The CLAT 2026 counselling process admitted students across 24 National Law Universities. Cutoff ranks determine which NLU a candidate is allotted based on their CLAT rank, category, and preference order. This page compiles the closing cutoff ranks for all 24 NLUs across General, SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories. Use this data to set realistic targets for CLAT 2027 preparation and to build an informed preference list.
The cutoff rank is the last rank at which a candidate was offered admission in a given category. If the General cutoff for NLSIU is 58, it means the last General category candidate admitted had CLAT rank 58. Candidates with rank 1-58 in General category were eligible.
Cutoffs shift by 10-30 ranks each year depending on the number of applicants, difficulty level, and seat changes. If you want NALSAR, aim for a rank under 80 in General, not exactly 95. Build a buffer of 15-20 ranks below the previous year's cutoff.
Divide NLUs into three groups: aspirational (your stretch targets), realistic (where your mock scores consistently place you), and safe (NLUs well within your range). This ensures you don't miss out on a good NLU while aiming higher.
If you belong to SC, ST, OBC, or PwD category, your effective cutoff is significantly different from General. Look at the category-specific column, not the General column. Reserved category cutoffs give you access to NLUs that might seem out of reach based on General cutoffs.
The table below shows closing cutoff ranks for the final round of CLAT 2026 counselling. Lower rank numbers indicate higher competitiveness. These are approximate figures based on available counselling data and may vary slightly from official records.
Note: Cutoff ranks shown are closing ranks from the final round of counselling. Some NLUs may have additional state-quota or domicile-based seats not reflected here. Spot round and special round cutoffs may differ.
Cutoff trends over three years reveal a consistent pattern: top NLU cutoffs are getting tighter. With increasing CLAT registrations (over 80,000 in 2026) and a fixed number of seats, the closing ranks for the top 5 NLUs have dropped by 10-20 ranks since 2024. This trend is likely to continue for CLAT 2027.
NLSIU Bangalore remains the most competitive NLU, with the General cutoff tightening from rank 62 in 2024 to rank 58 in 2026. If you are targeting a top-5 NLU for CLAT 2027, aim for a rank under 50 in General category to have a comfortable margin. NALSAR and NUJS have also seen cutoffs tighten by 7-15 ranks over three years.
Open category with no reservation. The most competitive cutoffs. Candidates from all backgrounds can apply under General, though reserved category candidates often opt for their respective category to improve their chances at top NLUs.
Reservation as per government norms, typically 15% of seats. SC cutoffs are significantly more relaxed — often 10-15x the General cutoff rank. This means more NLUs become accessible to SC candidates.
Reservation as per government norms, typically 7.5% of seats. ST cutoffs are the most relaxed among all categories due to fewer seats and fewer applicants. ST candidates at rank 2000-3000 can access top-10 NLUs.
Reservation typically 27% of seats. OBC cutoffs fall between General and SC — a rank of 200-800 can get you into the top 10 NLUs. OBC candidates must have a valid non-creamy layer certificate.
Horizontal reservation of 5% across all categories. PwD cutoffs are the most relaxed in absolute terms. Candidates need a disability certificate (40% or above) from a recognised authority.
Ratio's CLAT Complete Programme is built to move your rank into the top 100 — where the best NLUs become available.