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Secondly, how does one build connections as a law student? Either you already have connections, or you don’t. The idea that you can establish significant connections from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 law college and secure placements based on them is unrealistic. The Top 10 NLUs are not the same; in fact, the top 7 NLUs are incomparable to the lower-rung ones. The difference is substantial. For instance, if you’re at NLIU, your opportunities will be vastly different from someone at HNLU, even though the rank of these two NLUs are not so far off.
The quality of your NLU does matter. Every associate, partner, will judge you initially based on your college. Moreover, your chances of conversion significantly increase when you are from a T1 NLU, either because you are generally more competent as a student or due to the presence of a robust alumni network.
So, please do not mislead young students into believing that all NLUs offer the same opportunities. A decision to join a Tier 2 NLU could lead to disappointment. The only NLUs truly worth considering are NLSIU, NALSAR, NLUD, NUJS, GNLU/NLUJ, and NLIU. These NLUs are comparable in terms of placement opportunities, and with decent effort, you can secure a placement at any of them. Anything below these NLUs, and you are largely left to chance.
Now coming to the college life part. Every NLU (from top to bottom) is marred with its own internal problems, which may not sound detrimental to you in your initial first year, but as you progress, you will understand that they are detrimental to your career and overall well-being. VCs creating their own draconian policies, faculties favoritism, unreasonable hostel and college policies, student cultural shock, and insufficient academic guidance. Lots of permutations and combinations, you name it, you would find them in any NLU. But one thing you get from an NLU - the top 10 ones: the scope of building connections, having a good and strong alumni-based network, creamy layer crowd. That's it.
Now coming to the internship part, let me break it to you - If you are thinking of building your career around corporate law firms [since most of the first years are enticed by the fancy corporate law firm lifestyle and the big money; irrespective of having an interest to pursue one or not], then college matters the least, IF and ONLY IF you have CONNECTIONS. Let me put emphasis on it, connections can give you the best internships and even placement. NLU tag is the least of your worries.
If litigation is what you want to pursue or judiciary or civil service, then I don't think an NLU would give you any boost whatsoever.
In the end, make your decision at your convenience, life is too different for every person out there. Things that did not work for me, may work wonders for you, or even partially for someone else. So, keep your options wide and flexible and make a reasoned and well-thought decision. You are the best judge of your own life and no one else.
And enjoy your life a bit.
Cheers!
Have a good day!
I bombed my CLAT got a 98** rank and fine in AILET but won't be getting in NLUD. I am a bit confused now I would be 20 next year and 21 when the session starts if I do perp for CLAT26. I feel awkward now even when I first gave the exam there were 17 year olds in the exam center
Tl;dr should I give CLAT/AILET when I am 20 would it pose any issues?