February 3, 2026
Overview: If you are preparing for AILET, one question probably keeps coming back again and again: how many AILET seats are actually available, and how are they distributed?
Understanding AILET seats is just as important as understanding the syllabus or exam pattern, because it tells you where you stand, what category you compete in, and how realistic your chances are.
In this detailed guide, we will break down everything related to AILET seats 2027, from the total number of seats to category-wise reservation, PwD horizontal reservation, women's reservation, and what happens to unfilled seats.
By the end of this blog, the AILET seat matrix will feel far less confusing and much more logical.
AILET is conducted for admission to National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi). Unlike other law entrances, NLU Delhi admits students only through AILET, making NLU Delhi seats through AILET extremely limited and highly competitive.
Here’s why knowing the AILET seat distribution is crucial:
Simply put, AILET seats 2027 decide the final outcome more than most aspirants realize.
Let’s start with the most basic number.
The AILET total seats for the undergraduate law programme stand at 120 seats. These include Indian nationals as well as foreign nationals.
| Particulars | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| Seats for Indian Nationals | 110 |
| Foreign Nationals & OCI/PIO | 10 |
| AILET Total Seats | 120 |
So whenever you hear someone talk about competition, remember, only 120 AILET seats 2027 are available in total, making it one of the most selective law entrances in India.
Read more: How to read a newspaper for AILET?
Now let’s move to the heart of the discussion, the AILET seat matrix. This table shows how seats are divided among different categories before and after PwD reservation.
| Category | Total Seats | PwD (5% Horizontal) | Seats After Excluding PwD |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 50 | 3 | 47 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer – 22%) | 24 | 1 | 23 |
| SC (15%) | 17 | 1 | 16 |
| ST (7.5%) | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| EWS (10%) | 11 | 1 | 10 |
| Sub-Total | 110 | 6 | 104 |
| Foreign Nationals & OCI/PIO | 10 | – | – |
| Grand Total | 120 | – | – |
This AILET seat matrix clearly shows that PwD reservation cuts across categories and does not create a separate pool.
Read more: AILET previous year papers
Many aspirants focus specifically on AILET seats 2027 for the general category, and rightly so, because this category usually sees the highest cut-offs.
This means that AILET seats for the general category are fewer than what most people assume at first glance. Since competition is intense, every single seat counts.
Read more: How to prepare for AILET 2027 in one month?
Under the AILET reservation policy, SC and ST categories receive constitutionally mandated reservations.
| Category | Percentage | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% | 17 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% | 8 |
Important rules under AILET seat distribution:
This ensures fairness while also ensuring AILET seats 2027 are not wasted.
Explore: AILET Preparation Books for AILET 2027
Under the AILET reservation policy, 22% of AILET seats 2027 are reserved for OBC candidates belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer.
Key Points for OBC Candidates
Understanding this part of the AILET seat matrix is vital because invalid certificates can lead to disqualification during AILET counselling.
The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category gets 10% of AILET seats 2027.
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| EWS Total Seats | 11 |
| PwD within EWS | 1 |
| Seats After PwD |
10 |
The EWS certificate must also be issued on or after 1 April 2025, as per the AILET reservation policy.
One of the most misunderstood parts of AILET seats 2027 is the PwD reservation.
If PwD seats remain unfilled, they revert back to the same category, not to others. This mechanism ensures balance within the AILET seat distribution.
Another important highlight is women's reservation.
This does not create extra seats. Instead, it ensures representation within existing AILET category wise seats.
There are 10 seats reserved for Foreign Nationals and OCI/PIO candidates.
If these AILET seats 2027 remain unfilled:
This rule directly affects NLU Delhi seats through AILET, especially for high-ranking General category candidates.
No discussion on AILET seats 2027 is complete without stressing documentation.
Key instructions:
Failure here can cost you an otherwise secured AILET seat.
After the declaration of results:
If you miss deadlines, your AILET seat will be cancelled and offered to wait-listed candidates.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, cracking AILET is not just about answering questions correctly; it’s also about understanding how AILET seats, AILET seat matrix, and AILET reservation policy actually function.
When you clearly understand:
You approach preparation and counselling with confidence rather than confusion.
If NLU Delhi is your dream, mastering the details of AILET seat distribution is a smart first step, one that many aspirants ignore, but toppers never do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many AILET seats are available at NLU Delhi?

How many AILET seats are there for the General category?

What is the AILET seat matrix and why is it important?

How does PwD reservation work in AILET seats?

What happens to vacant reserved AILET seats after counselling?

SHARE