but not sure which college to pick?

You’re not alone.

With so many rankings, opinions, and options, the choice can be confusing. That’s why we’ve made it simple. This blog lists the best law colleges in India with key insights to help you decide what’s best for your future.

Top Law Colleges in India (2025 NIRF Rankings)

1. NLSIU, Bangalore

NLSIU was the first National Law University in India and is often seen as the best law institute in India. It’s known for its tough academic program, experienced teachers, and great placement opportunities. That’s why it usually ranks #1 for legal studies.

2. NLU, Delhi

NLU Delhi is different from other law colleges because it has its own entrance exam called AILET. It’s known for its excellent teachers and strong focus on legal research and policy work. The college also offers great placement packages and has some of the top legal research centres in the country.

3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

NALSAR is one of the top law colleges in India, known for both its strong academics and lively campus life. The college puts a lot of focus on mooting (mock court competitions), legal writing, and policy work. Many top law firms come here to hire students.

4. WBNUJS, Kolkata

WBNUJS is well-known for its strong academics and active student life. It’s usually ranked among the top 10 law colleges in India. Students here get great opportunities through internships, writing for journals, and taking part in debates.

5. Symbiosis Law School, Pune

Symbiosis is one of the best private colleges for law in India. It offers combined undergraduate and postgraduate law courses. The college is known for its good quality education, tie-ups with companies, and decent placement records.

6. Jamia Millia Islamia, Faculty of Law, New Delhi

Jamia’s Faculty of Law is known for being both affordable and academically strong. It offers a 5-year integrated law course and a 3-year LLB program. The college focuses on legal research, advocacy, and public law, making it one of the best law colleges in India with low fees.

7. IIT, Kharagpur – Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law

IIT Kharagpur is the only IIT that offers a full law course, with a special focus on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). It mixes law with technology, and its unique course structure makes it a great choice for students interested in both tech and law.

8. GNLU, Gandhinagar

GNLU is one of the fast-growing National Law Universities in India. It has modern facilities and good connections with the legal industry. The college offers different law specializations and regularly holds national-level moot courts, seminars, and workshops.

9. Siksha `O` Anusandhan University – School of Law, Bhubaneswar

SOA’s School of Law is a new private law college that’s quickly getting noticed. It has modern classrooms, offers combined law courses, and is building a strong placement network. The college also works on legal aid and social justice through student-run clinics.

10. BBAU, Lucknow

BBAU’s School of Legal Studies is a central university known for providing good legal education. It has experienced teachers and a welcoming, inclusive environment. The college mainly focuses on constitutional law and social justice topics.

Other Top Law Colleges in India Worth Considering

• KIIT, Bhubaneswar – A top ranked law colleges in India with good placements and chances to gain global exposure.
• AMU, Aligarh – A respected university with a well-known and old Faculty of Law.
• Saveetha Institute, Chennai – A growing law college with modern facilities and new law programs.
• SASTRA, Thanjavur – Offers law courses that combine legal and tech education.
• Christ University, Bengaluru – Known for its lively law programs and strong mooting culture.
• B. R. Ambedkar College of Law, Visakhapatnam – A best government law colleges in India with a long-standing reputation.
• GGSIPU, Delhi – Provides affordable legal education through some of the top colleges in Delhi.
• Alliance University, Bengaluru – A rising private law college with good industry connections.
• LPU, Punjab – Offers hands-on law education with chances for global exposure.
• RMLNLU, Lucknow – One of India's best law university, known for strong academics and excellent mooting opportunities.

How to Choose the Right Law College?

Picking the right law college is an important step as it sets the base for your future career. Here's a simple guide to help you choose wisely:

1. Is the College Approved?

Make sure the college is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and is part of a UGC-recognized university. This makes your degree valid.

2. Courses They Offer

Look at the types of law courses available like BA LL. B, BBA LL. B, or LL.M. Also, check if they offer subjects you're interested in, like Corporate Law, Criminal Law, IPR, or International Law especially if you're looking for the best colleges for corporate law in India or best criminal law colleges in India.

3. Good Teachers & Practical Learning

A college with experienced teachers and practical methods like moot courts and case studies will help you understand law better.

4. Placements & Internships

See how many students got placed, which companies/law firms visited, and if the college helps with internships at courts, NGOs, or companies.

5. Campus & Facilities

A good law library, moot court halls, legal aid centres, and Wi-Fi on campus improve your learning experience.

