Himachal Pradesh National Law University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Shimla Campus Life

About Himachal Pradesh National Law University - [HPNLU] Shimla

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla, established in 2016, is a public National Law University located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It was founded by the State Government through an act of the legislature and is governed by the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. HPNLU is affiliated with the University Grants Commission and recognized by the Bar Council of India.

HPNLU holds a NAAC accreditation and secured the 34th rank in the NIRF 2025 law university rankings. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in law, with approximately 800 undergraduate and 128 postgraduate students, supported by a dedicated faculty. It is known for its academic rigor, research contributions, and active engagement in legal education and scholarship.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla admission for UG and PG law courses is based on CLAT 2026 scores. The CLAT 2026 exam will be held on December 7, 2025, with registration closing on October 31, 2025. Admission processes include application submission, counselling, seat allotment, document verification, and fee payment.

Admission Process

Admission to Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla is primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. Candidates must apply online, participate in CLAT counseling, and complete document verification and fee payment to secure admission.

BA LLB / BBA LLB Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for the CLAT UG exam through the official CLAT Consortium website.
2. Check the CLAT merit list and participate in the counseling process conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
3. Fill out the HPNLU online application form available on the university website after CLAT results.
4. Submit required documents and pay the application fee as specified by HPNLU.
5. Complete seat allocation formalities based on CLAT rank and counseling results.
6. Undergo document verification at HPNLU and pay the admission fees to confirm enrollment.

LLM Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for the CLAT PG exam through the official CLAT Consortium website.
2. Check the CLAT PG merit list and participate in the counseling process.
3. Apply online on the HPNLU website with required documents and application fee.
4. Complete seat allocation and document verification at HPNLU.
5. Pay the admission fees to confirm admission.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the HPNLU official website and fill out the MBA application form.
2. Submit required academic and entrance exam documents as specified by HPNLU.
3. Pay the application fee online.
4. Wait for shortlisting and participate in any further selection rounds if applicable.
5. Complete document verification and fee payment to confirm admission.

PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Check eligibility and submit the PhD application form on the HPNLU website.
2. Appear for the HPNLU entrance test unless exempted by UGC NET/JRF qualification.
3. Attend the personal interview conducted by HPNLU.
4. Complete document verification and pay fees upon selection.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• 10+2 Marksheet and Certificate (for UG programs)
• Undergraduate Degree Certificate and Marksheet (for PG and PhD)
• CLAT UG/PG Scorecard (for BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM)
• Entrance exam scorecard for MBA (if applicable)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/EWS) if applicable
• ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Migration and Transfer Certificates
• Passport size photographs

Cutoff 2025

The CLAT 2025 cutoff ranks for Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla show a moderate increase compared to 2024, reflecting growing competition and demand. The BA LLB (Hons.) program remains the most preferred, with general category closing ranks for All India quota around 2555 and for Himachal Pradesh state quota around 6486. The BBA LLB (Hons.) cutoff ranks are slightly higher, indicating fewer seats or higher demand. Cutoffs vary significantly by category and quota, with reserved categories having higher closing ranks.

Rankings & Accreditations

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, is ranked 34th in the NIRF 2025 Law category, reflecting its growing stature among national law universities. No other major ranking agencies have published a ranking for HPNLU in 2025.

NIRF 2025

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla offers Merit-cum-Means scholarships to meritorious and deserving students with family income below ₹6,00,000 per annum. The university facilitates various government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal and state government schemes, supporting students financially based on merit and income criteria.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

Comparison

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla is compared with National Law Institute University (NLIU) Bhopal and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) Lucknow as these are prominent National Law Universities (NLUs) with similar government status, established within the last two decades, and are frequently chosen by law aspirants for their strong academic reputation and placement records.

Key Strengths

• Himachal Pradesh National Law University - [HPNLU] Shimla: Strong focus on integrated legal education with global exposure and continuous industry interaction, ranked 34th in NIRF 2025 with a high highest package of ₹16 LPA.
• National Law Institute University (NLIU) Bhopal: Established legacy since 1997 with consistent NIRF ranking in top 30 NLUs, strong alumni network, and balanced academic and placement records.
• Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) Lucknow: Known for robust research culture and good placement outcomes, ranked 21st in NIRF 2025, with comparatively lower fees and steady industry connections.

