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More About CNLU Patna
Campus Area
18
Faculty Student Ratio
1:29
Year Of Established
2006
CNLU Patna Rankings, Accreditations & Recognitions
About Chanakya National Law University - [CNLU] Patna
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), established in 2006, is a public National Law University located in Patna, Bihar. Founded by the Government of Bihar under the Chanakya National Law University Act, it operates as an autonomous institution with the Chief Justice of Patna High Court serving as its ex officio chancellor.
CNLU holds an 'A' grade accreditation from NAAC and is ranked 17th among law colleges in India and 7th among National Law Universities (NLUs) in the NIRF 2025 rankings. It offers integrated undergraduate programs like B.A. LL.B (Hons) and B.B.A. LL.B (Hons), a one-year LL.M, and doctoral research degrees. The university has a strong academic and research profile with around 140 undergraduate seats and active research centers, contributing to its rising reputation in legal education.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chanakya National Law University |
| Established | 2006 |
| Type | Government Autonomous University |
| Affiliation | Autonomous |
| Approved By | UGC, BCI |
| NAAC Grade | A (Valid till 2027) |
| NIRF 2025 | #17 in Law Colleges, #7 among NLUs |
| Campus | 18 acres, Patna, Bihar |
| Courses | 2 UG (B.A. LL.B, B.B.A. LL.B), 1 PG (LL.M), PhD |
| Popular Programmes | B.A. LL.B (Hons), B.B.A. LL.B (Hons), LL.M, PhD |
| Students | Approx. 600+ |
| Faculty | 40+ |
| Fee Range | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,00,000 per year |
| Website | www.cnlu.ac.in |
Courses Offered at CNLU Patna
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
Admission Dates 2026
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna admits students primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for its integrated UG and PG law programs, while the newly introduced 3-Year LLB program has a separate university-conducted entrance test. The CLAT 2026 registration opens on 1 August 2025 and closes on 31 October 2025, with the exam on 7 December 2025, followed by counselling. The 3-Year LLB entrance test application starts on 29 August 2025, with the exam on 14 September 2025.
| Programme | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| BA LL.B / BBA LL.B (CLAT UG) | CLAT Registration Start | 01 August 2025 |
| BA LL.B / BBA LL.B (CLAT UG) | CLAT Registration Deadline | 31 October 2025 |
| BA LL.B / BBA LL.B (CLAT UG) | CLAT Exam Date | 07 December 2025 |
| BA LL.B / BBA LL.B (CLAT UG) | CNLU Counselling Start | December 2025 |
| LL.M (CLAT PG) | CLAT PG Registration Start | 01 August 2025 |
| LL.M (CLAT PG) | CLAT PG Registration Deadline | 31 October 2025 |
| LL.M (CLAT PG) | CLAT PG Exam Date | 07 December 2025 |
| LL.M (CLAT PG) | CNLU Counselling Start | December 2025 |
| 3-Year LL.B (CNLU Entrance Test) | Application Start | 29 August 2025 |
| 3-Year LL.B (CNLU Entrance Test) | Application Deadline | 10 September 2025 |
| 3-Year LL.B (CNLU Entrance Test) | Exam Date | 14 September 2025 |
Campus Gallery Of CNLU Patna
Admission Process
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna admits students primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for its UG and LLM programs, while the 3-year LLB program has a separate university-conducted entrance test (CNLU-ET). PhD and research programs require university entrance exams and interviews.
UG & Integrated Law Program Admission (BA LLB, BBA LLB)
Steps to Apply
- Register and appear for the CLAT UG exam.
- Check CLAT results and participate in CLAT counselling.
- Select CNLU Patna as your preferred college during counselling.
- Upon seat allotment, complete document verification at CNLU.
- Pay the admission fees online within the stipulated deadline.
- Attend the orientation program as scheduled by the university.
3-Year LLB Admission
Steps to Apply
- Register on the CNLU Entrance Test (CNLU-ET) portal with valid email and mobile number.
