Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, is a premier institution of legal education in India. Established in 2003 by the Government of Chhattisgarh under the HNLU Act (Act No.10 of 2003), the university is named in honor of Justice Mohammed Hidayatullah, an eminent jurist and former Chief Justice of India. In just over a decade and a half, HNLU has emerged as one of the leading national law universities (NLU), recognised for its academic excellence, rigorous legal training, and strong institutional values.
Situated in the capital city of Chhattisgarh, the university is the sixth in the series of NLUs. It is included in the list of universities maintained by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. HNLU is also recognized under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, making it eligible for central assistance, and the Bar Council of India approves its law programs under Section 7 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
The university offers a five-year integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) program, a one-year LL.M. postgraduate course, and a research-focused Ph.D. program. These programs are designed to equip students with advanced legal knowledge, analytical skills, and research capabilities. Backed by experienced faculty, robust governance, and a transparent academic system, HNLU continues to contribute to the growth of the legal profession and the development of socially responsible lawyers and scholars.
HNLU Raipur 2025 Courses and Eligibility
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, offers premier legal education through its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Approved by the Bar Council of India and recognized by the UGC, HNLU provides a robust academic curriculum paired with practical legal training. Students are encouraged to participate in moots, internships, legal aid clinics, and research projects, developing strong legal acumen and professional ethics.
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) Program
The B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) is a five-year integrated program that blends humanities and law, fostering analytical thinking and multidisciplinary legal expertise. Admission is granted based on CLAT performance. The course structure combines political science, sociology, and economics subjects with rigorous legal education. This program equips students for various legal careers, including litigation, judiciary, policy-making, and corporate law.
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Duration
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Eligibility
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Selection Process
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Seat Intake & Reservations
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Fees (2025)
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5 Years (10 Semesters)
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As per CLAT 2023 Notification
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Based on CLAT Score & Seat Allotment via CLAT Consortium
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Total Seats: 180 (85 All India + 85 Chhattisgarh Domicile)
NRI: 8 Seats
Foreign Nationals: 2 Seats
Kashmiri Migrants: 5
J&K Students: 2
Horizontal Reservation:
• 5% SAP (All India + CG Domicile)
• 3% DFF (CG only)
• 30% Female candidates across all categories
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₹2,10,000/- for Indian Nationals
US $6,000 + ₹1,00,000 (NRI)
US $7,750 + ₹1,00,000 (Foreign Nationals)
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LL.M. (One Year) Program
The LL.M. program at HNLU is a one-year postgraduate course designed for in-depth research and specialization in Corporate Law, IPR Law, and Technology & Law. The program focuses on analytical skills and legal scholarship.
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Duration
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Eligibility
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Selection Process
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Seat Intake & Reservations
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Fees (2025)
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1 Year (2 Semesters)
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As per CLAT 2023 Notification
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Based on CLAT LL.M. Score & Seat Allotment via CLAT Consortium
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Total Seats: 90
Kashmiri Migrants: 2
J&K Students: 2
Horizontal Reservation:
• 5% SAP
• 30% Female candidates across all categories
(OBC reservation subject to government committee decision)
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₹1,60,000/-
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Ph.D. in Law
HNLU’s doctoral program enables advanced research in legal and interdisciplinary areas. The program admits candidates through an entrance test and interview process, with NET-qualified candidates exempted from the written exam. It provides a platform for scholars to explore pressing legal issues through comprehensive research methodologies. The program is ideal for aspiring academicians, researchers, and policy analysts aiming to contribute to the body of legal knowledge.
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Duration
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Eligibility
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Selection Process
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Seat Intake & Reservations
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Fees (2025)
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Minimum 3 Years (Maximum 6 Years)
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Master’s degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD); LL.M. for Ph.D. in Law
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Entrance Test (or UGC-NET/SLET) + Interview + Research Proposal Presentation
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Total Seats: 20 (10 All India + 10 CG Domicile)
Horizontal Reservation:
• 5% SAP (All India + CG Domicile)
• 3% DFF (CG only)
• 30% Female candidates across all categories
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₹1,59,000/- (excluding mess charges)
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HNLU Raipur Application Process 2025
The application process at Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, is governed primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. For Ph.D. programs, HNLU conducts a separate entrance test and interview. The university also facilitates admission against vacant and special category seats through an additional application process.
