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Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna is a public National Law University established in 2006 under the Bihar National Law University Act, 2006. It is funded by the Government of Bihar and is one of the 24 National Law Universities participating in the CLAT Consortium. CNLU Patna is Bar Council of India (BCI) approved and admits students exclusively through the Consortium of NLUs (CLAT) process with no management quota.
As per NIRF Law Rankings 2025, CNLU Patna is ranked 17 among Law colleges in India. It is ranked 7 among National Law Universities.
The campus is located in Mithapur Farm, Patna, Bihar, adjacent to the Patna High Court. This proximity gives CNLU students direct access to moot court and advocacy training in the High Court environment, a practical advantage for litigation-oriented careers.
- BA LLB (Hons.): 5-year integrated programme, 60 seats. Admission via CLAT UG
- BBA LLB (Hons.): 5-year integrated programme, 60 seats. Admission via CLAT UG
- LLB (Hons.): 3-year standalone programme. Admission via CNLU direct process
- LLM: 1-year postgraduate law degree. Admission via CLAT PG
- PG Diplomas: Cyber Law, Human Rights Law, Child Rights Law, Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Social Responsibility (INR 15,000 each)
- Ph.D (Law) and Ph.D (Interdisciplinary): doctoral research programmes
Total BA LLB fee is INR 9.19 Lakhs for 5 years (general quota). BBA LLB is INR 8.89 Lakhs. LLM costs INR 1.78 Lakhs for 1 year. The 3-year LLB is INR 5.16 Lakhs in total.
In the 2024 placement season, 110 UG graduates were placed with a median salary of INR 10.80 LPA. The highest package was INR 22 LPA. 51 LLM graduates were placed with a median salary of INR 7.20 LPA.
CNLU Patna Admission Dates 2027
The 2026-31 batch admissions are concluded. The next cycle (2027-32 batch) opens with CLAT 2026, registration for which is expected to begin in August to September 2026. Aspirants targeting the 2027 intake should register on consortiumofnlus.ac.in when applications open.
| Event | CLAT 2025 (Concluded) | CLAT 2026 (Upcoming) |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT Registration Opens | August 1, 2025 | August to September 2026 (Tentative) |
| CLAT Registration Closes | October 31, 2025 | October to November 2026 (Tentative) |
| CLAT Exam Date | December 7, 2025 | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| CLAT Result | December 16, 2025 | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| Seat Allotment and Counselling | January to February 2026 | January to February 2027 (Tentative) |
CNLU Patna also admits students to the 3-year LLB programme through a direct college-level process. The LLM cycle follows the CLAT PG exam, which runs parallel to CLAT UG. The table below covers course-wise exam requirements for all CNLU Patna programmes.
| Course | Exam Accepted | Counselling Body |
|---|---|---|
| BA LLB Hons. (5 Years) | CLAT UG | CLAT Consortium (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) |
| BBA LLB Hons. (5 Years) | CLAT UG | CLAT Consortium (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) |
| LLB Hons. (3 Years) | Direct admission / merit in graduation | CNLU Patna directly |
| LLM (1 Year) | CLAT PG | CLAT Consortium (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) |
| Ph.D (Law and Interdisciplinary) | CNLU PhD Entrance Test | CNLU Patna directly |
CNLU Patna Courses and Fees
CNLU Patna offers a comprehensive range of law programmes spanning 5-year integrated UG degrees, 3-year standalone LLB, 1-year LLM, PG Diplomas, and doctoral programmes. Total fees are set as per the NLU fee structure approved for Bihar state NLU.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB Hons. | 5 Years | 10+2 with min 45 percent, CLAT UG | INR 9.19 Lakhs |
| BBA LLB Hons. | 5 Years | 10+2 with min 45 percent, CLAT UG | INR 8.89 Lakhs |
| LLB Hons. | 3 Years | Any graduation with min 45 percent | INR 5.16 Lakhs |
| LLM | 1 Year | LLB with min 55 percent, CLAT PG | INR 1.78 Lakhs |
| PG Diploma (5 specialisations) | 1 Year each | Graduation or law degree as applicable | INR 15,000 each |
| Ph.D (Law / Interdisciplinary) | Min 3 Years | LLM or equivalent PG, CNLU entrance test | INR 91,000 (3 years) |
NRI quota students pay INR 4,56,758 per year for the 5-year programmes (total INR 22.84 Lakhs). PG Diploma specialisations cover Cyber Law, Human Rights Law, Child Rights Law, Industrial and Intellectual Property Law, and Corporate Social Responsibility.
