Gujarat National Law University: Admission 2025, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Gandhinagar Campus Life

About Gujarat National Law University - [GNLU] Gandhi Nagar

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), established in 2003, is a premier public law university located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It was founded under the Gujarat National Law University Act, 2003, with support from the Government of Gujarat, the Government of India, and the Bar Council of India, modeled after the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.

GNLU holds an 'A' grade accreditation from NAAC and is ranked 5th among law universities in India by NIRF 2025. The university offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in law, with a strong faculty and student body. It is recognized by the Bar Council of India and the University Grants Commission, and is noted for its research focus and consistent high placement records.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) Gandhinagar admissions for 2026 are primarily based on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for UG and PG law programs. The CLAT 2026 registration opens in August 2025, with the exam conducted in December 2025, followed by counselling rounds in December 2025 through May 2026. GNLU also accepts CAT scores for some PG programs with separate timelines.

Admission Process

Admission to Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) Gandhinagar for undergraduate and postgraduate law programs is primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for the academic year 2025-26. MBA admissions are based on CAT/CMAT/MAT scores followed by GD-PI rounds conducted by GNLU.

UG (Integrated B.A. LL.B.) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply for CLAT UG 2026 through the official CLAT Consortium portal.
2. Appear for the CLAT UG exam on the scheduled date.
3. Check the merit list and participate in centralized counselling conducted by the CLAT office.
4. Confirm admission by paying the required fees to GNLU after seat allotment.

PG (LL.M.) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply for CLAT PG 2026 via the official CLAT Consortium website.
2. Appear for the CLAT PG exam and await the merit list.
3. Participate in the counselling process for seat allocation.
4. Pay the admission fees to confirm the seat at GNLU.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online through the GNLU MBA admission portal.
2. Submit valid CAT/CMAT/MAT scores.
3. Attend Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds at GNLU.
4. Check final merit list and pay fees to confirm admission.

Ph.D. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online/offline to GNLU with required documents and research proposal.
2. Appear for the GNLU written test and interview.
3. Wait for final selection based on test, proposal evaluation, and interview.
4. Complete admission formalities and fee payment.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Graduation degree and mark sheets (for PG and Ph.D.)
• CLAT UG/PG scorecard (for law programs)
• CAT/CMAT/MAT scorecard (for MBA)
• Proof of identity (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
• Passport-size photographs
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Transfer and migration certificates
• Research proposal (for Ph.D. applicants)

Cutoff 2025

The CLAT 2025 cutoff for Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) Gandhinagar shows a slightly tighter competition compared to previous years, with the general category closing rank for the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) program ranging from 402 in the first round to 444 in the last round. Reserved categories have higher closing ranks, reflecting the reservation policy and seat availability. The cutoff trends indicate consistent demand for GNLU with competitive ranks across categories.

Placements 2025

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) Gandhinagar recorded strong placement outcomes in 2025, with a placement rate exceeding 90% for the undergraduate batch. The highest package reached ₹26 LPA, while the average package ranged between ₹12 LPA and ₹16 LPA. Top-tier law firms and corporate recruiters actively participated, offering diverse roles and pre-placement offers (PPOs) to a significant number of students.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: ICICI Bank

Consulting: KPMG

Core (Law Firms): Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., Trilegal, Khaitan & Co., AZB & Partners, Nishith Desai Associates, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys, Argus Partners, CMS IndusLaw

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, is ranked 5th among law schools in India the NIRF 2025 rankings, showing an improvement from 8th place in 2024. It holds the 3rd position in the India Today and The Week 2025 law college rankings and is placed 4th in the Outlook 2024 law rankings.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Grade A+ (Valid till 2027)
• NBA: Accredited for Law Programmes

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) offers a variety of scholarships including merit-based fee waivers for top CLAT rankers, financial aid for research and international internships, and scholarships for participation in national/international events. Additionally, students can avail government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal and state schemes for SC/ST and domicile students.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Aditya Birla Scholarship: ₹1,00,000 per year for top 20 entrance rankers at GNLU, based on merit and need

Comparison

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) Gandhinagar is compared with National Law University (NLU) Jodhpur and National Law Institute University (NLIU) Bhopal as they are among the top National Law Universities in India, consistently ranked within the top 10 by NIRF 2025, offering similar integrated law programs and attracting competitive law aspirants nationwide.

Key Strengths

• Gujarat National Law University - [GNLU] Gandhi Nagar: Strong rise in NIRF ranking to 5th in 2025, excellent research and professional practice focus, and robust industry connections with high placement packages.
• National Law University (NLU) Jodhpur: Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong alumni network, consistently ranked among top NLUs with good placement records.
• National Law Institute University (NLIU) Bhopal: One of the oldest NLUs with a strong emphasis on legal research and affordable fee structure, offering good placement opportunities.

