![Chanakya National Law University - [CNLU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1421299198Capture.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
CNLU Patna, officially known as Chanakya National Law University, Patna, is a government-funded autonomous law university located in Patna, Bihar. Established in 2006, the university is recognized by the UGC and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
- Ranking 2025: Ranked 17th and 22nd in the Law category by NIRF 2025 and College Dunia, respectively.
- Popular Courses: BA LLB {Hons.}(Total Fees – INR 6.34 Lakhs) ,L.L.M(Total Fees – INR 1.21 Lakhs)
- Entrance Exam: Admissions to UG and PG law programmes are based on CLAT UG and CLAT PG. Ph.D. and LL.D. admissions are conducted through a university-level entrance exam followed by a personal interview.
- Placement: As per NIRF 2025 reports, median packages of INR 10.8 LPA (UG) and INR 10.10 LPA (PG), with 161 students placed.
CNLU Patna Admissions 2026 are currently ongoing through the CLAT 2026 counselling process.
CNLU Patna Important Dates 2026
CNLU Patna 2026 admissions follow multiple CLAT counselling rounds with specific seat allotment and fee payment dates. Candidates must complete each step on time to secure their seats.
CLAT PG Dates 2026
Note:
- Admission confirmation fee: Candidates opting for the Freeze option must pay the fee to the Consortium to confirm admission under the final allotment list
- University Fee: After adjusting for Confirmation Fee and Counselling Registration Fee
CNLU Patna Important dates FAQs
Ques. What happens if a candidate misses the CNLU Patna CLAT 2026 counselling registration deadline?
Ans. If a candidate does not register within the specified counselling window, they will be excluded from that round’s seat allotment. Even if they are on the merit list, failing to register means losing the opportunity to secure a seat. Candidates must track deadlines carefully to avoid missing rounds. Timely registration is essential to keep admission chances intact.
Ques. Are the seat confirmation fee payment windows the same for all counselling rounds at CNLU Patna?
Ans. No, each seat allotment round has a separate, strictly defined window for fee payment. Missing this deadline may result in cancellation of the allotted seat. Candidates must pay within the given dates to confirm their admission. Staying attentive to each round’s schedule ensures successful enrollment.
CNLU Patna Courses and Fees 2026
CNLU, Patna offers a range of programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral levels. CNLU Patna is known for its focused legal education, research-driven curriculum, and emphasis on constitutional law, corporate law, and public policy. Below are the details of some of the major CNLU Patna courses and fees 2026:
| Course Name | Course Details | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BA LLB {Hons.} | Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 45% + CLAT UG Seats: 69 Duration: 5 years Mode: Full-time |
INR 6.34 Lakhs |
| BBA LLB {Hons.} | Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 45% + CLAT UG Seats: 69 Duration: 5 years Mode: Full-time |
INR 6.34 Lakhs |
| Master of Laws [L.L.M.] | Eligibility: LL.B. degree + CLAT PG Seats: 66 Duration: 1 year Mode: Full-time |
INR 1.21 Lakhs |
| PG Diploma | Eligibility: Graduation with minimum 55% Specialization: Cyber Law, Industrial and Intellectual Property Law, Child Rights Law, Corporate Social Responsibility, Human Rights Law. Duration:1 year Mode: Full-time |
INR 15,000 |
| L.L.D | Eligibility: Postgraduate degree in Law or equivalent + CNLU ET Duration: 3 – 6 Years Mode: Full-time |
INR 1.65 Lakhs |
| Ph.D | Eligibility: LL.M. or equivalent + entrance test & interview Specializations: Interdisciplinary, Law. Duration: 3 – 6 Years Mode: Full-time |
INR 91,000 |
CNLU Patna Courses and Fees FAQs
Ques. Does CNLU Patna have a different fee structure for Indian and foreign students?
Ans. Yes, CNLU Patna maintains a separate fee structure for foreign nationals and NRI candidates, which is higher than the standard fees for Indian students. This accounts for additional administrative and academic support provided to international students. All other charges, including hostels and campus facilities, may also vary for them. Prospective international applicants should check the official fee schedule before applying.
Ques. Are there any scholarships or financial support options at CNLU Patna?
Ans. Yes, the university offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships to support deserving students. Special provisions exist for SC, ST, and other reserved categories under government norms. Financial assistance helps reduce the overall cost of legal education while enabling students to focus on academics. Candidates can apply for aid during admission or through separate scholarship applications.
CNLU Patna Rankings 2026
The table below shows CNLU Patna Rankings by various agencies in the law category:
| Agency | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| CollegeDunia | 22 | - |
| IIRF | 35 | 35 |
| NIRF | 17 | 31 |
| India Today | 12 | - |
CNLU Patna Admissions 2026
Admission to CNLU Patna for UG and PG programmes is based on merit through entrance examinations, counselling, and document verification.