CNLU Patna Admission Process
BA LLB and BBA LLB Admission
Both 5-year integrated law programmes at CNLU Patna are filled exclusively through the CLAT Consortium’s centralised seat allotment. There is no college-level interview or management quota.
- Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent with minimum 45 percent aggregate for General, OBC, and PwD categories. SC and ST candidates need minimum 40 percent. Final-year 12th students may apply provisionally.
- Selection: CLAT UG rank determines merit. Counselling runs in multiple rounds on consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Candidates fill NLU preferences and receive seat allotment based on rank and availability. Bihar domicile candidates benefit from state quota reservation.
- CLAT cutoff context: In the 2026 counselling (CLAT 2025 scores), the general category closing rank was AIR 1172 for BA LLB and AIR 1339 for BBA LLB in Round 2. These cutoffs place CNLU Patna in the lower-middle tier of NLUs. Candidates with ranks in the AIR 1,000 to 1,500 range have a realistic chance at CNLU Patna in the general category.
LLM Admission
LLM admission is through CLAT PG score via the CLAT Consortium. GPAT is not relevant here. Candidates need a valid CLAT PG score and a LLB or integrated law degree with minimum 55 percent marks (50 percent for SC/ST).
3-Year LLB and PhD Admission
The 3-year LLB programme admits graduates through a direct CNLU-level process. PhD admission requires a relevant PG law degree and clearance of the CNLU PhD entrance test and interview. For both programmes, candidates should check cnlu.ac.in for current notifications and application schedules.
CNLU Patna Placements and Career Outcomes
CNLU Patna places students into law firms, corporate legal departments, litigation, and the judiciary. In the 2024 placement season, 110 UG graduates were placed with a median package of INR 10.80 LPA, a 4 percent rise over 2023’s INR 10.4 LPA median. The highest package was INR 22 LPA. The overall placement rate across the last three years has been 82 percent.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| UG Students Placed | 110 | 105 |
| UG Median Package | INR 10.80 LPA | INR 10.40 LPA |
| LLM Students Placed | 51 | Data not available |
| LLM Median Package | INR 7.20 LPA | Data not available |
| Highest Package | INR 22 LPA | Data not available |
| Placement Rate | 82 percent | 82 percent |
Career pathways for CNLU graduates include corporate law firms in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, in-house legal roles in financial services and manufacturing companies, government legal services and public sector undertakings, and civil judiciary preparation. CNLU Patna’s proximity to the Patna High Court gives students access to court internships and moot court exposure not available at most other NLUs. The CLAT rank band that feeds CNLU (AIR 1,000 to 1,500) means the student cohort increasingly competes with NLU alumni in the same firm recruitment pools.
CNLU Patna Rankings
CNLU Patna holds a verified NIRF Law ranking and is among the 24 NLUs in the CLAT system. Its NIRF rank reflects research output, faculty qualifications, peer perception, and graduation outcomes.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Law | 17 |
CNLU Patna ranks 7 among National Law Universities as per NIRF 2025, placing it in the second tier of the NLU system. This ranking is relevant for students evaluating NLU options in the CLAT AIR 1,000 to 1,500 range, where CNLU Patna, HNLU Raipur, and RMLNLU Lucknow represent comparable choices.
CNLU Patna Scholarships
CNLU Patna students from reserved categories and economically weaker sections can access government scholarship schemes. The college does not have a widely published institutional merit scholarship structure.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bihar Government Post-Matric Scholarship | SC, ST, OBC, EWS students with Bihar domicile | Tuition fee and maintenance allowance as per government slab |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes | Minority community students and centrally sponsored scheme beneficiaries | Varies by scheme |
| Bar Council of India Scholarship | Meritorious law students | As announced by BCI annually |
NRI quota students are not eligible for Indian government scholarships. SC and ST candidates receive fee concessions as per the Bihar government’s fee exemption policy for NLUs. Students should apply for government scholarships within the stipulated deadlines after admission confirmation.
