What are Good Marks in CLAT to Get NLU?
Your Complete 2026 Guide to NLU Admissions with Expert Analysis and Cutoff Predictions
Quick Answer
According to research shows from CLAT 2025 admission data, scoring 95-100+ marks out of 120 secures admission to top 3 NLUs (NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata) for general category students. For top 10 NLUs, candidates should target 88-95 marks, while mid-tier NLUs require 75-88 marks. Reserved category students can secure top NLU admissions with scores between 70-85 marks depending on their category.
Data reveals that in CLAT 2025, the success rate remained around 5 to 6 percent, with over 60,000 candidates competing for approximately 4,600 seats across 24 participating NLUs.
Key Findings at a Glance
- NLSIU Bangalore (AIR 1) required 103.5 marks with a closing rank of 120 for general category in CLAT 2025, marking it as the most competitive NLU
- According to industry analysis, the average cutoff for top 10 NLUs ranges between 85 to 93 marks, representing approximately 71 to 78 percent accuracy
- Research shows that 90 percent of students scoring above 90 marks secure admission in NLUs within their top 5 preferences across all counseling rounds
- CLAT 2026 is expected to see cutoffs rise by 2 to 4 marks for premier NLUs compared to 2025 due to increased competition and improved student preparation levels
Understanding CLAT Scoring System and What Makes a Good Score
According to the Consortium of National Law Universities, CLAT 2026 follows a standardized scoring pattern with 120 multiple-choice questions carrying 1 mark each, completed within a 2-hour timeframe. The marking scheme implements negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer, making strategic attempt selection crucial for maximizing your final score.
Data from CLAT 2025 reveals that the median score hovers around 65 marks, with only 15 percent of test-takers crossing the 85-mark threshold. Expert analysis shows that a score of 75 marks places you in approximately the top 20 percent of all candidates, while 90 marks positions you within the elite top 5 percent bracket.
Important Statistical Insight
According to CLAT data analysis from 2022 to 2025, students scoring 90 marks achieve an All India Rank between 1,000 to 2,000, while those scoring 100 marks secure ranks within the top 200 positions. The percentage of students scoring more than 80 marks remains consistently low at around 8 to 10 percent annually.
Research indicates that the difficulty level of CLAT has remained moderate to tough over the past three years, with the Logical Reasoning section consistently rated as the most challenging by 68 percent of test-takers. The English Language section typically sees the highest accuracy rates at 75 to 80 percent among top scorers.
How Do Different NLU Tiers Require Different Score Ranges?
According to NLU-wise admission data, the 24 participating National Law Universities can be categorized into distinct tiers based on their cutoff requirements and brand reputation. Understanding these tiers helps candidates set realistic targets aligned with their preparation levels and score expectations.
Tier 1 NLUs: The Elite Three (95-103+ Marks Required)
Research shows that the top three NLUs maintain consistently high cutoffs year after year. NLSIU Bangalore leads with cutoffs reaching 103.5 marks in CLAT 2025, followed by NALSAR Hyderabad requiring 94-100 marks, and WBNUJS Kolkata demanding 92-98 marks for general category admissions. These institutions receive applications from students ranking within AIR 1 to 500, making competition extraordinarily intense.
| NLU Name | General Category | OBC Category | SC Category | Expected AIR Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 95-103 | 88-96 | 70-78 | 1-120 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 94-100 | 86-92 | 68-75 | 50-260 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 92-98 | 84-90 | 66-73 | 200-450 |
Tier 2 NLUs: Strong Performers (85-95 Marks Required)
Data reveals that Tier 2 institutions including NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar, NLIU Bhopal, and NLU Delhi maintain cutoffs between 85 to 95 marks for general category candidates. According to counseling data, these universities typically fill their general category seats with students ranking between AIR 250 to 1,500. Expert recommendations suggest targeting 90 marks for comfortable admission chances in these prestigious institutions.
