The Nation Law Universities (NLUs) conduct a centralised Law Entrance Exam called 'CLAT' every year that aims to test aspirant's aptitude. CLAT exam is considered as the father of all other Law entrance exams due to the special status of NLUs in the country. This year, NLU Ranchi will conduct CLAT 2021. Apart from the CLAT entrance exam, there are other popular Law entrance exams as well for which candidates can apply. However, CLAT being the mainstream law entrance exam is the target of almost all the law aspirants in India.   

In this article, we will take a look at the selection process of NLUs, eligibility conditions that are mandatory for an aspirant to appear in the CLAT exam, education qualification, and the age limit required to apply for the CLAT exam.

CLAT Selection Process - Admission at NLUs

As a matter of fact, it is to appear for the CLAT mandatory entrance exam for the candidates seeking admission in the top NLUs. It is because top NLUs accept the score of the CLAT exam only. Therefore, a law aspirant must check the following eligibility criteria before applying for the CLAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria to apply for CLAT exam

Candidates applying for CLAT Exam have to keep in mind the following eligibility conditions:

Education Qualification

• A candidate who possesses 45 percent marks in 12th standard belonging to the General and OBC category is eligible to apply for CLAT Exam.
• A candidate who possesses at least 40 percent marks in 12th standard belonging to SC/ST category is eligible to apply for CLAT Exam.

Age Limit

Till 2019, NLUs had defined the age limit for the candidates who could appear for CLAT. However, from 2021 onwards, NLUs have removed the upper age limit for the candidates who can apply for the CLAT Exam. It should be noted that NLUs selection criteria differ from the age limit criteria that have been set for admission to the BA.LLB. programme. 

NLU Selection Criteria

The National Law Universities, which are a total of 22 in India, have set their separate cut-off scores. Aspirants who qualify for the cut-off score receive the selection call from the institute. Find out the selection process to get admission to the NLUs here:

Step 1 - Appear for the CLAT exam

Step 2 - Based on the performance in the CLAT Exam, NLUs will shortlist aspirants

There is no Group Discussion or Personal Interview for shortlisting the candidate. The selection is entirely based on the merit scored in the CLAT exam. The better the score, the higher are the chances of getting admission to the top National Law University.