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More About HNLU
Campus Area
65
Total Seat
240
Faculty Student Ratio
24:1
HNLU Rankings, Accreditations & Recognitions
About Hidayatullah National Law University - [HNLU] Raipur
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), established in 2003, is a public National Law University located in New Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It was founded by the Government of Chhattisgarh under the Hidayatullah National University of Law, Chhattisgarh Act and is named after former Chief Justice of India, Mohammad Hidayatullah. The university operates autonomously and is recognized by the Bar Council of India.
HNLU holds a NAAC grade of A and is ranked 8th among law universities in India by NIRF 2025. It offers integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., and Ph.D. programs with a student strength of around 700 and a dedicated faculty team. The university is known for its modern campus, strong research centers, and consistent top rankings in national law education, with a highest placement package reaching ₹16.6 LPA.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hidayatullah National Law University |
| Established | 2003 |
| Type | Government Autonomous University |
| Affiliation | Autonomous |
| Approved By | UGC, Bar Council of India |
| NAAC Grade | A (Valid till 2027) |
| NIRF 2025 | #8 in Law Universities |
| Campus | 66 acres, New Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| Courses | 1 UG (B.A. LL.B. Hons.), 1 PG (LL.M.), Ph.D. programs |
| Popular Programmes | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., Ph.D. in Law |
| Students | Approx. 700 |
| Faculty | Data not specified |
| Fee Range | ₹1,20,000 - ₹1,50,000 per year |
| Highest Package | ₹16.6 LPA |
| Website | https://hnlu.ac.in |
Courses Offered at HNLU
Specializations
UG
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Overview
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), established in 2003, is a public National Law University located in New Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It was founded by the Government of Chhattisgarh under the Hidayatullah National University of Law, Chhattisgarh Act and is named after former Chief Justice of India, Mohammad Hidayatullah. The university operates autonomously and is recognized by the Bar Council of India.
HNLU holds a NAAC grade of A and is ranked 8th among law universities in India by NIRF 2025. It offers integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., and Ph.D. programs with a student strength of around 700 and a dedicated faculty team. The university is known for its modern campus, strong research centers, and consistent top rankings in national law education, with a highest placement package reaching ₹16.6 LPA.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hidayatullah National Law University |
| Established | 2003 |
| Type | Government Autonomous University |
| Affiliation | Autonomous |
| Approved By | UGC, Bar Council of India |
| NAAC Grade | A (Valid till 2027) |
| NIRF 2025 | #8 in Law Universities |
| Campus | 66 acres, New Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| Courses | 1 UG (B.A. LL.B. Hons.), 1 PG (LL.M.), Ph.D. programs |
| Popular Programmes | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., Ph.D. in Law |
| Students | Approx. 700 |
| Faculty | Data not specified |
| Fee Range | ₹1,20,000 - ₹1,50,000 per year |
| Highest Package | ₹16.6 LPA |
| Website | https://hnlu.ac.in |
Campus Gallery Of HNLU
Admission Dates 2026
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur admits students primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for its undergraduate (BA LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) law programs. The university also conducts its own entrance test and interview for PhD admissions. The CLAT 2026 exam is scheduled in December 2025, with registration and counseling following a defined timeline.
| Programme | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| UG (BA LLB) | CLAT Registration Start | 01 August 2025 |
| UG (BA LLB) | CLAT Registration Deadline | 31 October 2025 |
| UG (BA LLB) | CLAT Admit Card Release | 22 November 2025 |
| UG (BA LLB) | CLAT Exam Date | 07 December 2025 |
| UG (BA LLB) | CLAT Result Announcement | 17 December 2025 |
| UG (BA LLB) | CLAT Counselling Start | December 2025 |
| PG (LLM) | CLAT PG Registration Start | 01 August 2025 |
| PG (LLM) | CLAT PG Registration Deadline | 31 October 2025 |
| PG (LLM) | CLAT PG Exam Date | 07 December 2025 |
| PG (LLM) | CLAT PG Counselling Start | December 2025 |
| PhD | Application Start | January 2026 |
| PhD | Entrance Test / Interview | January - February 2026 |
Nearest Attractions at HNLU
Swami Vivekananda Airport (Raipur Airport - RPR)
11 km
Pandri Bus Stand, Raipur
27.5 km
AIIMS Raipur
16.5 km
Raipur Junction (R)
22.5 km
Admission Process
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur admits students primarily through the CLAT entrance exam for its BA LLB (Hons) and LLM programmes, while Ph.D admissions require an All-India Ph.D entrance test and interview. Candidates must apply online and participate in counselling based on their entrance scores.
