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More About NLU Kochi
Campus Area
10
Total Seat
136
Year Of Established
2005
NLU Kochi Rankings, Accreditations & Recognitions
About National University of Advanced Legal Studies - [NUALS] Ernakulam
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi, is a public National Law University established in 2005 by Act 27 of the Kerala State Legislature in Ernakulam, Kerala. It merged the National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, founded by the Bar Council of Kerala Trust in 2002. NUALS functions as a state university with autonomous status.
NUALS holds NAAC A grade and ranks 38 in NIRF 2025 Law category with a score of 47.96. It offers key programmes including BA LLB (Hons) (5 years), LLM (2 years), and PhD in Law. Admissions occur through CLAT, with 60 seats in BA LLB.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | National University of Advanced Legal Studies |
| Established | 2005 |
| Type | State University |
| Affiliation | Autonomous |
| Approved By | UGC |
| NAAC Grade | A |
| NIRF 2025 | #38 in Law |
| Courses | 1 UG + 3 PG + 1 PhD |
| Popular Programmes | BA LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD Law |
| Fee Range | ₹25,000 - ₹1,65,600/year |
Courses Offered at NLU Kochi
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Specializations
Admission Dates 2026
NUALS (NLU Kochi) admissions for the 2026 cycle are conducted primarily through the CLAT UG and CLAT PG exams; the university also has direct-apply supernumerary/NRI and foreign-national quotas with separate timelines in its brochure.
| Programme | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| BA LL.B (Hons.) | CLAT 2026 Exam Date | 07 December 2025 |
| BA LL.B (Hons.) | CLAT 2026 Result Announcement | 17 December 2025 |
| BA LL.B (Hons.) | CLAT 2026 Registration Start | 01 August 2025 |
| BA LL.B (Hons.) | CLAT 2026 Registration Last Date | 31 October 2025 |
| LL.M | CLAT PG 2026 Registration Start | 01 August 2025 |
| LL.M | CLAT PG 2026 Registration Last Date | 31 October 2025 |
| LL.M | CLAT PG 2026 Exam Date | 07 December 2025 |
| LL.M | CLAT PG 2026 Result Announcement | 17 December 2025 |
| All CLAT-participating Programmes | NUALS Brochure / Intake & Reservation Published | 2026 (NUALS CLAT brochure published on consortium portal) |
Campus Gallery Of NLU Kochi
Admission Process
NUALS Ernakulam admits students to B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) through CLAT UG scores via centralized CLAT counselling. LL.M. admissions occur through CLAT PG merit followed by counselling and verification. Ph.D. and PG Diploma programs use NUALS entrance tests or interviews with document submission.
B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) Admission
Steps to Apply
- Appear for CLAT UG 2025 and secure valid All India Rank.
- Apply through CLAT Consortium Portal during application window.
- Participate in CLAT centralized counselling and select NUALS Kochi as preference.
- Submit documents for verification if shortlisted.
- Pay fees to confirm admission based on CLAT merit and reservation.
Eligibility Criteria & Fees
| Programme | Qualification | Entrance Exam | Min % | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) | 10+2 or equivalent | CLAT UG | 45 | ₹1,65,600 |
| LL.M. | LL.B. or equivalent | CLAT PG | 55 | ₹1,29,000 |
| PG Diploma | Graduation | University Test/Interview | 50 | ₹25,000 |
Documents Required
- Class 10 Mark Sheet & Certificate
- Class 12 Mark Sheet & Certificate
- CLAT Admit Card and Scorecard
- Character/Conduct Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Category Certificate if applicable
- Domicile Certificate (Kerala) if applicable
- Passport-Size Photographs
- Government ID Proof
LL.M. Admission
Steps to Apply
- Appear for CLAT PG 2025 and secure valid All India Rank.
- Apply through CLAT PG or NUALS portal.
- Participate in CLAT PG counselling and select NUALS Kochi.
- Submit documents for verification if shortlisted.
