Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, was established in 2003 in Chhattisgarh. It is a premier National Law University, recognized by the UGC and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI). In 2025, HNLU was ranked 12th out of 102 law colleges in India by Collegedunia. Meanwhile, India Today ranked it 5th out of 76.
HNLU Raipur provides the institute offers BA LLB for a duration of five years and LLM for a duration of 1 year.
HNLU Raipur Campus Tour Video
Given below is a Campus tour and other details of HNLU Raipur by Mad Barrister:
HNLU Raipur Important Dates
HNLU Raipur 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 HNLU Raipur Admissions, are as follows:
| Events | Date |
|---|---|
| Payment of Admission Confirmation Fee | Jan 22 - Jan 29, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 2nd Merit List | Jan 22, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 3rd Merit List | Feb 05, 2026 |
| Payment of Admission Confirmation Fee | Feb 05 - Feb 12, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 4th Merit List | May 02, 2026 |
| Payment of Admission Confirmation Fee | May 02 - May 08, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 5th Merit List (Last Round) | May 15, 2026 |
| Payment of Admission Confirmation Fee | May 15 - May 20, 2026 |
| Payment of University Fee | May 30, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Registration Date | Aug - Nov, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Exam Date | Dec, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Result Date | Dec, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Counselling Registration | Dec, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 1st Merit List | Jan, 2027 |
| Payment of Admission Confirmation Fee | Jan, 2027 |
HNLU Raipur Rankings
The table below shows HNLU Raipur Rankings by various agencies in the law category in the year 2025:
| Agency | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| India Today | Law | 5 |
| The Week | Law | 8 |
| IIRF | Law | 32 |
HNLU Raipur Ranking FAQ
Ques. Why does HNLU Raipur have different ranks across multiple ranking agencies?
Ans. HNLU Raipur receives different ranks from agencies because each ranking body follows its own evaluation methodology. Factors such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, infrastructure, placements, and peer perception are weighted differently by agencies like India Today, The Week, and IIRF. As a result, variations in ranking positions are common and reflect diverse assessment criteria rather than inconsistencies in performance.
Ques. Which ranking agency is considered most reliable for evaluating HNLU Raipur’s law programs?
Ans. There is no single ranking agency universally considered the most reliable, as each serves a different purpose. India Today and The Week rankings are often preferred by aspirants for their focus on academic reputation and student outcomes, while Collegedunia emphasizes student reviews and data-driven insights. Candidates are advised to consider multiple rankings collectively to gain a balanced understanding of HNLU Raipur’s standing among top law colleges.
HNLU Raipur Courses & Fees 2026
The details of HNLU Raipur Courses & Fees, its intakes, eligibility & selection criteria are tabulated below:
| Course | Duration (years) | Eligibility | Fees (1st Year Fees) | Total fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALLB {Hons.} | 5 | 10+2 with 45% + CLAT | INR 2.25 Lakhs | INR 11.25 Lakhs |
| L.L.M | 1 | L.L.B. with 50% + CLAT | INR 1,60,000 | - |
| PhD (Law) | 3 | Post Graduation + NET | INR 1 Lakh | INR 3 Lakhs |
HNLU Raipur Courses & Fees FAQ
Ques. Are HNLU Raipur course fees the same for all categories of students?
Ans. No, the course fees at HNLU Raipur may vary slightly depending on the student’s category and applicable university or government norms. While the tuition fee remains largely uniform, certain concessions or fee relaxations may be available for reserved categories or eligible candidates. Students are advised to check official fee notifications at the time of admission for category-wise details.
Ques. Can HNLU Raipur students pay their course fees in installments?
Ans. HNLU Raipur generally requires students to pay their fees on an annual basis at the beginning of each academic year. However, in specific cases, the university may allow installment-based payments subject to approval by the administration. Candidates facing financial constraints should contact the university authorities for clarity on available payment options.
HNLU Raipur Admissions 2026
HNLU Raipur offers BA LLB (Hons.), LLM, and Ph.D. programs. Applications are submitted online through the university’s admission portal. The table below provides details of HNLU Raipur Admissions with Duration and Selection Process.
| Course | Eligibility | Selection Criteria | Seat intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| BALLB {Hons.} | 10+2 with 45% | CLAT | 85 (All India)85 (Home State) |
| L.L.M | L.L.B. with 50% | CLAT-PG | 90 |
| PhD (Law) | Post Graduation | NET | - |
HNLU Raipur Admission FAQ
Ques. Does HNLU Raipur offer admission through management quota or institutional quota?
Ans. No, HNLU Raipur does not offer admission through management quota or direct institutional quota for its law programs. Admissions to BA LLB (Hons.) and LLM courses are strictly conducted through CLAT UG and CLAT PG, respectively. The Ph.D. admissions also follow a merit-based process through an entrance test and interview, ensuring transparency in selection.
Ques. Can candidates apply for multiple courses at HNLU Raipur in the same admission cycle?
Ans. Yes, candidates can apply for multiple courses at HNLU Raipur provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each program. However, selection is based on separate entrance examinations and merit lists, and candidates can accept only one seat if offered admission. Applicants should carefully track application timelines and counselling procedures to avoid conflicts.
