![Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University - [DSNLU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1441258157nnt.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) is a Government Funded National Law University situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Government of Andhra Pradesh established the university in 2008. DSNLU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has received an “A” grade accreditation from NAAC. In the year 2025, Collegedunia ranked DSNLU 72nd among colleges in India, while India Today ranked the university #7 in Law Category.
The flagship program at DSNLU is a 5-year integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons) degree, in which students gain admission through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT ) Exam. The university offers additional programs, including LL.B., LL.M., in addition to Ph.D. in Law and LL.D. in a range of legal specializations.
In terms of placements, DSNLU students received median packages of approximately INR 7.5 LPA. Top package offers can be significantly higher through the use of pre-placement offers (PPOs), internships and/or clerkships. Companies which do recruit at DSNLU include well-respected law firms such as Trilegal, Khaitan & Co., Luthra & Luthra along with the legal wings of corporates such as ICICI, HDFC, as means well as consulting firms.
DSNLU Visakhapatnam Summary
Type: State University (National Law University)
Accreditation: UGC-recognized and approved by BCI, NAAC Grade “A”
Ranking: 25th out of 70 law colleges in India (Collegedunia, 2025)
Programs Offered: B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D. in Law, LL.D.
Ranking: Ranked 72nd In India by CollegeDunia
Table of Contents
DSNLU Important Dates
DSNLU admits students to its B.A. LL.B., and LL.M. programs primarily offered through the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) Exam.The important dates for CLAT Exam, applicable for DSNLU Admissions, are as follows:
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| CLAT Exam Registration Starts | August 1, 2025 |
| Last Registration Date | October 31, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | November 2025 |
| CLAT Exam Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Provisional Answer Key | December 2025 |
| Result Announcement | December 17, 2025 |
| Counselling Starting | December 2025 |
DSNLU Rankings
The table below shows DSNLU Rankings by various agencies in the law category:
| Agency | Category | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| CollegeDunia | Law | #72 | 2025 |
| India Today | Law | #7 | 2025 |
| IIRF | Law | #33 | 2025 |
DSNLU Courses and Fees 2025
DSNLU offers various courses in its UG, PG, Ph.D, and diploma programs. The courses include a 5-year integrated BA LLB (Hons.), LL.B., a one-year LL.M. program, Ph.D. in law, and LL.D.
Admissions to UG and PG law programs are conducted through CLAT UG and CLAT PG, while admission to the LLB and Ph.D Program is based on the university’s entrance test followed by an interview. The table below points out the details of the DSNLU Courses & Fees:
| Program | Eligibility Criteria | Tution Fees(1st Year) |
|---|---|---|
| BALLB {Hons.} | 10+2 (any stream) with required marks + CLAT UG score | INR 2.2 Lakh |
| L.L.B | 10+2 (any stream) with required marks + DET score | INR 1.5 Lakhs |
| Master of Laws [L.L.M.] | LL.B. or equivalent degree + CLAT PG score | INR 2.2 Lakh |
| Ph.D. (Law) | Master’s degree in Law with minimum marks + Entrance Test & Interview | INR 1.05 - 1.65 Lakhs |
| L.L.D | Ph.D in Law with minimum marks + Entrance Test & Interview | INR 1.35 Lakhs |
DSNLU Admissions
DSNLU offers BA LLB (Hons.), LLB, LLM, Ph.D. programs and LLD. Admission into the integrated law courses is strictly entrance-based through CLAT UG, while LLM admissions are via CLAT PG. For Ph.D. and LLB, DSNLU conducts its own written test named as DET(DSNLU ENTRANCE TEST) and interview process for Ph.D. Applications are submitted online through the university’s admission portal. The table below provides details of DSNLU Admissions with Duration and Selection Process.
| Program | Duration | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons) | 5 Years (Full-time) | CLAT UG 2025 + Counselling |
| LLB | 3 Years (Full-time) | DET (DSNLU ENTRANCE TEST) + Counselling |
| LLM | 1 Year (Full-time) | CLAT PG 2025 + Counselling |
| Ph.D | 3 - 5 Years | University Written Test + Research Proposal + Interview |
| LLD | 3 - 6 Years | University Written Test + Research Proposal + Interview |
DSNLU Cutoff 2025
DSNLU offers admission in the BA LLB (Hons.) program through CLAT UG, and for LLM, admissions are given through CLAT PG Scores.
