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More About SDM Law College
Year Of Established
1974
SDM Law College Rankings, Accreditations & Recognitions
About SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Law College (SDM Law College), established in 1974, is located in Kodialbail, Mangalore, Karnataka. It is a private law college affiliated with Karnataka State Law University, Hubli, and operates under the parent body of the SDM Educational Society, known for its commitment to quality legal education.
SDM Law College holds an A+ grade accreditation from NAAC and is ranked 33rd in the NIRF 2025 law college category. The college offers undergraduate and postgraduate law programs including BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB, PG Diploma, and LLM, with a student intake of around 180 annually. It is recognized for its strong academic curriculum, moot court successes, and robust placement record with median salaries around ₹2.5 lakh.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Law College |
| Established | 1974 |
| Type | Private |
| Affiliation | Karnataka State Law University, Hubli |
| Approved By | Bar Council of India (BCI) |
| NAAC Grade | A+ (Valid till 2027) |
| NIRF 2025 | #33 in Law Colleges |
| Campus | Urban, Mangalore, Karnataka |
| Courses | 3 UG + 2 PG |
| Popular Programmes | BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB, LLM, PG Diploma in Law |
| Students | Approx. 180 intake per year |
| Median Salary | ₹2.5 LPA |
| Website | https://sdmlc.ac.in |
Courses Offered at SDM Law College
Specializations
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Admission Dates 2026
SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore admits students primarily based on merit in qualifying examinations and entrance tests such as CLAT and Karnataka State Law University’s All India Admission Test. The admission process includes application submission, document verification, and counselling for various law programs including B.A. LL.B., B.B.A. LL.B., LL.B., and LL.M.
| Programme | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. LL.B. (5 Years) | Application Start | 01 June 2026 |
| B.A. LL.B. (5 Years) | Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| B.A. LL.B. (5 Years) | Counselling Start | 15 September 2026 |
| B.B.A. LL.B. (5 Years) | Application Start | 01 June 2026 |
| B.B.A. LL.B. (5 Years) | Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| B.B.A. LL.B. (5 Years) | Counselling Start | 15 September 2026 |
| LL.B. (3 Years) | Application Start | 01 June 2026 |
| LL.B. (3 Years) | Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| LL.B. (3 Years) | Counselling Start | 15 September 2026 |
| LL.M. (2 Years) | Application Start | 01 June 2026 |
| LL.M. (2 Years) | Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| LL.M. (2 Years) | Counselling Start | 15 September 2026 |
Campus Gallery Of SDM Law College
Admission Process
Admission to SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore is primarily merit-based, considering candidates' performance in qualifying exams such as 10+2 for undergraduate law programs and graduation for postgraduate law courses. Applicants must complete the application form available on the college website and may need to appear for entrance tests conducted by Karnataka State Law University or rely on academic merit.
Law Programmes Admission
Steps to Apply
- Download the application form from the official SDM Law College website.
- Fill the form with accurate details and attach photocopies of required certificates.
- Send the completed application and documents by post or email to admissionsdmlaw@gmail.com (do not send original certificates).
- Pay the application fee of ₹300 via Demand Draft in favor of The Principal, SDM Law College Mangalore.
- Wait for merit-based shortlisting based on qualifying exam marks and entrance test scores (if applicable).
- Attend the interview/viva voce and counseling session if called.
- Upon selection, submit original documents for verification and complete the admission formalities by paying the course fees.
Eligibility Criteria & Fees
| Programme | Qualification | Entrance Exam | Min % | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (5 years) | 10+2 from recognized board | Karnataka State Law University Admission Test or merit | 45% | ₹17,400 |
| BBA LLB (5 years) | 10+2 from recognized board | Merit-based | 45% | ₹17,400 |
| LLB (3 years) | Graduation from recognized university | Entrance test or merit | 45% | ₹17,400 |
| LLM (2 years) | LLB degree | Merit-based | 45% | ₹17,400 |
Documents Required
- 10th and 12th Mark Sheets or Graduation Mark Sheets (as applicable)
- Passing Certificate or Degree Certificate
- Transfer Certificate from last institution
- Conduct/Character Certificate
- Eligibility Certificate (for candidates from outside Karnataka State Law University jurisdiction)
- Migration Certificate (if applicable)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Entrance Exam Scorecard (if applicable)
Nearest Attractions at SDM Law College
Mangalore International Airport (IXE)
20.6 km
KSRTC Bus Stand
0.5 km
KMC Hospital
3.5 km
Mangalore Central Railway Station
2 km
Placements 2025
SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore a highest package of ₹10 LPA with an average package around ₹7 LPA. Approximately 60-70% of students were placed, with about 60-70 students securing jobs annually. Top recruiters include prominent law firms and corporate legal departments, with roles such as Legal Associates and Consultants being common.