CNLU Patna Campus and Infrastructure
CNLU Patna is located at Mithapur Farm, Patna, in the eastern part of the state capital. The campus houses academic blocks, a law library with a large collection of legal texts and journals, moot court halls, and administrative facilities. Separate hostel accommodation is available for boys and girls on campus, with an annual fee of INR 75,000 to INR 81,000.
The college’s location near the Patna High Court is a meaningful advantage. Students attend court sessions as part of practical training, and the proximity supports internship placements with High Court advocates and Bihar-based litigation chambers. CNLU Patna also runs a legal aid clinic and student-led law review, consistent with the NLU research culture. The campus has Wi-Fi, a sports area, and common facilities shared within the NLU campus boundary.
CNLU Patna vs HNLU Raipur vs RMLNLU Lucknow
For CLAT aspirants with ranks in the AIR 1,000 to 1,500 range, CNLU Patna, HNLU (Hidayatullah National Law University) Raipur, and RMLNLU (Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University) Lucknow represent the primary comparable NLU options. All three are mid-tier NLUs with similar CLAT cutoffs and placement profiles.
| Parameter | CNLU Patna | HNLU Raipur | RMLNLU Lucknow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2006 | 2003 | 2006 |
| NIRF Law Rank 2025 | 17 | 13 | 15 |
| CLAT BA LLB Closing Rank 2026 (General) | AIR 1172 | AIR 900 | AIR 1,000 |
| BA LLB Total Fee (5 Years) | INR 9.19 Lakhs | INR 7 to 9 Lakhs | INR 7 to 9 Lakhs |
| UG Median Placement (2024) | INR 10.80 LPA | Data not confirmed | Data not confirmed |
| Location Advantage | Near Patna High Court | Raipur (Chhattisgarh HC access) | Near Allahabad HC |
HNLU Raipur and RMLNLU Lucknow carry slightly lower CLAT cutoffs and slightly stronger NIRF positions than CNLU Patna, making them marginally preferred for aspirants who have the rank. CNLU Patna’s proximity to the Patna High Court is a differentiating factor for students interested in Bihar and east India litigation. Aspirants should factor in state and location preferences alongside NIRF rank when choosing between these three NLUs.
CNLU Patna FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of CNLU Patna?
Ans. CNLU Patna is ranked 17 in Law as per NIRF Rankings 2025. Among National Law Universities specifically, CNLU Patna is ranked 7. This places it in the second tier of the NLU system within the CLAT ecosystem.
Ques. What is the CLAT cutoff rank for CNLU Patna?
Ans. In the 2026 CLAT counselling, the general category closing rank for BA LLB at CNLU Patna was AIR 1172 (Round 2) and for BBA LLB it was AIR 1339 (Round 2). These figures vary each cycle based on applicant preferences and competition. Bihar domicile candidates may secure admission at a higher rank through state quota seats.
Ques. Is CNLU Patna a good NLU for placements?
Ans. CNLU Patna placed 110 UG graduates with a median salary of INR 10.80 LPA in 2024. The highest package was INR 22 LPA. The placement rate has been 82 percent over the past three years. Placement outcomes are consistent with a mid-tier NLU, with recruiters from corporate law firms, in-house legal teams, and government legal services.
Ques. What is the total fee for BA LLB at CNLU Patna?
Ans. The total five-year fee for BA LLB at CNLU Patna under the general quota is INR 9,19,185. Year 1 fee is INR 2,00,253, and Years 2 to 5 cost INR 1,79,733 each. NRI quota students pay INR 4,56,758 per year. Hostel charges are INR 75,000 to 81,000 per year, billed separately.
Ques. Does CNLU Patna offer management quota or direct admission?
Ans. No. CNLU Patna does not offer management quota or direct admission for BA LLB and BBA LLB. All seats are filled exclusively through the CLAT Consortium’s centralised counselling. Only the 3-year LLB programme is admitted through a direct college-level process. Check cnlu.ac.in for 3-year LLB admission notices.
