Scoring low in CLAT does not mean your dream of becoming a lawyer is over. Every year, many candidates who do not qualify for top National Law Universities (NLUs) still get admission to reputed law colleges across India. Several private universities and affiliated law colleges accept CLAT scores and offer quality BA LLB and BBA LLB programmes.
Candidates can also improve their admission chances by participating in CLAT counselling and applying for other law entrance exams. Popular universities such as Nirma University, UPES Dehradun and G.D. Goenka University accept CLAT scores for admission. This article provides list of law colleges for low CLAT scores, expected cut-offs, fee structure, admission process and alternative options to help candidates choose right law college.
- What is Considered a Low CLAT Score 2027?
- NLUs Accepting Low CLAT Scores (Expected Rank Range)
- Top law colleges accepting low CLAT Score
- Top Law Entrance Exams 2026-2027
- Should You Take a Drop for CLAT?
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Law College After Low CLAT Score
What is Considered a Low CLAT Score 2027?
For CLAT UG (120 questions format), expected safe scores usually vary each year depending on paper difficulty and competition. It is important to understand how much score is required to get admission in NLUs or other law colleges. Check the same below
| Marks | Colleges |
|---|---|
| 95+ marks | Top 5 NLUs |
| 85-95 marks | Mid tier NLUs |
| 70-85 marks | Lower ranked NLUs |
| Below 70 marks | Considered low for General category |
Note: Candidates from reserved categories may secure admission at comparatively lower scores.
Commonly asked questions
There is no restriction as such for the CLAT exam. Thus, one can give CLAT any number of times they want to. Candidates should not feel bad if they are not able to clear the CLAT exam in first time.
No, you can not appear for counselling if you have not cleared CLAT Exam.
The CLAT cutoff means the minimum rank or score required to get admission into a National Law University (NLU). Candidates must get the cutoff to participate in the counselling process.
As of 2026, 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) participate in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). These universities offer undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs, with over 5,600 seats available in total. NLU Delhi is the only exception, conducting its own entrance exam (AILET) rather than participating in CLAT
NLUs Accepting Low CLAT Scores (Expected Rank Range)
During CLAT Counselling, admission to top NLUs closes early; newer and regional NLUs may offer seats at higher ranks. Check list here
| NLU Name | Expected Closing Rank (General) | Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam | 1400-2000 | 2.2–2.5 lakh |
| Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam | 1500-2200 | 2.5–3 lakh |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla | 1600-2500 | 2.3–2.8 lakh |
| Dr B R Ambedkar National Law University Sonipat, Haryana | 2500-3500 | 2–2.3 lakh |
| The Tamil Nadu National Law School, Tiruchirapalli | 3500+ | 2.4-2.6 lakh |
Note: Cut-offs vary every year and may drop in later counselling rounds.
Top law colleges accepting low CLAT Score
Many private universities accept CLAT scores but do not have very high cut-offs. They also offer admission through their own entrance exam or direct merit basis.
| Name of college | Courses | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Amity Law School | BA LLB BBA LLB |
INR 2 to 3 Lakh |
| Alliance School of Law | BA LLB Hons BBA LLB Hons LLB LLM PhD in Law |
INR 2 to 3 Lakh |
| Presidency University, Bangalore | BBA LLB Hons BA LLB Hons B.Com LLB Hons LLM (Intellectual Property Rights) LLM (Technology Law) |
INR 5 to 7 lakh |
| Nirma University | BA LLB (Hons.) B.Com LLB (Hons.) LLM |
INR 3 to 5 lakh |
| UPES Dehradun | BA LLB B.Com LLB Hons BBA LLB Hons LLB LLM PhD |
INR 2 to 3 lakh |
| GD Goenka University | BA LLB Hons BBA LLB Hons B.Com LLB Hons LLB Hons LLM |
INR 1 to 2 lakh |
| BML Munjal University | BA LLB Hons BBA LLB Hons LLB PhD |
INR 2 to 3 lakh |
Commonly asked questions
You should understand that once you opt to get out of the counselling process you can not go back. You will get option to either freeze your seat or choose to let it go and participate in next round. You can anytime exit the whole process too.
The CLAT Cutoff is decided by following factors
- Exam Difficulty
- Number of Applicants
- Seat Availability
- Reservation Policy
- Domicile Quota
Explore colleges based on CLAT
Top Law Entrance Exams 2026-2027
Apart from appearing for CLAT, candidates can also opt for sitting in some of law entrance exams. Most of law entrance exams in India are held once a year, and this year, the exam authorities will be conducting upcoming exams as per schedule below
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Also Read:
NLU vs Non-NLU: Which one is better?
Should You Take a Drop for CLAT?
A low CLAT score can be disappointing, but it should not discourage you. Before deciding to take a drop year, carefully evaluate your goals, current score and preparation level. Taking a drop may be a good option if
- Your CLAT score is below 60.
- You are aiming only for top National Law Universities (NLUs).
- You are confident that you can improve your score by 15-20 or more marks with another year of preparation.
However, if you can get admission to a good Tier 2 law college, joining it and building strong profile through internships, moot courts, research work and extracurricular activities may be a better choice than taking a drop. Right decision depends on your career goals and confidence in improving your performance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Law College After Low CLAT Score
Check important points below
- Location advantage (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore preferred for internships)
- Internship opportunities
- Alumni network
- Faculty profile
- Fee vs ROI
- Hostel and campus facilities
Read More

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Student Forum
Answered 4 days ago
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, the Consortium removed two Test Cities from the CLAT 2027. The removed test cities are Vellore and Tiruvarur. CLAT 2027 exam date is December 6.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Candidates are required to pay the CLAT Registration/Form fee as per their category. The Consortium prescribed the category-wise form fee. Without submitting the CLAT form fee, the registration will not be completed.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
No, a domicile certificate is not mandatory for all candidates. It is only required if you intend to claim a reservation/ seat under state quota (offered by specific NLUs). Students can skip this document if they are applying solely under the All-India open category.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
No, candidates who fulfill OP Jindal Global University BBA LLB (hons) eligibility criteria cannot apply with a CLAT-UG score. This institute only accepts admission based on LNAT-UK exam. No other entrance exams are accepted during admissions to this course.
Y
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has notified that the CLAT 2027 exam date is December 6, 2026. The exam will be held offline in pen-and-paper mode.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
The Consortium of NLUs activated the CLAT Registration form on August 3. The candidates should note that the last date to register for CLAT 2027 is October 31. The Consortium notified that the CLAT 2027 exam date is Dcember 6.
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
No, there is no such provision given by the Consortium to fill the CLAT registration form offline. Candidates must complete the CLAT 2027 registration 2027 on or before the last date. The candidates should note that the CLAT 2027 exam date is December 6.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
CLAT does not give a fixed number for grammar. The exam is fully passage-based. Grammar is tested inside English Language, which carries around 20% weightage.
S
Contributor-Level 10
She has over 10 years of experience in the education and publishing sectors. She specialises in exam coverage and content creation. At Shiksha, she writes, analyses, and presents information for students preparing f
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