Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna
"ज्ञान-धनं महद्धनम्" (Knowledge is the greatest wealth)
A Premier University for Legal Education & Research
Established in 2006, CNLU is dedicated to advancing and disseminating learning and knowledge of the law and legal processes, raising national legal standards to a competitive international level.
About the University
In the historic state of Bihar, the cradle of the earliest republic, Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) was established on July 15, 2006. The university was founded with a profound mission: to provide quality legal education, promote legal awareness throughout the community, and elevate national legal standards to a global scale, thereby fulfilling the goals enshrined in the Constitution of India.
Situated on a serene 18-acre campus in Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna, CNLU is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to foster a conducive learning environment. It promotes a vibrant academic culture with a faculty comprising highly acclaimed and experienced academicians, retired judges, and senior advocates dedicated to grooming the next generation of legal professionals.
Vision & Mission
CNLU strives to be an internationally recognized center for legal education and research. Its core mission is to inculcate in its students a strong sense of social responsibility, professional ethics, and a spirit of inquiry. The university is committed to creating legal professionals who are not only competent in their field but also compassionate leaders capable of contributing to a just and equitable society.
Key Highlights
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Established: 2006 (under CNLU Act, 2006)
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Type: Public National Law University
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Recognition: UGC Act 1956 (Sec 2f & 12B), Bar Council of India (BCI)
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Campus: 18 acres in Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna
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Admissions (UG/PG): Through Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
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Degrees Offered: B.A.,LL.B(H), B.B.A.,LL.B(H), LL.M., P.G. Diploma, Ph.D.
Why Choose CNLU?
Esteemed Faculty
Learn from highly acclaimed and experienced academicians, former judges, and senior advocates involved in grooming the future of the legal fraternity.
Holistic Curriculum
Our integrated courses (B.A., LL.B. & B.B.A., LL.B.) provide a strong foundation in both legal and non-legal subjects for versatile career opportunities.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
An 18-acre campus with modern amenities, including a well-stocked library, residential accommodation, sports grounds, and Wi-Fi enabled IT services.
Practical Exposure
Benefit from specialist legal clinics, visiting practitioners, regular career fairs, training workshops, and a strong focus on moot court exercises.
Inclusive & Accessible Campus
CNLU is committed to accessibility with ramps, lifts, and an environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive and achieve their ambitions.
Diverse Academic Programs
From undergraduate to doctoral research, including specialized P.G. Diploma courses in emerging areas like Cyber Law and IPR.
Campus Life & Facilities
CNLU offers a rich and vibrant campus life with a wide range of amenities to ensure the holistic development of its students, faculty, and staff.
Library & Learning Resources
The university library is a sanctuary of knowledge, with an extensive collection of books, journals, online databases, and other resources to support rigorous academic research.
Residential Facilities
Well-managed residential accommodations with modern facilities are provided to students, along with on-campus mess and canteen services offering diverse culinary options.
Student Support Services
CNLU provides a full range of services, including medical facilities, confidential counselling support, and one-on-one career guidance to help students achieve their personal and academic goals.
Admission Process & Documents
How to Get Admission?
- UG & LL.M. Courses: Admission is strictly based on merit in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). Candidates must register for and secure a valid rank in CLAT (UG for 5-year courses, PG for LL.M.).
- P.G. Diploma Courses: Admission is based on the merit of the candidate's undergraduate degree. Applications are submitted directly to the university.
- Centralized Counselling: For CLAT-based admissions, candidates must participate in the centralized counselling process and select CNLU as a preference.
- Seat Allotment & Reporting: Seats are allocated based on rank, category, and preference. Selected candidates must report to the university for document verification and fee payment to finalize their admission.
Required Documents for Verification
- CLAT/Admission Allotment Letter
- CLAT Admit Card and Score Card
- Class 10th Mark Sheet & Certificate (Proof of Date of Birth)
- Class 12th Mark Sheet & Certificate
- Undergraduate Degree Mark Sheets & Certificate (for PG courses)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/EBC/BC/EWS), if applicable
- Specially Abled Person (SAP) Certificate, if applicable
- Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.)
- Recent Passport-size Photographs
- Migration and Character Certificate
Academic Programmes
5-Year Integrated Undergraduate Courses
These flagship programmes offer students comprehensive training in legal subjects alongside arts or business administration, providing a strong foundation for diverse career paths.
| Programme Name | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) | 60 + 6 (Supernumerary) + 10 (EWS) |
| B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) | 60 + 6 (Supernumerary) + 10 (EWS) |
1-Year Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Designed to train students for successful careers in academia and research, the LL.M. program helps refine leadership, advisory, and research skills.
| Programme Name | Specializations Offered |
|---|---|
| LL.M. Programme | Constitutional & Administrative Law, Corporate & Commercial Law, Criminal Law, International Law, Intellectual Property & Information Technology Law |
1-Year Post Graduate Diploma Courses
These specialized courses address learning gaps in dynamic and emerging fields of law, designed with a practitioner's perspective.
| Programme Name | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| P.G. Diploma in Human Rights | 62 |
| P.G. Diploma in Child Rights | 62 |
| P.G. Diploma in Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility | 62 |
| P.G. Diploma in Cyber Law | 62 |
| P.G. Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights | 62 |
Doctoral Research Programmes (Ph.D.)
CNLU offers a vibrant and collegial community for legal researchers. Doctoral candidates are key to the university's research activities and are fully engaged with faculty and projects across all legal disciplines.
Note: The seat matrix is subject to change as per university and CLAT Consortium guidelines. It includes seats for all categories as per the reservation policy of the Government of Bihar.
Fee Structure (Annual)
Representative UG Fee (B.A./B.B.A, LL.B. Hons.)
The following is the fee structure for 2nd-year students (Academic Year 2025-26) as an example. First-year fees and fees for other years may vary. For detailed information, please download the official notice.
| Fee Component | Amount for Hosteller (INR) | Amount for Day Scholar (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Other Academic Fees | ₹1,78,698 | ₹1,78,698 |
| Hostel Charges (Room, Mess, Electricity) | ₹65,000 | N/A |
| Approx. Total for Second Year | ₹2,43,698 | ₹1,78,698 |
P.G. Diploma Course Fee
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Total Course Fee | ₹15,000 |
Disclaimer: Fees are subject to revision by the university. The structure includes components like Tuition Fee, Development Charges, Examination Fee, etc. Always refer to the official university website for the most current fee structure.
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Placement & Career Opportunities
CNLU has a dedicated Recruitment Coordination Committee (RCC) that facilitates internships and placements. It works tirelessly to connect students with top-tier law firms, corporate houses, LPOs, PSUs, and government organizations. Our graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths including litigation, judicial services, corporate advisory, and legal research.
~85-90%
Placement Rate (approx.) for registered students seeking placement.
₹14-16 LPA
Highest Salary Package (indicative range)
₹8-10 LPA
Average Salary Package (indicative range)
Top Recruiters & Areas
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Join NowReady to Apply for UG & PG Courses?
Admissions to B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), and the one-year LL.M. programme are managed centrally through the CLAT portal. Ensure you are registered to participate in the examination and counselling process.
Visit CLAT Official PortalContact & Location
Get in Touch
- Chanakya National Law University, Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna – 800001, Bihar, INDIA
- registrar@cnlu.ac.in
- +91-612-2352300 / 2352302