NLU Cutoff Marks Category Wise for CLAT 2026: Complete Analysis & Predictions
The CLAT 2026 expected cutoff marks range from 95-98 for top 3 NLUs in the General category, while SC category students need 82-90 marks for the same institutions. According to recent analysis, top 10 NLUs are expected to close between 85-93 marks for General category, making CLAT 2026 one of the most competitive years in recent history.
Key Findings at a Glance
- NLSIU Bangalore expected cutoff stands at 98 marks for General category, with closing rank around AIR 112, representing a 2-3 mark increase from previous years
- Category-wise variations show significant differences with SC students requiring 60-90 marks and ST students needing 55-86 marks depending on NLU tier selection
- Research indicates that approximately 70,000 students are expected to appear for CLAT 2026, competing for just 3,700 seats across all 26 NLUs and IIULER Goa
- Mid-tier NLUs like NLIU Bhopal and GNLU Gandhinagar show closing ranks between 480-550 for General category, offering realistic targets for candidates scoring 88-91 marks
Table of Contents
- Understanding CLAT 2026 Cutoff Structure
- Category Wise Cutoff Analysis
- Top 3 NLUs Expected Cutoffs
- Top 10 NLUs Cutoff Predictions
- General Category Detailed Analysis
- OBC Category Cutoff Trends
- SC Category Admission Strategy
- ST Category Cutoff Expectations
- EWS Category Analysis
- Complete NLU Wise Breakdown
- Domicile Quota Advantages
- How Cutoffs Move Across Counseling Rounds
- Strategic Admission Planning
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding CLAT 2026 Cutoff Structure
The CLAT cutoff marks represent the minimum score required for admission to National Law Universities across India. According to industry analysis, the cutoff is determined by multiple interconnected factors that create a complex admission landscape for aspirants.
The cutoff varies significantly based on the difficulty level of the examination paper. Research shows that CLAT 2023, the most challenging exam in recent years, had substantially lower cutoffs compared to CLAT 2021. The total number of applicants directly impacts competition intensity, with higher applicant numbers pushing cutoffs upward across all categories.
What Determines Your NLU Admission Chances
Your admission probability depends on six critical factors according to expert analysis. The difficulty level of the examination sets the baseline for all cutoffs. A tough paper naturally results in lower qualifying marks, while a moderate paper raises the threshold. The sheer number of candidates appearing for CLAT 2026, estimated at 70,000 students, creates intense competition for limited seats.
Performance distribution among candidates plays a crucial role. Data reveals that when a large percentage of students perform well, the cutoff naturally rises. Conversely, if overall performance is lower, the cutoff decreases proportionally. Reservation policies under different categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS create separate qualifying benchmarks based on allocated seat numbers.
Category Wise Cutoff Analysis
Category-based cutoffs show dramatic variations across different reservation groups. According to recent trends, the difference between General and SC category cutoffs can range from 10-30 marks depending on the NLU tier, while ST category cutoffs are typically 2-5 marks lower than SC cutoffs.
| NLU Category | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 3 NLUs | 95 | 91 | 90 | 85 | 82 | 80 |
| Top 10 NLUs | 85 | 80 | 82 | 68 | 65 | 60 |
| Lower NLUs | 75 | 78 | 78 | 62 | 56 | 50 |
Category Selection Impact
Understanding your category advantage is crucial for realistic goal setting. General category students face the highest competition with the tightest cutoffs. Research indicates that for securing admission to NLSIU Bangalore, General category students need approximately 98 marks, while OBC candidates require around 95 marks.
The gap widens significantly for SC and ST categories. SC category students targeting NLSIU need approximately 90 marks, representing a 8-mark advantage over General category. ST students require around 86 marks, making top NLU admission more accessible. EWS category, introduced recently, has cutoffs marginally below General category, typically 2-4 marks lower.
