Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna is one of the premier law universities in Eastern India, renowned for its academic excellence, modern infrastructure, and vibrant campus life. Established in 2006, CNLU has quickly become a top choice for students aspiring to build a career in law, judiciary, and allied legal professions. The university is committed to providing quality legal education while nurturing ethical, socially responsible, and skilled professionals for the country.
CNLU was established by the Government of Bihar under the Chanakya National Law University Act, 2006. It is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI), ensuring that its programs meet the highest standards of legal education in India. With its dedicated faculty, research-focused curriculum, moot court culture, and internship opportunities, CNLU Patna prepares students to excel in litigation, corporate law, public policy, and academia.
The university also offers a range of integrated UG courses, LLM and PhD programs, combined with placement support and industry exposure. CNLU emphasizes holistic development, encouraging students to participate in moot court competitions, debates, legal aid programs, and cultural activities, making the learning experience both practical and enriching. For aspiring lawyers, CNLU Patna represents a perfect blend of tradition, modern education, and career opportunities in law.
CNLU Overview
| University Name | Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna |
| Type | National Law University (Public) |
| Location | Patna, Bihar, India |
| Programs Offered | Undergraduate (BA LLB), Postgraduate (LLM), Ph.D. in Law |
| Admission | Entrance-based (CLAT/LLM Entrance) and merit as per university rules |
| Scholarships | Central & State Government Scholarships, Merit-based and Need-based aid |
| Facilities | Library, Moot Court, Hostels, Sports, Research & Academic Support |
Chanakya National Law University Patna Admission Process
Undergraduate Admissions (5‑Year Integrated Program)
- CNLU offers B.A. LL.B (Hons) and B.B.A. LL.B (Hons) as 5-year integrated courses.
- Admissions are conducted through CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).
- After CLAT results, candidates participate in the centralized counseling for seat allotment.
- For admission confirmation, selected students must upload and submit the required documents (such as the 10th mark sheet) and pay the university fee on the schedule announced by CNLU.
There are special categories:
- Foreign Nationals and NRIs: 5 seats each.
- These candidates may not necessarily go through CLAT; their merit is assessed based on their 10+2 marks (or equivalent).
- Reservation: As per the old admission rules, 15% seats for SC, 7.5% for ST, and 5% for physically challenged students.
Postgraduate Admissions (LL.M)
- CNLU offers a 1-year LL.M. program.
- Admission to LL.M. is also via CLAT (PG).
- For the PG admission, candidates need to upload certain documents (e.g., 10th marks, CLAT admit card) on the Consortium portal during counseling.
- The first admission notice for LL.M. for 2025‑26 was published by the university with detailed instructions.
Research Programs (Ph.D. / D.Phil)
- CNLU has doctoral programs: Ph.D and D.Phil.
- For 2025–26, there is an admission notification, and interested candidates must apply via the university’s research program portal.
- The admission generally involves an entrance test followed by an interview.
Courses Offered at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna
CNLU offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs designed to provide comprehensive legal education. Here’s a detailed look:
B.A. LL.B (Hons) – 5 Years
- Integrated program combining Arts and Law.
- Admission through CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).
- Focuses on humanities subjects alongside core legal studies.
B.B.A. LL.B (Hons) – 5 Years
- Integrated program combining Business Administration and Law.
- Prepares students for corporate law, business regulation, and management-related legal roles.
- Admission via CLAT.
LL.M (Master of Laws) – 1 Year
- Postgraduate program for specialization in law.
- Admission through CLAT-PG.
- Offers exposure to advanced legal concepts and research opportunities.
Ph.D / D.Phil (Law) – Duration Varies
- Research-focused programs for advanced legal scholarship.
- Admission based on entrance test and interview.
- Ideal for students aiming for careers in academia, policy, or specialized legal research.
3-Year LL.B (Hons) – 3 Years (from 2025–26)
- Recently approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
- Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Focuses on practical legal training alongside theoretical study.
Fee Structure Chanakya National Law University
UG (5-Year Integrated)
- Tuition Fees: Rs. 1,00,000 – Rs. 1,10,000 per year
- Hostel: Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 50,000 per year
- Mess: Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 3,500 per month
LL.M (1-Year)
- Around Rs. 1,00,000 – Rs. 1,20,000
Hostel Total for 5 Years
- Approx. Rs. 2.3 lakh – Rs. 2.5 lakh
- Note: Fees may vary slightly every academic year.
CNLU Patna Admission Dates
(Official dates vary every year — these are the usual timelines followed by CNLU.)
UG (B.A. LL.B / B.B.A. LL.B):
Admissions start after CLAT results in December–January. Counseling runs January to March.
LL.M (1-Year):
Admission begins after CLAT-PG results (December–January). Counseling usually January–February.
Ph.D / D.Phil:
CNLU releases a notice between April–June. Entrance exam and interview follow soon after.
3-Year LL.B (Hons):
First admission cycle expected July–August 2025.
Scholarship Provided by CNLU Patna
One of the strongest aspects for many students is CNLU’s scholarship support. Here’s a detailed look:
Types of Scholarships Offered
- Central Sector Scheme of Top-Class Education:
CNLU participates in this scheme, especially for OBC, EBC, and DNT students. - PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme:
The university has a notification related to this scheme for high-quality higher education institutions. - Merit-cum-Means Scholarship:
According to third-party sources, high-performing students may get a scholarship of Rs. 40,000 per year under certain norms. - State-level Scholarships:
There are scholarships from the Bihar Government for students from reserved categories or economically weaker sections. - Other Central Government Scholarships:
Support for minority students, ST, differently-abled students via national schemes.
CNLU Patna Scholarship Eligibility & Application
- For the Top-Class Education Scheme, students from OBC/EBC/DNT with family income up to Rs. 2.50 lakh/year are eligible.
- There is a reservation of 30% of slots under this scholarship for female students (as per CNLU’s policy).
- Students have to apply (or register) for these scholarships separately or through university-linked forms/government portals (depending on the scheme).
Students can apply through the following portals
Post Matric Scholarship (PMS): Bihar Post Matric Portal
E-Kalyan Scholarship: E-Kalyan Bihar Portal
NSP Scholarship: National Scholarship Portal
Contact Information
Chanakya National Law University, Patna
Website: https://cnlu.ac.in/
Address: Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar 800001
Phone: +91-612-2352314
Website: www.cnlu.ac.in
FAQs – Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) Patna
Q1. How to get admission in CNLU? Through CLAT for UG and PG. Counselling, document upload, and fee payment complete the process.
Q2. Does CNLU provide scholarships? Yes, including Top-Class Education Scheme, PM Vidyalakshmi, Merit-cum-Means, and Bihar state scholarships.Q3. Which courses are offered? B.A. LL.B, B.B.A. LL.B, LL.M, Ph.D/D.Phil, and 3-Year LL.B (Hons).
Q4. What is the fee for UG programs? Approx Rs.1,00,000–Rs. 1,10,000 per year plus hostel charges Rs. 40,000–Rs. 50,000.
Q5. Is CLAT required for admission? Yes, except for NRI/Foreign National seats assessed through 10+2 marks.
Conclusion
CNLU Patna is a reputed law university offering quality education, good placements, modern facilities, and strong scholarship support. With CLAT-based admissions and multiple programs, it is a top choice for students seeking legal education in Bihar and eastern India.
Read More: National Scholarship For Postgraduate Studies
Leave a Reply