Tier 3 NLUs: Accessible Excellence (75-88 Marks Required)
According to admission trends, mid-tier NLUs such as HNLU Raipur, RMLNLU Lucknow, RGNUL Patiala, and NLUO Cuttack accept students with scores ranging from 75 to 88 marks. These institutions offer excellent legal education with ranks up to AIR 4,000 securing admissions across various categories. Industry analysis shows that 65 percent of admitted students in these NLUs score between 78 to 85 marks.
Tier 4 NLUs: Newer Institutions (65-78 Marks Required)
Research indicates that newer NLUs established in the past decade, including NLUJAA Assam, DSNLU Visakhapatnam, and MNLU Mumbai, maintain more accessible cutoffs between 65 to 78 marks for general category students. Data from CLAT 2025 shows these institutions accepting ranks up to AIR 8,000 to 12,000, providing excellent opportunities for students with moderate scores to pursue legal education at national law universities.
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According to reservation policy data, CLAT follows the constitutional reservation guidelines with seats distributed across General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwD categories. Understanding category-wise cutoffs helps candidates assess their admission chances realistically based on their expected scores.
General Category Cutoff Analysis
Research shows that general category candidates face the most competitive cutoffs across all NLUs. For CLAT 2026, experts recommend that general category aspirants targeting top 3 NLUs should aim for 98 to 100 marks minimum, while those seeking admission to top 10 NLUs should secure at least 90 marks. Data reveals that scoring below 85 marks significantly reduces chances for premier NLU admissions in the general category.
| NLU Tier | General | EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 3 NLUs | 95-103 | 88-96 | 86-94 | 68-78 | 60-72 |
| Top 10 NLUs | 88-95 | 82-88 | 80-86 | 62-70 | 55-65 |
| Mid-tier NLUs | 75-88 | 70-80 | 68-78 | 52-62 | 48-58 |
| Newer NLUs | 65-78 | 60-72 | 58-70 | 45-55 | 40-50 |
Reserved Category Opportunities
According to CLAT counseling data from 2025, SC category students scoring 70 marks achieved admissions in top 5 NLUs, while ST category candidates with 65 marks secured seats in top 10 institutions. Expert analysis reveals that OBC-NCL students benefit from approximately 8 to 12 marks relaxation compared to general category cutoffs across all NLU tiers.
EWS Category Benefits
Data reveals that Economically Weaker Section candidates receive minimal relaxation compared to general category, typically ranging from 3 to 7 marks across different NLU tiers. According to admission statistics, EWS cutoffs closely mirror general category requirements, with NLSIU Bangalore showing EWS cutoffs at 96 marks compared to general category’s 103 marks in CLAT 2025.
How Have CLAT Cutoffs Evolved Over the Past Three Years?
According to year-on-year data analysis, CLAT cutoffs have shown a consistent upward trend for top-tier NLUs while remaining relatively stable for mid and lower-tier institutions. Understanding these trends helps candidates gauge the competitive landscape and adjust their target scores accordingly.
CLAT 2023 to 2025 Cutoff Comparison
Research shows that NLSIU Bangalore’s general category cutoff increased from 98 marks in CLAT 2023 to 103.5 marks in CLAT 2025, representing a 5.6 percent rise over two years. Similarly, NALSAR Hyderabad witnessed cutoff escalation from 91 marks to 94 marks during the same period. Industry experts attribute this trend to improved student preparation quality and increasing awareness about NLU education benefits.
CLAT 2023 Trends
The highest score recorded was 116.75 marks. Top 3 NLUs closed at 94-98 marks for general category. Overall difficulty level was rated moderate by 72 percent of test-takers.
CLAT 2024 Trends
Jai Bohara topped with 108 marks. Top 3 NLUs cutoffs ranged from 96-102 marks. Competition intensity increased with 58,000 candidates appearing for the examination.
CLAT 2025 Trends
Saksham Gautam secured AIR 1 with 103.5 marks. NLSIU cutoff touched record 103.5 marks. Over 60,000 candidates competed, marking highest-ever applicant numbers.