Top 3 NLUs Expected Cutoffs for CLAT 2026
The premier tier of National Law Universities maintains the highest standards of admission. According to expert predictions, NLSIU Bangalore is expected to close at 98 marks for General category with an approximate closing rank of AIR 112. NALSAR Hyderabad follows closely with an expected cutoff of 95 marks and a closing rank around AIR 159.
| Category | Expected Marks | Expected Rank Range | Probability Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 95-98 | AIR 1-160 | Extremely Competitive |
| EWS | 91-96 | AIR 119-550 | Highly Competitive |
| OBC | 90-95 | AIR 209-1200 | Highly Competitive |
| SC | 85-90 | AIR 182-3500 | Competitive |
| ST | 82-86 | AIR 678-6000 | Moderately Competitive |
| PWD | 80 | AIR 4937-8000 | Moderate Competition |
Top 3 NLUs Critical Insights
Securing admission to NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, or WBNUJS Kolkata requires exceptional preparation and strategic planning. Data from previous years shows that these institutions maintain consistently high standards with minimal fluctuation in cutoffs.
NLSIU Bangalore stands as the most competitive law school in India. The 2025 closing rank of 102 for General category indicates that only the top performers secure admission. NALSAR Hyderabad, with its closing rank of 159, offers slightly more accessibility while maintaining premium quality education. WBNUJS Kolkata shows a closing rank of 327 for General category, making it the most accessible among the top 3 NLUs.
Top 10 NLUs Cutoff Predictions for CLAT 2026
The top 10 NLUs represent the premier institutions for legal education in India. According to comprehensive analysis, these universities maintain cutoffs in the 85-93 marks range for General category. This tier includes NLIU Bhopal, NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar, HNLU Raipur, and RGNUL Patiala among others.
Strategic Target Setting for Top 10 NLUs
Aspirants targeting top 10 NLUs should understand the nuanced differences between these institutions. NLIU Bhopal, consistently ranked among the top 5, expects a closing rank around 480 for General category with an expected cutoff of 90 marks. GNLU Gandhinagar shows similar patterns with a closing rank between 444-550.
Research indicates that NLU Jodhpur maintains a cutoff around 91 marks with closing ranks between 159-367. HNLU Raipur offers slightly more accessible admission with expected cutoffs around 86 marks and closing ranks extending to 807. These variations create strategic opportunities for candidates to optimize their preference lists.
| NLU Name | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLIU Bhopal | 90 | 88 | 82 | 78 | 89 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 93 | 90 | 84 | 80 | 92 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 91 | 89 | 81 | 76 | 90 |
| HNLU Raipur | 86 | 83 | 74 | 70 | 85 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 89 | 84 | 76 | 72 | 86 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 86 | 84 | 76 | 72 | 85 |
| RGNUL Punjab | 88 | 83 | 72 | 68 | 84 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 88 | 83 | 72 | 68 | 85 |
General Category Detailed Analysis
General category candidates face the most competitive landscape in CLAT admissions. Data analysis reveals that approximately 65-70 percent of applicants compete under this category, creating intense competition for available seats. For top 3 NLUs, General category students must score between 95-98 marks, translating to answering approximately 95-98 questions correctly out of 120.
“General category students targeting NLSIU Bangalore need to understand that even a single mark can determine admission success. The competition intensity requires near-perfect preparation and execution on exam day. Our analysis shows that candidates scoring 98 marks have approximately 85 percent probability of securing NLSIU admission, while those at 96 marks face significantly longer odds.”
Score Translation for General Category
Understanding how your score translates to NLU options helps in realistic goal setting. A score of 98 marks opens possibilities at NLSIU Bangalore with high probability. Candidates scoring 95 marks should target NALSAR Hyderabad or WBNUJS Kolkata as primary options with NLSIU as reach institution.
Students achieving 90-93 marks find excellent opportunities at NLIU Bhopal, NLU Jodhpur, and GNLU Gandhinagar. This score range represents the sweet spot for top 10 NLU admissions. Scores between 85-89 marks secure admission to institutions like HNLU Raipur, RMLNLU Lucknow, and CNLU Patna, still maintaining excellent placement records and faculty quality.