Steps to Apply (B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M.):
- Register for CLAT:Candidates must register and appear for CLAT 2025 through the official website of the CLAT Consortium (www.consortiumofnlus.ac.in).
- Participate in the centralized counselling process post-CLAT results. Select HNLU as one of the preferred choices during the counselling rounds.
- HNLU releases multiple provisional admission lists and vacancy notifications on its website. Candidates whose names appear must follow the specified admission instructions.
- Candidates from specific categories such as NRI, Wards of Kashmiri Migrants, SAP (PWD), or Scheduled Castes may apply for admission against vacant seats via university notifications.
- Fill and submit the prescribed application form available on HNLU’s website (hnlu.ac.in) along with relevant category documents.
- The university publishes separate merit lists for vacant seats, highlighting selected candidates for provisional admission under each applicable category.
- Upon selection, pay the prescribed university fees within the deadline provided. Fee details and payment instructions are communicated via official notices.
- Submit original documents for verification and confirm admission by completing all formalities within the stipulated timeline.
Steps to Apply (Ph.D. Program):
- Download Application Form: Candidates must download the Ph.D. application form from the official HNLU website.
- Entrance Test Registration: Non-NET/SLET candidates must register for the HNLU All-India Ph.D. Entrance Test. Pay the application fee (₹2000 for General/OBC and ₹1000 for SC/ST) as per bank details provided in the official notification.
- Submission of Application: Submit the filled application form along with UTR number and scanned copies of enclosures via email to: account@hnlu.ac.in, phdadmissions2023@hnlu.ac.in, academic@hnlu.ac.in .
- Use the email subject line format: “[Applicant’s Name] – [Program] – [UTR Number]”.
- Written Entrance Exam & Viva: Appear for the Ph.D. Entrance Test (if applicable), followed by viva voce and presentation of research proposal before RDCU.
- Final Selection and Registration: Qualified candidates will be notified for registration and orientation. Fee payment and verification of documents must be completed to confirm admission.
Documents Required for All Programs:
- 10th & 12th Class Mark Sheets (for UG programs)
- LL.B. Mark Sheets (for LL.M. applicants)
- PG Degree Certificates (for Ph.D. applicants)
- Transfer Certificate & Migration Certificate
- Entrance Exam Scorecard (CLAT/NET/SLET as applicable)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (SAP Category)
- Payment Proof (UTR/Transaction ID for applicable cases)
HNLU Raipur Campus Facilities
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, offers a fully residential, tech-enabled, and resource-rich campus. The university combines academic excellence with modern infrastructure, legal training spaces, and robust student amenities, ensuring a holistic educational environment.
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Facility
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Category
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Description
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Academic Block
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Academic Infrastructure
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Parliament- building with smart classrooms, labs, and an amphitheatre.
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Smart Classrooms
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Academic
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21 air-conditioned, tech-enabled lecture halls.
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Moot Court Halls
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Academic
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Six modern courtrooms for compulsory moot court exercises.
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Library
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Academic
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Three-storey, Wi-Fi-enabled library with top legal databases and Braille access.
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English Language Lab
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Academic
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Lab for enhancing legal communication and presentation skills.
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Computer Lab
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Academic
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High-speed internet, firewalls, and IT support for academic needs.
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Conference Hall
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Academic
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400-seat air-conditioned space for seminars and guest lectures.
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Legal Aid Clinic
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Experiential Learning
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Regular court visits, legal awareness camps, and social outreach.
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Printing Section
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Student Services
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On-campus photocopying, scanning, and binding at subsidized rates.
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Hostels
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Residential
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Separate blocks with 800+ rooms, balconies, TV rooms, and RO water.
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Dining & Food Courts
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Residential
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Boys’ and girls’ dining halls, CCD outlet, and late-night hostel canteen.
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Medical Facilities
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Health & Safety
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Dispensary, ambulances, tie-ups with major hospitals nearby.
