How to get into NLU Delhi?

How to get into NLU Delhi: Getting into National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) means clearing the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) – the university’s own entrance exam for admission to the BA LLB (Hons.) programme. Unlike other National Law Universities, NLU Delhi does not accept CLAT scores for its flagship undergraduate law course. If you want admission here, your entire strategy must revolve around AILET.

Why NLU Delhi Stands Apart

NLU Delhi is ranked #2 in the NIRF Law Rankings 2025. Located in the capital, it offers direct access to the Supreme Court, top law firms, and India’s best legal internship ecosystem. Unlike every other NLU, it does not admit through CLAT – it has its own entrance exam.

About AILET Exam

AILET is a national-level entrance test conducted once a year by NLU Delhi, typically held in December. It is paper-based (offline, OMR sheet) and lasts 2 hours.

Sections Covered:

Note: The AILET syllabus overlaps significantly with CLAT. If you are preparing for both, AILET-specific preparation primarily means adjusting to the standalone format and slightly different difficulty balance – especially in the reasoning section.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for NLU Delhi Admission?

To apply for the BA LLB (Hons.) programme at NLU Delhi through AILET, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility conditions:

• Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board.
• Minimum 45% marks in aggregate for General and EWS candidates.
• Minimum 42% marks for OBC candidates.
• Minimum 40% marks for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
• There is no age limit.

Note: Candidates appearing in their final year examinations are eligible to apply provisionally. Admission is confirmed only upon submission of final marksheets meeting the required percentage.

How to Apply for AILET (Step by Step)

• Go to the official website: nationallawuniversitydelhi.in (check from July onwards each year)
• Register: Create an account with your name, email, and category details
• Fill the application form: Enter academic and personal information accurately
• Upload documents: Passport-size photograph and signature (JPEG, within size limits)
• Pay the application fee online through the portal
• Download your acknowledgement slip and note your application number
• Download your admit card approximately 2 weeks before exam day

Preparation Strategy

Since NLU Delhi admits students only through AILET and the seat matrix is limited, preparation should focus on accuracy, time management, and repeated mock practice.

English Language

• Read quality editorials daily – The Hindu and Indian Express are the standard recommendations.
• Practice reading comprehension under timed conditions; speed and accuracy both matter.
• Build vocabulary through context reading, not rote lists.

Logical Reasoning

• Master syllogisms, critical reasoning passages, and seating/arrangement problems.
• AILET also includes legal reasoning questions within this section; these test your ability to apply a given legal principle to a fact situation, no prior law knowledge needed
• Accuracy matters more than speed here, one wrong attempt costs you more than it’s worth
• Attempt sectional tests weekly and track where you’re losing mark.

Current Affairs and GK

• Maintain a running current affairs diary, cover the past 12 months before exam day.
• Focus on legal GK: landmark Supreme Court judgments, constitutional amendments, major legislation.
• Use monthly law entrance-specific current affairs compilations.

Mock Tests and Previous Papers

• Solve all AILET previous year papers from 2020 onwards.
• Target at least 100 full-length mock tests before exam day.
• Analyse each mock for weak areas, not just overall score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does NLU Delhi accept CLAT scores?

A: No. NLU Delhi exclusively accepts AILET scores. CLAT is not valid for admission here under any circumstances.

Q: Is there a state domicile reservation at NLU Delhi?

A: No. NLU Delhi has no state-based domicile quota. Admissions are purely merit and reservation-based (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) at the national level.

Q: Is hostel accommodation available at NLU Delhi?

A: Yes. NLU Delhi has separate hostels for boys and girls. Allotment is based on aerial distance from the university and applicable reservation policy.

Q: Can Class 12 students (currently appearing) apply for AILET?

A: Yes, students in their Class 12 final year are eligible to apply provisionally. Admission is confirmed upon submission of qualifying marksheets showing the required percentage.

Q: What is the age limit for AILET?

A: There is no minimum or maximum age limit for AILET for any programme: BA LLB, LLM, or PhD.