- Fill out the application form and upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Appear for the CNLU-ET entrance exam conducted by the university.
- Check the merit list and attend counselling if shortlisted.
- Complete admission formalities by paying fees and submitting documents.
LLM Admission
Steps to Apply
- Register and appear for the CLAT PG exam.
- Participate in CLAT PG counselling and select CNLU Patna.
- Complete document verification and fee payment at CNLU.
PhD and Research Program Admission
Steps to Apply
- Download and fill the PhD application form from the CNLU website.
- Submit the form with a demand draft of ₹5,000 and required documents to the university office.
- Appear for the university-conducted PhD entrance test (if applicable) or submit UGC NET/JRF/GATE scores.
- Attend the personal interview and presentation round.
- Wait for final merit-based selection and complete admission formalities.
Eligibility Criteria & Fees
| Programme | Qualification | Entrance Exam | Min % | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons.) | 10+2 or equivalent | CLAT UG | 45% | ₹2,72,253 |
| BBA LLB (Hons.) | 10+2 or equivalent | CLAT UG | 45% | ₹2,72,253 |
| 3-Year LLB (Hons.) | Graduate in any discipline | CNLU-ET | 45% (General), 40% (SC/ST) | ₹2,20,000 |
| LLM | LLB or integrated LLB | CLAT PG | 50% | ₹2,72,253 |
| PhD | LLM or equivalent | University Entrance Test / UGC NET/JRF | 50% | ₹1,00,000 |
| LLD | PhD in Law or equivalent | Research Proposal & Interview | — | ₹1,00,000 |
Documents Required
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Graduation degree and mark sheets (for 3-year LLB and PG programs)
- CLAT scorecard (for UG and LLM admissions)
- CNLU Entrance Test admit card and scorecard (for 3-year LLB)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Passport size photographs
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)
- Demand draft or payment receipt for application/admission fees
- Research proposal (for PhD and LLD applicants)
Nearest Attractions at CNLU Patna
Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna
6 km
Mithapur Bus Stand
1 km
Sakaldeep Popular Hospital
1 km
Patna Junction Railway Station
2 km
Cutoff 2025
The 2025 CLAT cutoff ranks for Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna show a consistent trend with previous years, with the BA LLB (Hons.) program closing around All India Rank (AIR) 1398 for the General category in the final round. The BBA LLB (Hons.) program had a slightly higher closing rank of 1555, indicating marginally lower demand compared to BA LLB. Cutoffs vary by category and round, reflecting seat availability, exam difficulty, and reservation policies under the Bihar Reservation Act.
| Exam | Branch/Course | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 1398 | 2350 | 11577 | 16829 | 1922 |
| CLAT | B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 1555 | 8364 | 15833 | 27043 | 2262 |
Campus Facilities at CNLU Patna
Auditorium
Classrooms
Conference Hall
Faculty Offices
Moot Court Hall/Rooms
Guest House
24-hour Power Backup
ATM Facility
Banking Facilities
Book Store / Store for General Supplies
Fruit & Vegetable Shop
Laundry Service / Washing Machines
Accessibility Features (Ramps, Lifts)
Assistive Technologies (Software/Hardware)
Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups Cell (SEDG)
Biometric Attendance System
Atrium
Cafeteria
Canteen
Nescafe
Snack Bar
Boys Hostel (Multiple Blocks: Brahmaputra, Kosi, Bagmati, Sone)
Girls Hostel (Ganga Hostel)
Hostel Common Room Facilities
Hostel Mess Services
Computer Centre
NKN and NMEICT Project
Wi-Fi Campus
Career Guidance Centre
Centre for Advanced Research on Corporate and Insolvency Law (CARCIL)
Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Legal Entrepreneurship (CIILE)
Centre for Innovation, Research and Facilitation in Intellectual Property for Humanity and Development (CIRF-In-IPHD)
Centre for Law and Economics (CLE)
Chanakya Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR)
Accessibility Lab
Computer Lab
Language Lab
Central Library (Nishant Nilayam)
University Health Centre (UHC)
Clubs and Societies
Indoor Games Areas
Music and Art Rooms
TV Room / Common Room Television
Anti-Ragging Policy & Cell
CCTV Surveillance System
Emergency Gate
Firefighting Equipment
Gymnasium / Multi Gym
Indoor Sports Facilities
Outdoor Sports Facilities
CNLU Proctorial Board
Counseling Service
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
Legal Aid Cell / CNLU Legal Aid Society
Placement Cell / Career Development and Placement Committee (CDPC)
Student Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) / Grievance Cell
Parking Facilities
Placements 2025
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna achieved a strong placement performance in 2025 with an overall placement rate of approximately 81% for its undergraduate law programs. The median package for BA LLB students was ₹10.8 LPA, while the highest package reached ₹22 LPA, reflecting growing recruiter interest from top-tier law firms, corporates, and consulting firms.