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Sports Complex
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Recreational
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Football, cricket, tennis, basketball, gym, and indoor games.
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Utility Services
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Campus Services
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Guest house, bank, ATMs, utility store, and 24/7 Wi-Fi.
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Transport
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Logistics
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University buses, public transport access, 15 mins from the airport.
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Cultural Activities
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Student Life
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Amphitheatre, Colossus fest, and nationwide student representation.
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HNLU Raipur Placements
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, maintains a strong placement record through its proactive Recruitment Coordination Committee (RCC). The university facilitates student engagement with top law firms, corporate legal departments, and financial institutions through a structured placement process. Students undergo a combination of pre-placement talks, interviews, and pre-screening assessments that align them with career opportunities in litigation, corporate law, consultancy, and public service.
The placement cycle typically includes:
- Pre-Placement Talks (PPTs) by recruiting organizations to present profiles, job roles, and compensation packages.
- Pre-Interview Screening, including group discussions or CV shortlisting.
- Final Interviews with selected candidates, followed by offer disclosures managed confidentially through RCC.
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Recruiters
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AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., J. Sagar Associates, IndusLaw, Nishith Desai Associates, Trilegal, DSK Legal, Economic Laws Practice, Argus Partners, Dua Associates, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Crawford Bayley & Co., Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, Anand and Anand, Aarna Law, Juris Corp, Link Legal, HSA Advocates, BMR Advisors, Ernst & Young GDS, ICICI Bank, HDFC Ltd, Oracle, Schneider Electric
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HNLU continues to support and nurture student placements through structured engagement with legal and corporate institutions, helping students build successful careers across various domains.
HNLU Raipur FAQs
Where is HNLU located?
Hidayatullah National Law University is located in Sector-40, Uparwara, Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh—opposite Jungle Safari. It is approximately 15 minutes from the Raipur Airport and 35 km from Raipur Railway Station.
What programs are offered at HNLU Raipur?
HNLU offers three main programs: B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – a 5-year integrated undergraduate course, LL.M. – a 1-year postgraduate program, and Ph.D. – a doctoral research program in law and interdisciplinary studies.
What is the eligibility for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) at HNLU?
Candidates must qualify the CLAT exam as per the official CLAT notification. Eligibility includes completing 10+2 or equivalent with minimum aggregate marks required by CLAT authorities.
What is the intake capacity for the B.A. LL.B. program at HNLU?
The intake capacity is 180 seats, evenly divided into All India and Chhattisgarh domicile categories, with applicable category-based reservations, including for SAP and female candidates.
Is HNLU approved by UGC and BCI?
Yes, HNLU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) and is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) under Section 7 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
Does HNLU offer hostel and mess facilities?
Yes, HNLU is a fully residential campus with separate Halls of Residence for boys and girls, well-furnished rooms, dining halls, and 24x7 access to basic amenities and security.
How are placements at HNLU Raipur?
HNLU has a strong placement record. In 2024, students secured placements at leading firms like AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Ernst & Young, and ICICI Bank. The RCC coordinates the entire recruitment process.
What is the annual fee for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) at HNLU?
The annual fee for Indian nationals is ₹2,10,000 (excluding mess charges), which includes tuition, hostel, library, medical, and infrastructure fees. Separate fee structures apply for NRI and foreign national students.
Is Ph.D. in Law available at HNLU?
Yes, HNLU offers a structured Ph.D. program in Law and interdisciplinary studies, with a rigorous admission process involving entrance tests, interviews, and coursework. The minimum duration is three years.
What are the specializations offered in the LL.M. program at HNLU?
Specializations include Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Rights, and Technology and Law. Additional areas may be introduced based on faculty availability and student interest.
How can I apply to HNLU Raipur?
For B.A. LL.B. and LL.M., candidates must apply through CLAT and follow university-specific instructions for vacant seats if applicable. For Ph.D., applications are invited through the HNLU website and involve a separate entrance and interview process.
Does HNLU conduct any major student events?
Yes, HNLU organizes the Justice Hidayatullah Memorial National Moot Court Competition (HNMCC) and the annual cultural-sports fest “Colossus,” attracting students from law colleges across India.
