Thousands of prospective legal professionals in India go through a drastic change in their lives every year after taking CLAT. This extremely competitive exam determines which students will gain admission to the 26 National Law Universities across the country. Most aspiring law students view CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) as the best route into their chosen profession - whether it is BA LLB, BCom LLB, BBA LLB or LLM programs. By 2026, over 60,000 students are expected to participate in the CLAT UG (undergraduate) examination and an additional 10,000 for the PG (post-graduate) examination, creating the toughest competition possible.
However, when you look at the actual number of seats that are available within the NLUs (4,092 for UG, 1,599 for PG), you can see how many thousands of students apply for the same few positions and lose out due to lack of availability rather than the lack of skillfulness or preparation.
While an NLU may be one of the best ways to start your law career, the bright side is that there are many other options available to you. There are currently a number of universities in India that are providing an equal level of academic rigor, international exposure, hands-on experience, and great placement opportunities in comparison to NLUs. Presently, one of the most popular choices among students looking to pursue a law degree is Chandigarh University (CU), specifically through their University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS). With a very student-friendly admissions approach, modernized legal education methods, and an impressive track record of successful placements, CU is rapidly becoming the top choice for many students taking the CLAT exam.
Understanding CLAT 2026: Structure, Difficulty & Why Many Miss NLUs
The objective of CLAT is to assess if a student possesses the skills to understand legal concepts, interpret, analyse and apply them. The UG examination consists of five main topics: English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs and Arithmetic. The goal is not rote memorisation but rather comprehension and analytical thought. Students wishing to write CLAT UG must be in Class 12 or have completed Class 12, while CLAT PG requires an LLB degree or equivalent with minimum 50% grade.
A big challenge in passing this exam is the fact that there are approximately 60000+ candidates for only 4092 UG positions (approximately a 16% chance for any given candidate). Consequently, cut-offs set by the top NLUs are incredibly high due to this competitive environment. It is common for students who score well on CLAT to not gain entrance into their preferred NLU because of how closely their scores compare with those of other students near them, which can be as little as a 2-3 point difference on CLAT. Hence, there is a significant discrepancy between what a student can accomplish academically and the opportunity presented by NLU, resulting in both parents and students becoming frustrated.
The truth is simple: CLAT is competitive not because it is difficult, but because the seats are limited. This is why looking beyond NLUs and exploring equally capable law schools becomes essential.
Challenges of Depending Only on NLUs
The pressure of preparing for CLAT while competing for a limited number of NLUs creates a very stressful, time-consuming and ultimately unproductive experience for the majority of CLAT aspirants by requiring them to sacrifice time spent on rest and hobbies as well as personal time due to the competition amongst thousands of aspiring law students.
However, the reality of your future potential is far greater than that of one single examination or an individual law school. Although CLAT fill-rate and seat number are limited and may affect where you can attend law school, you should never have the thought running through your head that you can't chase your desired goals. Examples abound of successful judges, advocates, corporate lawyers and policy experts from within the legal field and beyond that attended non-NLU law schools and continue today to make significant contributions to society and their professions.
The law school you attend does not matter as much as your preparation for success in the legal field. In order to prepare for success, you need to be equipped with strong academic preparation, experience in the courtroom, practical training through internships, experience with the drafting and implementation of legal documents, and knowledge of the practical functioning of the legal system. Through education at a law school that will give you these skills, you will have the ability to create opportunities and a future that is as bright as or brighter than those created by NLUs.
Instead of seeing competition as a disadvantage, CU will help students see the many ways that they can achieve success as a lawyer. No matter what college or university they start their journey at, if you are able to develop your skill sets with a supportive environment and resources, there will be an opportunity for you to achieve that goal.
Why Chandigarh University Is One of the Best Alternatives to NLUs
CU has quickly established itself as one of India's leading educational institutions offering legal education. The University Institute of Legal Studies at CU has earned a reputation in providing students with law programs that are both academically rigorous and practically applied. CU also provides students with the option to build a strong foundation for their legal careers without having to rely on their performance in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
1. Admission Through CUCET — A Student-Friendly Process
Unlike the National Law Universities (NLU) where a single examination is your gateway to becoming a lawyer, CU provides admission to CU through CUCET, a national-level entrance test developed by Chandigarh University that is conducted multiple times each year. The CU-CUCET is designed to be user-friendly and provides students with opportunities to qualify for scholarships based on their scores. As a result, students who were not able to gain admission into an NLU may enter law school smoothly with no interruptions to their academic calendar, making CU a convenient alternative to the NLU admission process, or a solid option for those who want to pursue a legal education from an alternative source.
2. Industry-Relevant BA LLB, BCom LLB, BBA LLB & LLM Programs
The development of CU's law curriculum was done with input from professionals and practicing lawyers within the legal industry and offers an opportunity for students to become confident lawyers in addition to being good students academically. Students gain knowledge through:
- Moot Court Experience
- National and International Law Conferences
- Seminars
- Adjunct Faculty- Former Judges
- Workshops for Drafting and Pleading
- Legal research
- Discussions about cases
- Workshops with Judges and Advocates from different courts
- Live court proceedings (Court room live demonstration)
- Chandigarh University's "Madhyastha" Centre of Excellence in Legal Studies is a key initiative to blend legal theory with practical skills, focusing on mediation, negotiation, and ADR, offering hands-on training, advanced research, and bridging theory with real-world application for law students
Practical skills are gained from one of the areas of law as well; students develop their courtroom skills as early as possible during the first semester.
