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NLU vs Private Law Colleges: What to Know Before Choosing

  • Writer: himanshilawprep
    himanshilawprep
  • Jul 8
  • 6 min read

Law is one of the most respected and rewarding career fields in India today. Whether someone wants to become a corporate lawyer, a judge, a civil servant, or a legal advisor in a multinational company, a strong law degree can open many doors. But even before all of that begins, one important decision needs to be made-which college to choose for your law degree.


In India, two major types of institutions offer law degrees: National Law Universities (NLUs) and private law colleges. Both have produced excellent lawyers and successful professionals. But both come with their own strengths and challenges.


Choosing between an NLU and a private law college is not just about picking a college name. It’s about understanding your career goals, financial situation, and learning style. Let’s break down the important points you should know before making this decision.


1. What Are NLUs and Why Do They Matter?

National Law Universities (NLUs) are public law schools established across India to offer high-quality legal education. These institutions are highly respected and are often compared to the IITs and IIMs of the legal world. As of now, there are 26 NLUs in India.


Admission to most NLUs is through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country. NLU Delhi is an exception as it conducts its own entrance exam called AILET.


NLUs offer a five-year integrated program like BA LLB, BBA LLB, or BCom LLB. They focus on legal reasoning, critical thinking, and professional development. Most students studying in NLUs are focused, competitive, and career-oriented, which creates a highly motivating environment.


Examples of top NLUs:

  • NLSIU Bangalore

  • NALSAR Hyderabad

  • WBNUJS Kolkata

  • NLU Jodhpur

  • GNLU Gandhinagar


2. What Are Private Law Colleges?

Private law colleges are law schools run by private institutions and universities. Some of them are affiliated with traditional universities, while others are autonomous. Over the past decade, many private law colleges in India have improved significantly in terms of infrastructure, faculty, and industry connections.


Private colleges also offer five-year integrated programs and sometimes offer additional benefits like global tie-ups, foreign exchange programs, and more flexible curriculums. The admission process for these colleges is different from CLAT and may include exams like LSAT India, SLAT (for Symbiosis), or even direct admission based on merit.


Popular private law colleges in India:


  • Jindal Global Law School (Sonipat)

  • Symbiosis Law School (Pune, Noida, Hyderabad)

  • Christ University (Bangalore)

  • Amity Law School (Noida, Delhi)

  • ICFAI Law School (Hyderabad)


3. Entrance Exams and Admission Process

NLUs mainly admit students through CLAT, which tests your skills in English, Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques. The competition is intense, and lakhs of students appear each year for a few thousand seats. CLAT preparation often takes months or even a year of dedicated study.

In contrast, most private law colleges have their own entrance exams or follow different admission procedures. For example:


  • Jindal Global Law School accepts LSAT India scores.

  • Symbiosis Law School conducts SLAT, followed by a personal interview.

  • Some colleges allow direct admission based on your 12th marks or an online test.


Students who may not score well in CLAT or who start their preparation late often consider private colleges as a good alternative.


4. Comparing the Fee Structure

The cost of studying law can vary greatly depending on the type of college you choose.


NLUs:

Being government-supported institutions, NLUs are generally more affordable.

  • Average annual fees: ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh

  • Total 5-year cost: ₹8 lakh to ₹12 lakh (including hostel and mess fees in many cases)


Private Law Colleges:

These colleges are privately funded and usually more expensive.

  • Jindal Global Law School: Around ₹9-10 lakh per year

  • Symbiosis Law School: ₹3-4 lakh per year

  • Others: ₹2-6 lakh per year

  • Total cost can go up to ₹30-50 lakhs depending on the college


Some private colleges offer merit-based scholarships or financial aid, but they are limited and competitive.

For students with a limited budget, NLUs are a more economical choice without compromising on quality.


Consider joining Online CLAT Coaching, as it offers expert guidance and effective preparation.

5. Quality of Education and Faculty

When it comes to education quality, both NLUs and private law colleges have their strengths.


NLUs:

  • Have experienced professors, legal scholars, and researchers.

  • Follow a strict academic schedule with a focus on deep legal understanding.

  • Encourage mooting, debating, research, and internships.


Private Colleges:

  • Top colleges like Jindal have faculty from global law schools like Harvard, Yale, and Oxford.

  • Offer modern teaching techniques, electives, and international collaborations.

  • Provide a more flexible curriculum and often more exposure to global law.


While NLUs may be more traditional and academic in their approach, private colleges often focus on making students industry-ready with practical exposure and networking opportunities.


6. Placement and Career Opportunities

Getting a law degree is only the first step. Most students are concerned about placements, and here the reputation of the college matters.


NLUs:

  • Top NLUs have excellent placement records.

  • Recruiters include leading law firms like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., AZB & Partners, and Trilegal.

  • Many students also clear UPSC, judicial services, or go for higher studies abroad.

  • Corporate job offers can range from ₹12–18 LPA at top firms.


Private Law Colleges:

  • Placement support depends on the college.

  • Jindal and Symbiosis have active career development cells.

  • Students need to network and apply independently in many cases.

  • Offers in private colleges may start from ₹4–6 LPA and go higher based on performance.


It’s important to remember that your skills, CV, internships, and experience will matter more than just the college name after a point.


7. Campus Life and Peer Group

Law school isn’t just about classes and textbooks-it’s also about personal growth, networking, and building confidence.


Life at NLUs:

  • Competitive environment with students from across India

  • Vibrant student culture with debates, moots, fests, and journals

  • Peer group is highly motivated and academically serious

  • Hostel life teaches independence and time management


Life at Private Colleges:

  • Modern infrastructure with better facilities in many cases

  • Comfortable lifestyle and access to tech-enabled learning

  • Peer group may be mixed-some serious, some not-so-serious

  • Exposure to different cultures and international collaborations


In the end, it’s the people you meet and the opportunities you grab that shape your college life.


8. Career Goals and Future Plans

Your long-term goal can also help you decide the right kind of college.


You may prefer an NLU if:

  • You want to become a judge, civil servant, or work in public interest law

  • You aim to build a strong foundation in Indian legal systems

  • You’re focused on a judiciary or UPSC path


You may prefer a private law college if:

  • You want to work in corporate law, international law, or global firms

  • You plan to go for LLM abroad (many private colleges offer support for that)

  • You want a flexible academic style with modern tools


Both options can lead to success. It just depends on what kind of support and exposure you need for your goal.



9. Reputation and Alumni Network

NLUs have been around for longer and many of their graduates are now working as:


  • Senior lawyers in the Supreme Court

  • IAS/IPS officers

  • Partners in top law firms

  • Professors and researchers


This alumni network often helps juniors with internships, mentorship, and career advice.

Private colleges, especially newer ones, are still building their reputation, but some like Jindal and Symbiosis already have successful alumni in corporate law and academia.

Being in touch with strong alumni can open new opportunities, so it’s an important point to consider while choosing.


Final Thoughts - Make the Right Choice for Yourself

Choosing between an NLU and a private law college is a personal decision. It depends on your:

  • CLAT score and preparation

  • Budget and financial planning

  • Career goals (judiciary, corporate, international law, etc.)

  • Learning style and campus preference


There is no perfect college, only the perfect match for your needs and goals. NLUs offer great value and reputation, while private colleges can provide modern facilities and international exposure.


Wherever you go, what truly matters is how seriously you take your learning, how many internships you do, what kind of legal experience you collect, and how actively you grow in those five years. Law school is just the beginning of your journey-not the final destination. So choose wisely, work hard, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

 
 
 

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