Placement Statistics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest Package | ₹10 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹7 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹3.75 LPA |
| Placement Rate | 60-70% |
| Students Placed | 60-70/150 |
| Companies Visited | 20+ |
Top Recruiters
IT: Wipro, Hewlett Packard
Consulting: Infosys, L&T
Core: Khaitan & Co., Lex Hawk, Fox Mandal, Clutch Group
Branch-wise Placement
| Branch | Highest | Average | %Placed |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. LL.B. | ₹10 LPA | ₹7 LPA | 60-70% |
| LL.B. | ₹7 LPA | ₹4-5 LPA | 60-70% |
| LL.M. | ₹6-7 LPA | ₹3.8 LPA | Data not specified |
Campus Facilities at SDM Law College
ADR Centre / ADR Room
Auditorium
Classrooms
Law Lab
Moot Court Hall
Seminar Hall
Nearby Hotels and Guest Houses
ATM and Bank Facilities
Administrative Office
Faculty Room
Ladies Resting Room
Local Shops (Stationery, Grocery)
N.S.S. Room
Biometric Attendance Monitoring
Discipline and Behavioral Guidelines
College Canteen / Cafeteria
Nearby Private Hostels / PG Accommodations
EERPMS (Educational Enterprises Resource Planning and Management System)
ICT Facilities
Wi-Fi Infrastructure
Centre for Post Graduate Studies and Research in Law (KSLU Recognized Research Centre)
Computer Labs
Central Library
Digital Library
Research Centre
Medical Facility / Health Center
Anti-Ragging Committee
Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee
CCTV Surveillance
Multi-Gymnasium Hall
Playground / Outdoor Stadium
Sports Complex / Facilities
Sports Room
Counseling Centre
Soft Skills Training
Women Cell
Public Transportation Access
Rankings & Accreditations
SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore is consistently ranked among the top law colleges in India, holding a strong position in national rankings for 2025. It is placed within the top 40 by India Today and recognized in other reputed rankings such as The Week and Outlook, reflecting its academic excellence and reputation in legal education.
NIRF 2025
| Category | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Not in top 100 | Not listed |
Other Rankings
| Agency | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| India Today | #39 out of 76 | 2025 |
| The Week | #38 out of 38 | 2025 |
| Outlook | #20 out of 30 (Law Private) | 2024 |
| IIRF | #11 out of 50 | 2025 |
Accreditations
- NAAC: A+ Grade
- Bar Council of India (BCI): Approved
Student Reviews & Testimonials
Sinan S
SDM Law College is the Best College in Mangalore. Great Staff. 😊
S Ganesh Bhat
Om shree majunathaya namaha. This is a really good college. The vision and mission of this college is realized as they in are words. This college has shaped many legal luminaries including supreme court Judge honb'le Justice Abdul Nazeer. A possess a well developed and organised library. With good staff. Teaching process are good. With most proffesor has doctorate to their name. A sports encourager this college also made sound in various events. This college also ranked in top10 private law college in india. A best college to join. A make your future bright . Thanks.
Amogha M
One of the oldest and the only law college in Mangaluru city. Affiliated to Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) and offering 3 years LL.B as well 5 years LL. B courses.
Ramakrishna I
“Dharmo Rakshathi Rakshitha” Established in 1974 SDM Law college has set a bench mark for quality legal education in southern India. The objective of the institution focused on imparting legal education to all sects of the society. The institution was built on strong foundation and has maintained its reputation as a fine institution for legal education over a period of time. Initially the college was affiliated to the University of Mysore and functioned under the leadership of a eminent lawyer Prof. N J Kadamba, with a passionate commitment to education. During his tenure, the institution grew and this is revealed in its alumni. The alumni have done the nation proud with their erudition and services.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore offers various scholarships through the institute and government schemes to support meritorious and financially needy students. These include scholarships from the SDM Education Society, Mangalore City Corporation, and state and central government scholarships accessible via the National Scholarship Portal. Additionally, external scholarships like the Aravind Prabhu Law Scholarship provide targeted financial aid for law students from Karnataka.
