An important turning point in the development of legal education was the founding of National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. Since the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) was established in Bangalore in 1987, NLUs have changed the face of legal education all around the nation.
Early Development of NLUs
The concept of NLUs was inspired by the success of institutions like IIMs and IITs, aiming to create centers of excellence exclusively dedicated to legal education. Following the establishment of NLSIU Bangalore in 1987, NALSAR (National Academy of Legal Studies and Research) Hyderabad became the second NLU in 1998. Over the years, several states followed suit, establishing NLUs under state statutes, each governed by distinguished legal personalities serving as Chancellors.
Introduction of CLAT
Before CLAT's inception, each NLU conducted its own entrance exam, leading to inconsistencies and challenges for applicants. In response to the need for a standardized admission process, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in 2006, advocating for a common entrance test for all NLUs. This culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by seven NLUs in 2008 to conduct CLAT, which initially featured a multiple-choice format and was administered offline.
Evolution of CLAT Consortium
The administration of CLAT underwent significant changes in 2015 when a revised MoU expanded CLAT to include more NLUs and transitioned the exam to an online format. This marked the beginning of the CLAT Consortium, aimed at centralizing the conduct of the exam and ensuring fairness and efficiency in the admission process. The Consortium was formally registered under the Karnataka Co-operative Society Act in 2019, with founding members including prominent NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad.
Role and Objectives of the Consortium
The CLAT Consortium plays a crucial role in conducting the CLAT exam annually and promoting high standards of legal education among member institutions. Led by a General Council that elects key officials responsible for the exam's administration, the Consortium aims to uphold transparency and meritocracy in admissions while fostering collaboration among NLUs.
List of NLUs in India:
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur
Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna
National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi
National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack
National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi
National Law University and Judicial Academy (NLUJA), Assam
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam
Tamil Nadu National Law School (TNNLS), Tiruchirappalli
Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai
Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur
Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla
Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonepat
Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur (second campus)
Odisha National Law University (ONLU), Cuttack
Conclusion
The evolution of NLUs and the establishment of CLAT underscore India's commitment to enhancing legal education and producing skilled legal professionals. As NLUs continue to grow in number and influence, and CLAT evolves to meet new challenges, they remain pivotal in shaping the future of legal education in India.
