Chanakya National Law University: Admissions 2026, Courses, Fees & Placements

Admission at Chanakya National Law University, Patna

Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), located in Patna, Bihar, was established in 2006 under the Bihar Act. It is recognized by the UGC and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI). CNLU is one of India’s premier National Law Universities offering integrated law programs, postgraduate, and doctoral studies.

Key Programs

• Undergraduate: B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
• Postgraduate: LL.M. (specializations in Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law)
• Doctoral: Ph.D. in Law and allied disciplines
• Diploma & Certificate: Cyber Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Human Rights

Entrance Exams & Eligibility

• UG admissions through CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
• PG admissions through CLAT-PG
• Ph.D.: Entrance exam + interview
• UG eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 45% marks (40% for SC/ST)
• PG eligibility: LL.B. with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST)

Fee Highlights

B.A. LL.B. ~₹1.5–2 lakh annually; LL.M. ~₹1–1.2 lakh annually; Ph.D. ~₹60,000–₹80,000 annually.

Campus at CNLU Patna

The university campus is located in Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna, with modern infrastructure designed to support legal education and research.

Facilities

• Smart classrooms and moot court halls
• Central library with law journals and e-resources
• Hostels for boys and girls
• Sports complex and auditorium
• Legal aid clinic and research centers
• Medical facilities and cafeteria

Placements at CNLU Patna

The placement cell ensures strong industry connections and career opportunities across law firms, judiciary, corporate houses, NGOs, and government bodies.

• Top recruiters: Law firms, corporate legal departments, NGOs, government agencies
• Highest package: around ₹12–15 LPA
• Average package: around ₹6–8 LPA
• Sectors: Litigation, corporate law, judiciary, academia, NGOs
• Internships offered through courts, law firms, and NGOs

Scholarships at CNLU Patna

The university provides financial support through government and institutional scholarships to ensure inclusive education.

• Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories
• Merit scholarships for academic achievers
• Need‑based financial aid
• Research fellowships for doctoral students

On average, 20–25% of students benefit from scholarships and fee waivers every year.

Cut Offs at CNLU Patna

Admission cut‑offs vary annually based on CLAT performance and merit list trends.

• B.A. LL.B./B.B.A. LL.B.: CLAT rank ~1000–3000
• LL.M.: CLAT-PG rank ~200–500
• Ph.D.: Competitive entrance scores + interview

Guidance for upcoming session: Students should aim for strong CLAT scores and consistent academic performance to secure admission in popular courses.