BA LLB (Hons) and LLM Admission
Steps to Apply
- Register and appear for the CLAT UG (for BA LLB) or CLAT PG (for LLM) entrance exam.
- Check the CLAT results and confirm if you meet the HNLU cutoff.
- Register for CLAT counselling and fill in HNLU as a preferred choice.
- Participate in the counselling rounds and wait for seat allotment.
- Accept the seat allotment and complete admission formalities by submitting documents and paying fees at HNLU campus.
Ph.D Admission
Steps to Apply
- Ensure eligibility with an LLM degree having at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
- Apply online on HNLU’s official website before the deadline (November 30, 2025).
- Appear for the All-India Ph.D entrance test at HNLU campus (exemptions for UGC NET/SLET qualified candidates).
- Present your research proposal and attend the interview before the Admission Committee.
- If selected, submit required documents and pay the admission fee to confirm your seat.
Eligibility Criteria & Fees
| Programme | Qualification | Entrance Exam | Min % | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons) | 10+2 from recognized board | CLAT UG | 45% | ₹1,20,000 |
| LLM | LLB or equivalent degree | CLAT PG | 55% | ₹1,50,000 |
| Ph.D Law | LLM with 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC) | All-India Ph.D Entrance Test | 55% | ₹50,000 |
Documents Required
- 10th and 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates
- CLAT Scorecard (for BA LLB and LLM applicants)
- LLB Degree and Mark Sheets (for LLM applicants)
- LLM Degree and Mark Sheets (for Ph.D applicants)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of Identity (Aadhar card, Passport, etc.)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Transfer Certificate and Migration Certificate
- Research Proposal (for Ph.D applicants)
Campus Facilities at HNLU
Auditorium
Conference Hall
Modern Lecture Theatres
Moot Court Hall (Multiple)
Seminar Halls
Guest House
ATM Facility
Laundry Services
Photocopy and Stationery Shop
Post Office
Accessibility Features
Access Control and Visitor Management
Canteen
Mess Facilities (Hostels)
Boys'' Hostels
Girls'' Hostels
Hostel Room Types
Legal Aid Clinic
Research Centers
Central Computer Centre
Wi-Fi Enabled Campus
Computer Lab
Language Lab
Central Library
Digital Library
Reading Rooms
Ambulance Service
Health Centre
Hostel Common Rooms
CCTV Surveillance System
Emergency Response Facilities
Security Guards
Badminton Court
Basketball Court
Gymnasium
Multi-purpose Playfield
Table Tennis Facility
Volleyball Court
Counselling Centre
Grievance Redressal Cell
Student Welfare Office
Bus Service
Parking Facilities
Cutoff 2025
The CLAT 2025 cutoff ranks for Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur show a competitive trend with the General category closing ranks for the BA LLB (Hons.) course ranging from 765 to 827 under the All India quota, while the Home State quota cutoff is higher, around 3770 to 4227. Reserved categories have higher cutoff ranks, reflecting reservation benefits and category-wise seat allocation. The LLM program cutoffs are also competitive, with the General category closing rank at 719 and higher ranks for reserved categories.
| Exam | Branch/Course | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT UG | BA LLB (Hons.) AI Quota | 765 - 827 | 2385 - 25168 | 7350 - 19843 | 9973 - 25912 | 2081 |
| CLAT UG | BA LLB (Hons.) HS Quota (Chhattisgarh) | 3770 - 4227 | 3949 - 6178 | 19843 - 35315 | 25912 - 41334 | 773 |
| CLAT PG | LLM | 719 - 11577 | 1813 - 3428 | 3500 - 5589 | 5000 - 10507 | – |
Student Reviews & Testimonials
Vesheh Patel
Nice with green campus a
Uday Pratap Singh
Location:- Primer law institute of Raipur , chhattisgarh located in Naya Raipur can be reached by Local AC bus service of NRDA. Consept:- HNLU is a Residential University and is sixth in the series of National Law Schools in India. HNLU has been included in the list of the Universities maintained by the University Grants Commission under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 and has been declared fit to receive Central assistance in terms of the rules framed under Section 12 (B) of the UGC Act, 1956. The university is recognized by the Bar Council of India under section 7 of the Advocates Act. Hon'ble Mr. Justice Arun Mishra, Judge, Supreme Court of India is the Visitor, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Thottathil Bhaskaran Nair Radhakrishnan, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh is the Chancellor and Prof. (Dr.) Sukh Pal Singh is the Vice-Chancellor of the University. "Dharma Sansthapanartham” (for the sake of establishing the primacy of the laws of eternal values) is the motto of Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, established by the Government of Chhattisgarh under the Hidayatullah National University of Law, Chhattisgarh, Act (Act No.10 of 2003).
