National Law University Odisha: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Cuttack Campus Life

About National Law University Odisha - [NLUO] Cuttack

National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack, was established by the National Law University Orissa Act and commenced academic activities in 2009; it is a state-established National Law University located in Cuttack, Odisha and functions as a public/state law university under the governance set out by its founding legislation and university authorities.

NLUO is recognised by the University Grants Commission and the Bar Council of India and is NAAC-accredited; the university offers integrated undergraduate law programmes (BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.)), postgraduate LL.M., and doctoral programmes, maintains an active research profile and participates in NIRF rankings.

Key Highlights

Parameter	Details
Full Name	National Law University Odisha
Established	2009
Type	State (Public) University
Affiliation	Autonomous National Law University established by State Legislature
Approved By	University Grants Commission; Bar Council of India
NAAC Grade	A+
NIRF 2025	#15 in NIRF Law Rankings
Campus	50 acres, Naraj/Cuttack, Odisha
Courses	Integrated UG (BA LL.B./BBA LL.B.), LL.M., Ph.D.
Popular Programmes	BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., Ph.D. in Law
Website	https://nluo.ac.in/

Admission Dates 2026

National Law University Odisha (NLUO) Cuttack conducts admissions primarily through CLAT for BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), and LLM programmes, with counselling following merit lists. MBA Healthcare Management and Law accepts XAT scores alongside CLAT, while the 3-year LLB uses NLUO's own NAIET entrance test. CLAT 2026 results drive UG and PG seat allotments via centralized counselling.

Programme	Event	Date
MBA Healthcare Management and Law	XAT Registration Deadline	11 Dec 2025
MBA Healthcare Management and Law	XAT Exam	04 Jan 2026
3-year LLB	Application Start	13 Feb 2026
3-year LLB	Application Deadline	20 Apr 2026
3-year LLB	NAIET Exam	11 May 2026

Admission Process

Admissions at National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack are through CLAT for the 5‑year integrated B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) and B.B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) programmes and through CLAT‑PG for LL.M., while the 3‑year LL.B. admits graduate candidates via the university’s NAIET (NLUO All‑India Entrance Test); NRI/FN seats follow separate direct-application procedures listed by the university.

5‑Year Integrated B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) & B.B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and sit for CLAT in the CLAT application window for the relevant year and obtain your CLAT rank.
2. Participate in CLAT seat allotment as per the CLAT consortium; if allotted to NLUO, follow the CLAT allotment instructions to accept the seat.
3. Complete NLUO ERP portal registration (STEP‑1) using CLAT allotment details and create your candidate account on the NLUO admissions ERP.
4. Report for document verification and pay the prescribed fees within the university deadlines (ERP prompts reporting/payment steps).
5. Submit any category/domicile/NRI documents if applicable and complete hostel/allotment formalities as instructed by NLUO.

LL.M. (Postgraduate) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for CLAT‑PG in the relevant application window and obtain your CLAT‑PG rank.
2. When NLUO is allotted via CLAT‑PG, register on the NLUO ERP portal and follow university instructions for reporting and document verification.
3. Pay fees and complete admission formalities within the timelines published by NLUO.

3‑Year LL.B. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online on the NLUO 3‑Year LL.B. admission portal when the NAIET/3‑Year LLB application is open and pay the application fee listed in the notification.
2. Appear for NAIET on the scheduled date and download your scorecard from the NLUO portal after results are declared.
3. Register for online counselling on the NLUO ERP, attend document verification as scheduled, and accept the allotted seat by payment of admission fees.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Programme	Qualification	Entrance Exam	Min %	Fees (per year)
5‑Year B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) / B.B.A.LL.B.(Hons.)	10+2 or equivalent	CLAT	45% (General)
LL.M.	LL.B. or equivalent law degree	CLAT‑PG	50%

Cutoff 2025

NLUO Cuttack CLAT 2025 cutoffs for BA LLB (Hons) show General All India closing ranks at 1013 (last round) from 943 (round 1), with Home State at 1913; BBA LLB (Hons) General All India at 1034 and Home State at 3066. SC closing ranks reach 7247 for BA LLB and ST up to 12108 in round 2, reflecting competitive admission through Consortium of NLUs counselling.

Exam	Branch/Course	General	OBC	SC	ST	EWS
CLAT	BA LLB (Hons) All India	943-1013		6557	11889
CLAT	BA LLB (Hons) Home State	1913
CLAT	BBA LLB (Hons) All India	1034		7711	12684
CLAT	BBA LLB (Hons) Home State	3066
CLAT	BA LLB (Hons) Round 2	1007		7247	12108
CLAT	LLM	1358

Placements 2025

National Law University Odisha (NLUO) Cuttack achieved 50 placements out of 80 participating students from the graduating 5-year LLB batch, recording a highest package by Saraf & Partners and an average package. Recruiters included top law firms like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Argus Partners alongside corporates, PSUs, and policy think tanks.