6. Location Matters

Colleges in big cities often have better access to law firms and internships, while those in smaller cities might have lower fees and a quieter study environment.

7. Entrance Exams & Admission Process

Check which exam the college accepts, like CLAT, AILET, LSAT-India, SLAT, or CUET and what the cut-off marks usually are.

8. Alumni & Reputation

A college with a strong alumni network can help you with mentorship, job referrals, and networking.

9. Fees vs Career Value

Compare the fees with what kind of placements or job opportunities the college offers. Check if they give scholarships too.

10. Campus Life & Opportunities

Choose a college that offers a vibrant campus life with chances to take part in moot courts, debates, legal aid camps, and more. This matters especially if you're looking for the best law colleges in India after 12th.

Entrance Exams for Law in India

To get into a good law college in India, you’ll need to clear an entrance exam. Here’s a simple guide to the main law entrance tests:

1. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

• Accepted by: 22 NLUs and many top private/public law colleges
• Courses: 5-year BA LL.B, BBA LL.B, and LL.M
• When: Once a year, usually in December
• Type: MCQ (multiple choice questions)
• Website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

2. AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)

• Accepted by: NLU Delhi only
• Courses: BA LL.B (Hons.), LL.M, and Ph.D.
• When: Usually in December, conducted by NLU Delhi
• Type: Objective paper – English, Reasoning, GK & Legal Aptitude
• Website: nationallawuniversitydelhi.in

3. SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test)

• Accepted by: Symbiosis Law Schools in Pune, Noida, Nagpur & Hyderabad
• Courses: 5-year integrated law programs
• When: Usually in May, by Symbiosis University
• Website: set-test.org

4. CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

• Accepted by: Central universities like DU, BHU, JMI, BBAU, and more
• Courses: 5-year integrated BA LL.B programs
• When: Usually in April–May, by NTA
• Website: cuet.nta.nic.in

5. MH CET Law (Maharashtra CET – Law)

• Accepted by: Colleges in Maharashtra like GLC Mumbai, ILS Pune
• Courses: 3-year LL.B and 5-year integrated LL.B
• When: Conducted by Maharashtra CET Cell
• Website: cetcell.mahacet.org

Career Scope After Law in India

A law degree doesn’t just mean working in courts. Today, law graduates can work in many different areas like companies, government jobs, research, teaching, media, and more. Here’s a simple look at what you can do after studying law:

1. Become a Lawyer (Advocate)

• Work in areas like criminal, civil, corporate, or constitutional law
• Represent people in court after enrolling with the Bar Council of India
• You can join a senior lawyer or start building your own practice

2. Become a Judge or Magistrate

• Appear for Judiciary Exams (PCS-J) after your law degree
• Get selected as a Civil Judge or Magistrate in different states

3. Work as a Company Lawyer (Corporate Counsel)

• Join a company or startup as an in-house legal advisor
• Handle contracts, legal policies, company rules, and disputes

4. Legal Analyst or Researcher

• Work with think tanks, government panels, or law firms
• Help in writing laws, doing legal research, and making policies

5. Government Jobs

• Prepare for exams like UPSC, SSC, or State Services
• Law graduates can become Legal Officers, Enforcement Officers, IAS, or IPS officers

6. Teaching & Academics

• Do an LL.M and clear UGC-NET to become a law professor or lecturer
• Teach in colleges or become a legal researcher

7. Work in International Law

• Join international NGOs, the UN, or global legal teams
• Focus on topics like human rights, global trade, or environment law

8. Media & Legal Journalism

• Combine your law knowledge with media
• Become a legal reporter, write for newspapers, or host law-related shows

9. Work with NGOs & Legal Aid

• Help people by working with NGOs on human rights, women’s rights, etc.
• Offer free legal help to people who need it

10. Start Your Own Law Firm

• After gaining some experience, you can open your own law office or consultancy
• Pick a focus like tech law, real estate law, or IPR

Fast-Growing Law Fields

• Cyber Law
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• International Arbitration
• Environmental Law
• Sports & Entertainment Law

If you're someone who prefers flexible education, you may also explore the best distance law colleges in India for remote learning options.

Conclusion

Top law colleges don’t just teach you law, they help shape your future. With good guidance, the right contacts, and plenty of exposure, you’ll be better prepared for judiciary exams, big law firm jobs, or even international careers. So choose a college that matches your goals and dreams.