CNLU Patna Admissions Process
- Entrance Exam:
UG Programmes (B.A. LL.B., BBA LL.B.): Appear for CLAT UG
PG Programme (LL.M.): Appear for CLAT PG
Doctoral Programmes (Ph.D., LL.D.): Apply and appear for CNLU university-level entrance test - Application & Counselling:
UG & PG: Register online for CLAT counselling, fill in course and university preferences, and submit the application.
Ph.D. / LL.D.: Submit application on the CNLU official website. -
Seat Allotment:
UG & PG: Seats are allotted in multiple rounds based on entrance exam rank and preference.
Ph.D. / LL.D.: Shortlisted candidates are selected for the interview based on the entrance test. -
Confirmation Fee Payment:
Pay the allotted seat confirmation fee within the specified timeframe to secure admission. -
Reporting & Enrollment:
Report to CNLU Patna with required documents, complete verification, and finalize admission.
Begin the academic programme after successful enrollment. -
Interview (Ph.D. / LL.D. only):
Attend the personal interview conducted by CNLU if applying for doctoral programmes.
Final admission is granted based on performance in the entrance test and interview.
CNLU Patna Admission FAQs
Ques. How are seats allotted at CNLU Patna during CLAT counselling?
Ans. Seats are allotted in multiple rounds based on CLAT rank, category, and submitted course preferences. Candidates can choose to freeze, float, or slide their allotment within the allowed period. Each round has separate deadlines for fee payment and confirmation. The process ensures a fair allocation while giving candidates some flexibility.
Ques. What steps must be completed after seat allotment to confirm admission?
Ans. Once a seat is allotted, candidates must pay the confirmation fee within the specified timeline and report to CNLU Patna for document verification. Only after verification and fee confirmation is admission finalized. Failure to complete these steps may result in cancellation. Timely compliance ensures a smooth transition into the programme.
CNLU Patna Cutoff 2026
The CLAT 2026 cutoff for CNLU Patna has been released. Candidates can refer to the details from the table below to get an idea of the closing ranks for UG and PG programmes.
CNLU Patna CLAT Cutoff 2026
Tabulated below are CNLU Patna CLAT UG Cutoff for the General Category (All India).
| Program | Round 1 (Closing Rank) | Round 2 (Closing Rank) |
|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons) | 1141 | 1172 |
| BBA LLB (Hons) | 1287 | 1339 |
Analysis:
- BA LLB (Hons) was the most competitive UG programme, with a high demand reflected in closing ranks of 1141 in Round 1 and 1172 in Round 2.
- BBA LLB (Hons) also remained popular, though slightly lower cutoffs indicate moderate competition. The second-round closing rank of 1339 suggests some seats were available, easing pressure in later rounds.
- Overall, both integrated law programmes at CNLU Patna show consistent demand, with BA LLB slightly more sought-after than BBA LLB.
CNLU Patna CLAT PG Cutoff 2026
Tabulated below are CNLU Patna CLAT PG Cutoff for the General Category (All India)
| Program | Round 1 (Closing Rank) | Round 2 (Closing Rank) | Round 3 (Closing Rank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L.L.M. | 968 | 1032 | 1078 |
CNLU Patna Cutoff FAQs
Ques. Are PG programme cutoffs at CNLU Patna similar to UG cutoffs?
PG cutoffs, like those for LL.M., are determined by CLAT PG rank, category, and seat availability. Competition may be slightly lower than UG programmes, but popular specializations can still be competitive. Previous year’s cutoffs help estimate the general trend. Candidates should aim for ranks above expected closing ranges to secure admission.
Ques. Can candidates rely on previous years’ cutoffs to plan their application?
Yes, previous years’ closing ranks provide a useful reference for assessing admission chances. While trends are indicative, exact cutoffs may vary each year. Candidates should also consider category reservations and seat availability. Using past data strategically helps in planning preferences during counselling.
CNLU Patna Placements
The table below shows CNLU Patna Placement as per NIRF 2025 reports.
| Program | No. of Students Graduating | No. of Students Placed | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG (5-Year) | 136 | 110 | INR 10.8 LPA |
| PG (1-Year) | 66 | 51 | INR 7.2 LPA |
CNLU Patna Placement FAQs
Ques. How does CNLU Patna prepare students for placements?
Ans. The university emphasizes practical training through moot courts, internships, workshops, and skill-building sessions. Placement support includes career counseling, resume guidance, and mock interviews. Alumni mentoring programs further help students understand industry expectations. This integrated approach ensures graduates are job-ready and competitive.
Ques. Are international or large corporate firms part of CNLU Patna placements?
Ans. Yes, some top law firms and corporate organizations offer opportunities with international exposure or large-scale projects. While competitive, high-performing students can access global internships and collaborative assignments. The placement ecosystem is gradually expanding to include multinational opportunities.
