NIRF Ranking 2025: Top 10 Law Colleges in India, NLSIU Bengaluru Leads Again

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 results were announced by the Ministry of Education, once again highlighting the growing competitiveness among India’s leading law schools. For the eighth consecutive year, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has retained its place at the top. The rankings, released across 17 categories, reflect improvements in teaching, research, inclusivity, and graduate outcomes as institutions continue to raise their standards.

1. NLSIU Bengaluru at Number One Again

NLSIU has emerged as the undisputed leader in legal education, holding the top position for the eighth year in a row. With consistently strong scores across all parameters, it remains the benchmark for law schools in India.

2. NLU Delhi Holds Second Place

The National Law University (NLU), Delhi, has maintained its position at the second spot. Known for its strong faculty and research-driven approach, NLU Delhi continues to be a preferred choice for aspiring lawyers nationwide.

3. NALSAR Hyderabad Climbs Higher

NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, has secured the third position, improving from its previous years’ ranks. Its emphasis on academic rigor, research, and inclusivity has helped it become one of the country’s fastest-rising law schools.

4. WBNUJS Kolkata Moves Into Top Four

This year, the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata, has moved up to the fourth position, reflecting its significant academic growth and improved performance across ranking parameters.

5. GNLU Gandhinagar Secures Fifth Spot

The Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, has claimed the fifth place in the rankings. Its multidisciplinary approach, global collaborations, and research initiatives have been key contributors to its rise.

6. IIT Kharagpur Makes Its Presence Felt

Interestingly, IIT Kharagpur, which offers legal studies alongside engineering and technology, has entered the top 10 list this year at the tenth position. This underlines the increasing role of multidisciplinary institutions in shaping legal education.

7. Law Colleges See Growing Competition

The 2025 rankings show intense competition among law institutions. With improvements across teaching, research, inclusivity, and graduate outcomes, law colleges are working harder than ever to establish themselves on the national stage.

8. Ranking Parameters Explained

The NIRF rankings are based on multiple parameters:

• Teaching, Learning & Resources

• Research and Professional Practice

• Graduation Outcomes

• Outreach and Inclusivity

• Perception by Peers and Employers

These parameters are weighted differently across categories but collectively give a holistic picture of institutional performance.

9. Rising Participation in NIRF

Participation in the NIRF exercise has grown dramatically over the years. In 2016, only 3,565 institutions took part, whereas in 2025, more than 14,000 institutions submitted data. The framework has expanded from just four categories in 2016 to 17 categories in 2025, making it one of the most comprehensive rankings in Indian higher education.

10. Top 10 Law Colleges in 2025

Here’s the list of the Top 10 law colleges in India as per NIRF 2025:

1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru

2. National Law University (NLU), Delhi

3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata

5. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar

6. National Law University, Jodhpur

7. National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal

8. Symbiosis Law School, Pune

9. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar

10. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur

Conclusion

The NIRF Ranking 2025 once again highlights the dominance of NLSIU Bengaluru but also shows how other law schools are rapidly closing the gap. With institutions like WBNUJS Kolkata, NALSAR Hyderabad, and GNLU Gandhinagar making significant strides, the competition among law colleges is stronger than ever. As participation grows and parameters expand, the NIRF rankings continue to shape the aspirations of law students and the strategic priorities of institutions across India.