The Ministry of Education has released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2025 on September 4, marking the 10th annual edition of India’s most widely followed institutional rankings. This year, a total of 267 law schools participated, with 13 National Law Universities (NLUs) making it to the Top 40 list.
As always, the rankings are based on parameters such as Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR), Research and Professional Practice (RP), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI), and Perception (PR). While the leaders have held their ground, there are some interesting changes in the middle order.
NLSIU Continues to Dominate
For the 7th year in a row, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru has retained its position as India’s top law school. Known for its academic rigor, stellar placements, and strong alumni network across the judiciary, legal practice, governance, business, and academia, NLSIU continues to set the benchmark for legal education in the country.
NLU Delhi & NALSAR Hold Strong
Just behind NLSIU, National Law University, Delhi takes the second spot, while NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad comes in at third place. Together, these three institutions continue to dominate Indian legal education.
Movement in the Middle Order
- WBNUJS, Kolkata, has maintained its 4th position, continuing its steady run.
- GNLU, Gandhinagar, has made a significant leap, climbing from Rank 7 in 2024 to Rank 5 in 2025, thanks to improvements in faculty strength, infrastructure, research, and graduate outcomes.
- IIT Kharagpur’s Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law has held on to its 6th rank, maintaining its unique position at the crossroads of law, technology, and IP.
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune, despite being one of India’s most prominent private law schools, has slipped from Rank 5 to Rank 7, showing how tightly contested the competition is.
Central Universities on the Rise
- Jamia Millia Islamia (Rank 8) and Aligarh Muslim University (Rank 9) have both climbed up this year, reflecting the growing strength of central universities in legal education.
- Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, which ranked 9th in 2024, has slipped to 10th in 2025.
Why the Rankings Matter
The NIRF Rankings are more than just numbers. They:
- Guide students in making informed choices about where to study law.
- Help universities identify areas of improvement.
- Showcase to the legal community where the next generation of lawyers and policymakers is being trained.
The Bigger Picture
This year’s rankings highlight that India’s legal education is no longer about just a handful of elite institutions. While NLSIU, NALSAR, and NLU Delhi continue their dominance, other universities are steadily closing the gap. This growing competition is good news for students, it pushes institutions to do better in teaching, research, and opportunities.
NIRF Law Rankings 2025 – Top 10
- NLSIU, Bengaluru
- NLU Delhi
- NALSAR, Hyderabad
- WBNUJS, Kolkata
- GNLU, Gandhinagar ⬆️ (from 7 in 2024)
- IIT Kharagpur – RGSOIPL
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune ⬇️ (from 5 in 2024)
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi ⬆️
- Aligarh Muslim University ⬆️
- Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar ⬇️
Click here to view the full list of NIRF Law Rankings 2025.
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