DSNLU-image
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Visakhapatnam Campus Life
location
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
author
Abhijeet Chatterjee
Updated on 9 January 2026

More About DSNLU

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University was established in 2008 and is located in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh. It is a top ranked premium state university. The university has been ranked 39th by NIRF 2024 under the Law category, and also 9th by India Today 2024 under the Law Universities category, further securing the 33rd position by IIRF 2025 for Law. This college has 2+ tie-ups with renowned international universities like Vistula University, Poland. DSNLU (a part of Andhra Pradesh State University system) offers UG, PG, and Doctoral courses to students. These courses are provided across engineering, management and other departments, though its primary focus remains Law. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University has been recognised as a State University. DSNLU Visakhapatnam provides BA LLB (Hons) and LLB (3-year) programs as flagship courses, and focuses on Corporate and Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and IPR and Technology Law through its LLM specializations. The institute is located in a sprawling 45.5-acre campus, and is equipped with the latest innovations and facilities. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University has launched various academic and research initiatives, showcasing their commitment to holistic legal education and research development. DSNLU is driven and promoted by its commitment to legal excellence. Located in Visakhapatnam (the full address city), this reputed law university accepts CLAT, CLAT PG, UGC-JRF/NET/SLET scores and conducts DSNLU Entrance Test (DET) and University Entrance Exam for admissions. The institute offers opportunities through various student activities and academic programs. DSNLU faculty are professionals with years of academic and practical legal experience, with a strength of approximately 40 (tentative) members.

READ MORE

Campus Area

45.5

Year Of Established

2008

Total Faculty Numbers

40

About Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University - [DSNLU] Visakhapatnam

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) stands as a premier state-funded National Law University in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Established in 2008 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh through the DSNLU Act, it operates as an autonomous institution recognized by UGC and approved by BCI. Named after former Chief Minister Damodaram Sanjivayya, it focuses on advanced legal education and research.

DSNLU holds NAAC A grade accreditation and ranks 39th in the NIRF 2025 Law category with a score of 47.94. It offers key programmes including 5-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), 1-year LL.M. in specializations like Criminal, Constitutional, and Commercial Law, plus Ph.D. and LL.D. The university enrolls 693 students and employs 29 faculty members.

Key Highlights

ParameterDetails
Full NameDamodaram Sanjivayya National Law University
Established2008
TypeState University
Approved ByUGC, BCI
NAAC GradeA
NIRF 2025#39 in Law
Campus45.6 acres, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Popular ProgrammesB.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., Ph.D. in Law, LL.D.
Students693
Faculty29
Websitedsnlu.ac.in

Courses Offered at DSNLU

Specializations

Master of LawsMaster of Laws

Specializations

Ph.D. in LawPh.D. in LawPh.D. in Executive

Specializations

Bachelor of Law

Specializations

BALLB

Specializations

Doctorate of Law

Admission Dates 2026

DSNLU Visakhapatnam conducts admissions primarily through CLAT UG for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), CLAT PG for LL.M., and its own DET for 3-Year LL.B., followed by centralized counselling and seat allotment. Ph.D. and LL.D. admissions involve university-specific tests, research proposals, and interviews. The cycle aligns with CLAT timelines, starting with registration and culminating in document verification and fee payment.

ProgrammeEventDate
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) / LL.M.CLAT Registration Start01 August 2026
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) / LL.M.CLAT Registration Deadline31 October 2026
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) / LL.M.CLAT Admit Card ReleaseNovember 2026
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) / LL.M.CLAT Exam Date07 December 2026
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) / LL.M.CLAT Provisional Answer KeyDecember 2026
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) / LL.M.CLAT Result AnnouncementDecember 2026
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) / LL.M.Counselling StartDecember 2026
3-Year LL.B.Application Deadline23 June 2026
3-Year LL.B.DET Exam Date29 June 2026
3-Year LL.B.Results & Counselling30 June 2026

Admission Process

DSNLU Visakhapatnam admits students to B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) through CLAT UG followed by centralized counselling, LL.M. through CLAT PG counselling, 3-Year LL.B. through DSNLU DET, and Ph.D./LL.D. through university entrance test or exemptions, research proposal, and interview. Counselling involves document verification via email and fee payment for seat confirmation.