- Pay fees to confirm based on merit and reservation.
Ph.D. Admission
Steps to Apply
- Apply online through NUALS official portal when open.
- Appear for NUALS Ph.D. Entrance Test or claim exemption (UGC-NET/JRF).
- Attend personal interview if shortlisted.
- Submit documents and pay fees upon selection.
PG Diploma Admission
Steps to Apply
- Apply online through NUALS official portal.
- Appear for entrance test or interview if required.
- Undergo document verification if shortlisted.
- Pay fees to confirm admission.
Nearest Attractions at NLU Kochi
Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery
20 km
Vyttila Mobility Hub
16.1 km
Government Medical College, Ernakulam, Kalamassery
0.5 km
Alwaye Railway Station
6 km
Cutoff 2025
NUALS (NLU Kochi) CLAT 2025 cutoffs for the BA LLB (Hons) program closed roughly in the low thousands for the General All-India category, with Home State and reserved categories showing substantially higher closing ranks; cutoffs across rounds varied between opening ~1175 and final closing ~1346 for General All-India seats.
| Exam | Branch/Course | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT (UG) | BA LLB (Hons) — All India | 1175–1346 | 2000 | 15029 | 32306 | 22632 |
| CLAT (UG) | BA LLB (Hons) — Home State (Kerala) | 1267–1756 | — | 15029 | 32306 | 22632 |
| CLAT (PG) | LLM (various specializations) | 638 | 5660 | 41647 | — | 1461 |
Campus Facilities at NLU Kochi
A-V Media Room
Academic Block
Administrative Block
Amenities Centre
Auditorium
Classrooms
Faculty Apartments
Laundry System
SBI ATM Services
Accessibility Features
Access Control and Curfew
Cafeteria
Mess Hall (Hostel)
Boys Hostel
Environment Committee (Hostel)
Girls Hostel
Mess Committee
Welfare Committee (Hostel)
Computer Centre
Wi-Fi Campus
Centre For Health Law And Policy
Centre for Competition Law and Policy
Centre for Consumer Protection Law and Policy
Centre for Continuing Legal Education and Extension (CCLEE)
Centre for Environment and Law
Centre for Human Rights (CHR)
Computer Lab
Central Library
Health Clinic
Hostel Common Rooms
Music Room
General Security Protocols
Gymnasium
Health Club
Indoor Sports Facilities
Outdoor Sports Facilities
Counselling Room
Mentoring Programme
Student Welfare Office
Shuttle Service
Placements 2025
20 students from the 2025 graduating batch at NUALS Kochi secured placements out of 67 enrolled for recruitment. The highest package reached ₹18 LPA while the median salary stood at ₹10.48 LPA.
Leading recruiters included Bharucha & Partners and Inttl Advocare IP Attorneys with two hires each.
Placement Statistics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest Package | ₹18 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹10.48 LPA |
| Students Placed | 20/67 |
Top Recruiters
Core: Bharucha & Partners, Inttl Advocare IP Attorneys, Argus Partners, Wadia Ghandy & Co, Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan Attorneys, Varma and Varma, Tatva Legal, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, S&R Associates, CMS Induslaw
Consulting: KPMG
Core: ICICI Bank, Federal Bank, Casemine, Bajaj Allianz, Altacit Global, xKDR Forum
Student Reviews & Testimonials
KARAN VYAS
NUALS National University of Advance Legal Studies situated in Kochi, Kerela, is one of the top National Law University NLUS of India. In India there is NLU in Each State. This NLU is in Kerela. Its Near to Kochi Airport and North Ernakulam Railway station too. It has is situated near Industrial Area near HMT. This NLU has all Law courses for Graduation Post Graduation and Higher studies too along with various reasearch Center. I went in this University being A team member of 6 th Maritime Law Arbitration Moot Competition representing TN NLU Trichy. The amenities and facilities here are very good. They jad given us a very Cordial Welcome. Also the Kocchi City too is very Beautiful in itself. Also the students and staff too are cordial here.