Placement Statistics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest Package | ₹22 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹10.8 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹10.8 LPA (UG), ₹7.2 LPA (LLM) |
| Placement Rate | ~81% |
| Students Placed | 110/136 (UG), 51/66 (LLM) |
| Companies Visited | 30+ |
Top Recruiters
IT: HP
Consulting: Huron Consulting Group, S&R Law Firm
Core: Supreme Court, Bank of Baroda, Bihar Judiciary, Pearson India
Branch-wise Placement
| Branch | Highest | Average | %Placed |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB | ₹22 LPA | ₹10.8 LPA | 81% |
| LLM | ₹9 LPA | ₹7.2 LPA | 77% |
Student Reviews & Testimonials
TAUFEEQUE ALAM
Good law College of Patna Bihar.
KhUsHbOo Kk Is Always Ok
Osm centers for exam .in this college... All facility are best .... Thanks u
Raju Kumar
Very good institute for law. Nice building and its campus good quality education, provided by skilled and trained faculties. Overall excellent.
Radhe
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) is a public law university located in Patna, Bihar, India. It was established in 2006 with the objective of promoting excellence in legal education and research in the state. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in law, including BA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.), LL.M., and Ph.D. The courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and their application in various fields. CNLU has a highly qualified and experienced faculty that is committed to providing quality education and research opportunities to students. The university has a well-equipped library, computer center, and moot court hall, among other facilities, to provide students with an enriching learning experience. CNLU also encourages research and innovation among its students and faculty and has several research centers and institutes that focus on cutting-edge research in various fields of law. The university also organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences to provide students with exposure to the latest developments in the field of law. Overall, Chanakya National Law University is a top-tier law school in India that is committed to providing quality legal education and research opportunities to its students. It is one of the leading law schools in Bihar and is a great choice for students who wish to pursue a career in the legal profession.
Rankings & Accreditations
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna is ranked 17th among law colleges in India in the NIRF 2025 rankings, making it the 7th best National Law University (NLU) nationally. It has shown significant improvement from its 31st rank in 2024, reflecting strong performance in teaching, graduation outcomes, and perception.
NIRF 2025
| Category | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Law | #17 | 62.40/100 |
Other Rankings
| Agency | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| India Today | #33 | 2025 |
Accreditations
- NAAC: A+ Grade (Valid till 2027)
- Bar Council of India: Approved
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna offers a range of scholarships including merit-based, need-based, and endowed scholarships. Significant financial aid is available through government schemes such as the Central Sector Scheme for OBC, EBC, and DNT students, and the PM Vidyalaxmi program, which provide substantial tuition waivers, stipends, and loan subsidies for eligible students.