B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) Admission

Steps to Apply

  1. Register and appear for CLAT UG exam.
  2. Check CLAT merit list and participate in centralized counselling rounds.
  3. Email scanned documents to admissions@dsnlu.ac.in for verification upon seat allotment.
  4. Pay confirmation fee to CLAT Consortium if not paid, plus DSNLU fee.
  5. Report to campus for final document verification, original submission, and undertakings.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

ProgrammeQualificationEntrance ExamMin %Fees (per year)
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)10+2CLAT UG45%
LL.M.LL.B. or equivalentCLAT PG55%
3-Year LL.B.GraduationDSNLU DET45%

Documents Required

  • 10th marks statement
  • 12th marks statement
  • CLAT Admit Card and Score Card
  • Transfer Certificate
  • Migration Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
  • PWD Certificate
  • Domicile/Residence or Study Certificates (I to X Class)
  • EWS Certificate
  • Passport Size Photographs

LL.M. Admission

Steps to Apply

  1. Appear for CLAT PG exam and check merit list.
  2. Participate in CLAT PG counselling for seat allotment to DSNLU.
  3. Submit scanned documents via email to admissions@dsnlu.ac.in.
  4. Pay admission fee upon allotment.
  5. Complete campus verification and fee payment.

3-Year LL.B. Admission

Steps to Apply

  1. Visit dsnlu.ac.in and download application form.
  2. Fill form and pay fee online.
  3. Appear for DSNLU DET exam.
  4. Check merit list and attend counselling.
  5. Verify documents and pay fees at campus.

Ph.D. Admission

Steps to Apply

  1. Apply via Ph.D. Admission Portal on dsnlu.ac.in.
  2. Appear for Ph.D. Admission Test (exempt if qualified UGC NET/JRF/SLET/GATE).
  3. Submit detailed research proposal.
  4. Attend personal interview/viva voce.
  5. Confirm admission post selection with document verification.

Nearest Attractions at DSNLU

icon

Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)

16 km

icon

Sabbavaram Bus Stand

6 km

icon

Government Hospital, Sabbavaram

6.5 km

icon

Duvvada Railway Station

11 km

Placements 2025

DSNLU Visakhapatnam achieved 35 placements out of 65 registered students in 2025, yielding a 54% placement rate through the Recruitment and Career Cell and non-RCC channels. Trilegal and India Juris led with three hires each, alongside offers from Dentons Link Legal and others, with 4 students pursuing higher studies or fellowships.

Placement Statistics

ParameterValue
Placement Rate54%
Students Placed35/65

Top Recruiters

IT: Abhyaas Edu Technologies, NIIT Technologies

Core: Trilegal, India Juris, Dentons Link Legal, TLH Advocates & Solicitors, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Bharucha & Partners, Alaya Legal, Ahlawat Law Associates

Campus Facilities at DSNLU

Academic Spaces

Academic Block

Auditorium

Classrooms

Conference Halls

Moot Court Hall

Seminar Hall

Accommodation for Parents

Guest House / Guest Rooms

Basic Services

ATM

General Store

Lifts

Power Supply and Backup

Sewage Treatment Plant

Stationery Shop

Disability Services

Disabled Friendly Academic Block

Entry/Exit Rules

Hostel Timings and Regulations

Food Options

Canteen Building

Mess Halls

Hostel Facilities

Boys Hostel

Girls Hostel

IT Facilities

Computer Centers

Wi-Fi Campus

Incubation Centers

Advanced Research and Training Centers

Legal Incubation Centre (LIC)

Laboratories

Computer Labs

Library

Central Library

Medical Facilities

Medical Centre / Health Centre

Recreational Areas

Cultural Zone

Entertainment Room

TV Rooms

Safety & Security

Campus Security

Fire & Safety Equipment

Medical/Sick Room (in Hostels)

Sports & Fitness

Badminton Courts

Basketball Court

Cricket Pitches

Football Field

Gymnasium

Lawn Tennis Court

Student Help Desks

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Internship & Placements Committee

Sports Activities Committee

Student Mess Committee

Transport Services

Shuttle Services

Rankings & Accreditations

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam ranks #38 in NIRF Law 2025 with a score of 47.94. It secured #39 in NIRF Law 2024.

