The academic sub-discipline of law in India has a rich legacy of law education which has some distinguished and famous law institutions, owing to the growth of the profession. Choosing the rightly suited university can have a big impact on their career for candidates wishing to pursue a legal profession. The top ten law schools in India are presented in this article highlighting their unique features, academic excellence, and contributions to the discipline of law.
Top 10 Law Institutes in India 2024
1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
NLSIU stands out as one of the best law schools according to most people when it comes to legal training institutions in India. With an integrated undergraduate program (B.A. LL.B.) considered by many as a benchmark for other universities offering similar programs, NLSIU is known for its academic rigor. Coupled with its advanced teaching methodologies, for example in research areas, this has helped NLSIU attract some of the best legal brains from around India. Students at NLSIU are exposed to a range of legal disciplines through its well-known professors and practitioners who offer courses there. Apart from these scholarly activities, the school also engages students outside the classroom by giving them opportunities to run organizations or participate in moot court competitions among other activities that foster interaction between them and their colleagues or juniors.
2. National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
The NALSAR Hyderabad is also a known institution for law education in India and was founded in 1998. It has been taking a keen interest in research-oriented studies as well as practical training since then that led to the introduction of various bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral courses at NALSAR. Some examples of subjects offered here are environmental law, human rights law, and international trade laws among many others. This college promotes the idea of learning by doing through involvement in internships, establishment of legal aid clinics, and participation in moot court contests. Its good standing as a primary law school has been influenced by its modern facilities and staff who are committed to their work.
Since its establishment in 2008, the National Law University (NLU) located in Delhi has emerged as one of the leading providers of legal education. Students at NLU Delhi are urged to go beyond their limits and there is a desire for excellence in scholarship; it offers undergraduate, master’s, PhD programs in law. NLU Delhi has also been known for its research-based courses that add considerable value to the legal literature. The university’s famous professors who are celebrated all over the world and an elaborate curriculum avail to students high-quality legal knowledge. This institution further hosts a vibrant student population characterized by numerous seminars, workshops and avenues of law research.
4. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
National Law Institute University (NLIU) Bhopal is a distinguished institution that was founded in 1997 and has established itself on legal research and hands-on training. A variety of undergraduate programs as well as postgraduate and doctoral ones are offered by NLIU which mainly focus on emerging branches of law like cyber law and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The university is known for its modern infrastructure such as well-furnished libraries and research centers. In addition, NLIU’s active involvement in legal research along with its social justice initiatives have made it one of the best law schools within Central India.
5. Kolkata’s National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS)
Established in 1999, the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) Kolkata is well known for its holistic outlook towards legal education. NUJS offers a five-year integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) course and several postgraduate and doctoral courses. It has been critically appreciated for its inter-disciplinary approach towards learning and for engaging in much-needed legal research. The faculty at NUJS consists of some of the finest names in the legal fraternity who provide an outstanding academic lead to the students. The active campus life at the university, including many research centers and moot courts, provides an improved learning environment in totality.
6. National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack
Since its establishment in 2009, National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack has earned a name for itself within a short period of time due to its academic performance and innovative teaching methodologies. NLUO offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and research programs but all these courses have been focused towards practical training. In addition, the institution is actively involved in legal aid and community service which also demonstrates its devotion to social justice. The university is regarded as an important institution in India’s legal education sector due to its modern infrastructure, experienced faculty members, and greater emphasis on experiential learning.
7. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
The establishment of Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in 2003 at Gandhinagar, India marked a paradigm shift in legal education. GNLU provides different undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs that emphasize interdisciplinary experiences and practical competencies. The university’s research focus along with its well-established infrastructure such as a modern library and research facilities have contributed to it being regarded as one of the best law schools in the country. Moreover, GNLU’s involvement in moot court competitions as well as legal research has further improved its reputation within academia.
8. Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), Sonipat
Among the greatest law schools nationally recognized, Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) was created in 2003 with a vision to change legal education forever. GNLU is known for its interdisciplinary approach to learning and giving importance to practice through a wide range of programs including undergraduate degrees, master’s programs, and PhD degrees. The functioning of this university through research constitutes an important reason why it is classified among Indian law universities of world-class status. Plus there is also GNLU’s involvement in moot court competitions and legal research projects improving its role as an academic institution.
9. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) Is an excellent institution established in the year 2005 and well known for its emphasis on constitutional law and fairness. The institution provides various undergraduate, postgraduate, as well as doctoral degrees but there are current legal issues regarding the syllabus development. RMLNLU has a great reputation due to its prominent faculty members, research activities, and dedication towards legal assistance and social work. Furthermore, through active participation in national and international conferences, coupled with sound academic programs, this university’s name has become significant within India’s legal educational sector.
Symbiosis International University houses the Symbiosis Law School-Pune and is well-known for its numerous courses along with students’ active participation in different aspects. Founded in 1977, it has numerous undergraduate programs as well as ones for master’s degrees and doctorate levels. Practitioners’ training forms the basis upon which can be defined by internships, legal clinics as well as moot courts that form its foundation. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure with an experienced teaching staff and concentrates on career advancement making it one of India’s top law colleges.
The right selection of a law school is important for prospective lawyers since it has a great impact on their career path and professional growth. The top ten law institutes in India: NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Delhi, NLIU Bhopal, NUJS Kolkata, NLUO Cuttack, GNLU Gandhinagar, JGLS Sonipat, RMLNLU Lucknow, and Symbiosis Law School Pune stands out as the best legal education institutions in the country. Each of these schools offers its own blend of practical training and research opportunities along with academic excellence to make sure students get a well-rounded legal education that is dynamic and stimulating. These leading law schools give you the ground that you need to make it in the rapidly changing world of law regardless of whether your interest lies in traditional types of legal studies or new emerging fields such as cybercrime or intellectual property rights.