Institute Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Scholarship | Top academic performers, e.g., CLAT rank within Top 500 | Partial or full tuition fee waiver |
| Need-Based Scholarship | Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds | Varies based on financial need |
| Endowed Scholarships | Based on donor criteria | Varies |
| Research Fellowships | Students pursuing advanced research or doctoral studies | Financial support and mentorship |
Government Scholarships
| Scheme | For | Amount | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education | OBC, EBC, DNT students with family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year | Up to ₹3.72 lakh/year (tuition, ₹3,000/month stipend, ₹5,000 book grant, ₹45,000 laptop grant) | NSP |
| PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme | Students with family income < ₹8 lakh/year | 3% interest subsidy on education loans; full interest subsidy if income < ₹4.5 lakh | NSP |
| Bihar Government Scholarship | Reserved category students (SC/ST/OBC) from Bihar | Tuition fee concession | State Portal |
| EWS Scholarship | Students with annual family income below ₹5 lakh | Up to 50% fee waiver | NSP |
Comparison
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna is compared with National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) and National Law Institute University, Bhopal (NLIU Bhopal) as they are among the top-ranked government law universities in India, known for their strong academic programs, research output, and placement records, making them peer institutions in legal education.
| Parameter | Chanakya National Law University - [CNLU] Patna | National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) | National Law Institute University, Bhopal (NLIU Bhopal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Government | Government | Government |
| Established | 2006 | 2008 | 1997 |
| NIRF 2025 (Law) | #17 | #4 | #10 |
| NAAC Grade | A | A+ | A |
| Fee (Total) | ₹7.5 L | ₹15 L | ₹8 L |
| Highest Package | ₹30 LPA | ₹50 LPA | ₹25 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹8 LPA | ₹15 LPA | ₹7 LPA |
Key Strengths
- Chanakya National Law University - [CNLU] Patna: Strong regional presence with improving NIRF rank, affordable fees, and growing research output.
- National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi): Premier law university with top NIRF ranking, excellent faculty, and highest placement packages.
- National Law Institute University, Bhopal (NLIU Bhopal): Established reputation, balanced academics and placements, and consistent NAAC accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What entrance exams are accepted for admission to CNLU Patna's undergraduate law programs?
CNLU Patna admits students to BA LLB and BBA LLB programs primarily through the CLAT UG exam. Candidates must score well in CLAT and participate in the subsequent counselling process to secure admission.
What is the eligibility criteria for the 3-year LLB program at CNLU Patna?
For the 3-year LLB (Hons.) course, candidates must hold an undergraduate degree in any discipline and qualify through the CNLU Entrance Test (CNLU-ET) conducted by the university.
How much is the total fee for the LLM program at CNLU Patna?
The total fee for the full-time LLM program at CNLU Patna is approximately ₹1.74 lakhs for the one-year course duration.
What is the average placement package offered to CNLU Patna graduates?
Placement packages at CNLU Patna vary widely; top recruiters offer packages ranging from ₹4 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs per annum, with an overall placement rate of around 70-80% for recent batches.
Which companies are the major recruiters at CNLU Patna placements?
Major recruiters include law firms like Khaitan & Co, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, and corporate legal departments of companies such as Tata Steel and ICICI Bank.
What specializations or research areas does CNLU Patna offer in its law programs?
CNLU offers specializations in Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Rights, and Environmental Law, with active research centers supporting these fields.
What are the hostel facilities like at CNLU Patna?
CNLU has separate hostels for boys and girls with single and double occupancy rooms, Wi-Fi, gym, washing machines, 24-hour electricity, and seasonal hot water; annual fees range from ₹16,000 to ₹28,000.
What student clubs and societies are active on the CNLU Patna campus?
Active student bodies include the Moot Court Society, Cultural Society, Legal Aid Cell, and Sports Committee, organizing moots, cultural events, legal aid, and sports competitions.
Is there a dress code or uniform requirement at CNLU Patna?
CNLU Patna enforces a formal dress code for academic and official events, typically requiring students to wear formal attire such as shirts, trousers, and blazers during classes and moots.
Are part-time jobs or internships available for CNLU Patna students during their studies?
Students often secure internships with law firms, NGOs, and corporate legal departments during semester breaks; part-time jobs on campus are limited due to academic workload.
How safe is the CNLU Patna campus, especially for female students?
The campus has tight security with separate girls' hostels, biometric attendance, and 24/7 security personnel, making it a safe environment for all students.