NIRF 2025

CategoryRankScore
Law#3847.94/100

Other Rankings

AgencyRankYear
NIRF Law#392024

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University supports applications for government scholarships targeted at minority, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe students from Andhra Pradesh. A special fee waiver is available for Andhra Pradesh residents subject to Vice Chancellor approval. Students access aid through National Scholarship Portal and state schemes.

Government Scholarships

SchemeForAmountPortal
Andhra Pradesh Government ScholarshipsMinority and SC/ST students from Andhra PradeshNSP/State

Comparison

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam is compared with National Law University Odisha (NLUO) Cuttack and Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla as these are peer National Law Universities (NLUs) in similar NIRF Law ranking bands (top 40 in 2025), offering comparable 5-year integrated law programs through CLAT with focus on legal education and placements.

ParameterDamodaram Sanjivayya National Law University - [DSNLU] VisakhapatnamNational Law University Odisha - [NLUO] CuttackHimachal Pradesh National Law University - [HPNLU] Shimla
NIRF 2025#39#15#34

Key Strengths

  • Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University - [DSNLU] Visakhapatnam: Improved UG placements, 138 UG seats intake.
  • National Law University Odisha - [NLUO] Cuttack: Stronger NIRF position at #15 with score 63.66, NAAC accredited.
  • Himachal Pradesh National Law University - [HPNLU] Shimla: NIRF #34 with score 53.49, established focus on regional legal education.

Campus & Infrastructure

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University campus spans 45.5 acres at Nyayaprastha, Sabbavaram in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, featuring a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly layout abutting hills with fully air-conditioned academic blocks and 1GBPS connectivity via National Knowledge Network.

Campus Details

ParameterDetails
Area45.5 acres
LocationVisakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Academic Facilities

  • Library: Westlaw India, Hein Online, SCC online, Lexis Nexis, Kluwer Competition Law, Kluwer IP Law, Kluwer Arbitration, Taxmann, JSTOR, Economic and Political Weekly, Manupatra
  • Classrooms: 11 classrooms, LCD projectors, internet, public address system

Hostel

TypeCapacityFee/Year
Boys160 rooms
Girls160 rooms

Other Facilities

  • Moot Court Hall: 1 hall
  • Seminar Hall: 400 seater
  • Conference Halls: 2 halls
  • Canteen: 350 students capacity
  • Sports Complex: Basketball Court, Volleyball Court
  • Gym: 1 gym

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for BA LLB Hons at DSNLU Visakhapatnam?

Candidates need 10+2 with 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD). Admission relies on CLAT UG score and All India Rank via centralized counselling.

How does the admission process work for LLM at DSNLU?

Law graduates require 55% aggregate (50% for SC/ST/PwD) and valid CLAT PG score. Selection follows CLAT counselling and seat allotment at DSNLU.

What entrance exam is needed for PhD in Law at DSNLU?

Apply via PhD portal, clear DSNLU test or qualify GPAT/UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/GATE. Submit research proposal and attend personal interview.

Is hostel fee included in the tuition at DSNLU Visakhapatnam?

Hostel fee integrates with tuition; no day scholars permitted. Mess charges apply separately with South Indian and North Indian options.

Are hostels compulsory for all students at DSNLU?

DSNLU mandates residential stay for all students. Compulsory facilities exist for boys and girls on the new campus at Sabbavaram.

What is the room setup in DSNLU boys and girls hostels?

Double-sharing rooms with separate washroom per room, study tables, chairs, cots, lockers, racks, and two fans. Hot water available 24/7.

What sports facilities are available in DSNLU hostels?

Hostels include gym, badminton courts, basketball court, and volleyball court. Sports events and intra competitions occur regularly.

Does DSNLU Visakhapatnam have AC classrooms?

All classrooms feature air-conditioning, LCD projectors, internet, and public address systems. Campus provides Wi-Fi and 1Gbps connectivity.