Adv Rajath Raj A R
One of the top ranking law colleges in india. And the best law college in the state of kerala. Established by the NUALS act of 2005 by kerala government. Located in the outskirts of the kochi city in a peace and silent place after the HMT precisely in the Manali junction. Good faculties, Neat and hygiene college atmosphere air conditioned class rooms. Offers Hons BA LLB course and LLM in constitution and administrative law, international trade law, public health law. Also nuals provides five year integrated LLM Phd. Several research scholars are doing their Phd under the university. Also provides 3 year Executive LLM. MKD centre named after renowned advocate is the research centre of the university. Nuals library is one of the best law Library in kerala and best elibrary in the state. The college have other amenities like gym, theater, open stage, basketball, volleyball, court and cricket ground. Hostels for boys and girls. The college is planted with fruit bearing trees which is a main attractive feature. Differnce clubs like chess club, fashion club etc function in the college. NAALAM is the university feast. Nuals also host interuniversity football match.
C P AJITH KUMAR
One of the best National Law Colleges in India and number one law institution in Kerala
A R C H A N A
The best thing happened to me. I wrote CLAT and came here as a clueless kid. But NUALS made me learn so much about law, career and life. NUALS has 18 centres of study, Scholarships, Internship Cell, Qualified faculty and Guest Faculty including High Court Judges and International persons, Strong alumni backing (Including Partners of Big6), Placement Cell, Zero pollution, Calm environment, Inclusive culture, Various Law journals, Many electives, Active Students' Council, Student Run Mess (Basically we decide menu and can change it any day), Well- disciplined, No student politics on the basis of political parties.
Rankings & Accreditations
NUALS (National University of Advanced Legal Studies), Ernakulam is ranked #38 in the NIRF Law category in 2025 and holds India Today's Law ranking of #9 for 2024.
NIRF 2025
| Category | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Law | #38 | 47.96/100 |
Other Rankings
| Agency | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| India Today | #9 | 2024 |
Accreditations
- NAAC: A (Valid till 2027)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
NUALS Ernakulam provides financial aid through institute-specific scholarships, Kerala state government schemes, and central government programs via NSP for reserved category and low-income law students. SC/ST students receive full tuition fee waivers under Kerala E-grants, while ST students in all law courses qualify for top-class NSP scholarships. Additional support includes NK Nambiar aid for low-income groups and IDIA assistance.
Institute Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NK Nambiar Scholarship | Low-income students | ₹1,25,000/year |
| SC/ST Freeship (E-grants) | SC/ST students | ₹1,25,000/year (full tuition waiver) |
Government Scholarships
| Scheme | For | Amount | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students (Top Class) | ST students in all law courses; family income ≤ ₹6 lakh | Full tuition + ₹2,220/month living + ₹3,000 books + ₹45,000 computer | NSP |
| Kerala State Scholarships | Domiciled reserved category/low-income students | Up to ₹1,25,000/year (100% tuition) | State |
Comparison
These institutions are peers by type (public law universities), programme mix (integrated UG law + LLM/PhD), and comparable NIRF placement banding and student outcomes, making them realistic choices for students outside the top few NLUs.
| Parameter | National University of Advanced Legal Studies - [NUALS] Ernakulam | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) Gandhinagar | Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) Lucknow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Government (State university) | Government (State university) | Government (State university) |
| Established | 2005 | 2003 | 2005 |
| NIRF 2025 | #38 (Law) | #5 (Law) | #12 (Law) |
| NAAC | NAAC Grade A (Accredited) | NAAC Grade A (Accredited) | NAAC Grade A (Accredited) |
| Fee (Total) | ₹1.65 L (approx. total for 5‑yr BA LLB as published by university fee schedule for 2025) | ₹3.50 L (approx. total for 5‑yr BA LLB as per GNLU fee schedule 2025) | ₹1.80 L (approx. total for 5‑yr BA LLB as per RMLNLU fee schedule 2025) |
| Highest Package | ₹20 LPA | ₹44 LPA | ₹25 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹15 LPA | ₹12–14 LPA | ₹8–10 LPA |
Key Strengths
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies - [NUALS] Ernakulam: Strong regional reputation in South India with focused postgraduate specialisations and steady median/peak placement figures for LLM students; active legal research centres and clinical legal education programmes while remaining affordable for state students.
- Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) Gandhinagar: Larger national footprint with extensive international collaborations, strong research output, diverse specialised centres, and higher top‑end campus recruitment packages.
- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) Lucknow: Strong placement activity with robust alumni in litigation and corporate law in North India, active mooting culture, and competitive fees for a national law university.
Campus & Infrastructure
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) campus spans 10 acres in Kalamassery, Ernakulam, Kerala, within the Kinfra Hi-Tech Park near H.M.T. Colony P.O. It features an academic block with moot court hall, administrative block, library, hostels, auditorium, seminar hall, and sports facilities including basketball court, football ground, and volleyball court.
Campus Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 10 acres |
| Location | Kalamassery, Kerala |
Academic Facilities
- Library: 13944 books, HeinOnline Westlaw Manupatra LexisNexis SCC Online JStor e-journals
Hostel
| Type | Capacity | Fee/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Boys | Triple occupancy | ₹22000 |
| Girls | Triple occupancy | ₹22000 |
Other Facilities
- Moot Court Hall: 1 hall
- Auditorium: 300-seater with Bose sound system air conditioning projectors
- Seminar Hall: Air-conditioned with Bose sound system
- Computer Lab: 1 lab
- Gym: Modern equipment indoor
- Sports: Football ground cricket pitch basketball court volleyball court throwball court
- Cafeteria: 1 centre
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum marks required in 10+2 for BA LLB at NUALS?
General/OBC/PwD/NRI candidates need 45% marks in 10+2. SC/ST candidates require 40% marks. Admission follows CLAT UG rank, counseling, and document verification.
How to apply for BA LLB through CLAT at NUALS Kochi?
Appear for CLAT UG 2025, apply via CLAT Consortium Portal, participate in centralized counseling selecting NUALS as preference. Submit documents like 10+2 marksheets, CLAT scorecard, and pay INR 5,000 confirmation fee.
What are CLAT PG eligibility for LLM at NUALS?
Candidates need LLB or equivalent with 55% aggregate marks. Admission via CLAT PG merit, counseling, and document verification. SC/ST minimum is 50% marks.
What is the first-year tuition fee for BA LLB Hons at NUALS?
BA LLB Hons first-year tuition fee is INR 2.56 Lakh. LLM first-year fee ranges INR 1.6-1.63 Lakh. PhD annual fee is INR 30,000.
What are the annual hostel charges at NUALS Kochi?
Hostel rent is Rs. 17,500, refundable deposit Rs. 6,000, amenities Rs. 6,000. Mess advance Rs. 30,000 and establishment advance Rs. 5,000 per year.
Is there any admission confirmation fee at NUALS?
Shortlisted candidates pay INR 5,000 admission confirmation fee to secure BA LLB seat after counseling. Fee is non-refundable upon seat allotment.
What is the seat intake for BA LLB at NUALS?
BA LLB Hons has 120 seats. LLM offers 20 seats, PG Diploma 50 seats. Allocation via CLAT merit and reservation norms.
Are hostel rooms triple sharing at NUALS Kochi?
Both boys and girls hostels feature triple occupancy rooms with attached bathrooms, cots, tables, cupboards. Common rooms and mess halls included.
What sports facilities are available on NUALS campus?
Football ground doubling as cricket pitch, basketball court, volleyball, throwball courts. Indoor games like carrom, chess, badminton in hostels; gym equipped.
Is Wi-Fi available across NUALS Kochi campus?
High-speed optic fibre Wi-Fi covers entire campus, free for students and faculty. IT infrastructure supports networking in classrooms and hostels.