Placement Statistics

Parameter	Value
Highest Package	(Saraf & Partners)
Average Package
Median Package
Placement Rate
Students Placed	50/80

Top Recruiters

Consulting: Varahe Analytics

Core: Saraf & Partners, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Argus Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, IndusLaw, Khaitan & Co, Trilegal, JSA, Luthra and Luthra Law Offices

Rankings & Accreditations

National Law University Odisha (NLUO) Cuttack secured #15 in NIRF 2025 Law category with a score of 63.66 and #7 in India Today 2025 Law rankings. These positions reflect strong performance among top law institutions in India.

NIRF 2025

Category	Rank	Score
Law	#15	63.66/100

Other Rankings

Agency	Rank	Year
India Today	#7	2025

Scholarships & Financial Aid

National Law University Odisha (NLUO) provides merit-cum-means scholarships to undergraduate students from the second year, offering annually for those with family income below and strong academic performance. Students can access National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes like Top Class Education for ST students, covering full tuition up to plus living expenses. Work-aid options such as library positions allow earning while learning based on merit and need.

Institute Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
Undergraduate Merit-cum-Means Scholarship	Family income ≤ /year; academic merit from second year	/year
Earning While Learning (Library Work-Aid)	Financial need; merit-based selection at semester start	Remuneration set by University

Government Scholarships

Scheme	For	Amount	Portal
National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students (Top Class)	Meritorious ST students in notified institutes	Full tuition ≤ + living allowance + laptop	NSP

Comparison

National Law University Odisha (NLUO) is commonly compared with other National Law Universities of similar NIRF band and regional profile — here I compare NLUO with Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow because all three are government NLUs with comparable NIRF placements in 2025 and attract CLAT applicants from similar regions.These institutions are peer NLUs (government-run, CLAT-based admissions) that occupy neighboring positions in NIRF 2025 law rankings and are frequently considered together by applicants from eastern and northern India.

Parameter	National Law University Odisha - [NLUO] Cuttack	Chanakya National Law University - CNLU Patna	Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University - RMLNLU Lucknow
Type	Govt	Govt	Govt
Established	2009	2006	2005
NIRF 2025	#15 (Score 63.66)	#17 (Score 62.40)	#21 (Score 60.12)
NAAC	A+	A	A
Fee (Total)
Highest Package
Average Package

Key Strengths

• National Law University Odisha - [NLUO] Cuttack: Strong recent NIRF improvement and rising perception, solid campus infrastructure and active research/clinical programmes.
• Chanakya National Law University - CNLU Patna: Established regional reputation for litigation and judiciary-focused training with growing corporate placements.
• Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya NLU - RMLNLU Lucknow: Large alumni base in public sector and judiciary, consistent recruitment from central/state legal departments.

Campus & Infrastructure

National Law University Odisha (NLUO) in Cuttack spans 50 acres near Naraj, offering a green campus with modern academic blocks, hostels, and sports facilities amid scenic surroundings. The infrastructure supports rigorous legal education through air-conditioned classrooms, Asia's largest law library, and extensive amenities like a 1000-seater amphitheatre.

Campus Details

Parameter	Details
Area	50 acres
Location	Cuttack, Odisha
Nearest Railway	Cuttack Junction (15 km)

Academic Facilities

• Library: Asia's biggest law library, 4 floors, centralized AC
• Labs: 2 labs (Computer Lab, Language Lab)
• Classrooms: Air-conditioned classrooms

Hostel

Type	Capacity	Fee/Year
Boys	490 beds (2 hostels)
Girls	270 beds (2 hostels)

Other Facilities

• Sports Complex: Badminton Court, Basketball Court, Cricket Ground, Tennis Court, Volleyball Court, Table Tennis, Football Ground
• Gym: Gymnasium
• Auditorium: 1000-seater amphitheatre
• Cafeteria: 3 canteens
• Moot Court Hall: Dedicated moot court hall

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility and seat matrix for the 5-year B.A. LL.B (Hons) and B.B.A. LL.B (Hons) programmes?

Admission to both 5‑year programmes is through CLAT; NLUO offered 180 seats for B.A. LL.B (Hons) and 60 seats for B.B.A. LL.B (Hons) in 2025 with category-wise and Odisha‑domicile horizontal reservations as per the official seat matrix published by the university.

Do I need CLAT to apply for the 3‑year LL.B at NLUO or is there a separate test?

Yes; NLUO conducts a separate 3‑year LL.B entrance (NAIET) and admissions are based on NAIET scores and the university’s counselling process as specified in the 2025 admissions notification.

