Established in 2003, Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur is one of India’s premier national law schools. Named after former Chief Justice of India, Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah, the university is committed to excellence in legal education and research. Within a short span, HNLU has emerged as a beacon of academic excellence, shaping legal minds equipped to serve both national and global legal sectors.
HNLU is recognized by the Bar Council of India and included under Section 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, making it eligible for Central assistance. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in law. Its curriculum integrates theoretical study with practical application through mooting, internships, legal aid initiatives, and research projects.
Situated in Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the sprawling campus offers a tech-enabled environment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a vibrant student community that enriches the academic journey through cultural and professional events.
HNLU Raipur Important Dates 2025
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Event
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Date
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CLAT 2025 Exam
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December 2024
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Ph.D. Notification Release
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July 2025 (Tentative)
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Ph.D. Application Deadline
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August 2025 (Tentative)
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LL.B. / LL.M. Admission Cycle via CLAT
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March – July 2025
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Admission Against Vacant Seats (if any)
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June – August 2025
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Session Commencement
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August 2025
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Applicants are advised to visit the official HNLU website regularly for announcements related to admission rounds, shortlists, merit lists, and updates on supernumerary/NRI seats and other special categories.
HNLU Raipur Admission 2025
HNLU follows a rigorous yet accessible admission process for its BA LL.B., LL.M., and Ph.D. programs. Admission to both undergraduate and postgraduate law courses is through the national-level Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). The selection is based on the CLAT merit list, category reservations, and special seats including for SAP, DFF, and NRI candidates.
The Ph.D. program admits students through a separate university-level entrance test followed by a personal interview and presentation before the RDCU. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF or SLET qualification are exempted from the entrance test but must go through the interview process.
The curriculum at HNLU ensures a balance of academic rigor and practical training. With comprehensive classroom learning, robust moot court practice, fieldwork, and exposure to legal proceedings, HNLU prepares students for careers in judiciary, academia, legal consultancy, and corporate law.
Programs Offered and Eligibility Criteria
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Program Name
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Eligibility Criteria
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Selection Criteria
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Fees (2025)
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B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) (5 Years)
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10+2 from a recognized board as per CLAT 2025 norms
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CLAT 2025 Rank + Category-Based Allotment
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₹2,10,000 per annum + mess charges
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LL.M. (1 Year)
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LL.B. degree from a recognized university as per CLAT 2025 eligibility standards
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CLAT 2025 Rank + Category Reservation
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₹1,60,000 per annum + mess charges
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Ph.D. in Law/Interdisciplinary
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LL.M. or Master’s degree in relevant field with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/SAP)
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Entrance Test + Personal Interview
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₹1,59,000 per annum + applicable fees
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The undergraduate and postgraduate programs follow a semester-based academic structure with a strong focus on clinical legal education and specialized tracks in areas like Corporate Law, IPR, Technology Law, and more.
The Ph.D. program is research-intensive and offers specializations ranging from Constitutional Law and Criminal Law to Environmental Law, Public Policy, and Gender Studies.
HNLU Raipur Application Process 2025
The application process at HNLU varies by program and follows national-level and university-level protocols. For B.A. LL.B. and LL.M., candidates must register for CLAT 2025. After declaration of CLAT results, seat allotment, fee payment, and document verification follow.
For Ph.D., applications are invited through a separate notification. Candidates can download the application form from the university website and submit it via email, attaching all required documents and proof of fee payment.
Steps to Apply:
For B.A. LL.B. & LL.M.:
- Register and appear for CLAT 2025.
- Participate in CLAT counseling.
- Choose HNLU as the preferred institute.
- Submit documents as per seat allotment.
- Pay fees to confirm admission.
For Ph.D.:
- Download application form from hnlu.ac.in.
- Pay application fee (₹2000; ₹1000 for SC/ST).
- Email scanned form and documents to admissions committee.
- Appear for the entrance test (if applicable).
- Attend a personal interview and proposal presentation.
Documents Required:
- 10th & 12th Marksheets (for BA LL.B.)
- LL.B. & LL.M. Marksheets (for PG & Ph.D.)
- CLAT Admit Card and Scorecard (for UG/PG)
- Transfer & Migration Certificates
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (SAP)
- Domicile Certificate (for Chhattisgarh quota)
- Passport-size photographs
- Government ID Proof
- Research Proposal (for Ph.D.)
HNLU Raipur FAQs
What is the admission mode at HNLU?
HNLU admits students to BA LL.B. and LL.M. through CLAT, while Ph.D. admissions are conducted through the university’s entrance test and interview.
What is the seat intake for BA LL.B. at HNLU?
HNLU offers 180 seats for BA LL.B. (Hons.), equally divided between All India and Chhattisgarh Domicile quotas, with additional seats for NRI, SAP, and J&K candidates.
Is HNLU recognized by national bodies?
Yes, HNLU is recognized under Section 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
What are the tuition fees at HNLU?
The BA LL.B. program costs ₹2,10,000 per annum, the LL.M. costs ₹1,60,000 annually, and the Ph.D. program costs around ₹1,59,000 annually.
Does HNLU offer hostel facilities?
Yes, HNLU is a fully residential university with dedicated hostels for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. students, along with dining halls and recreational spaces.
What are the career opportunities after LL.M. or Ph.D. from HNLU?
Graduates can pursue academia, judiciary, corporate law, research positions, and policy-making roles in national and international organizations.
Are there any special reservations at HNLU?
Yes, horizontal reservations apply for SAP, female candidates, and DFF. NRI, Kashmiri Migrant, and J&K candidates have supernumerary seats.
Can I apply offline for Ph.D.?
Yes, Ph.D. applications must be submitted through email in scanned format as per university guidelines, along with UTR number for fee payment.
Where is HNLU located and how do I reach?
HNLU is located in Uparwara, Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur, opposite Jungle Safari. It is 15 mins from Raipur Airport and 35 km from Raipur Railway Station.
