Rahul · September 5, 2025 
Introduction
Legal education in India has seen tremendous growth over the last two decades, especially with the rise of National Law Universities (NLUs) and other government-funded institutions. The NIRF 2025 rankings once again highlight the dominance of Government Law Universities India, with NLUs consistently setting benchmarks in academic quality, research, and placements. For aspiring lawyers, understanding how Government Law Universities India are ranked can provide valuable clarity while choosing the right institution.
If you are preparing for CLAT, AILET, or other law entrance exams, knowing where each university stands is crucial. This blog brings you the Top 20 Government Law Universities India as per NIRF 2025 Rankings, along with performance insights and career implications.
Top 20 Government Law Universities in India – NIRF 2025
Here’s the official list based on NIRF 2025 data for government law universities:
| Rank | University | City | State | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Law School of India University (NLSIU) | Bengaluru | Karnataka | 82.97 |
| 2 | National Law University (NLU) | New Delhi | Delhi | 80.00 |
| 3 | NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad | Telangana | 79.50 |
| 4 | WBNUJS – West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences | Kolkata | West Bengal | 79.39 |
| 5 | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) | Gandhinagar | Gujarat | 76.23 |
| 6 | IIT Kharagpur – Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law | Kharagpur | West Bengal | 74.09 |
| 8 | Jamia Millia Islamia (Faculty of Law) | New Delhi | Delhi | 66.39 |
| 9 | Aligarh Muslim University (Faculty of Law) | Aligarh | Uttar Pradesh | 65.82 |
| 12 | Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 65.26 |
| 13 | Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) | Kochi | Kerala | 65.19 |
| 15 | National Law University (NLU) | Cuttack | Odisha | 63.66 |
| 16 | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar College of Law | Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | 63.12 |
| 17 | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) | Patna | Bihar | 62.40 |
| 18 | UPES (Government-supported) | Dehradun | Uttarakhand | 61.45 |
| 21 | Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 60.12 |
| 22 | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (USLLS) | New Delhi | Delhi | 60.05 |
| 23 | Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) | Gaya | Bihar | 58.84 |
| 27 | National Law Institute University (NLIU) | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | 57.64 |
| 28 | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) | Nagpur | Maharashtra | 56.54 |
| 29 | University of Lucknow | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 55.85 |
| 30 | National University of Study & Research in Law (NUSRL) | Ranchi | Jharkhand | 55.81 |
Key Insights from NIRF 2025 Rankings
NLSIU Bengaluru continues its long-standing reign at Rank 1 with the highest score.
NLU Delhi remains the closest competitor with an impressive score of 80.
NALSAR Hyderabad and WBNUJS Kolkata maintain strong positions, proving consistent academic and research output.
IIT Kharagpur’s law school stands out as the only IIT with a law program, ranked 6th nationally.
Central universities like Jamia Millia Islamia, AMU, and CUSAT show strong growth, offering affordable education with good placement opportunities.
Regional NLUs such as CNLU Patna, RMLNLU Lucknow, and MNLU Nagpur are climbing steadily, attracting aspirants beyond Tier-1 cities.
Why These Universities Matter for Law Careers?
Studying in a top-ranked government law university means:
Access to top recruiters, including law firms, corporates, and judiciary pathways.
Strong alumni networks that open doors globally.
Affordable fees compared to private law colleges.
Higher chances of securing judicial clerkships, LLM admissions abroad, and research opportunities.
How Career Plan B Can Help?
Choosing the right law university is not easy when you have 20+ reputed options across India. Career Plan B helps you:
Understand ranking trends and compare universities beyond NIRF scores.
Get expert counseling on CLAT preparation and backup career options.
Explore alternate law pathways (corporate law, judiciary, legal tech, policy research).
Plan your admissions strategy based on your rank, budget, and career goals.
Still have doubts? Click here to book your first free session with Career Plan B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the No. 1 Government Law University in India as per NIRF 2025?
NLSIU Bengaluru tops the chart with the highest score of 82.97, making it the No. 1 government law university in India.Are all NLUs government universities?
Yes, all NLUs (National Law Universities) are government-funded institutions established by respective state legislatures.How do IIT Kharagpur and other non-NLU government institutions compete in law rankings?
IIT Kharagpur’s law school ranks 6th in NIRF 2025, showcasing excellence in intellectual property law and research, making it highly competitive with NLUs.Are government law universities better than private ones?
Government law universities like NLUs generally offer better placements, faculty quality, and lower fees compared to private law schools. However, some private institutions like Symbiosis Law School also rank high.How can I choose between two government law universities with close ranks?
Beyond ranks, compare factors like location, faculty expertise, specializations, internships, and alumni network before deciding. Career Plan B can guide you with personalized insights.
Conclusion
The NIRF 2025 Rankings for Law reaffirm the dominance of government universities, especially the NLUs, in shaping India’s legal education landscape. From NLSIU Bengaluru to NUSRL Ranchi, these top 20 institutions define career pathways for thousands of aspiring lawyers every year.
If you aim to enter the legal profession with strong foundations, studying at one of these universities can transform your career. And with Career Plan B by your side, you’ll always have clarity on admissions, career mapping, and alternate pathways in law.
