Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Patiala Campus Life

About Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law - [RGNUL] Patiala

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), established in 2006, is a public law university located in Patiala, Punjab. It was founded by the Punjab State Legislature under the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Punjab Act, 2006, and functions as an autonomous National Law University with affiliation to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approval from the Bar Council of India (BCI).

RGNUL holds an 'A' grade accreditation from NAAC and is ranked 24th among law universities in India by NIRF 2025. The university offers key programs including a five-year integrated B.A. LL.B (Honours), one-year LL.M., and Ph.D. courses, with a student strength of around 1,000 and a well-qualified faculty. It is recognized for its research centers and strong academic infrastructure, contributing significantly to legal education and research in India.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) Patiala admission for undergraduate (BA LLB Hons) and postgraduate (LLM) programs is based on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 scores. The university also conducts its own entrance exam followed by an interview for Ph.D. admissions. The CLAT 2026 application process opens in August 2025 and the exam is scheduled for December 7, 2025, with subsequent counselling and seat allotment processes.

Admission Process

Admission to Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) Patiala is primarily based on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) scores for undergraduate (BA LLB Hons) and postgraduate (LLM) programmes. Ph.D. admissions are conducted through a university-level entrance exam followed by an interview. Foreign nationals and NRIs have a separate application process.

BA LLB (Hons) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for the CLAT UG exam through the official CLAT website.
2. Check CLAT results and participate in the centralized counselling process.
3. Select RGNUL Patiala as your preferred choice during counselling registration.
4. Attend document verification at RGNUL after seat allotment.
5. Pay the admission fee to confirm your seat at RGNUL.

LLM Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for the CLAT PG exam through the official CLAT website.
2. Check CLAT PG results and participate in the counselling process.
3. Select RGNUL Patiala as your preferred choice during counselling registration.
4. Complete document verification at RGNUL after seat allotment.
5. Pay the admission fee to confirm your seat.

Ph.D. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Obtain the Ph.D. entrance exam application form from RGNUL’s official website.
2. Fill and submit the application form along with the required fee.
3. Appear for the university-conducted Ph.D. entrance exam.
4. Attend the interview if shortlisted based on the entrance exam score.
5. Complete document verification and pay fees to confirm admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• CLAT scorecard (for UG and PG admissions)
• LLB degree certificate and mark sheets (for LLM admission)
• Ph.D. entrance exam admit card and result (for Ph.D. admission)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of age (birth certificate or equivalent)
• Passport and NRI status proof (for foreign nationals and NRIs)
• Photographs and identity proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, etc.)

Cutoff 2025

The CLAT 2025 cutoff ranks for Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) Patiala show a consistent trend with slight fluctuations compared to previous years. The general category cutoff for the BA LLB (Hons.) program in the All India quota ranged from an opening rank of 565 to a closing rank of 1279 across multiple rounds. The home state quota cutoff ranks are higher, reflecting reservation benefits for Punjab candidates. Cutoffs for reserved categories such as SC and ST are significantly higher, indicating relaxed rank requirements under reservation policies.

Placements 2025

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) Patiala a strong placement performance in 2025, with around 60-70% of students placed. The highest package reached ₹22 LPA, while the average package ranged between ₹10-15 LPA. Top law firms and corporate recruiters actively participated in the campus placements, reflecting the university's growing industry connections.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

Law Firms: Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, Trilegal, L&L Partners, Wadia Ghandy & Co, IndusLaw, Luthra & Luthra

Corporate: Ernst & Young (EY), HDFC Bank, Bajaj Allianz, Mercedes-Benz India, Thomson Reuters

Others: Bombay Law Chambers, Link Legal Services

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) Patiala is consistently ranked among the top law universities in India, securing a position within the top 25 in the NIRF Law category for 2025. It holds a strong regional standing as the top law university in Punjab and is recognized by multiple national ranking agencies including India Today and Outlook, where it ranks within the top 10 law schools nationally.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A Grade (Valid till 2027)
• UGC: Recognized
• BCI: Approved

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) Patiala offers a variety of scholarships to support meritorious, economically weaker, SC/ST, and differently-abled students. The university provides full tuition fee waivers to top rankers and SC/ST students, along with need-based financial aid and government scholarships accessible via the National Scholarship Portal.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Aditya Birla Scholarship: ₹1,00,000+ for meritorious students selected through a multi-stage process including academic and co-curricular assessment
• IDIA Sponsorship: Financial support for underprivileged students pursuing law

Comparison

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) Patiala is compared with National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) and NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad as they are prominent government law universities consistently ranked among the top NLUs in India, offering similar integrated law programs and recognized for their academic excellence and research contributions.

Key Strengths

• Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law - [RGNUL] Patiala: Strong research focus with 17 specialized research centers and consistent top 25 NIRF ranking in law education.
• National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi): Premier law university with top NIRF ranking (#2), excellent faculty, and strong industry connections leading to highest placement packages.
• NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad: Established reputation with robust academic programs, high research output, and strong alumni network in judiciary and corporate sectors.