What is the library collection size and resources available at CNLU Patna?
The university library houses over 14,000 books, subscribes to 23+ Indian and foreign law journals, and provides access to online legal databases like SCC Online and Manupatra.
How does CNLU Patna compare with other National Law Universities in terms of reputation?
CNLU Patna is considered the top law university in Bihar with growing national recognition, though it ranks below older NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad in national rankings.
What is the application fee for UG and PG admissions at CNLU Patna?
The application fee for UG and PG courses through CLAT counselling is approximately ₹4,000 for general and OBC candidates, with concessions for reserved categories.
Does CNLU Patna provide medical facilities on campus?
The campus has a full-fledged dispensary with a qualified doctor, nurse, and compounder, along with ambulance services and regular health check-up camps.
Are air-conditioned classrooms and smart learning facilities available at CNLU Patna?
Yes, classrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with smart LED projectors and audio systems to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
What sports facilities are available for students at CNLU Patna?
The campus includes a football ground, basketball court, badminton court, volleyball court, and facilities for indoor games like table tennis and chess.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Chanakya National Law University is ranked 17th in the NIRF 2025 Ranking for the Law category and 62.4 in the NIRF score for the same category. The university's BA LLB programme students secured a median package of Rs 10.80 LPA as per the NIRF 2025 report.
- Chanakya National Law University is not specifically known for engineering programs, with placement statistics and specializations more aligned with law. BA LLB programme students secured a median package of Rs 10.80 LPA according to NIRF 2025 report. The university is recognized as an "Institute of National Importance" and is ranked 17th in the Law category with 62.4 score in 2025 by NIRF.
- Chanakya National Law University is known for its strong placement record with a median package of Rs 10.80 LPA for BA LLB programme students and is ranked 17th in the Law category by NIRF 2025. The university is also recognized as an "Institute of National Importance."
- Students at Chanakya National Law University rate it 4/5 for placements, highlighting a 75% job placement rate with an average starting salary of Rs 4 LPA, and 5/5 for faculty, noting highly qualified professors with an average of 15 years of experience. For campus facilities, they rate it 4/5, praising the modern architecture and green spaces but mentioning occasional maintenance issues.
- The campus life at Chanakya National Law University offers modern hostels with 136 rooms and a well-equipped mess serving three meals a day. It provides a range of clubs and activities including the Law Society, Debate Club, and Cultural Ensemble, fostering a vibrant and engaged student community. The university environment is supportive and competitive, ranked 17th in the Law category by NIRF 2025 and having a strong placement cell that secured jobs for 81% of the BA LLB graduates in 2024.
- The admission process at Chanakya National Law University requires the CLAT 2026 entrance exam followed by counseling and document verification. The CLAT 2026 results and answer key were released on December 16, 2025. Fees for BA LLB and BBA LLB courses are Rs 4000 per course, while LLM fees are Rs 2,500 for general candidates and Rs 2,000 for SC/ST candidates.
- The eligibility for admission to Chanakya National Law University requires a minimum of 50% in aggregate from a recognized board and a CLAT score of at least 150 out of 200.
- The placement at Chanakya National Law University shows 77% of the BA LLB/BBA LLB batch placed with an average package of Rs 10.40 LPA and a highest package of Rs 25 LPA. For the LLM course, 43 students were placed with a median package of Rs 4.80 LPA.
- The placement at Chanakya National Law University shows 78% students placed with an average package of Rs 10.80 LPA and a highest package of Rs 25 LPA. Notable recruiters include Reliance Jio, TTK Prestige, and Larsen & Toubro.
- The important admission dates for Chanakya National Law University are: application starts on January 1, 2025, exam is conducted on April 15, 2025, and results are announced on May 1, 2025.
- The entrance exams accepted at Chanakya National Law University are CLAT with a cutoff of the top 50 percentile, JEE Main with a cutoff of rank 25000, GATE with a cutoff of rank 10000, and CAT with a cutoff of the top 90 percentile.