What resources does the DSNLU library offer?

Library holds books, journals, and e-resources like Westlaw, HeinOnline, EBSCO Host, Manupatra. Wi-Fi enabled with off-campus e-library access.

Is there a moot court facility at DSNLU?

Designated moot court hall supports advocacy training. Classrooms and seminar halls host guest lectures and competitions.

What food options exist in DSNLU mess and canteen?

Mess serves South Indian, North Indian cuisines; non-vegetarian twice weekly. Two canteens offer North and South Indian dishes.

Are hostels secure at DSNLU Visakhapatnam?

24-hour security guards both boys and girls hostels. Regular attendance ensures discipline; separate mess areas for genders.

Does DSNLU have medical facilities on campus?

Medical room in hostels with scheduled doctor visits. Campus clinic provides first aid and basic healthcare services.

What is the hostel capacity at DSNLU for boys and girls?

Boys and girls hostels each have 120-160 rooms for double occupancy. New campus accommodates 250 students per floor setup.

Is Wi-Fi available throughout DSNLU campus?

Fully Wi-Fi enabled campus including hostels, library, and mess. Part of National Knowledge Network with 1Gbps connectivity.

Does DSNLU Visakhapatnam have an ATM on campus?

Andhra Bank ATM located inside campus. Canteen building seats 350 students; general store also available.

What is the structure of girls hostel at DSNLU?

Three-storied (G+3) with 38 rooms on ground/first, 40 on second, study room, and 2 guest rooms. Double/triple sharing basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University is good for engineering with a placement rate of 31.67% and an average package of Rs 7.50 LPA. The university specializes in providing legal education and has a strong UGC approval, though it does not offer direct engineering programs.
    Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University is known for its strong placement record, with 38 out of 120 eligible students securing jobs as per the NIRF 2025 data, and it is ranked 38th in the NIRF 2025 rankings for undergraduate 5-year programmes. The university offers a median salary of Rs 7.50 LPA to its UG 5-year programme graduates. DSNLU Visakhapatnam is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and provides a range of full-time programmes
    Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University is ranked 38th in the NIRF 2025 report for UG 5-year programmes and 30th out of 120 eligible students secured jobs according to the NIRF 2025 placement statistics. The university's cutoff for general category students in the CLAT for BA LLB (Hons) was 1682 in 2025.
    Students at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University rate it 3/5 for placements, highlighting a 25% placement rate with a median salary of Rs 7.50 LPA but noting that 23 students opted for higher studies instead. The university's faculty and campus facilities are rated 4/5, with pros including UGC approval and a range of full-time programmes like BA LLB (Hons) and LLB, but some students find the admission process competitive and challenging.
    The admission process at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University requires the CLAT 2026 followed by document verification. The fees for the five-year Integrated LLB (UG) course is Rs 1,50,000 per year, divided into two semesters.
    The campus life at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University offers well-equipped hostels with a capacity of 1200 students and a mess that provides nutritious meals at Rs 5000 per month. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and festivals, including the annual law fest, "Lexicon," and sports teams that compete in regional tournaments. The university fosters a supportive and academically rigorous environment, with 31.7% of eligible students securing placements in 2025, earning a median salary of Rs 7.50
    The eligibility for Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam requires a minimum of 50% in the qualifying examination and a score of at least 40% in the CLAT examination for BA LLB admission. For the LLM program, candidates need to qualify the valid marks in the CLAT PG examination. The application process for DSNLU Visakhapatnam varies based on the course.
    The entrance exams accepted at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University are CLAT and DET (DSLNU entrance test) with cutoff ranks of 1682 for general category and 3813 for OBC category.
    The important admission dates for Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University are: application starts on August 1, 2025, exam on May 21, 2026, and results are announced on June 30, 2026.
    The placement at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University shows 75% students placed with an average package of Rs 6.30 LPA and the highest package of Rs 12 LPA. Top recruiters include Reliance Jio, TTK Prestige, and Larsen & Toubro Infotech.
    The placement at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University shows 38% students placed with an average package of Rs 7.50 LPA and the highest package of Rs 12 LPA.
whatsapp

Chat with us