Campus & Infrastructure

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) Patiala is situated on a sprawling 47.3-acre campus at Sidhuwal, Bhadson Road, Patiala, Punjab. The residential campus features modern academic and administrative blocks, extensive sports facilities, and fully air-conditioned hostels, all connected by well-maintained roads and lush green landscaping.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Over 40,000 volumes, 80+ periodicals, digital access to Lexis Nexis India, Manupatra, Westlaw India, SCC Online, Hein Online, and more
• Labs: 3 fully air-conditioned computer labs with 136 computers (HP, Apple, Dell)
• Classrooms: Smart classrooms equipped with audio-visual systems, projectors, speakers, and microphones
• Moot Court Hall: Capacity of 150+, fully equipped

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports Complex with facilities for football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, badminton, lawn tennis, table tennis, racing track, and throwball
• Gymnasium equipped with modern fitness machines including treadmills, cross trainers, spin bikes, and weight lifting equipment
• Auditorium with latest audio-visual equipment
• University Health Centre with 24-hour medical facilities including indoor admissions and minor operations
• Cafeteria and mess with diverse food options
• Facility area including SBI bank branch, India Post office, laundry, parlor, fruit shop, and stationery/book shop
• Wi-Fi enabled campus including hostels and academic blocks
• Guest House and VVIP Guest House for visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exam scores are required for admission to RGNUL Patiala?

Admission to RGNUL Patiala is primarily through the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test). Candidates must meet the CLAT cutoff scores, which vary yearly based on competition and category.

What is the eligibility criteria for the BA LLB program at RGNUL?

Applicants must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) and qualify CLAT to be eligible for the BA LLB program at RGNUL.

What is the total annual fee for the BA LLB course at RGNUL?

The annual tuition fee for BA LLB at RGNUL is approximately ₹1,50,000, excluding hostel and mess charges.

Are scholarships available for students at RGNUL Patiala?

RGNUL offers merit-based scholarships and fee concessions for economically weaker sections and reserved categories, subject to university guidelines and government schemes.

What is the placement rate and average package at RGNUL?

RGNUL has a placement rate of around 70-80%, with average packages ranging from ₹6 to ₹8 lakh per annum; top recruiters include law firms, corporates, and PSUs.

Which companies and law firms recruit from RGNUL?

Major recruiters include Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, L&L Partners, and corporate legal departments of companies like Tata and Infosys.

How are internships structured at RGNUL?

Internships are mandatory each year, with students placed in law firms, courts, NGOs, and corporate legal offices to gain practical experience.

What specializations or electives does RGNUL offer in its law programs?

RGNUL offers electives in Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Environmental Law, among others.

How experienced is the faculty at RGNUL?

The faculty includes PhD holders and experienced legal professionals with expertise in various law domains, ensuring quality teaching and research guidance.

What are the hostel facilities and fees at RGNUL?

Hostel fees are around ₹50,000 for double occupancy and ₹60,000 for single occupancy annually, with air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, mess, and 24/7 security.

What is the quality of mess food and dining options on campus?

The mess offers a varied vegetarian menu with hygienic, air-conditioned dining; food quality is generally good but may fluctuate during semesters.

What sports and recreational facilities are available at RGNUL?

RGNUL has basketball, volleyball, badminton, football grounds, indoor games like table tennis, a gym, and hosts an annual sports fest called Zelus.

How safe is the campus and hostel environment at RGNUL?

The campus has 24/7 security personnel, CCTV surveillance, regulated hostel entry, and emergency medical support, ensuring a secure environment.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement at RGNUL?

RGNUL enforces a formal dress code for academic and moot court activities, typically including formal shirts, trousers, and black shoes.

Are part-time jobs or work opportunities available for students on or near campus?

Part-time job opportunities on campus are limited; however, students often engage in internships and legal research assistant roles during vacations.

How is the connectivity and commute to RGNUL Patiala campus?

The campus is located on Bhadson Road, Patiala, about 10 km from the city center, accessible by local transport and university shuttle services.

How does RGNUL compare with other National Law Universities in terms of ROI?

RGNUL offers competitive fees with good placement packages, making its return on investment favorable compared to many other NLUs.

What is the alumni network like at RGNUL?

RGNUL has an active alumni network engaged in diverse legal fields, providing mentorship, internships, and placement support to current students.

Are there cultural and extracurricular clubs at RGNUL?

Yes, RGNUL hosts multiple student-run clubs including debate, music, sports, and legal aid clinics, fostering a vibrant campus life.

Does RGNUL provide facilities for students with disabilities?

RGNUL offers special hostel rooms with attached washrooms and accessible facilities to support students with disabilities.