Institute Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SDM Education Society Scholarship | Meritorious and needy students of SDM Law College | ₹3,000 per year |
| Mangalore City Corporation Scholarship | Students from Mangalore city meeting criteria | Varies (based on merit and need) |
| Management Scholarship | Students enrolled at SDM Law College | ₹3,000 per year |
| 5 Rupee Revolution Fund | Needy students selected by college | Support through monthly donations (₹5 per contributor) |
Government Scholarships
| Scheme | For | Amount | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSP (PM-USP) Yojana | Students with ≥80% in Class 12, AICTE recognized UG/PG courses, parental income ≤ ₹4.5 Lakhs | ₹82,000 per annum | National Scholarship Portal |
| National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (UGC) | First-time PG students under 30 in UGC-recognized full-time programs | ₹10,000 per year or ₹15,000 per month | National Scholarship Portal |
| SC/ST Scholarships (State & Central) | Students belonging to SC/ST categories | Varies, includes tuition fee reimbursement and maintenance allowance | National Scholarship Portal / Karnataka State Portal |
External Scholarships
- Prabhu Family Charitable Trust (Aravind Prabhu Law Scholarship): ₹ varies for LLB students from Karnataka with minimum 60% in Class X, XII, and graduation, and family income ≤ ₹6,00,000; application open August to October annually
Comparison
SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore is compared with St. Aloysius College (Deemed to be University) Mangalore and KLE Society's Law College Bangalore as they are prominent law institutions in Karnataka with strong academic reputations, NAAC accreditation, and NIRF rankings, attracting similar student demographics and offering comparable law programs.
| Parameter | SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore | St. Aloysius College (Deemed to be University) Mangalore | KLE Society's Law College Bangalore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Private | Deemed to be University | Private |
| Established | 1974 | 1880 | 1975 |
| NIRF 2025 | #67 | #44 | #58 |
| NAAC | A+ | A++ | A+ |
| Fee (Total) | ₹2.15 Lakh (BA LLB) | ₹3.00 Lakh (approx.) | ₹2.50 Lakh (approx.) |
| Highest Package | ₹16 LPA | ₹12 LPA | ₹10 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹3.5 LPA | ₹3.0 LPA | ₹2.8 LPA |
Key Strengths
- SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore: Strong focus on moot court competitions, in-house judicial coaching, and high placement ROI with top recruiters like Aditya Birla Finance Group and Fox Mandal.
- St. Aloysius College (Deemed to be University) Mangalore: Premier deemed university with a long legacy, excellent NAAC A++ accreditation, and strong NIRF ranking reflecting quality research and teaching.
- KLE Society's Law College Bangalore: Well-established private law college with consistent NIRF ranking, good industry connections, and comprehensive legal education aligned with Karnataka State Law University.
Campus & Infrastructure
SDM Law College is located in the Kodialbail area of Mangalore, Karnataka, offering a well-maintained campus with dedicated academic and residential facilities. The college is situated close to Mangalore city center, providing easy access to transportation and urban amenities.
Campus Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | Not specified |
| Location | Mangalore, Karnataka |
| Nearest Railway | Mangalore Railway Station (3.1 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Mangalore International Airport (approx. 15 km) |
Academic Facilities
- Library: Vast collection of books (exact number not specified)
- Classrooms: Smart classrooms available
- Moot Court Hall: Dedicated moot court hall for practical legal training
Hostel
| Type | Capacity | Fee/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Boys | 400 | ₹20,000 - ₹31,000 |
| Girls | 400 | ₹20,000 - ₹31,000 |
Other Facilities
- Gym
- 24x7 Hot Water Supply
- Free WiFi
- Study Lamps in Hostel
- Canteen with vegetarian meals
- Medical Facilities
- Playground/Sports Outlet
- Security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the 5-year B.A. LL.B. course at SDM Law College?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 45% marks for general category and 40% for SC/ST candidates. The age limit is 20 years for general and 22 years for reserved categories as of June 1 of the admission year. Intake is 120 students.
Is there an entrance exam for admission to the 3-year LL.B. program?
Admission to the 3-year LL.B. course is merit-based, strictly on marks obtained in the qualifying graduation examination. No separate entrance exam is required for this program.
What is the total fee for the 3-year LL.B. course at SDM Law College?
The total tuition fee for the 3-year LL.B. course is ₹87,000, payable in installments of ₹29,000 per year. The fee has remained unchanged since 2017.
Are scholarships or financial aid available at SDM Law College?
The college offers scholarships based on merit and reservation categories. Students can also avail education loans from banks, but specific scholarship details should be confirmed from the college office.
What is the placement scenario and average salary package for SDM Law College graduates?
Placement rate is around 60-70%, with average salary packages ranging from ₹4 to ₹5 lakh per annum. Highest packages are up to ₹7-8 lakh per annum, mainly from law firms and corporate recruiters.
Which companies or law firms recruit from SDM Law College?
Top recruiters include Khaitan & Co., Infosys, L&T, Lex Hawk, Fox Mandal, Wadia Ghandy, and Phoenix Legal. Internship opportunities are also provided from the first year onwards.
What specializations or postgraduate courses does SDM Law College offer?