OBC Category Cutoff Trends
OBC category students enjoy a competitive advantage with cutoffs typically 3-8 marks lower than General category. According to admissions data, NLSIU Bangalore accepts OBC students with approximately 95 marks, while NALSAR Hyderabad’s OBC cutoff stands around 93 marks. This differential creates significant opportunities for strategic college selection.
| NLU Tier | Expected Marks Range | Approximate Rank Range | Admission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 3 NLUs | 88-95 | AIR 209-1324 | Highly Competitive |
| Top 10 NLUs | 79-90 | AIR 333-2464 | Competitive |
| Mid Tier NLUs | 72-82 | AIR 1396-4596 | Moderately Competitive |
| Lower NLUs | 70-81 | AIR 2217-8364 | Accessible |
OBC Category Strategic Advantage
OBC candidates should leverage their category advantage by maintaining a well-structured preference list. Research indicates that NLIU Bhopal admits OBC students at approximately 88 marks with closing ranks around 1757. WBNUJS Kolkata shows OBC cutoffs at 90 marks with closing ranks extending to 4596 depending on domicile status.
Mid-tier NLUs like NUSRL Ranchi, CNLU Patna, and NUALS Kochi offer excellent opportunities for OBC students scoring 79-84 marks. These institutions maintain strong placement records while having more accessible admission thresholds. Data shows closing ranks for OBC category at these NLUs extending to 4000-8000 range, providing substantial admission opportunities.
SC Category Admission Strategy
SC category students benefit from significant reservation advantages with cutoffs substantially lower than General category. Analysis reveals that SC students targeting top 3 NLUs need scores between 82-90 marks. NLSIU Bangalore accepts SC candidates with approximately 90 marks, while NALSAR Hyderabad’s SC cutoff stands around 86 marks.
SC Category Opportunity Analysis
The data shows remarkable opportunities for SC category students across all NLU tiers. For top 10 NLUs, SC students require 66-84 marks, representing a 15-20 mark advantage over General category. This differential means that SC students scoring 82 marks have realistic chances at NLIU Bhopal, while those at 76 marks can target GNLU Gandhinagar or HNLU Raipur.
Research from CLAT 2025 admissions indicates that NLIU Bhopal’s SC closing rank was 5763, while GNLU Gandhinagar showed closing ranks up to 5934 for SC category. These wide ranges demonstrate that SC students have multiple realistic options even with scores in the 70-80 range, provided they strategically structure their preference lists.
| Score Range | Accessible NLUs | Expected Rank Range |
|---|---|---|
| 82-90 marks | NLSIU, NALSAR, NLIU Bhopal | AIR 182-5763 |
| 72-81 marks | WBNUJS, NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar | AIR 974-8625 |
| 66-74 marks | HNLU Raipur, CNLU Patna, NUALS Kochi | AIR 3196-12662 |
| 60-70 marks | NUSRL Ranchi, DSNLU, TNNLU | AIR 6291-15833 |
ST Category Cutoff Expectations
ST category students receive the most substantial reservation benefits in CLAT admissions. According to expert analysis, top 3 NLUs accept ST students with scores between 78-86 marks. NLSIU Bangalore’s ST cutoff stands around 86 marks with closing ranks extending to 3133, while NALSAR admits ST students at approximately 82 marks.
ST Category Realistic Goal Setting
ST students scoring 78-86 marks should confidently target top 3 NLUs as primary options. Data reveals that NLIU Bhopal admits ST students at 78 marks with closing ranks around 11901. WBNUJS Kolkata shows ST closing ranks at 9739, making it accessible for students in the 80-mark range.
Mid-tier NLUs present excellent opportunities for ST candidates scoring 65-77 marks. Institutions like HNLU Raipur, GNLU Gandhinagar, and RMLNLU Lucknow maintain ST closing ranks between 9746-19305. This wide acceptance range ensures that ST students with scores above 65 marks have multiple quality NLU options.
EWS Category Analysis
The Economically Weaker Section category, introduced in recent years, maintains cutoffs marginally below General category. Research indicates that EWS students need approximately 89-96 marks for top 3 NLU admission. NLSIU Bangalore’s EWS closing rank stands at 119, making it extremely competitive within this category.
