What Makes NLSIU Bangalore So Famous?

Himanshi Goyal
May 22
6 min read

For many young students dreaming of a career in law, the name NLSIU Bangalore sounds like a golden ticket. Whether you're preparing for CLAT or just exploring law as a future option, this name keeps coming up again and again. And for good reason.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), based in Bangalore, is widely recognized as the top law school in the country. But have you ever wondered why it is so famous? What is it about this university that makes every CLAT topper aim for it? Is it just the rank, or is there more to it?

In this blog, we’ll break down 10 reasons why NLSIU Bangalore is such a legendary institution. And don’t worry-we’ll keep things simple, motivating, and relatable. After all, law is all about clarity and confidence. So let’s begin!

1. The First of Its Kind: NLSIU Revolutionized Legal Education in India

Before NLSIU came into the picture in 1987, law education in India was considered quite old-fashioned. Most law colleges offered three-year programs after graduation, and very few students saw law as a "first-choice" career. But NLSIU changed everything.
It introduced the five-year integrated BA LLB program-a course students could pursue directly after Class 12. This approach combined liberal arts and law, making legal education holistic, modern, and career-oriented.
NLSIU didn’t just teach law-it redefined it, attracting top minds and setting the standard for all other law schools in India. It became the model on which all other National Law Universities were later built. Today, if you dream big and prepare well, you get NLSIU Bangalore after clearing the CLAT exam, a place where the legal revolution truly began.

2. Always at the Top: A Magnet for CLAT Toppers Every Year

If CLAT were the IPL of legal education, NLSIU would be the defending champion. Every year, CLAT toppers choose NLSIU as their first preference. And it’s not just about status-the college genuinely offers top-tier education, career growth, and mentorship.
The competition is intense, but the rewards are big. Students who make it here are not just joining a law school-they’re becoming part of a legacy of excellence. NLSIU attracts bright, driven, and focused individuals who are ready to challenge themselves and grow.
And once you’re here, you don’t just study law-you live and breathe it, surrounded by equally passionate peers who constantly push each other to do better.

3. Brilliant Faculty That Brings Law to Life in the Classroom

At NLSIU, the professors are more than just teachers-they’re researchers, scholars, policymakers, and sometimes even practicing lawyers. Many of them hold degrees from world-class universities like Oxford, Harvard, and Cambridge.
But what makes them special is their teaching style. They don’t just read out laws-they help students understand the 'why' behind the law. They ask tough questions, challenge your opinions, and encourage lively debates.
Learning here feels like a two-way conversation, not a boring lecture. Students often say, “You come in with a doubt and leave with three more-but that’s what makes you smarter.”
This approach helps students become not just lawyers, but sharp legal thinkers.

4. A Campus That’s Small in Size but Big in Ideas

NLSIU’s campus in Nagarbhavi, Bangalore, isn’t the largest. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in energy, ideas, and creativity. The campus buzzes with student-run activities, academic events, and late-night discussions that would give any courtroom a run for its money.
There are debating societies, legal aid clinics, journals, student clubs, and more-each managed by students with complete freedom and responsibility. This builds leadership skills and teaches students how to balance academics with real-world responsibilities.
Whether it's organizing a law fest or publishing a research paper, students get opportunities that help them grow both inside and outside the classroom.

5. Moot Courts: Where Students Practice the Courtroom Life

Mooting is one of the most exciting parts of being a law student-and NLSIU is famous for its moot court culture. Students here take part in mock court trials, where they argue imaginary cases before a panel of judges.
Sounds like drama class? Well, it’s much more serious. These competitions require deep research, quick thinking, and confident public speaking. And NLSIU students are known to win top prizes in national and international moots, including the famous Jessup Moot Court.
Participating in moots helps students build courtroom skills even before they graduate. It’s their first step toward becoming the kind of lawyer who can hold their own in front of a judge-or a tough client.

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6. Alumni Who Are Changing India, One Law at a Time

A college is best known by the success of its alumni. And NLSIU has one of the most powerful alumni networks in India. Graduates from here are working at top law firms, arguing landmark cases, writing important policy papers, and even teaching at international universities.
Notable alumni include Menaka Guruswamy (constitutional lawyer), Rahul Matthan (tech law expert), and several senior advocates and judges. Some alumni are also involved in public interest litigation, social justice movements, and NGOs.
Being part of this network means you're never alone. Whether you're looking for advice, internships, or inspiration, someone from NLSIU is always ready to guide you.

7. Placements That Open Doors to Top Careers (and Salaries)

Let’s talk careers-because at the end of the day, that’s what most students are aiming for. And NLSIU does not disappoint. The placement cell at NLSIU is among the most efficient in the country, with top law firms and companies visiting the campus every year.
From corporate giants to litigation chambers, students have the freedom to choose their career path. International law firms, government agencies, public policy think tanks-everyone wants NLS graduates.
And yes, the salaries can be very impressive. But more than that, what matters is the career freedom that NLSIU offers-whether you want to argue cases, write laws, teach, or lead legal reforms.

8. A Spirit of Social Justice: Where Law Meets Purpose

Law isn’t just about corporate contracts and courtroom drama. At its core, law is a tool for justice. NLSIU encourages its students to use the law to help the voiceless and challenge injustice.
Through legal aid societies, rural internship programs, and human rights projects, students get real-world exposure to how the law affects the common citizen. Many alumni go on to fight important social causes, from LGBTQ+ rights to environmental protection.
This makes NLSIU a place where you don’t just study laws-you learn how to use them for something bigger than yourself.

9. Bangalore Advantage: A City That Helps You Grow

Located in the heart of Bangalore, NLSIU benefits from the energy of one of India’s most dynamic cities. Bangalore isn’t just a tech hub-it’s a cultural, legal, and academic powerhouse.
Students at NLSIU have access to internship opportunities with law firms, startups, research think tanks, and NGOs, all within city limits. The city is modern, student-friendly, and full of diversity, which adds to your personal and professional growth.
Plus, the weather is nice enough that you can argue a constitutional case in the morning and sip chai in the evening without breaking a sweat.

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10. A Clear Path for You: How to Prepare for NLSIU

Now that you know why NLSIU is so famous, the next logical question is: how do YOU get in?

The answer lies in CLAT, the Common Law Admission Test. This national-level exam tests your skills in English, current affairs, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and basic math. It’s not about mugging up facts-it’s about thinking smart.

Here’s a simple starter plan for you:

Understand the exam pattern: Go through previous papers and get a sense of what’s expected.
Build daily habits: Read newspapers, solve reasoning problems, and revise vocabulary.
Join online CLAT coaching: Good guidance makes your preparation more structured and goal-oriented.
Practice mock tests regularly: This helps with time management and builds confidence.
Stay consistent: Even one hour a day adds up if you keep at it every single day.

If you follow a disciplined approach, NLSIU isn’t out of reach-it becomes your next destination.

Final Thoughts: More Than a University, It’s a Movement

NLSIU Bangalore is famous not just for being India’s best law school, but for being a place that creates thinkers, leaders, and changemakers. Whether you dream of becoming a lawyer, policymaker, or academic, NLSIU gives you the foundation to start strong.

Remember, every NLSIU student once stood where you are today-curious, uncertain, but full of potential. If they could make it, so can you.

So start your journey with belief, a clear plan, and steady steps. And who knows? A few years from now, someone might be writing a blog post about you.

Law Tayari