Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur, was established in 2016 under the Maharashtra National Law University Act (Maharashtra Act No. VI of 2014) and stands as a prominent institution for advanced legal education and research. MNLU Nagpur ranked 34th in the NIRF 2024 law category and 27th in the IIRF 2025 rankings. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI), is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is part of the esteemed Consortium of National Law Universities of India.
MNLU Nagpur offers programs across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, along with a Ph.D. in Law, PD Diploma and certificate courses. For admission to its UG and PG law programs in B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M., the university accepts scores from the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), which is conducted annually by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs).
For CLAT 2026, the application process begins on 1 August 2025. The last date to register is 31 August 2025 and the CLAT 2026 exam will be held on 7 December 2025.
For the Ph.D. in Law program, candidates must appear for the All-India Entrance Test (AIET) conducted by the university, followed by an interview and research proposal presentation. Those who have cleared NET, JRF, CSIR, GATE, SLET, or hold an M.Phil in Law or a Ph.D., are exempted from the entrance test.
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CLAT 2026 Important Dates
CLAT 2025 Registration Details
MNLU Nagpur UG Admission 2025
MNLU Nagpur offers full-time integrated UG courses in BA LL.B Hons., BBA LL.B Hons. and BBA LL.B Honours in Adjudication and Justicing.
PG, and doctoral programs. Admissions for the UG and PG courses are primarily based on CLAT scores, while Ph.D. admissions are conducted through a university-specific entrance test (PAT).
- To be eligible for the UG courses, candidates need to have passed class 12th with a minimum of 50% aggregate for general category, in English medium board.
- Admission is based on CLAT UG, for which registration begins on 1 August 2025.
MNLU Nagpur PG Admission 2025
MNLU Nagpur offers LLM course with an option to specialise in Corporate and Commercial Laws, Intellectual Property Laws, Constitutional Law, Personal Laws, Energy and Telecommunication Laws. Admission to LLM courses is through the CLAT PG Exam.
- To be eligible for the LLM course, candidates need to have a LLB or equivalent degrees, with a minimum of 50% marks.
- For the PG Diploma course, no separate entrance exam is required, admission is based on merit and candidates are required to have a minimum of 50% marks for general category, 45% for reserved categories, to be eligible.
- The PG Diploma courses are offered in various specialisations, including Banking Laws, Telecommunications Law, Forensic Science & Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Family Dispute Resolution, Labour & Industrial Laws, Criminology, Penology & Victimology, Cyber Laws & Artificial Intelligence, Media Laws, Energy Laws & Policy, International Trade Law, Infrastructure Laws, Maritime Laws and Aviation Law.
MNLU Nagpur Ph.D Admission 2025
Admission for the Ph.D course is based on the All-India Entrance Test (AIET), followed by interview and proposal presentation.
- To be eligible, candidates need to have an LLM or equivalent degree, with at least 55% marks from a recognised university.
- A 5% relaxation is given to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/EWS/Differently-abled applicants.
- Those with a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Humanities or Sciences can also apply if their research significantly intersects with law or public policy.
- Judges from the High Court or Supreme Court with a minimum of 3 years of experience, as well as Chartered Accountants or Company Secretaries who also hold an LLB are eligible for law related research.
- Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF, CSIR, SLET, GATE, have an M.Phil in Law or already have a Ph.D are exempted from the university's Ph.D. entrance test (AIET) and can directly appear for the interview.
MNLU Nagpur Application Process 2025
The admission process for most programs at MNLU Nagpur is entrance-based. For UG and PG law courses, candidates need to appear for the CLAT examination. The general application procedure involves the following key steps:
- Candidates that wish to apply for B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. must apply online through the official CLAT Consortium website.
- The CLAT 2026 application window for admissions will open on 1 August 2025, with the exam scheduled for 7 December 2025.
- For Ph.D. and certain PG Diploma programs, applications are submitted directly through the MNLU Nagpur official website.
- Aspirants for UG and PG programs must appear for CLAT on the specific date, time and venue.
- Ph.D. candidates need to appear for the All-India Entrance Test (AIET).
- Based on CLAT scores, MNLU Nagpur releases merit lists.
- Shortlisted candidates for UG and PG need to then participate in the CLAT counselling process.
- For Ph.D. admissions, a personal interview and a presentation based on a research proposal are also conducted.
- Upon selection, candidates need to pay the stipulated course fees to confirm their admission.
Documents Required
MNLU Nagpur Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What courses does Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur offer?
MNLU Nagpur offers B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) in Adjudication and Justicing at the undergraduate level, LL.M. in multiple specialisations at the postgraduate level and Ph.D. in Law at the doctoral level. It also offers M.A. in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, multiple PG Diploma programs and a Certificate Course in Mergers and Acquisitions.
Will there be CLAT in 2025?
Yes, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 will be conducted on 7 December 2025 and the application process will begin on 1 August 2025 as per the Consortium of NLUs.
What is a good score for CLAT 2025 for MNLU Nagpur?
For UG admission, candidates need a CLAT UG rank within the top 1,500 to 1,600 (General category) to secure a seat in the 5‑year B.A. LL.B. or B.B.A. LL.B. programmes at MNLU Nagpur. For LL.M., aim for a CLAT PG rank in the top 1,550 to 1,850 for general category.
How many candidates appeared for CLAT in 2025?
Approximately 57,000 candidates appeared for UG CLAT and around 6,000 candidates appeared for PG CLAT for the 2025 admission cycle (exam held in December 2024).
What is the total fees for UG programs at MNLU Nagpur?
The total fees for programs like B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) at MNLU Nagpur is about INR 15.2 Lakhs including hostel for the 5-year duration.
Does MNLU Nagpur provide good placements?
MNLU Nagpur had a placement rate of around 77% for its UG programs in 2023 with a median salary of INR 7 LPA according to the NIRF 2024 data.
Does Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur have hostel facilities?
Yes, the university provides separate hostel facilities for boys and girls with modern amenities, mess, Wi-Fi and other essential services.
Are there any other entrance exams accepted apart from CLAT for UG courses at MNLU Nagpur?
No, admission to UG programs such as B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) is strictly based on CLAT UG scores.
What is the eligibility and admission process for the LL.M. program at MNLU Nagpur?
Candidates must have an LL.B. or equivalent degree with at least 50% marks and admission is based on the CLAT PG exam.
What is the eligibility and process for PG Diploma programs at MNLU Nagpur?
Graduation with at least 50% marks is required and admission is merit-based. No entrance exam like CLAT is required.
What is the eligibility and admission process for Ph.D. in Law at MNLU Nagpur?
Candidates must hold an LL.M. or equivalent degree with 55% marks. Admission is based on the All India Entrance Test (AIET) conducted by the university followed by interview and proposal presentation. Certain candidates like NET/JRF qualified are exempted from the entrance test.
Where do Ph.D. applicants apply for admission at MNLU Nagpur?
Ph.D. applicants need to apply directly through the official website of MNLU Nagpur not through the CLAT portal.