EWS category presents unique challenges as cutoffs remain close to General category levels. Data from CLAT 2025 shows that NALSAR Hyderabad’s EWS closing rank was around 372, while NLIU Bhopal extended to 1377. This indicates that EWS students should prepare with the same rigor as General category students while maintaining realistic backup options.
For top 10 NLUs, EWS students require 72-92 marks. GNLU Gandhinagar shows EWS closing ranks between 819-1118, while NUSRL Ranchi extends to 2551. These patterns suggest that EWS students scoring 85-88 marks have strong chances at quality mid-tier NLUs while those above 90 marks should target top 5 institutions.
Complete NLU Wise Breakdown for CLAT 2026
Understanding individual NLU cutoff patterns helps candidates make informed decisions during counseling. Each NLU maintains distinct characteristics based on location, infrastructure, faculty strength, and placement records. According to comprehensive analysis, the 26 participating NLUs show significant variation in admission thresholds.
| NLU Name | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | PWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 98 | 95 | 90 | 86 | 96 | 80 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 95 | 93 | 86 | 82 | 94 | 75 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 90 | 88 | 82 | 78 | 89 | 70 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 93 | 90 | 84 | 80 | 92 | 78 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 91 | 89 | 81 | 76 | 90 | 76 |
| HNLU Raipur | 86 | 83 | 74 | 70 | 85 | 65 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 89 | 84 | 76 | 72 | 86 | 60 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | 86 | 84 | 76 | 72 | 85 | 55 |
| RGNUL Patiala | 88 | 83 | 72 | 68 | 84 | 56 |
| CNLU Patna | 84 | 81 | 71 | 67 | 82 | 50 |
| NUALS Kochi | 83 | 80 | 70 | 66 | 81 | 48 |
| NLUO Odisha | 84 | 80 | 70 | 66 | 82 | 46 |
| NUSRL Ranchi | 82 | 79 | 69 | 65 | 80 | 47 |
| NLUJA Assam | 81 | 78 | 68 | 64 | 79 | 45 |
| MNLU Mumbai | 88 | 83 | 72 | 68 | 85 | 50 |
| TNNLU Tiruchirappalli | 80 | 76 | 66 | 62 | 78 | 44 |
| DSNLU Visakhapatnam | 81 | 78 | 68 | 64 | 79 | 45 |
| HPNLU Shimla | 76 | 72 | 62 | 57 | 73 | 40 |
| DNLU Jabalpur | 75 | 71 | 61 | 56 | 72 | 35 |
| NLUT Agartala | 74 | 70 | 60 | 55 | 70 | 32 |
Domicile Quota Advantages
Several NLUs offer substantial domicile reservation benefits to home state students. Research indicates that domicile quota can lower cutoffs by 200-500 ranks depending on the institution. Understanding these advantages helps candidates optimize their admission strategy based on their home state.
State-Wise Domicile Benefits
NLSIU Bangalore offers Karnataka domicile reservation, with closing ranks extending to 4219 for EWS domicile candidates compared to 119 for all-India quota. This represents a dramatic difference in accessibility. NALSAR Hyderabad provides Telangana domicile benefits with SC domicile closing ranks around 7804.
According to admissions data, NLIU Bhopal offers Madhya Pradesh domicile advantages with closing ranks for General domicile students extending to 1095. WBNUJS Kolkata reserves substantial seats for West Bengal domicile students, making it extremely accessible for in-state candidates. Data shows that domicile students have closing ranks extending to 4168 for OBC category.
| NLU | General (All India) | General (Domicile) | Domicile Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 381 | 1095 (Karnataka) | 714 ranks |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 871 | 1542 (Telangana) | 671 ranks |
| NLU Bhopal | 825 | 1095 (MP) | 270 ranks |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 988 | 4168 (West Bengal) | 3180 ranks |
How Cutoffs Move Across Counseling Rounds
Understanding cutoff movement across multiple counseling rounds provides strategic advantages. According to expert analysis, CLAT conducts five counseling rounds plus potential spot counseling, with each round showing distinct movement patterns. Round 1 establishes the baseline with highest cutoffs and tightest competition.
