Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Nagpur Campus Life

About Maharashtra National Law University - [MNLU] Nagpur

Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur (MNLU Nagpur) is a public National Law University established in 2016 by the Government of Maharashtra under the Maharashtra National Law University Act. Located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, it is the second National Law University in the state and operates as a state university with the Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) as its governing institution.

MNLU Nagpur is recognized by the Bar Council of India and the University Grants Commission (UGC). It holds a NAAC grade of A and is ranked 28th among law universities in India by NIRF 2025. The university offers integrated undergraduate B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), postgraduate LL.M., and Ph.D. programmes, with a student strength of around 500 and a dedicated faculty team. It is noted for its modern infrastructure development and a focus on research and legal education excellence.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Nagpur admissions for the 5-year integrated BA LLB (Hons) and LLM programmes are based on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) UG and PG scores. The CLAT 2026 exam is scheduled for December 7, 2025, with application and counselling processes aligned accordingly. PhD admissions require the All India Entrance Test (AIET).

Admission Process

Admission to Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Nagpur for undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes is based on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) scores, while PhD admissions require the All India Entrance Test (AIET). Candidates must apply online through the CLAT portal and participate in counselling for seat allocation.

BA LLB (Hons) / BBA LLB (Hons) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply for the CLAT exam on the official CLAT website.
2. Appear for the CLAT exam conducted offline.
3. Check CLAT results and meet the cut-off criteria for MNLU Nagpur.
4. Participate in the CLAT counselling process for seat allotment.
5. Confirm admission by paying the required fees and reporting to MNLU Nagpur.

LLM Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply and appear for the CLAT PG exam through the official CLAT portal.
2. Check the CLAT PG results and meet the cut-off for MNLU Nagpur.
3. Participate in counselling and seat allotment based on merit.
4. Pay the admission fees and complete the admission formalities at the university.

PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply for the All India Entrance Test (AIET) conducted by MNLU Nagpur.
2. Submit a research proposal and appear for the personal interview/viva-voce.
3. Candidates qualifying UGC NET/JRF/CSIR/SLET/GATE/M.Phil are exempted from AIET and directly appear for interview.
4. Receive admission offer and pay the fees to confirm the seat.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Entrance exam scorecard (CLAT or AIET)
• Character certificate
• Transfer certificate
• Migration certificate
• ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
• Graduation and post-graduation mark sheets and certificates (for PG and PhD)
• Passport size photographs

Cutoff 2025

The CLAT 2025 cutoff ranks for Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Nagpur show a slightly improving trend compared to previous years, with general category closing ranks for BA LLB (Hons.) around 1529. The cutoffs vary across categories and rounds, reflecting competition and seat availability. The university offers both BA LLB (Hons.) and BBA LLB (Hons.) programs with distinct cutoff ranks for each category and quota.

Placements 2025

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Nagpur recorded a placement rate of approximately 77% for its undergraduate batch in 2025, with 81 out of 105 students placed. The median package stood at ₹7.64 LPA, while the highest package ranged between ₹15 LPA and ₹20 LPA, offered by top-tier law firms such as Trilegal, Khaitan, and Anagram. The university continues to strengthen its placement ecosystem through internships, pre-placement offers, and skill development initiatives.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

Law Firms: Trilegal, Khaitan, Anagram

Others: Various corporate legal departments, government agencies, and judiciary internships

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur (MNLU Nagpur) is ranked 28th among law universities in India the NIRF 2025 rankings. It is recognized as a reputable National Law University with consistent presence in top law school rankings nationally.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Grade A (Valid till 2027)
• NBA: Not specified for MNLU Nagpur

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Nagpur offers merit- and need-based scholarships including the prestigious Shri Ram Jethmalani Scholarship and financial aid for needy students. Additionally, Maharashtra domicile students receive a 25% tuition fee concession, and various government scholarships for reserved categories are accessible through the National Scholarship Portal.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Ram Jethmalani Scholarship Fund: ₹1 crore fund supporting merit students at MNLU Nagpur

Comparison

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Nagpur is compared with National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) and NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad as these are prominent National Law Universities in India with strong academic reputations, consistent NIRF rankings, and similar program offerings in legal education.

Key Strengths

• Maharashtra National Law University - [MNLU] Nagpur: Strong regional presence with growing research output and good industry connections in central India.
• National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi): Premier law university with top NIRF rank, excellent faculty, and highest placement packages among NLUs.
• NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad: Established reputation with strong alumni network, high academic standards, and consistent top-tier placements.