Campus & Infrastructure

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla is located at Ghandal, approximately 22 km from Shimla city on the Shimla-Mandi National Highway (NH-205). The campus is set in a scenic hilly terrain and is Wi-Fi enabled, featuring modern academic and residential facilities designed to support a comprehensive legal education environment.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Rich collection including books, law journals, periodicals, and digital resources such as Manupatra and SSC Online
• Labs: Computer lab with modern IT infrastructure
• Classrooms: Multiple smart classrooms equipped with audio-visual aids

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Gymnasium (state-of-the-art, currently under construction on campus)
• Auditorium with seating capacity planned for 1000 (under development)
• Moot Court facility on campus
• Cafeteria providing hygienic food
• Wi-Fi enabled campus including hostels
• Transport facilities including university vehicles and access to HRTC bus services
• Security with CCTV cameras
• Indoor games facilities (table tennis, chess, carrom)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for BA LLB admission at HPNLU Shimla?

Candidates must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) and qualify the CLAT UG exam. The total seat intake for BA LLB is 120.

How can I apply for admission to HPNLU Shimla?

Applicants must register and apply online through the official HPNLU or CLAT website, submit required documents, pay application fees, and participate in seat allocation based on CLAT merit.

What is the fee structure for the BA LLB program at HPNLU Shimla?

The tuition and hostel fees are integrated, with hostel mandatory for first-year students. Exact fees vary yearly but are competitive among NLUs; mess fees are optional if living off-campus.

Are scholarships or financial aid available at HPNLU Shimla?

HPNLU offers scholarships based on merit and reserved category relaxations, including 5% marks relaxation for SC/ST candidates. Education loans can be availed through banks with university documentation.

What is the placement scenario at HPNLU Shimla?

HPNLU Shimla has a growing placement record with recruiters from law firms, corporates, and judiciary sectors. Average packages range around ₹4-6 lakh per annum, with top offers higher depending on the year.

Which companies or law firms recruit from HPNLU Shimla?

Recruiters include prominent law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. The university also facilitates internships with courts and legal NGOs for practical exposure.

What specializations or courses does HPNLU Shimla offer?

HPNLU offers integrated UG courses like BA LLB and BBA LLB, LLM programs, and PhD research in law with specializations in constitutional law, corporate law, and human rights.

How experienced is the faculty at HPNLU Shimla?

The faculty comprises experienced professors and legal scholars with expertise in various law domains, actively involved in research and publications to enhance academic quality.

What are the library and research facilities at HPNLU Shimla?

The university has a state-of-the-art library with extensive printed and digital legal resources, journals, and e-databases to support research and academic study.

What hostel facilities are available for students at HPNLU Shimla?

There is one official hostel building with furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, common bathrooms, and a centralized mess. Additional hostels are under construction; currently, some students stay in rented accommodations nearby.

How is the food quality in the HPNLU Shimla mess?

The mess provides four meals daily with a fixed menu including chapati, dal, and sabji. Breakfast is generally praised, while dinner quality varies; nearby eateries offer alternatives.

What extracurricular activities and clubs are active on campus?

HPNLU promotes holistic development through student-driven clubs organizing seminars, moot courts, cultural fests, and sports activities including cricket, volleyball, and indoor games.

Is the campus safe and secure for students?

The campus and hostels have CCTV surveillance and security guards. Separate hostels for boys and girls ensure safety, and medical emergency services are available via an ambulance and nearby hospital.

What is the daily commute like for students at HPNLU Shimla?

The university provides a bus fleet for transportation between hostels and campus. Hostels are located off-campus due to terrain, requiring daily shuttle services or walking.

Are part-time jobs or internships available for students during the course?

While part-time jobs are limited due to the university’s location, students actively engage in internships with law firms, courts, and NGOs facilitated by the university’s placement cell.

Is there a dress code for students at HPNLU Shimla?

HPNLU follows a formal dress code during classes and moot court sessions, typically requiring business attire to maintain professional standards.

How does HPNLU Shimla compare with other NLUs in terms of reputation?

HPNLU Shimla is recognized for its serene environment and growing academic excellence, ranking among newer NLUs with a focus on research and practical legal training.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying at HPNLU Shimla?

With moderate fees and decent placement packages averaging ₹4-6 lakh per annum, HPNLU Shimla offers a good ROI, especially considering its growing reputation and infrastructure development.

How active is the alumni network of HPNLU Shimla?

The alumni network is expanding, with graduates placed in reputed law firms, judiciary, and academia, contributing to mentorship and networking opportunities for current students.

Does HPNLU Shimla provide adequate Wi-Fi and digital facilities for students?

The entire campus and hostels are Wi-Fi enabled with smart classrooms and computer labs to support digital learning and research activities.