Round by Round Movement Analysis
Round 1 shows minimal movement as every student lists dream colleges at top preferences. Research indicates that top 3 NLUs see virtually no rank movement in Round 1, with closing ranks within 5-10 positions of expected cutoffs. However, many students leave seats or fail to complete payment, creating vacancies for subsequent rounds.
Round 2 brings the first major seat-shifting effect. Data shows that mid-tier NLUs like HNLU Raipur, RMLNLU Lucknow, and CNLU Patna experience 100-300 rank movements as students upgrade to better options. This domino effect cascades through the NLU hierarchy, creating opportunities for candidates in the 2000-5000 rank range.
Strategic Waiting in Later Rounds
Round 3 brings stabilization with predictable closing ranks. Analysis shows most high-ranked students settle by this stage, but new NLUs or those with larger capacities continue showing movement. Students in mid-rank ranges between AIR 3000-9000 see maximum benefit during Round 3.
Round 4 and 5 see vacancy-filling effects as students drop out for NLU Delhi, private universities like Jindal and Symbiosis, or foreign opportunities. These exits create backfill seats, particularly benefiting BBA LLB courses, newly established NLUs, and state-domicile categories. Research indicates closing ranks can drop by 500-1000 positions in these rounds for certain NLUs.
Strategic Admission Planning for CLAT 2026
Developing a comprehensive admission strategy requires understanding cutoff patterns, personal category advantages, and realistic goal setting. According to expert recommendations, candidates should structure their preference lists in three tiers reflecting reach, match, and safe college categories.
Building Your Optimal Preference List
Reach colleges represent your aspirational institutions where admission requires luck or exceptional circumstances. If your expected rank is 500, NLSIU and NALSAR become reach options worth including but not depending upon. Match colleges align with your realistic rank range, typically within 100-200 ranks of your expected position. These form your core options where admission probability exceeds 60 percent.
Safe colleges ensure you secure NLU admission regardless of rank fluctuations. Research recommends including at least 5-7 safe options where your rank comfortably meets or exceeds closing cutoffs by 300-500 ranks. This three-tier structure protects against worst-case scenarios while maintaining aspirational goals.
Category-Specific Strategic Considerations
General category students should fill maximum preference options as competition intensity demands comprehensive planning. Data shows successful General category candidates typically list 20-25 colleges including all realistic options. OBC students can be slightly more selective but should still include 15-20 preferences to maximize opportunities across rounds.
SC and ST category students have more flexibility due to wider rank ranges but should avoid overconfidence. Analysis indicates that SC students should include at least 12-15 colleges spanning top to mid-tier options. ST students benefit from listing 10-15 colleges, ensuring backup options despite favorable cutoffs. EWS students should approach planning similar to General category given comparable competition levels.
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Making Your CLAT 2026 Dream a Reality
Understanding NLU cutoffs represents just one component of successful CLAT preparation. The data clearly shows that systematic preparation, realistic goal setting, and strategic preference list creation significantly impact admission outcomes. Research indicates that students who analyze cutoff patterns and align their preparation accordingly achieve better results than those who prepare without clear targets.
Every category enjoys distinct advantages in the CLAT admission process. General category students must acknowledge intense competition but should not be discouraged, as comprehensive preparation and smart strategy create pathways to top NLUs. OBC, SC, and ST category students should leverage their reservation benefits while maintaining high preparation standards to maximize college quality. EWS students need to approach preparation with General category rigor while utilizing category advantages strategically.
The counseling process extends across multiple rounds, creating opportunities for patient and strategic candidates. Historical data confirms that significant seat movement occurs through Rounds 2-5, particularly for mid-tier and newer NLUs. Students should maintain flexibility, track cutoff movements, and make informed decisions at each stage rather than accepting first offers without analysis.
Success in CLAT 2026 requires combining consistent preparation with strategic planning. Understanding where you stand relative to expected cutoffs helps refine preparation focus. Identifying realistic target NLUs based on your category and expected score enables efficient counseling navigation. Building comprehensive preference lists with reach, match, and safe colleges protects against unexpected outcomes while maintaining aspirational goals.
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