What are the tuition and annual fees for a domestic B.A. LL.B student (regular category)?

For regular domestic students the official fee components total around per annum for some categories in recent prospectus figures, inclusive of tuition, facilities and hostel components where applicable; exact yearly tuition breakup is available in the NLUO prospectus.

How much do international or NRI students pay at NLUO for UG programmes?

NLUO lists tuition for FN/NRI category students in recent prospectus figures as USD – per annum depending on category, plus facilities and hostel charges in INR; the prospectus gives the precise USD/INR amounts and total payable fees.

Are scholarships and fee waivers available; how do I apply?

NLUO awards merit‑based and need‑based scholarships and fee concessions as per university policy; students must apply through the university’s scholarship office or ERP portal with income and supporting documents when notified each academic year.

What is the average and highest package at NLUO during recent placement cycles?

NLUO’s placement reports show strong recruitment by top law firms and corporates; recent cycles reported multiple high domestic packages in the range typical for top NLUs and over 700+ internship/placement recruitments, while exact highest and average package numbers are published in the university’s placement report each year.

Which law firms, corporates and judicial internships recruit regularly from NLUO?

NLUO’s placement lists include major national law firms, corporate legal teams and public sector recruiters along with judicial internships and NGO placements; the official placement brochure names specific recruiters for each cycle.

What is NLUO’s moot court and clinical/legal aid culture like?

NLUO maintains an active mooting culture with a state‑of‑the‑art moot courtroom and multiple centres (IP, Maritime, Disaster Management, Disability Law, Mediation) that run moots, legal aid camps and client counselling projects as listed on the university website and brochure.

How experienced is the faculty and what is the student‑faculty ratio?

NLUO’s faculty includes academically qualified professors and practicing lawyers with research centres; specific faculty profiles and the student‑faculty ratio are published on the official NLUO website and academic prospectus for the latest year.

Is hostel accommodation single or double occupancy and what are the fees?

Hostel rooms are provided with basic furniture; first‑year intake is typically double occupancy with single rooms available in higher years; hostel fees have been listed around per annum and refundable deposits as per the prospectus.

What are mess charges and how is food run on campus?

Mess operates on a student‑managed model with four meals daily; mess costs reported in recent student information approximate per semester, with semester menus and dues managed via hostel/mess committees.

How safe is the NLUO campus and what security measures exist?

NLUO is a residential campus with 24/7 guarded hostel blocks, campus security and on‑campus medical facilities; detailed safety protocols and contact numbers are listed by the university for students and visitors.

What transport and connectivity options exist between Cuttack city and the Naraj campus?

NLUO provides institutional transportation for students and staff; Naraj campus is near Cuttack’s western periphery with local transport links to the city—students commonly use university buses and local autos for off‑campus travel.

Does NLUO require a laptop and what are IT facilities on campus?

Students are advised to have a personal laptop for coursework; campus offers Wi‑Fi, computer labs and e‑library access with smart classrooms and AV equipment as described in the university facilities page.

Are there rules on dress code, attendance and disciplinary regulations I should know?

NLUO enforces an attendance requirement and a code of conduct/disciplinary rules detailed in the student handbook and admissions instructions; the ERP portal and prospectus publish attendance percentages required for examinations and disciplinary procedures.

How active are student clubs, cultural fests and sports at NLUO?

NLUO hosts cultural fests, sports tournaments and student societies (debate, drama, music, sports, legal clinics); the university’s events calendar and Centre listings show annual fests and inter‑university competitions organized on campus.

What is the procedure and timeline for CLAT counselling and NLUO seat acceptance?

CLAT counselling follows Consortium schedules; after CLAT seat allotment students must complete NLUO ERP registration, document verification and pay admission fees within deadlines published in the university’s admission instructions for that year.

Can I do part‑time work or internships while studying at NLUO?

Students regularly undertake legal internships, research assistantships and approved part‑time roles; internship credits and policies are governed by academic rules—students must inform the placement or academic office and follow university internship guidelines.

How does NLUO compare to other NLUs in terms of NIRF ranking and ROI?

NLUO is ranked among India’s top law universities in recent NIRF lists; the official NIRF and university placement/fee data should be used to compute ROI, combining average placement figures with published annual fee structures.

What support does NLUO offer for higher studies (LL.M/Ph.D.) and research opportunities?

NLUO offers LL.M, MPhil and Ph.D. programmes with dedicated research centres, supervised doctoral committees and a Research Entrance Test (NLUORET) for Ph.D. admissions; research funding/assistantships are announced via the university’s academic office.

How strict are campus anti‑ragging and grievance redressal mechanisms?

NLUO enforces an anti‑ragging policy with mandatory affidavits, an internal complaints committee and grievance redressal channels; procedures and committee contacts are published on the university website and admission instructions.