DSNLU CLAT UG Cutoff 2025 for General Category (All India)
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and AI Quota for CLAT ranges between 1489 - 1682. DSNLU CLAT UG Cutoff 2025 for General Category in All India quota is listed below.
| Program | Round 1 (Closing rank) | Round 2 (Closing rank) | Round 3 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB Hons. | 1489 | 1623 | 1682 |
DSNLU CLAT UG Cutoff 2025 for General Category (Home State)
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and HS Quota for CLAT ranges between 5616 - 7562. DSNLU CLAT UG Cutoff 2025 for General Category in Home State quota is listed below.
| Program | Round 1 (Closing rank) | Round 2 (Closing rank) | Round 3 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB Hons. | 5616 | 6917 | 7562 |
DSNLU CLAT-PG Cutoff 2025 for General Category (All India)
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and AI Quota for CLAT-PG ranges between 1131 - 2114. DSNLU CLAT PG Cutoff 2025 for General Category in All India quota is listed below.
| Program | Round 1 (Closing rank) | Round 2 (Closing rank) | Round 3 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L.L.M. | 1265 | 1909 | 2215 |
DSNLU CLAT-PG Cutoff 2025 for General Category (Home State)
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and HS Quota for CLAT-PG ranges between 1303 - 2493. DSNLU CLAT PG Cutoff 2025 for General Category in Home State quota is listed below.
| Program | Round 1 (Closing rank) | Round 2 (Closing rank) | Round 3 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L.L.M. | 3704 | 5081 | - |
DSNLU Scholarships
DSNLU offers several scholarships to support meritorious and financially disadvantaged students. These are funded by the state government, central government, and other external bodies.
- Post-Matric Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/Minorities):
Offered by the Andhra Pradesh and Central Governments. Covers tuition, hostel, and maintenance. Apply via Jnanabhumi or NSP portals.
- Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Minorities:
For minority students with annual family income below INR 2.5 lakh. Apply through NSP. Covers tuition and allowance.
- Jnanabhumi Scholarship (AP Govt.):
For eligible SC/ST/BC/EBC/Minority students from Andhra Pradesh. Covers tuition and living costs.
- Other Scholarships:
Occasional scholarships from legal bodies, bar councils, or alumni endowments based on merit or need.
DSNLU Placements
A the 2025 DSNLU placement report has not been released yet, one can take a look at previous years placements.In 2024, DSNLU recorded steady placement performance, with students placed in top law firms, corporate legal teams, and public sector roles.
- Total Students Placed: 38
- Median Package (UG - 5 Years): INR 7.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Trilegal, Khaitan & Co., Luthra & Luthra, HDFC Legal, ICICI Bank, Andhra Pradesh Legal Services Authority
- Career Paths: Corporate law, litigation, judiciary preparation, policy research, higher studies
DSNLU continues to build its placement ecosystem through strong internship opportunities, moot court exposure, and industry connections.
DSNLU Visakhapatnam and NUALS Kochi
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam and Gujarat National Law University,Gandhinagar, are both included in the prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) of India. GNLU is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, placement consistency, and international collaborations, whereas DSNLU has shown consistent improvement of its academic standards, moot court performance, and student-led initiatives over recent years. This is a structured comparison:
| Feature | DSNLU Vishakapatnam | GNLU Gandhinagar |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 2008 | 2003 |
| Location | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | Gandhinagar, Gujarat |
| Type | State University | State University |
| Campus Size | Around 30 Acres | 50 Acres |
| Recognized By | UGC, BCI, NAAC Grade “A” | UGC, BCI,NAAC Grade “A” |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT (UG, PG),DET | CLAT (UG, PG),GPAT |
| Flagship Program | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) |
| Other Programs | LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D., LL.D. | LL.M., Ph.D., MBA, Diploma & Certificate Courses |
| Tuition Fees(BA LLB) | INR 10 Lakhs | INR 6 Lakhs |
| Tuition Fees(LLM) | INR 2 Lakhs | INR 1.2 Lakhs |
| Top Recruiters | Trilegal, Khaitan & Co., Luthra & Luthra, HDFC Legal, ICICI, AP Legal Services Authority | Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Trilegal, Khaitan & Co., ONGC, Adani, Reliance |
| Campus Facilities | Library, Moot Court, Wi-Fi, Classrooms | Library, moot court, e-resources, hostel, cafeteria, Wi-Fi |
| Student Activities and Clubs | Moots, Legal Aid, Debates, Cultural Fests | Moots, Legal Incubation Centre, Policy Dialogues, Cultural Events |
| Alumni Network | Emerging network, strong in litigation and mooting | Strong, with presence in law firms, judiciary, and policy think-tanks |
| International Collaborations | International moots, academic exchange with foreign law schools | Exchange programs, joint research with foreign law schools |
DSNLU Campus and Facilities
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) is located in Sabbavaram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The campus is spread over approximately 30 acres and is designed to support academic excellence, research, and student development. It is a fully residential campus with modern infrastructure and facilities.