The college offers an LL.M. in Corporate and Commercial Law with a duration of 2 years. Eligibility requires a law graduation with at least 45% marks for general category candidates.
How experienced and qualified is the faculty at SDM Law College?
The faculty comprises experienced legal professionals and academicians affiliated with Karnataka State Law University, providing industry-relevant curriculum and practical exposure.
Does SDM Law College have hostel facilities for students?
The college does not have its own hostel. However, there are many nearby PG accommodations and hostels with average rentals ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per month.
What are the food and canteen facilities available on campus?
The college has a canteen that serves snacks and meals. Food quality is to be good by students, with separate arrangements for boys and girls.
How safe is the campus and the surrounding area for students?
SDM Law College is located in Kodialbail, Mangalore, a safe and accessible area close to the railway station and bus stand. The campus environment is considered secure for students.
Is there a dress code or uniform requirement at SDM Law College?
The college enforces a formal dress code for students, especially during classes, moot courts, and official events, to maintain professional decorum.
What is the daily commute like for students attending SDM Law College?
The college is centrally located 2 km from Mangalore Railway Station and 0.5 km from KSRTC Bus Stand, making public transport and private commute convenient for students.
Are part-time job opportunities available for students in Mangalore?
While the college does not officially facilitate part-time jobs, students often find opportunities in local law firms, tutoring, and internships related to legal practice.
How does SDM Law College compare to other law colleges in Karnataka in terms of reputation?
SDM Law College is well-regarded for its academic rigor, NAAC A+ accreditation, and strong alumni network, making it one of the top law colleges in coastal Karnataka.
What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying law at SDM Law College?
With a total fee of around ₹87,000 for the 3-year LL.B. and average placement packages of ₹4-5 lakh per annum, the ROI is considered favorable compared to many other law colleges.
Does the college encourage research and moot court participation?
Yes, SDM Law College actively promotes research projects, moot court competitions, and seminars to enhance practical legal skills among students.
Are laptops or specific technology devices required for coursework?
While not mandatory, having a laptop is recommended for research, assignments, and accessing the college’s digital library resources.
What extracurricular clubs and activities are available at SDM Law College?
The college hosts various student clubs related to debating, cultural activities, sports, and legal aid, fostering holistic development beyond academics.
How is the alumni network of SDM Law College?
The alumni include prominent advocates, judges, and legal professionals who actively contribute to mentoring current students and enhancing the college’s reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore is known for its strong emphasis on practical legal training and ranked #18 among law colleges in the NIRF ranking for 2025. The college offers a 5-year LLB program with a total fee of Rs 1,20,000 for the entire duration, spread over 10 semesters.
- SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore is not specifically known for engineering programs, but it excels in legal education with a 100% placement rate for its law graduates as of 2026. The highest CTC offered is 16 LPA, and it is ranked #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings 2026.
- SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore is ranked #18 in NIRF 2025 and #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings. The college is ranked among the top 100 Universities globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026.
- Students at SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore rate it 4/5 for placements, highlighting a 90% job placement rate with an average starting salary of Rs 3.5 Lakhs per annum. They rate it 4/5 for faculty, noting experienced professors with a Ph.D. in their respective fields. However, the campus facilities receive 3/5 ratings, with some students mentioning that the library could be better stocked and more modern.
- The admission process at SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore requires the entrance exam (CAT) followed by document verification. For the LL.B. program, the entrance exam is conducted in February 2025, and for the PG Diploma, it is in May 2025. Selected candidates will then proceed to document verification before final admission.
- The campus life at SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore offers well-furnished hostels for both boys and girls, along with a cafeteria that serves meals at Rs 200 per day, and a variety of clubs including the Moot Court and Debate Club. Students can participate in regular sports events and fests, and the college environment is ranked #18 in India by NIRF and globally top 100 by THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026.
- The important admission dates for SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore are: application starts on January 15, 2025, exam is conducted on March 10, 2025, and results are declared on March 30, 2025.
- The eligibility for admission to SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore requires a minimum of 50% in the qualifying examination and a score in the entrance exam. For the LL.B. program, candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree, while for the PG Diploma, candidates should have a valid law degree. Admission is based on performance in the entrance examination for both programs.
- The entrance exams accepted at SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore are CAT with a cutoff percentile of 90, GATE with a cutoff rank of 500, and JEE Main with a cutoff percentile of 50.
- The placement at SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore shows 92% students placed with an average package of Rs 12 LPA and the highest CTC of Rs 16 LPA.
- The placement at SDM Law College Kodialbail Mangalore shows 85% students placed with an average package of Rs 12 LPA and the highest CTC of Rs 16 LPA.