Ques. When does CLAT 2026 registration open for the 2027-32 batch at CNLU Patna?
Ans. CLAT 2026 registration for the 2027-32 batch is expected to open in August to September 2026 at consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The CLAT exam is typically held in December. Candidates targeting CNLU Patna for the 2027 intake should register as soon as the CLAT 2026 application window opens.
Ques. Does CNLU Patna have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. CNLU Patna has separate hostel facilities for boys and girls on campus. Hostel fee ranges from INR 75,000 to INR 81,000 per year. Hostel allotment is subject to availability. Apply to the hostel office after confirming admission. The campus is located at Mithapur Farm, Patna.
Ques. What career paths do CNLU Patna graduates typically pursue?
Ans. CNLU Patna graduates enter corporate law firms, in-house legal departments, government legal services, and litigation. The college’s location near the Patna High Court is a practical advantage for those interested in court practice. Many graduates from eastern India who wish to practise in Bihar or the eastern region specifically choose CNLU for this reason. A portion of graduates also qualify for civil services and the judicial services examinations.
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At Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, for the 5-year B.A. LL.B / B.B.A. LL.B programme: the tuition fee for 2025-26 is INR 1,20,698 per year. The mess fee (tentative) is INR 31,500 annually. For hostel: room rent for a double-seated room is INR 22,000 per year, plus electricity INR 8,000 per year. There is also a refundable hostel deposit of INR 10,000. Summing up, over 5 years, including hostel and mess, the cost is around INR 2.62 lakh (first-year figure; may vary in later years).
BBALLB {Hons.} at CNLU Patna is a 5 Years Degree. The course is offered On Campus as a full-time program. CNLU Patna BBALLB {Hons.} First Year Fees are INR 1,91,198 for 2025. CNLU Patna offers a total of 69 seats for BBALLB {Hons.} . Candidates must have at least 10+2 with 45% + CLAT to be eligible for admission. Admissions are offered based on CLAT.
Admission to CNLU is based on national-level entrance exams like CLAT UG and CLAT PG, while Ph.D. and LLD admissions require a university-conducted entrance exam and personal interview. Candidates must apply online through the official CNLU website.
BALLB {Hons.} at CNLU Patna is a 5-year degree. The course is offered On Campus as a full-time program. CNLU Patna BALLB {Hons.} First Year Fees are INR 1,91,198 for 2025. CNLU Patna offers a total of 69 seats for BALLB {Hons.}. Candidates must have at least 10+2 with 45% + CLAT to be eligible for admission. Admissions are offered based on CLAT
Chanakya National Law University does not offer B.Tech courses. It is a law-focused university providing programs like BA LL.B (Hons), BBA LL.B (Hons), LL.M, and PhD in law. If you want B.Tech, you should consider engineering colleges, as CNLU specializes only in legal education and related fields.
CLAT 2025 Admission Counselling is open. Qualified candidates can register for admission counselling from December 9 (4 PM) to December 20 (10 PM). The First Allotment List will be released on December 26, 2024.
The mode to apply for admission at CNLU Patna is both online and offline. Aspirants seeking admission can register themselves online on the official website CNLU Patna @ cnlu.ac.in
The admissions were already completed for the present session in CNLU Patna. The last date of application was Fourteen August. It was the extended date.
Admission in CNLU is based on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) examination for the UG course and research program. For the Doctorate course, there is another entrance exam. Selection of all courses are completely merit-based, you need to pass the entrance exam for the admission in this college.
Application Process
The admission process varies according to the courses. Click on the below link to get the admission process course wise
Link: CNLU Patna Admission 2023
You may need to visit the university to ask query as the admission helpline number is not available on the university’s official website.
The application for admission is conducted online. This is followed by the entrance exam and interview. You can apply online and fill the application form.
Candidate must have passed the 10 + 2 or any other equivalent exam with 45% marks. The candidate needs to clear the CLAT exam to get admission to Chanakya National Law University.
Chanakya National Law University does not offer MBA to students. There are courses offered in the field of Law only.
The results for CNLU Patna have already been released and if you were not shortlisted, you can apply for next CLAT session.
Dear candidate, the admission to CNLU Patna is based on CLAT test only.