AILET 2026 LLM cutoff at NLU Delhi closed at rank 48 for General AI students in Round 4, with Round 1 opening at rank 41 — the LLM programme at National Law University Delhi is among India’s most competitive postgraduate law admissions.
National Law University Delhi admits students to its 81-seat LLM programme through AILET. In 2026, approximately 2,787 students appeared for the LLM paper, creating a competition ratio of about 34 applicants per seat. Round-wise closing ranks shifted between 41 and 48 across four rounds for General category students. Comparing these figures against 2024 and 2025 data shows a modest tightening in Round 1 competition and a slight easing in later-round closing ranks.
- AILET 2026 LLM Round 1 closing rank: 41 (General AI)
- Round 4 closing rank: 48 (General AI), 53 (General AI Female)
- Total LLM seats at NLU Delhi: 81
- Applicants in 2026: approximately 2,787
- General category final-round rank range across 2024–2026: 48 to 58
- Safe score target for General students: 70+ marks out of 100 based on past trends
AILET 2026 LLM Round-Wise Cutoff Ranks
AILET 2026 LLM counselling ran across multiple rounds, with closing ranks narrowing as seats were progressively filled. The table below shows the General category closing ranks for each reported round. Later rounds absorb students who declined earlier offers, creating additional admission opportunities for waitlisted students.
| Round | General AI Closing Rank | General AI Female Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 41 | Not separately reported |
| Round 4 | 48 | 53 |
The General AI closing rank shifted from 41 in Round 1 to 48 in Round 4, a movement of seven ranks. Students with ranks between 42 and 48 had a viable path to admission by staying active through all counselling rounds. The General AI Female sub-category closing rank of 53 in Round 4 reflects a slightly larger seat allocation within the female horizontal reservation.
Category-Wise AILET LLM Cutoff Analysis
NLU Delhi follows the government reservation policy for its LLM programme. Category-wise closing ranks are significantly relaxed compared to the General category. The table below uses 2025 Round 3 data — the most recent full category breakdown available — alongside expected 2026 ranges based on trends. The 2026 full-cycle category data will be updated after all counselling rounds conclude.
| Category | Closing Rank (2025, Round 3) | Expected Range for 2026 (based on 2025 trends) |
|---|---|---|
| General AI | 45 | 45–50 |
| OBC | 176 | 170–185 |
| EWS | 167 | 160–175 |
The gap between General and OBC closing ranks exceeds 130 ranks. OBC students with a rank up to approximately 176 secured LLM admission at NLU Delhi in 2025 Round 3, and a similar range is expected in 2026. SC and ST category closing ranks are typically more relaxed, reflecting smaller applicant pools within those reserved quotas.
Previous Year AILET LLM Cutoff Comparison (2023–2026)
Tracking round-wise and year-wise cutoff trends helps you benchmark your preparation and set a realistic rank target. The table below covers General category Round 1 and final-round closing ranks, along with approximate score-based cutoffs, across four cycles.
| Year | Round 1 Closing Rank | Final Round Closing Rank | Approx. Score Cutoff (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 41 | 48 (Round 4) | Expected 62–68 (based on 2025 trends) |
| 2025 | 41 | 58 | ~63–68 |
| 2024 | 35 | 51 | ~65 |
| 2023 | Data not available | ~50–55 | ~70 |
Key observations from this multi-year comparison:
- Round 1 closing ranks tightened from 35 in 2024 to 41 in 2025 and 2026, reflecting stronger first-round competition.
- The 2026 final-round closing rank (48) is lower than 2025 (58), likely indicating a higher first-round acceptance rate in 2026 rather than reduced overall competition.
- Score-based cutoffs have trended slightly downward — from ~70 marks in 2023 to an expected 62–68 in 2026 — possibly linked to evolving exam difficulty or mark distribution patterns.
- Scoring 70+ marks out of 100 remains the safest General category benchmark for AILET LLM, providing a buffer against any upward shift in a given year.
Factors Affecting AILET LLM Cutoff
The AILET LLM cutoff is shaped by a combination of supply-side and demand-side factors. Understanding these helps you anticipate year-on-year shifts and fine-tune your preparation strategy.
| Factor | Effect on Cutoff |
|---|---|
| Total applicants | More applicants raise competition, tightening closing ranks across all categories |
| Exam difficulty | A tougher paper lowers average marks; score-based cutoff falls even if rank-based competition stays stable |
| Seat matrix (81 LLM seats) | Fixed seat count means any rise in applicants directly compresses the General rank window |
| Offer acceptance rate | Lower acceptance triggers additional rounds, opening seats at relaxed closing ranks for waitlisted students |
| Reservation policy changes | Revisions to reserved category quotas directly shrink or expand the General category seat pool |
In 2026, approximately 2,787 students competed for 81 LLM seats at NLU Delhi, a ratio of roughly 34:1. This competition ratio has remained broadly stable over the past three cycles, explaining the relatively narrow year-on-year variation in closing ranks.
AILET LLM Cutoff 2026 FAQs
Ques. What was the AILET 2026 LLM Round 1 cutoff rank for General category?
Ans. The AILET 2026 LLM Round 1 closing rank for General AI category students was 41. By Round 4, the closing rank moved to 48 for General AI and 53 for General AI Female category students.
Ques. How many marks do you need in AILET LLM for General category admission at NLU Delhi?
Ans. Based on previous year trends, General category students typically needed approximately 62–70 marks out of 100 to secure LLM admission at NLU Delhi. In 2023 the cutoff score was around 70 marks and in 2024 approximately 65 marks. The expected score range for 2026 is 62–68 marks based on 2025 trends. Targeting 70+ marks provides a safe buffer.
Ques. What is the AILET LLM cutoff for OBC category?
Ans. In 2025 Round 3, the OBC category closing rank for AILET LLM was 176, compared to 45 for the General category in the same round. Based on past trends, OBC students with a rank up to approximately 170–185 can expect LLM admission at NLU Delhi in 2026.
Ques. How many LLM seats are available at NLU Delhi through AILET?
Ans. NLU Delhi offers 81 seats in its LLM programme through AILET. In 2026, approximately 2,787 students appeared for the LLM paper, giving a competition ratio of about 34 applicants per available seat.
Ques. Has the AILET LLM cutoff become more competitive in recent years?
Ans. Round 1 closing ranks tightened from 35 in 2024 to 41 in both 2025 and 2026, indicating stronger early-round competition. Final-round closing ranks have varied between 48 and 58 across the same period, so later rounds still offer viable admission chances for students outside the Round 1 list.
Ques. Can you secure LLM admission at NLU Delhi in a later counselling round?
Ans. Yes. In 2026, students with ranks up to 48 (General AI) secured admission by Round 4. In 2025, the final-round closing rank extended to 58. You should participate in all counselling rounds and keep your offer acceptance active to maximise your chances of LLM admission through AILET.
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