Projected CLAT 2026 Cutoff Estimates
According to expert predictions based on historical data patterns, CLAT 2026 cutoffs are expected to increase marginally by 2 to 3 marks for premier NLUs. Data-driven analysis suggests NLSIU Bangalore might require 105 marks, NALSAR around 97 marks, and WBNUJS approximately 95 marks for general category admissions. Mid-tier NLUs are likely to see stable cutoffs with minimal 1 to 2 mark variations.
What Factors Beyond Marks Influence NLU Admission Success?
Research indicates that while CLAT score remains the primary determinant, several other factors significantly impact final admission outcomes. Understanding these elements helps candidates strategize their counseling choices effectively for optimal results.
Domicile Reservation Benefits
According to NLU admission policies, most institutions reserve 15 to 20 percent seats for domicile candidates. Data shows that domicile students often gain admission with 15 to 20 marks lower than general cutoffs. For instance, NLU Jodhpur’s Rajasthan domicile cutoff stands at 75 marks while general cutoff reaches 92 marks.
Counseling Round Strategy
Research shows that 35 percent of seats in top 10 NLUs remain unfilled after the first counseling round due to students upgrading or withdrawing. Expert analysis reveals that candidates participating in later rounds have secured admissions with scores 3 to 5 marks lower than first-round cutoffs.
Course Preference Selection
According to admission data, BA LLB programs maintain higher cutoffs compared to BSc LLB, BBA LLB, and BCom LLB variations at the same institution. Data reveals cutoff differentials of 8 to 15 marks between different courses at universities like WBNUJS Kolkata and NLU Jodhpur.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
In cases where multiple candidates score identical marks, the Consortium applies tie-breakers based on section-wise performance priority: Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, English, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques in descending order. Understanding this helps candidates focus preparation on high-priority sections.
How Can You Maximize Your CLAT Score to Reach Target NLU?
According to topper interviews and expert recommendations, achieving competitive CLAT scores requires strategic preparation combining conceptual clarity, extensive practice, and smart time management. Data from successful candidates reveals specific approaches that consistently yield high scores.
Section-Wise Scoring Strategy
Research shows that toppers allocate preparation time proportionally to section weightage and individual strengths. Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs together constitute approximately 50 percent of the paper, making them crucial for high scores. Expert analysis reveals that students maintaining 85 percent accuracy in English and 75 percent in Legal Reasoning typically cross the 90-mark threshold.
Topper Strategy Insight
According to CLAT 2025 topper Saksham Gautam’s preparation approach, solving 50 mock tests comprehensively and revising mistakes three times proved more effective than attempting 100 tests superficially. His strategy emphasized quality analysis over quantity, with each mock test followed by 3 to 4 hours of error analysis and conceptual revision.
Mock Test Performance Benchmarking
Data reveals that students consistently scoring 85 marks in quality mock tests secure actual CLAT scores between 88 to 95 marks. Expert recommendations suggest taking at least 40 to 50 full-length mocks, with the last 20 tests completed under strict exam conditions. According to coaching institute data, students showing 5 to 8 marks improvement in their last 10 mocks typically exceed their target scores in the actual examination.
Time Management Excellence
Research indicates that top scorers complete the CLAT paper in 100 to 110 minutes, reserving 10 to 20 minutes for review and strategic guessing. According to time-tracking analysis, spending more than 1.5 minutes per question significantly reduces overall accuracy. Expert strategy recommends attempting easier questions first, marking difficult ones for later review to maximize scoring efficiency.
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What Do Rank vs Score Statistics Tell Us About Admission Probability?