3. Strong Internship Opportunities & Real-World Exposure
Internships help facilitate all of a student's learning process, which is supported by CU through providing every law student with 100% internship support from the beginning of their studies at CU. CU also provides opportunities for students to get a structured internship experience:
- A twenty-week internship at the end of their degree is required for our last semester students
- In the third semester, an internship is available for five weeks
- Internship opportunities every semester for students
Students can get into government jobs as well:
- RTI( Right To Information) officer or judge
- By clearing exams conducted by Public Service Commissions, a law graduate can become a judge.
- Solicitor General, a Public Prosecutor or offer services to government departments and ministries.
Other than government jobs:
- Advocate in a court of law or work with corporate firms.
- One can also work as a legal adviser for various organizations.
- Teaching, working with NGOs and working as a reporter for newspapers and television channels are other attractive options.
All CU law students are provided opportunities to complete their internship at the top law firms, companies and advocacy organizations within the industry, such as:
- J. Sagar Associates
- Cognizant
- S. S. Rana & Co
- Accenture
- A. Z. K. Legal
- A. Marjan Associates
- S. Shridher and Associates
- K. Kochar & Company
Over 2,000 CU law students are participating in fulfilling their internship during the course of each semester to provide them with the amount of activity and professional development.
4. Highly Qualified Faculty & Expert Mentors
UILS has an outstanding academic team that includes: over 100 highly qualified faculty members; more than 20 faculty members who have earned a Ph.D; practicing lawyers; retired judges and senior attorneys (serving as visiting professors).
Students receive mentoring in the areas of moot courts, internship opportunities, writing and submitting research papers, preparing for Judicial exams, and pursuing a Corporate Law career. Guest speakers and panel discussions are held regularly to provide students with insight into real-world application of legal issues.
5. Modern Legal Infrastructure
CU offers one of the finest Physical Plant Facilities for legal education throughout India. Among the amenities provided to students at CU include:
- Two modern moot courtrooms;
- A fully equipped Legal Aid Clinic;
- Fully Operational Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre;
- Legal Research Laboratories;
- The use of Modern Law Library with many E-Resources;
- Auditoriums to host seminars, conferences, and workshops.
CU provides opportunities for participating in National and International Moot Court Competitions, Debates, and Research Conferences.
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6. Diverse & In-Demand LLM Specializations
CU offers students a choice of seven separate areas of study to specialize in their LLM program. These areas of specialization assist students in developing their specific areas of practice to meet the needs of today's marketplace:
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- Corporate Law;
- Criminal Law;
- Constitutional Law;
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR);
- Cyber Law;
- Taxation Law;
- Trade laws;
- Environmental Law;
- International Arbitrations;
- Human Rights Law;
- International Law.
These areas of specialization correspond to current marketplace needs and provide graduates with opportunities to earn high incomes in the booming legal profession.
Conclusion
Although CLAT is an important examination in today's world, it does not dictate or impede your future success in the legal profession. You are not defined by which National Law University (NLU) you attended, nor should a missed opportunity at one stop you from having a successful career in law. The things that matter most within the industry are: Your understanding of the law, your level of courtroom confidence, your experience working in practice, and the type of training you will receive.
At Chandigarh University, we provide all the necessary resources to enable you to build a solid foundation in law - from quality mentoring to world-class infrastructure, the opportunity for global exposure through study abroad options, internship placements and great opportunities for employment after you graduate. With our admissions procedure based on merit through the CUCET test, plus student support services through the application process and throughout your academic career, we are committed to providing every individual with a platform from which to develop into a competent legal professional.
Your legal career should begin with clarity of intention, confidence in your abilities, and an effective support network. We can provide you with all the tools necessary to lay the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling career in law.
Frequently Asked Questions about CLAT 2026, Law Admissions and Chandigarh University
What are the best law college options in India if I don't get into an NLU through CLAT?
While National Law Universities have limited seats, Chandigarh University (CU) is a top alternative offering equal academic rigor and international exposure. CU provides a student-friendly admission process through CUCET and modern legal infrastructure that matches top institutions.
How can I get admission to Chandigarh University Law programs without a CLAT score?
Unlike NLUs that rely solely on CLAT, Chandigarh University offers admission through its own national-level entrance test, CUCET. This student-friendly exam is conducted multiple times a year and offers opportunities for scholarships based on your score, ensuring a smooth entry into your legal career.
What is the exam pattern and syllabus for the CLAT 2026 Undergraduate examination?
The CLAT UG exam assesses comprehension and analytical skills across five main topics: English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Arithmetic. The goal is to test a student's ability to interpret and apply legal concepts rather than just rote memorization.
Does Chandigarh University provide practical law internships for students during the course?
Yes, CU provides 100% internship support from the beginning of your studies, with opportunities available every semester. Students secure internships at top firms like J. Sagar Associates, S.S. Rana & Co, and Accenture, gaining vital real-world exposure alongside their academic degree.
What are the career opportunities after completing a law degree other than becoming an advocate?
Beyond practicing as an advocate or working in corporate firms, law graduates can pursue careers as judges, public prosecutors, or legal officers in government departments. Other attractive options include working with NGOs, legal journalism for media houses, teaching, or becoming a legal adviser for organizations.
Which LLM specializations are available at Chandigarh University for postgraduate students?
CU offers seven in-demand LLM specializations designed to meet current marketplace needs, including Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Cyber Law, and International Law. These specialized programs help graduates develop specific expertise for high-income opportunities.
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