Campus & Infrastructure

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Nagpur is located in Waranga, Butibori, Nagpur, Maharashtra, with a sprawling campus under phased construction designed to accommodate 3,500 students and faculty. The campus features modern academic buildings, hostels, and amenities, including a man-made lake and an amphitheatre, aiming to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for legal education.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Over 35,000 legal titles, access to physical and virtual legal databases
• Labs: Not specified with exact number
• Classrooms: 42 lecture theatres with ICT embedded

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Two 200-seater conference halls
• Two 100-seater seminar halls
• 300-seating capacity amphitheatre with lake backdrop
• Man-made lake of approximately five acres
• Distance and virtual education studios (2)
• Hostel for LGBT community (planned)

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are required for admission to MNLU Nagpur's undergraduate law programs?

Admission to MNLU Nagpur's UG programs like B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and BBA LL.B. (Hons.) is based solely on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) scores. Candidates must clear CLAT and participate in the counseling process to secure admission.

What is the eligibility criteria for the LLM program at MNLU Nagpur?

Candidates must hold a 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB degree from a recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST). Admission is based on CLAT PG scores and counseling.

How many seats are available for the BA LL.B. program at MNLU Nagpur?

The university offers 120 seats for the 5-year integrated BA LL.B. (Hons.) program, with reservations government norms including 13% for Scheduled Castes of Maharashtra.

What is the fee structure for the undergraduate and postgraduate courses at MNLU Nagpur?

The exact fee varies yearly, but the university fee can be paid online via the ERP portal. Scholarships and fee concessions are available for reserved categories and meritorious students university policy.

Are there scholarship opportunities available at MNLU Nagpur?

MNLU Nagpur offers scholarships based on merit and reserved category status. Additionally, students can apply for government scholarships and education loans to support their studies.

What is the placement scenario at MNLU Nagpur?

MNLU Nagpur has a dedicated Internship Committee facilitating placements with law firms, corporate houses, NGOs, and advocates. Placement rates are improving with top recruiters visiting annually, though exact package figures vary by year.

Which companies or law firms recruit from MNLU Nagpur?

Recruiters include reputed law firms, corporate legal departments, NGOs, and government agencies. The university's strong industry connections help students secure internships and job offers.

Does MNLU Nagpur provide internship opportunities during the course?

Yes, the curriculum mandates regular internships till Semester IX and a six-month judicial apprenticeship in Semester X, ensuring practical exposure alongside academics.

What specializations or research areas does MNLU Nagpur offer?

MNLU Nagpur offers specializations in areas like Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law, and Forensic Science. The university encourages research through its PhD program and faculty-led projects.

How experienced is the faculty at MNLU Nagpur?

The university has around 16 faculty members with expertise in diverse legal fields, many holding doctoral degrees and actively engaged in research and publications.

What is the campus life like at MNLU Nagpur?

The 60-acre campus offers hostel accommodation, a student bar council, various clubs, and organizes cultural and legal fests. The campus is located in Butibori, Nagpur, providing a safe and vibrant environment.

Are hostel accommodations compulsory for first-year students at MNLU Nagpur?

Hostel accommodation is available but not compulsory. The university provides separate hostels for boys and girls with modern amenities and security measures.

What are the food and mess facilities on campus?

The university mess offers hygienic and diverse food options catering to different dietary preferences, managed under student supervision to maintain quality and affordability.

Is ragging an issue at MNLU Nagpur?

Ragging is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. The university has an Anti-Ragging Committee and monitors compliance rigorously to ensure student safety.

What is the dress code at MNLU Nagpur?

The university enforces a formal dress code for academic and official events, typically including formal shirts, trousers, and blazers for students during classes and presentations.

Can students pursue part-time jobs while studying at MNLU Nagpur?

While the university encourages focus on academics and internships, students may pursue part-time jobs outside campus with prior permission, balancing work and study responsibly.

How accessible is MNLU Nagpur in terms of commute and transport?

The campus is located near Butibori, Nagpur, well connected by road. Public transport and university shuttle services facilitate easy commute for day scholars and staff.

How does MNLU Nagpur compare with other National Law Universities in terms of reputation?

MNLU Nagpur is recognized as one of the newer NLUs with growing academic and research credentials. It is steadily improving its ranking and industry connections compared to older NLUs.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying law at MNLU Nagpur?

With moderate fees, good placement support, and strong academic programs, MNLU Nagpur offers a competitive ROI, especially for students aiming for careers in law firms, judiciary, and corporate sectors.

Does MNLU Nagpur have an active alumni network?

The university is building its alumni network actively, with graduates placed in reputed law firms and organizations, facilitating mentorship and career guidance for current students.