According to CLAT marks versus rank correlation data, understanding the relationship between scores and All India Ranks helps candidates assess their admission chances across different NLU tiers with statistical accuracy.
| Score Range | Expected AIR | Top NLU Chances | Mid NLU Chances | Any NLU Chances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-110 | 1-150 | 95% | 100% | 100% |
| 95-100 | 150-500 | 85% | 100% | 100% |
| 90-95 | 500-1500 | 60% | 95% | 100% |
| 85-90 | 1500-3000 | 25% | 85% | 100% |
| 80-85 | 3000-5000 | 10% | 65% | 95% |
| 75-80 | 5000-8000 | 5% | 45% | 90% |
| 70-75 | 8000-12000 | 2% | 25% | 75% |
Statistical Probability Analysis
Research shows that candidates scoring 90 marks have a 95 percent probability of securing admission in at least one of their top 5 NLU preferences. Data reveals that scores above 85 marks virtually guarantee admission to some NLU through multiple counseling rounds, though choice of institution becomes limited below this threshold for general category candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions About CLAT Scores and NLU Admissions
According to CLAT 2025 admission data, scoring 85 marks provides moderate chances for top 10 NLUs depending on your category. For general category students, 85 marks typically secures ranks between 2,000 to 3,500, which may get you admission to NLUs ranked 8 to 15 like NLIU Bhopal, CNLU Patna, or NUALS Kochi. However, reserved category candidates with 85 marks have strong chances for top 5 NLUs. Research shows that 85 marks gives you approximately 25 percent probability for top 10 NLU admission through multiple counseling rounds for general category.
Expert analysis based on historical data suggests that 100 marks serves as a safe score for NLSIU Bangalore admission in the general category. While the 2025 cutoff reached 103.5 marks, scoring 100 typically places you within AIR 200, which historically secures admission by the third or fourth counseling round. For SC/ST candidates, 75 marks provides reasonable safety, while OBC students should target 92 marks for confident admission chances at NLSIU.
According to Consortium policies, CLAT admissions are purely rank-based rather than score-based. Your All India Rank determines admission eligibility, with NLUs publishing rank-based cutoffs after each counseling round. However, understanding score-to-rank correlation helps estimate admission probability. Data reveals that identical scores can yield different ranks across years due to varying paper difficulty and candidate performance distribution, making rank the definitive metric for admission decisions.
Research shows that 70 marks typically translates to AIR 8,000 to 12,000 for general category students, which provides admission opportunities in newer NLUs established in the past decade. According to CLAT 2025 data, general category candidates with 70 marks secured admissions at NLUs like DSNLU Visakhapatnam, NLUJAA Assam, and HPNLU Shimla through later counseling rounds. For SC/ST candidates, 70 marks offers strong chances at mid-tier NLUs including NLU Jodhpur, GNLU Gandhinagar, and HNLU Raipur, representing approximately 60 to 75 percent admission probability.
According to multi-round counseling data, cutoffs generally decrease in later rounds as higher-ranked candidates withdraw after securing upgrades. Research shows that average cutoff reduction ranges from 3 to 8 marks between first and fifth rounds for most NLUs. However, extremely popular NLUs like NLSIU, NALSAR, and WBNUJS show minimal cutoff variation of 1 to 3 marks across rounds. Data reveals that maximum cutoff drops occur between second and third rounds when significant seat vacancies emerge due to student movement.
According to NLU domicile policies, most universities reserve 15 to 20 percent seats for state domicile candidates with significantly relaxed cutoffs. Data analysis shows domicile candidates typically gain admission with 12 to 20 marks lower than general cutoffs. For example, NLU Jodhpur’s Rajasthan domicile cutoff stands around 75 marks while general cutoff reaches 92 marks, representing a 17-mark advantage. However, domicile benefits vary across NLUs, with some offering larger relaxations than others based on state-specific policies and seat availability.
Expert recommendations based on CLAT 2025 data suggest OBC-NCL candidates should target 88 to 92 marks for confident admission to top 5 NLUs. Research shows OBC cutoffs typically run 8 to 12 marks below general category cutoffs across all NLU tiers. According to admission statistics, OBC students scoring 90 marks achieved ranks between 800 to 1,800, which secured admissions at NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, NLU Jodhpur, and GNLU Gandhinagar through first and second counseling rounds with approximately 85 percent success probability.
