Exploring Alternatives: Top Law Entrance Exams to Consider Alongside CLAT 2026

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is undeniably the most prestigious law entrance exam in India, opening the doors to top NLUs. But with increasing competition and limited seats, aspirants are smart to keep their options open. 

Exploring alternative law entrance exams not only diversifies your opportunities but also increases your chances of landing in a reputed law school, if not an NLU. 

Top Law Entrance Exams to Consider Alongside CLAT 2026 

Let’s look at some of the most valuable alternatives: 

1. AILET 2026 – All India Law Entrance Test (NLU Delhi) 

• Conducting Body: National Law University, Delhi 
• Courses Offered: BA LL. B (Hons.), LLM, Ph.D. 
• Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper) 
• Highlights: 
  • Separate from CLAT; NLU Delhi does not accept CLAT scores. 
  • Very competitive; only ~110 seats in BA LL.B. 

Why Consider It? 

If your goal is to join NLU Delhi, which consistently ranks among India’s top 3 law schools, AILET is non-negotiable. 

2. LSAT—India 2026 – Law School Admission Test  

• Conducted By: Law School Admission Council (LSAC) 
• Accepted By: Jindal Global Law School, UPES, ISBF, and other private universities 
• Exam Mode: Online, Proctored from Home 
• Courses: BA LL. B, LLB, LLM 

Why Consider It? 

LSAT—India focuses on logical reasoning and critical thinking, rather than rote learning. It’s ideal for students with strong analytical skills and offers access to globally inclined institutions. 

3. SLAT 2026 – Symbiosis Law Admission Test 

• Conducted By: Symbiosis International (Deemed University) 
• Institutes Covered: SLS Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, Nagpur 
• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) 
• Courses Offered: BA LL. B, BBA LL. B 

Why Consider It? 

Symbiosis Law Schools are among India’s most reputed private law colleges. Their infrastructure, placement, and academic flexibility make them a favorite choice for many students. 

4. MH CET Law 2026 – Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law 

• Conducted By: Maharashtra State CET Cell 
• Courses Offered: 3-Year and 5-Year Law Programs 
• Colleges Covered: GLC Mumbai, ILS Pune, and other govt. law colleges 
• Eligibility: Open to all India candidates 

Why Consider It? 

With affordable fee structures and solid placements, MH CET Law is perfect for students seeking value-based legal education in public colleges. 

5. IPU CET Law 2026 – Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Law Admission 

• Conducted By: GGSIPU, Delhi 
• Courses: BA LL. B, BBA LL. B 
• Colleges Covered: University School of Law & Legal Studies, and affiliated colleges 

Why Consider It? 

For aspirants in Delhi-NCR, IPU CET Law offers a strong regional advantage, reputed colleges, and Delhi-based internships and exposure.

6. CUET (UG) Law 2026 – Common University Entrance Test 

• Accepted By: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Delhi University, and others 
• Exam Mode: Online (CBT) 
• Courses: BA LL. B, 5-year integrated law programs 

Why Consider It? 

CUET has brought central universities under one roof. If you're eyeing BHU Law, DU Law, or other prestigious institutions, CUET is now the entry gate. 

How to Strategize Preparation for Multiple Law Exams? 

• Know the Syllabus Differences: 
  • CLAT: Legal Aptitude, GK, English, Reasoning 
  • LSAT: Analytical & Logical Reasoning 
  • SLAT: Includes WAT & PI 
  • AILET: More Legal Reasoning, tougher GK 
• Start with CLAT Preparation: 
  • CLAT preparation gives you a strong base in law aptitude and reasoning—most exams are variations of this core. 
• Tailor Practice Tests for Each Exam: 
  • Solve past year papers and mocks specific to AILET, LSAT, SLAT, etc. Their pattern and question logic vary. 
• Don’t Panic—Diversify Smartly: 
  • Preparing for 2–3 exams in parallel is manageable with good scheduling and focus. 

Conclusion 

CLAT 2026 may be your primary goal—but it shouldn't be your only one. AILET, LSAT—India, SLAT, MH CET Law, IPU CET, and CUET each open unique doors in India’s expanding legal education landscape.