Key Campus Features:
- Campus Size: ~30 acres, eco-friendly and residential
- Classrooms: Smart classrooms with projectors and audio-visual teaching aids
- Library: Well-stocked law library with access to digital legal databases like SCC Online, Manupatra, JSTOR, and HeinOnline
- Computer Labs: Equipped with legal research tools and high-speed internet
- Hostel Facilities: Separate hostels for boys and girls with 24/7 security, mess, and basic amenities
- Cafeteria: Hygienic and affordable canteen serving multi-cuisine food options
- Sports & Recreation: Outdoor sports grounds (cricket, football, basketball), indoor games, and a fitness room
- Wi-Fi: Campus-wide high-speed internet connectivity
- Moot Court Halls: Dedicated moot court setups for training and hosting inter-university competitions
- Research Centres: Active centres in Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice, and Legal Policy
- Accessibility: Located around 35 km from Visakhapatnam city, connected by road and public transport
DSNLU Hostel Facilities
DSNLU provides separate residential facilities for boys and girls with focus on comfort and academic convenience.
- First-year students are allotted shared rooms
- Upper-year students may be allotted single or twin-sharing rooms based on availability
- Hostels are equipped with study tables, cots, storage, and attached/common bathrooms
- Each floor has access to water coolers and hot water facilities
- Common areas include reading rooms, recreation spaces, and indoor games
- A central mess provides nutritious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals
- Hostel Fees: Range from INR 12,000 to INR 18,000 per annum (approx.)
Conclusion
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU) has consistently developed as a National Law University that focuses on academic rigour, legal research and professional training. DSNLU is BCI approved and UGC recognized with a NAAC Grade "A" status and offers integrated, postgraduate and doctorate degrees in Law. The university is situated on a contemporary resdential campus in Visakhapatnam and supports the overall development of its students by offering moot courts, internships, legal aid clinics and research centres.
The 2024 placement season showed positive results, which also included a median package of INR 7.5 LPA, and students were placed in top law firms, as well as public sector bodies. DSNLU continues its academic synergistic improvement in education and career opportunities, while maintaining education affordability through scholarships and government funding support. DSNLU is establishing itself as a competitive and affordable option for students interested in pursuing a career in law in India.
DSNLU FAQs
Ques. Where is DSNLU Visakhapatnam located and how accessible is it?
Ans. DSNLU is situated in Sabbavaram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The campus lies approximately 30 km from the city of Visakhapatnam. Accessibility to the law school takes place through road and transportation supports of autos, buses, or taxis. The nearest major railway station is Visakhapatnam Junction, which is 28 km from the University, and Visakhapatnam International Airport is also just 35 km away from the campus. Although it is a bit away from the main city, the campus has regular public and private transport.
Ques. How are the hostel facilities at DSNLU?
Ans. DSNLU has separate hostels for boys and girls on campus. The rooms are usually allocated on a shared basis along with basic amenities such as beds, tables, chairs, wardrobes, and internet. The hostels are equipped with 24x7 security and in-house laundry. There is also a mess at the hostels that serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food on a rotating menu. The hostel and mess fees are approximately INR 60,000–INR 70,000 per year, which are subject to change.
Ques. How are placements at DSNLU Visakhapatnam?
Ans. The Career Guidance and Placement Cell (CGPC) at DSNLU provides assistance to students with internships and final placements. In the last few years, the students have been able to secure placements through law firms such as Khaitan & Co, Fox Mandal, with even more placements in companies, litigation chambers and policy research organisations. While the highest package is in the range of INR 10-12 LPA, the average package depends on the batch, and is typically around INR 7 LPA. A number of students also pursue litigation, UPSC, judiciary exams, and other higher studies.
Ques. What is the campus and infrastructure like at DSNLU?
Ans. The DSNLU campus is about 75 acres, in a semi-urban setup. It is equipped with modern academic blocks, air-conditioned classrooms, an auditorium, a law library that is well equipped, moot court halls, computer labs, a sports and gym facility, etc. The library also provides access to a number of online legal databases, including SCC Online, Manupatra, etc. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled and also has various student led academic and cultural activities throughout the year.
Ques. What extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities are available at DSNLU?
Ans. DSNLU offers a number of student-initiated and student-led committees and cells such as the Moot Court Committee, Debating Society, Cultural Committee, Sports Committee, Legal Aid Cell, and Gender Sensitization Cell. The university encourages students to participate in national and international moot courts, debates, MUNs, and through research publications. In addition, DSNLU hosts its own moot court competition and cultural/sports fests every year. Also, there are initiatives for legal awareness and volunteer activities through the National Service Society (NSS) to promote social responsibility among students.
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You can apply online from the official website of the Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University for the admission. The admissions are based on the score obtained in the CLAT.
Check here for CLAT Round Wise Cutoffs at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University
The admissions are done on the basis of the entrance examination. Check here for the DSNLU Admission 2023 (Open): Eligibility, Cutoff, Courses, Fees, Selection Process.