Campus & Infrastructure

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) is situated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on a sprawling 50 to 60-acre campus in the Knowledge Corridor near Koba village. The campus features modern, air-conditioned academic blocks, a large library, moot court halls, and extensive sports facilities, all set in a green, serene environment conducive to academic and extracurricular activities.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Over 35,000 volumes, 150+ print journals, e-books, seating capacity for 300 readers across four floors
• Labs: Computer Lab, Language Lab, Science and Technology Lab
• Classrooms: Multiple air-conditioned smart classrooms equipped with multimedia projectors and audio systems

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports Complex with cricket ground, football ground, basketball court, badminton court, tennis court, table tennis, volleyball court, kabaddi ground, skating rink, athletics track, swimming pool
• Gymnasium
• Auditorium named "Aura"
• Moot Court halls
• Medical facilities with physician and nurse visiting daily
• Wi-Fi enabled campus with high-speed internet and ICT infrastructure including over 230 computers and 13 servers
• Guest house and VIP Residency for visitors
• Conference rooms and seminar halls

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the integrated BA LLB program at GNLU?

Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD). Admission is based on the CLAT UG exam followed by centralized counselling.

How is admission to the MBA program at GNLU conducted?

Admission to the MBA requires a graduate degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and valid CAT, CMAT, or MAT scores, followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds conducted by GNLU.

What is the fee structure for the LL.M. program at GNLU?

The LL.M. program fee is approximately ₹2.03 lakhs for the course duration. Admission is through CLAT PG with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in LL.B. (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).

Are scholarships available at GNLU for law students?

Yes, GNLU offers scholarships including those through the IDIA initiative for economically disadvantaged students, and merit-based scholarships are available subject to fulfilling academic criteria.

What is the average placement package offered to GNLU graduates?

Top recruiters offer packages ranging from ₹8 to ₹20 lakhs per annum, with a high placement rate above 90% for the flagship law programs, including internships at leading law firms and corporates.

Which companies are the major recruiters at GNLU placements?

Major recruiters include top law firms like Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, L&L Partners, and corporates such as Tata Group, Reliance, and ICICI Bank.

How is the curriculum structured for the B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) program at GNLU?

The B.Sc. LL.B. integrates law with science subjects, including life sciences and physical sciences, supported by well-equipped science laboratories and interdisciplinary courses.

What specializations or research opportunities does GNLU offer?

GNLU offers research centers in areas like bioethics, securities law, and legal incubation, with Ph.D. programs requiring a research proposal and interview for admission.

What are the hostel facilities available for students at GNLU?

Separate hostels for boys and girls are available with air-conditioned rooms, WiFi connectivity, gym, recreation rooms, and daily medical visits by a physician and nurse.

How is the food quality and mess facility at GNLU hostels?

The mess provides hygienic and tasty food with multiple cuisine options, managed by the university to cater to diverse dietary preferences of students.

What kind of student clubs and extracurricular activities are active at GNLU?

GNLU has active moot court societies, debating clubs, sports committees organizing events like Stepover Cup and Volleymania, and cultural fests promoting holistic development.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement for GNLU students?

GNLU does not enforce a strict dress code; students typically wear formal or semi-formal attire during academic and official events, especially moot courts and presentations.

Are part-time jobs or internships available for GNLU students during the academic year?

Students often secure internships with law firms, NGOs, and corporates during semester breaks; part-time jobs on campus are limited due to academic rigor.

How accessible is GNLU campus in Gandhinagar in terms of public transport and commute?

GNLU is well-connected by road with regular bus services and auto-rickshaws from Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad; many students use university transport or personal vehicles.

How does GNLU compare with other National Law Universities in terms of reputation and ROI?

GNLU is ranked among the top NLUs in India with strong academic programs, excellent placements, and a growing alumni network, offering good return on investment for law education.

What is the alumni network like at GNLU?

GNLU has an active alumni association with members placed in judiciary, academia, corporate law, and public service, facilitating mentorship and networking opportunities for current students.

Does GNLU provide laptops or require students to have their own?

Students are expected to have their own laptops for academic work; the university provides high-end computer labs and WiFi across campus for research and study.

What health and emergency facilities are available on the GNLU campus?

The campus has a health center with first aid, daily visits by a physician and nurse, emergency vehicle availability, and special access to nearby civil and Apollo hospitals.

Are there any unique practical training opportunities at GNLU?

GNLU conducts regular moot court competitions, legal aid clinics, and has collaborations with forensic science institutes to provide hands-on legal and scientific training.

What is the application process timeline for GNLU admissions?

Applications open after CLAT results; candidates must apply online, submit documents, and pay fees by mid-May, with academic sessions typically starting in late June.