CNLU Patna vs NLU Delhi vs NLSIU Bangalore
This table compares three prominent law universities in India – CNLU Patna, NLU Delhi, and NLSIU Bangalore – based on establishment, programs, fees, and other key features:
| Parameter | CNLU Patna | NLU Delhi | NLSIU Bangalore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 17 | 2 | 1 |
| Popular Course | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) |
| Fees (Total – 5 yrs) | INR 6.4 Lakhs | INR 7.35 Lakhs | INR 14.8 Lakhs |
| Entrance | CLAT UG | AILET UG | CLAT UG |
| Cutoff (General) | CLAT 1200–1500 | AILET 90–110 | CLAT 100–120 |
| UG Package (Avg) | INR 10.8 LPA | INR 18 LPA | INR 16 LPA |
Analysis:
- CNLU Patna: Offers affordable legal education with a strong focus on integrated law programmes. Placements are steadily growing, attracting top law firms and corporates.
- NLU Delhi: Slightly higher fees than CNLU but maintains strong placements and focused curriculum, making it a cost-effective yet premium option.
- NLSIU Bangalore: Higher tuition fees reflect wider programme offerings and consistent recruitment by top law firms, making it a competitive choice for aspirants seeking broader exposure.
CNLU Patna Campus
CNLU Patna campus is spread over 18 acres and is calm and has good buildings, clean classrooms, and a library. It also offers hostels to live in, a moot court room for practice, and space for sports and other activities. The campus stays open till late at night and has many green trees around. Students come from many parts of India, so the environment is mixed and friendly.
Key Campus Features:
- Classrooms: AC smart classrooms with projectors and AV tools
- Library: Extensive collection + SCC Online, Manupatra, JSTOR, LexisNexis
- Computer Lab: High-speed internet with legal databases
- Hostels: Separate for boys and girls; secured, Wi-Fi, mess, common rooms
- Cafeteria: Hygienic, multi-cuisine canteen
- Sports: Cricket ground, basketball court, indoor games, gym
- Wi-Fi: High-speed internet across campus
- Moot Court Halls: Dedicated for practice and competitions
- Research Centres: ADR, Human Rights, Child Rights, Cyber Law
- Location: 3 km from Patna Junction; well-connected by road
CNLU Patna Hostel Facilities
CNLU provides separate residential facilities for boys and girls with focus on comfort and academic convenience.
- Separate hostels for boys and girls
- Shared rooms for first-years; single/twin sharing for seniors
- Furnished with bed, desk, storage, fan
- Water coolers, geysers, study and recreation rooms
- Central mess with veg/non-veg meals
FEE DETAILS
| Program / Category | Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. LL.B. / BBA LL.B. | Room Rent (Double Seated) | INR 22,000 |
| Mess Fee | INR 35,000 | |
| Hostel Deposit (Refundable) | INR 10,000 | |
| Total Fees | INR 75,000 – INR 81,000 | |
| LL.M. | Room Rent (Single Seated) | INR 28,000 |
| Room Rent (Double Seated) | INR 22,000 | |
| Mess Fee (Tentative) | INR 35,000 | |
| Electricity Charges | INR 8,000 | |
| Hostel Deposit (Refundable) | INR 10,000 | |
| Total Fees | INR 75,000 – INR 81,000 |
CNLU Patna Alumni
CNLU Patna has a distinguished alumni network and a dedicated Alumni Cell. Some of the notable alumni are listed below:
| Name | Designation | Company / Court |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Kumar Sinha | Judicial Magistrate | Patna High Court |
| Stuti La Sinha | Advocate | Jindal Global |
| Rajiv Ranjan | Advocate | Supreme Court of India |
| Prashasti Priya | Associate | Khaitan & Co. |
CNLU Patna FAQs
Ques. What makes the CNLU Patna campus ideal for law students?
Ans. CNLU Patna’s campus offers a serene environment combining academics, research, and recreation. Students can access smart classrooms, moot courts, computer labs, and a library with extensive legal databases. Sports grounds and green spaces encourage overall development. The campus supports focused study while fostering extracurricular engagement.
Ques. How are hostel facilities designed for student comfort at CNLU Patna?
Ans. The university provides separate hostels for boys and girls with furnished rooms, study areas, and recreation spaces. First-year students share rooms, while seniors have single or twin occupancy. High-speed Wi-Fi, mess facilities, and 24/7 security ensure convenience and safety. Hostels promote both academic focus and a supportive residential life.
Ques. How does the CNLU Patna alumni network support current students?
Ans. Alumni mentor students, offer career guidance, and share internship and job opportunities. Many have excelled in top law firms, judiciary, and corporate legal roles. Regular workshops and networking events strengthen professional connections. The alumni network helps students transition smoothly from academics to real-world legal practice.
Comments
Found 15 Comments
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.