I cleared CLAT and AILET in 2023 and after excruciating contemplation I chose to go to an NLU that is considered in the top 4 (I do not want to disclose which one) instead of NLUD. I have been hearing both praise and criticism for NLUD and it has awoken my feelings of doubt again. I need your honest opinions

If you plan to opt for being a corporate lawyer, then you are probably slightly better off with your decision. If litigation, then locational advantage of NLUD would have been better compared to all others except perhaps NLSIU being able to top it by sheer rep and alum connect. Faculty-wise there is no longer any difference between NLUD and the other top NLUs, though here too NLSIU is much ahead as on date. NLUD has got a lower batch size (though that too is increasing) and fewer quota, so those are pluses. They do have functional research centres of repute like CCG and Project 39A, though the CIIPC is no longer as good post-Arul's departure. However, students from other NLUs can and do work for these centres too, so not much of a loss. Post-RS, NLUD has lost quite a bit of its shine and that's a fact. Nor do they focus that much on campus placements, though any student desirous of getting a job would probably land one if they spend the five years wisely. However, that's true for the other NLUs too that you mentioned. If you are interested in UPSC, DJS etc., then also the locational advantage of NLUD comes into play for external coaching. Overall, if you are in a top 4 NLU, then it makes no sense to lose a year just to get into NLUD.

Im inferring that you mean NUJS. Its really not that big of a deal. I would not call it a mistake at all. I had the same dilemna and chose NUJS too because of my own personal reasons. NLUD has a better campus, better hostels. Thats it. Otherwise its all basically the same. The outcome of attending either of these colleges will be the same. People here exaggerate a lot. Its their way of expressing college pride I guess. But these top 3-4 NLUS are all the same it terms of outcome. Difference is negligible. Dont trust LI its all jobless delusional students

Yes. Such a big mistake. Hawwww..

Don't overthink it. You are at a place 100s of aspirants have tried to reach and failed. Make the most of it. You're already in top four, so don't worry. What happens 4 years later is a problem for the future you to deal with. Study well get good grades and overall exposure and things will be good.

I was in a top 6 nlu, stuck it out for 5 years and got a t1 job (just did tons of internships in the field I liked and kept above average grades). If it's a top 4, amazing you will have a great time in law, if you're below that, you'll get similar opportunities and still have a great time in law. I I've seen non-nlu students work better than me. It's not the nlu tag, it's your propensity to learn, work hard, handle stress that matters. You'll be doubtful of yourself all the time, but jsut stick it out, and you'll realise it isn't really that difficult. It's just the people who you might idolize, (your seniors, batch toppers, naturally talented folk, etc who may make you feel like you aren't good enough) but none of that matters in the long run. Not your CLAT rank, not your college rank, just your work.