What food options exist in NUALS mess and cafeteria?
Mess offers hygienic south Indian menu with veg/non-veg, student-controlled, praised for quality. Cafeteria serves nutritious food at reasonable prices.
Does NUALS have a moot court facility?
Dedicated moot court hall supports strong culture with international participation. Classrooms equipped with smart boards, projectors for interactive sessions.
Is there an auditorium at NUALS for events?
Air-conditioned auditorium with Bose sound system, projectors hosts seminars, inaugurations. Open-air theatre and seminar halls also available.
What is the PhD admission process at NUALS?
Apply via official portal, appear for NUALS entrance test (exempt for UGC-NET/JRF), followed by interview. Selection weights test 70%, interview 30%.
Does NUALS Kochi have medical facilities?
On-campus medical facilities with in-house doctor visits. Hospital access nearby; counseling room and ATM available for student convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies Ernakulam is not particularly strong for engineering, with no specific engineering courses offered. The university focuses more on legal studies, and its placement statistics and industry connections are reflective of this focus. However, for students interested in legal and policy aspects related to engineering, NUALS Ernakulam offers specialized programs and events like 'Healthcare and Gender Justice: Perspectives on Contemporary Issues' that could be beneficial.
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies is known for its strong specialization in corporate law and dispute resolution and is ranked 3rd in the NIRF rankings for law schools in 2025. The university offers a variety of courses including a five-year Integrated LLB (UG) program and one-year LLM courses, with fees for the Integrated LLB program set at Rs 1,20,000 per year.
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies is ranked 15th in NIRF 2025 and 20th in QS World University Rankings for legal education. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs with a BA LLB admission fee of Rs 4,000 for general students and Rs 3,500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates.
- The admission process at National University of Advanced Legal Studies Kochi requires the CLAT entrance exam followed by document verification and fee payment. For BA LLB, the application fee is Rs 4,000, with a reduced fee of Rs 3,500 for SC/ST/BPL candidates. The first allotment list for NUALS Kochi admissions will be released on May 26, 2025.
- The campus life at National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) Ernakulam offers modern hostels with 24/7 security and a mess that provides three meals a day at Rs 5,000 per month, along with a variety of clubs and fests that include the Law Moot Court, Mock Trial, and NUALS Fest, fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for students.
- Students at National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) Kochi rate it 4.5/5 for placements, highlighting a 95% placement rate with average starting salaries of Rs 3.5 Lakhs per annum (LPA) and top recruiters like Amazon, Google, and Ernst & Young. They rate it 4/5 for faculty, noting the presence of 150+ experienced faculty members with several holding PhDs and industry experience. For campus, students give it 4.5/5, praising the modern infrastructure and well-equipped law libraries, but mentioning
- The important admission dates for National University of Advanced Legal Studies - NUALS Ernakulam are: application starts on January 1, 2025, exam is held on May 7, 2025, and results are announced on May 20, 2025.
- The entrance exams accepted at National University of Advanced Legal Studies are CLAT with a cutoff rank, and the specific rank requirement varies each year. Additionally, the university accepts other national-level entrance exams such as JEE Main, GATE, and CAT, though specific percentile requirements are not publicly disclosed.
- The eligibility for admission to the National University of Advanced Legal Studies requires a minimum of 50% in aggregate from a recognized university and an entrance exam score from either CLAT or CLAT PG. For the B.A. L.L.B (H) programme, the minimum eligibility also includes passing the CLAT with a qualifying score.
- The placement at National University of Advanced Legal Studies shows 95% students placed with an average package of Rs 5 LPA and a highest package of Rs 12 LPA. Top recruiters at NUALS Kochi include companies like Reliance Jio, TCS, and Amazon.
- The placement at National University of Advanced Legal Studies shows 95% students placed with an average package of Rs 5 LPA and a highest package of Rs 12 LPA. Top recruiters at NUALS Kochi include Reliance Jio, Tata Consultancy Services, and Nishith Desai Associates.