Kailash Chauhan
THE PARALLEL UNIVERSE OF HNLU I was there for only seven months only because I was an L.L.M. student from the 2019-20 batch. The day of March 12, 2020, when we got the news that we have to leave the University, was the darkest of my life because I was having the best moments of my life at HNLU. There is a parallel universe at HNLU which is worth it to experience. One day I was studying in the library till 3 A.M. and I was so proud because that day I studied a lot. When I started to leave the library and outside the backdoor of the second floor of the library Rohit was studying on the chair. Rohit was a guard of 23 years of age, who was doing graduation and it was his exam on next day. I used to talk to the guards but it was just formal interaction. That day I talked to him asked about his life and family. At the next moment I felt so small after knowing the struggle and hard work he was up to, and the happiness and enthusiasm he was dealing with the life. This encounter hit me so hard and I started talking to other boys (guards) and It proved to be the most motivating and encouraging event of my life, after knowing their life struggle, which was way more difficult than mine and probably anyone of my classmates. Almost all of them were college students and we're doing part-time jobs at the night and used to go to college in the day. Some of them were the only bread earner in the families and managed all the different and hard life in such an altruistic and happy way. There is some more heart touching incidents with the Sweeper aunty who used to clean the boy's rooms. During the winter break after the first trimester, I was not able to go home because my home was too far and I was writing a research paper. For a week I was alone in the hostel, the mess was closed and one day the Aunty came and told " beta khane ki problem ho rhi hogi aapko, wese to main lower caste se hum fir bi agar aap chaaho to main ghr se khana le aaungi aapke liye pese nhi lenge). The way she talked and showed care was selfless. I started talking about their lives and families and leaned that everyone life is similar that si hard and full of problems and been carried out with utmost happiness, faith and positivity. After happening of these events I realised that there is a parallel universe in the University which is totally different then the world of student and their lives. Actually this parallel universe is everywhere, at your office or workplace, the only thing you need to do is to find these people. Now whenever I feel broken in my life I just just sneak to this parallel universe and talk to these people which work like a magical medicine for healing social problems. After I left my hometown Shimla I was living in New Delhi and NCR, I had very bad encounters as a civilian. After coming to HNLU and staying in Raipur during the COVID-19 lockdown, I regain my faith in humanity after experiencing the innocent people of the state and their divine and their divine way of living life.
Vipul Kumar
HNLU is university of national importance .One of the reputed institution in India located in smart city #Naya Raipur Chhattisgarh.Sophisticated bus service from Raipur Railway station to HNLU
Placements 2025
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur recorded a strong placement season for the Class of 2025, with 47 students accepting offers from top law firms and corporate recruiters. The highest packages ranged between ₹12 LPA and ₹16 LPA, while the average package stood between ₹6 LPA and ₹7 LPA, reflecting consistent demand from leading legal employers.
Placement Statistics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest Package | ₹16 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹6.5 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹6 LPA |
| Placement Rate | 70% |
| Students Placed | 47/67 |
| Companies Visited | 10+ |
Top Recruiters
IT: ICICI Bank, Flipkart
Consulting: KPMG, Deloitte, McKinsey & Co.
Core (Law Firms): AZB & Partners, Khaitan & Co., Trilegal, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Singh & Associates, QuisLex, Pangea3 LLC
Branch-wise Placement
| Branch | Highest | Average | %Placed |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | ₹16 LPA | ₹6.5 LPA | 70% |
Rankings & Accreditations
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, is consistently ranked among the top law universities in India, securing the 5th position in the India Today law college rankings for 2025 and maintaining a strong presence in the NIRF law rankings at 6th place. It also holds notable international recognition, ranking 46th globally for visionary leadership in the 2025 WURI rankings.