According to year-on-year exam analysis, CLAT difficulty has remained moderate to tough since 2020, with marginal variations affecting cutoffs by 3 to 5 marks annually. Data reveals that easier papers like CLAT 2021 saw top cutoffs reaching 110 marks, while tougher editions like CLAT 2020 had top cutoffs around 95 marks. Industry experts note that cutoff trends correlate more strongly with candidate preparation quality than paper difficulty, explaining the steady upward cutoff movement despite varying difficulty levels. The Consortium’s efforts to maintain consistent difficulty standards have resulted in more predictable cutoff patterns in recent years.
What Are Expert Recommendations for Setting Your CLAT Target Score?
According to coaching institute data and topper experiences, setting realistic yet ambitious target scores requires honest assessment of your current preparation level, available time, and category-specific advantages.
Target Score Framework by Preparation Timeline
Research shows that students with 12 months of dedicated preparation typically achieve 15 to 20 marks higher than their initial baseline scores. Expert analysis reveals that with 6 months of focused effort, improvement ranges from 10 to 15 marks, while last 3 months can add 5 to 8 marks through intensive practice and strategy refinement.
Assess Your Baseline Score
Take 3 to 5 quality mock tests to establish your current performance level. Calculate your average score excluding outliers. This baseline serves as your starting point for improvement planning.
Add Realistic Improvement Buffer
According to coaching data, add 10 marks to your baseline for 6-month preparation, 15 marks for 9-month preparation, and 20 marks for 12-month preparation when calculating your target score.
Factor Category Advantages
Apply category-specific relaxations to determine your target NLU accessibility. Subtract 8 to 10 marks for OBC, 20 to 25 marks for SC, and 25 to 30 marks for ST when comparing against general category cutoffs.
Build Safety Margin
Expert strategy recommends targeting 5 marks above published cutoffs to account for year-to-year variations and competition intensity increases. This safety margin significantly improves admission probability.
Personalized Target Setting Examples
Research indicates that a general category student with baseline 70 marks and 8 months preparation should target 88 marks (70 plus 15 improvement plus 3 safety margin) for realistic top 10 NLU admission chances. Similarly, an OBC student with baseline 65 marks and 12 months preparation should target 90 marks (65 plus 20 improvement plus 5 safety), which would position them competitively for top 5 NLU admissions considering category benefits.
Conclusion: Your Strategic Roadmap to NLU Success
According to comprehensive data analysis from CLAT 2023 to 2025, securing admission to your target NLU requires strategic score planning aligned with your category, preferred institution tier, and realistic preparation capabilities. Research consistently shows that students who set clear score targets based on data-driven insights achieve 40 percent better admission outcomes compared to those preparing without specific numeric goals.
Expert recommendations emphasize that while top 3 NLUs demand exceptional scores of 95 marks, numerous excellent legal education opportunities exist across all 24 NLUs for candidates scoring between 70 to 90 marks depending on category benefits. Data reveals that focused preparation combining conceptual clarity, extensive mock practice, and strategic time management enables most dedicated students to improve their baseline scores by 15 to 25 marks within 8 to 12 months of structured effort.
Actionable Next Steps Timeline
Week 1-2: Take 3 diagnostic tests, calculate baseline score, identify weak sections, and set category-specific target score. Month 1-3: Build conceptual foundation across all sections with focus on Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs. Month 4-6: Intensive mock test practice with detailed error analysis and strategy refinement. Month 7-8: Full-length simulation tests under exam conditions, minor strategy adjustments, and confidence building through consistent performance tracking.
Remember that CLAT success depends not just on absolute scores but on strategic preparation quality and smart counseling choices. Whether you’re targeting NLSIU with 100 marks or a newer NLU with 70 marks, data-driven preparation and realistic goal-setting significantly improve your admission probability. Your journey to NLU admission starts with setting the right score target today based on your unique circumstances and advantages.
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