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Career in Law: Opportunities Beyond CLAT 2025

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   11-Dec-2024 | Drishti The Vision



The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is often seen as the primary route to legal education in India's National Law Universities (NLUs). However, even if an aspirant has not secured a seat in NLU through the CLAT there are still pathways available to pursue a career in law including taking a gap year or practice year, Expressions of Interest (EOI), central/state university entrance exams, private law colleges, and even international law schools.  

Another Practice Year to Get Necessary Guidance for CLAT 2026

If you haven’t qualified CLAT 2025, taking a gap year can be a strategic move to prepare thoroughly for the next attempt. 

Here are some tips to follow during practice year:  

  • During this year, it is essential to engage in self-study along with guidance and resources from a renowned coaching institute that can provide the guidance you may have missed on your own.  
  • You may join course for CLAT 2026 that fills the gaps you may have in your preparation.  
    • A course must include expert faculty, personalized support, structured study materials, and regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions and provide targeted feedback.  
  • You can prefer weekday batches that are held Monday to Friday, with classes spread out over the week. Or weekend batches that are typically designed for students who are occupied during the week. 
  • These resources help alleviate the pressure associated with CLAT and ensure you are well-prepared for your next attempt to bag NLU.  

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Vacant NLU Seats

Before exploring alternatives, keep an eye on the subsequent merit lists from NLUs. Historically, many NLUs release multiple merit lists and even notify about vacant seats post-admission cycles through EOI.  

EOI is a mechanism where NLUs invite candidates who have not secured a place in the initial merit lists. It allows them to apply for any vacant seats that arise after the main lists are published. These seats arise due to withdrawals or unfilled reserved category quotas. 

Candidates can apply through EOI forms, which are often open to CLAT takers. Below is the process followed by some NLUs: 

Here are few official notifications of NLUs regarding EOI: 

Central Universities Offering Law Programs 

Many central universities provide top-tier legal education, often outperforming lower-ranked NLUs in NIRF rankings. Their fee structures are affordable, and entrance exams are conducted annually. Here is the list of some notable central universities:  

  • Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) 
    • NIRF Rank (2024): 6th in Law 
    • Exam: Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹15,000-₹50,000 annually (UG) 
  • Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University 
    • NIRF Rank (2024): 10th in Law 
    • Exam: CUET  
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹60,000 per semester (UG) 
  • Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) 
    • NIRF Rank (2024): 12th in Law 
    • Exam: CUET 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹2,07,000 for UG course. 
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU) 
    • NIRF Rank (2024): 25th in Law 
    • Exam: CUET 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹35,000 per semester (UG) 

State Universities with Strong Legal Programs 

State universities often admit students through state-level entrance exams, offering quality education at affordable fees. Here is the list of some notable state universities:  

  • Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai 
    • NIRF Rank (2024): Not available  
    • Exam: MH-CET Law. 
    • Fee Structure: Varies from₹5,000- ₹13, 000 annually. 
  • University of Lucknow 
    • NIRF Rank (2024): 23rd in Law 
    • Exam: LU Entrance Exam 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹26,080 per semester. 
  • Punjab University (PU), Chandigarh 
    • NIRF Rank (2024): Not available 
    • Exam: PU Entrance Exam. 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹90,000 annually. 

Private Law Colleges with Strong Legal Programs 

Some private institutions have better infrastructure and placement opportunities than mid-tier NLUs. Here is the list of some of the leading private law colleges:  

  • Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) 
    • Exam: Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) -India. 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹6,25,000 annually. 
  • Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Pune 
    • Exam: SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test). 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹2,50,000 lakhs annually. 
  • Christ University 
    • Exam: Christ Law Entrance Test. 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. ₹1,50,00-2,00,00 lakhs annually. 

Foreign Universities for Law Education

Studying law abroad can open doors to international legal careers. Many universities in the UK, USA, and Canada are globally ranked and offer pathways to practice law internationally. Here is a list of top foreign law schools: 

  • University of Oxford (UK) 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. £30,000 annually. 
    • Exam: Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) 
  • University of Liverpool 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. £24,100 annually. 
    • Exam: LNAT 
  • University of Toronto (Canada) 
    • Fee Structure: Approx. $66,020 annually. 
    • Exam: LSAT 

Conclusion

Not qualifying for CLAT is not the end of the road. Multiple pathways, from subsequent merit lists at NLUs to central and state universities, private law colleges, and even global opportunities, are available to pursue a successful career in law. An aspirant is supposed to evaluate options based on affordability, location, and career aspirations, and remember that persistence is key in the legal profession. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is taking a gap year for CLAT preparation a good option? 

Answer: Yes, taking a gap year can be highly beneficial if used strategically. During this period, you can focus on strengthening your concepts, practicing extensively, and taking regular mock tests to build exam readiness. Joining a reputed coaching institute like Drishti Judiciary can provide you with structured guidance, personalized support, and expert faculty to bridge any gaps in your preparation. This year can significantly improve your chances of success in CLAT 2026. 

How can Drishti Judiciary help me prepare for CLAT 2026 during a gap year? 

Answer: Drishti Judiciary offers comprehensive guidance tailored for CLAT aspirants. Our expert faculty, under the mentorship of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, ensures a solid understanding of concepts. With personalized support, structured study materials, regular mock tests, and interactive classes, we provide all the resources needed to strengthen your preparation and boost your chances of securing a top rank. 

Are private law colleges like Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) or Symbiosis Law School (SLS) good alternatives to NLUs? 

Answer: Absolutely. Private law colleges like JGLS and SLS offer excellent infrastructure, experienced faculty, and strong placement opportunities. They often have competitive entrance exams such as LSAT-India and SET. While the fees may be higher than NLUs, these colleges provide global exposure and better networking opportunities, making them a viable choice for pursuing legal education.