NIRF 2025
| Category | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Law | #6 | Not Disclosed |
Other Rankings
| Agency | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| India Today | #5 | 2025 |
| Outlook | #6 | 2025 |
| The Week | #6 | 2025 |
| WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation) | #46 (Global, Visionary Leadership) | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings (Law, Asia) | Top 400 Globally | 2025 |
Accreditations
- NAAC: Accredited (Grade not specified)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur offers a range of scholarships including merit-cum-means scholarships, reserved category scholarships, and government-funded schemes to support meritorious and financially needy students. These scholarships provide partial to full tuition fee waivers and stipends, with eligibility often linked to academic performance and family income limits.
Institute Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vice Chancellor Means cum Merit Scholarship | BA LL.B. (Hons.) Semester 3 onwards, CGPA ≥ 5, family income ≤ ₹7 lakh/year | 50% tuition fee waiver for up to 24 undergraduates and 6 postgraduates annually |
| Merit Scholarships based on CLAT rank | Top CLAT rank holders at HNLU | Up to 25% tuition fee waiver |
Government Scholarships
| Scheme | For | Amount | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-Class Education Scheme for SC Students | SC students with family income ≤ ₹8 lakh/year | Tuition, hostel fees, and maintenance allowance government norms | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students | ST students with family income ≤ ₹6 lakh/year | Full tuition fee, living expenses stipend, and reimbursements | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Chhattisgarh State Scholarships | Chhattisgarh domicile students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS categories | Partial tuition or living cost reimbursement | State Education Department Portal |
External Scholarships
- Aditya Birla Group Scholarship: Financial aid for students securing top 20 CLAT ranks among NLUs, selected through a multi-stage process including essays and interviews
- IDIA Sponsorship: Support for underprivileged students pursuing law at HNLU
Comparison
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur is compared with National Law University Jodhpur (NLUJ) and National Law University Odisha (NLUO) as they are prominent government National Law Universities in India with strong academic reputations, consistent NIRF rankings, and similar integrated law programs attracting CLAT aspirants.
| Parameter | Hidayatullah National Law University - [HNLU] Raipur | National Law University Jodhpur (NLUJ) | National Law University Odisha (NLUO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Government | Government | Government |
| Established | 2003 | 1999 | 2009 |
| NIRF 2025 | 31 | 10 (2022) | 26 |
| NAAC | A Grade | A Grade | A Grade |
| Fee (Total) | ₹6.00 Lakh | ₹7.00 Lakh | ₹5.50 Lakh |
| Highest Package | ₹20 LPA | ₹30 LPA | ₹18 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹6 LPA | ₹10 LPA | ₹5 LPA |
Key Strengths
- Hidayatullah National Law University - [HNLU] Raipur: Strong regional presence with consistent NAAC A grade accreditation and balanced fee structure, known for good placements and academic rigor.
- National Law University Jodhpur (NLUJ): Established reputation among top 10 NLUs with high NIRF ranking, excellent placement packages, and strong research output.
- National Law University Odisha (NLUO): Emerging NLU with competitive fees, good placement records, and growing academic and research profile.
Campus & Infrastructure
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) is situated in New Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on a serene 66-acre eco-sensitive campus designed to foster academic excellence and holistic development. The campus features a circular academic building inspired by the Indian Parliament, surrounded by lush greenery and a lake, providing a pollution-free environment with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity and air-conditioned classrooms.
Campus Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 66 acres |
| Location | New Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| Nearest Railway | Raipur Junction (22 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (approx. 25 km) |
Academic Facilities
- Library: Over 50,000 volumes with digital resources and a two-storied air-conditioned reading hall
- Labs: Computer lab with 24/7 internet and legal databases
- Classrooms: 21 air-conditioned smart classrooms equipped with DLP projectors and audio-visual aids
- Moot Court Halls: Supreme Court and High Court standard moot court halls with 150+ seating capacity
Hostel
| Type | Capacity | Fee/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Boys | 616 beds (single and double occupancy) | ₹60,000 approx. |
| Girls | 636 beds (single and double occupancy) | ₹60,000 approx. |
Other Facilities
- Sports Complex with facilities for badminton, basketball, cricket, football, volleyball, tennis, and a running track
- Gymnasium with modern fitness equipment
- Auditorium and amphitheater for cultural and academic events
- Guest house with air-conditioned rooms for visitors
- Wi-Fi enabled campus with 24/7 security and surveillance
- Cafeteria, utility center, bank, ATM, and medical center
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the BA LLB (Hons.) program at HNLU Raipur?
Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with at least 45% marks for General/OBC/PwD/NRI and 40% for SC/ST candidates. Admission is based on CLAT UG score followed by counseling and document verification.
Which entrance exams are accepted for admission to HNLU Raipur's law programs?
HNLU admits BA LLB students through CLAT UG and LLM students through CLAT PG. PhD admissions require clearing the university's own entrance test and interview, except for UGC NET/SLET qualified candidates.
What is the total fee structure for the five-year BA LLB (Hons.) course at HNLU Raipur?
The total fee for the full five-year BA LLB program ranges between ₹8.5 to ₹9 lakhs for Indian nationals, subject to revision by the university authorities.
Are scholarships or financial aid available at HNLU Raipur?
HNLU offers merit-cum-means scholarships and participates in government scholarship schemes. Specific details are provided during admission and on the official website.
What is the average and highest package offered to HNLU Raipur graduates in placements?
The average package for BA LLB graduates is ₹8 to ₹10 lakh per annum, with the highest package reaching ₹18 lakh per annum in recent placement cycles.
Which top recruiters visit HNLU Raipur for placements?
Leading law firms such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Trilegal, AZB, and corporates like Deloitte are among the top recruiters at HNLU Raipur.
What is the placement rate for the undergraduate law batch at HNLU Raipur?
Approximately 60% of registered BA LLB students secure placements, with around 45 to 50 students placed from a batch size of about 170.
What specializations or research areas are available in the LLM program at HNLU Raipur?
The one-year LLM program offers multiple legal research specializations, with admission based on CLAT PG scores and university-specific interviews.
How is the faculty quality and academic curriculum structured at HNLU Raipur?
HNLU follows Bar Council of India guidelines with a curriculum including major and minor papers, legal English, and law subjects. Faculty members are experienced in legal education and research.
What are the hostel facilities and rules at HNLU Raipur?
Hostels are residential with separate blocks for first-year and senior students. Air conditioners and certain appliances like refrigerators and microwaves are prohibited; portable air coolers are allowed.
How is the food quality and mess facility at HNLU Raipur?
The university provides mess facilities with regular menu options. Laundry services are available on campus, and the campus has provisions for indoor and outdoor sports.
What are the major student clubs and cultural events at HNLU Raipur?
HNLU hosts signature moot court competitions and cultural fests. Students actively participate in various clubs related to debating, sports, and legal research.
How safe is the campus and city environment for students at HNLU Raipur?
The university has an Anti-Ragging Committee and Internal Complaints Committee. Raipur city is well-connected, and the campus has medical facilities and security measures in place.
What are the transportation options for commuting to and from HNLU Raipur?
City buses run every 30 minutes from the university gate. HNLU also operates two 50-seater buses shuttling between campus and Raipur city. The airport is 15 minutes away by road.
Is there a dress code or laptop requirement for students at HNLU Raipur?
There is no strict dress code, but formal attire is encouraged for academic and official events. Students are advised to have laptops for academic work, though no mandatory specifications are imposed.
How does HNLU Raipur compare with other National Law Universities in terms of reputation and ROI?
Ranked 22nd by NIRF in 2025, HNLU is among the top 25 NLUs in India, offering strong placement packages and a good alumni network, making it a competitive choice with a solid return on investment.
What is the application process for foreign nationals and NRI candidates at HNLU Raipur?
Foreign nationals apply directly to HNLU university notifications, while NRI candidates must appear in CLAT under the respective category and then apply to HNLU with their CLAT scores.
Are part-time jobs or internships available for students during the course at HNLU Raipur?
HNLU encourages internships with law firms and corporates, coordinated by the Placement Cell. Part-time jobs on campus are limited due to the residential nature of the university.
What is the reservation policy for seats at HNLU Raipur?
Out of 180 BA LLB seats, reservations include SC (23), ST (33), OBC (23), NRI (8), Foreign Nationals (2), and special quotas for Kashmiri migrants and Jammu & Kashmir students, with 30% reservation for women.