HNLU Raipur Cutoff 2026
HNLU Raipur offers admission in the BA LLB (Hons.) program through CLAT UG, and for LLM, admissions are given through CLAT PG Scores. Here are the HNLU Raipur cutoffs of 2026:
HNLU Raipur CLAT Cutoff 2026 for General Category (All India)
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and AI Quota for CLAT is 736. BALLB Hons. was the most preferred course for General candidates (AI) in 2026 with the lowest rank of 736. HNLU Raipur, CLAT Cutoff 2026 for all categories for All India quota is listed below.
| Category | Round 1 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|
| General | 736 |
| OBC | 1994 |
| SC | 6464 |
| ST | 11239 |
| GeneralPwD | 14329 |
HNLU Raipur CLAT Cutoff 2026 for General Category (Home State)
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and HS Quota for CLAT is 3847. BALLB Hons. was the most preferred course for General candidates (HS) in 2026 with the lowest rank of 3847. HNLU Raipur, CLAT Cutoff 2026 for all categores in Home State quota is listed below:
| Category | Round 1 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|
| General | 3847 |
| OBC | 11196 |
| SC | 20277 |
| ST | 39722 |
| GeneralPwD | 55951 |
| General Defence Personnel | 70287 |
HNLU Raipur CLAT-PG Cutoff 2026 for General Category (All India)
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and AI Quota for CLAT-PG is 775. L.L.M. Corporate Law was the most preferred course for General candidates (AI) in 2026 with the lowest rank of 775 , followed by L.L.M. Environmental Law with a cutoff of 775. HNLU Raipur, CLAT-PG Cutoff 2026 for General Category and All India quota is listed below.
| Courses | Round 1 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|
| L.L.M. Corporate Law | 775 |
| L.L.M. Environmental Law | 775 |
| L.L.M. Intellectual Property Rights | 775 |
HNLU Raipur Cutoff FAQ
Ques. Why is there a significant difference between All India and Home State CLAT cutoffs at HNLU Raipur?
Ans. The difference between All India and Home State cutoffs at HNLU Raipur is mainly due to separate seat allocations under each quota. Home State seats are reserved for candidates from Chhattisgarh, which often leads to higher closing ranks compared to the All India quota. Variations in applicant numbers, preference trends, and category-wise seat distribution also influence this gap in cutoff ranks.
Ques. Can CLAT-PG aspirants with a rank slightly above the first-round cutoff get admission to HNLU Raipur?
Ans. Yes, candidates with ranks slightly higher than the first-round CLAT-PG cutoff may still secure admission in subsequent counselling rounds. Cutoffs can fluctuate due to seat withdrawals, changes in candidate preferences, and vacant seats across specialisations. Therefore, aspirants are advised to participate in all counselling rounds to improve their chances of admission.
HNLU Raipur Scholarships 2026
HNLU Raipur offers government and merit-based scholarships to deserving students. Some of the HNLU Raipur Scholarship details are below.
Merit Cum Means- Based Scholarship:
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) offers a range of scholarships for deserving students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These scholarships are aimed at supporting meritorious students with financial need, and they include both University-funded and Government-funded schemes. Eligibility is generally based on academic performance, parental income, and domicile or community criteria.
| Scholarship Type | Eligible Program/Semester | Number of Students | Eligibility Criteria | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Merit Scholarship | B.A. LL.B./ LL.B., Semester 3 | 24 | Senior Secondary Examination: ≥70% marks; CGPA ≥6.00 in preceding semesters; parental income ≤ INR5,00,000 | University Funded |
| University Merit Scholarship | LL.M., Semester 2 | 6 | LL.B. degree: ≥70% marks; CGPA ≥6.00 in preceding semesters; parental income ≤ INR5,00,000 | University Funded |
| Post Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC students | Varies | Students domiciled in Chhattisgarh; income and caste-based criteria | Government Funded |
| Minority Scholarship | Recognized minority communities | Varies | Family income ceiling; satisfactory academic performance | State & Central Government Funded |
UGC/AICTE and Other Outside Scholarships
Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships at the national level, such as:
- Aditya Birla Scholarship - Available for the highest-ranking CLAT toppers at HNLU.
- Eklavya Scholarship - open to students from scheduled categories with established track records of academic merit.
- INSPIRE, NSP, and Central Sector Scholarships - given by central government bodies based on performance and financial need.
HNLU Raipur Scholarship FAQ
Ques. Can students apply for more than one scholarship at HNLU Raipur at the same time?
Ans. Yes, students at HNLU Raipur can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each scheme. However, the final approval and disbursement depend on the rules of the respective scholarship providers, as some schemes may not allow availing benefits from more than one source. Students are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions before applying.
Ques. How and when are HNLU Raipur scholarships usually disbursed to students?
Ans. HNLU Raipur scholarships are generally disbursed after verification of academic performance, income certificates, and other required documents. Government and national-level scholarships are usually credited directly to the student’s bank account through official portals such as NSP. The timeline for disbursement may vary depending on the scholarship scheme and administrative processes.
HNLU Raipur Placements
The Placement and Internship Coordination Committee (PICC) of HNLU is committed to supporting students in securing internships and placements with top law firms, corporates, and public sector organisations.Some details of last years HNLU Raipur Placements are given below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Students Graduated | 171 |
| Pre-Placement Offered (PPO) | 18 |
| Total no of graduates opting for recruitment | 67 |
| Total number of offers accepted | 37 |
| Highest package offered | INR 23 Lakhs |
| Top recruiters | Law firms: AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, Trilegal, Khaitan & Co, IndusLaw, S&R Associates, JSA, Vaish Associates, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Majmudar & Partners, Spice Route Legal, Veritas Legal, Tatva Legal, S&A Law Offices, PLR Chambers, TLC Legal, Corporates & Consulting: EY(Ernst & Young), ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Flipkart, PwC, L'Oreal India, Tata Sons. |
HNLU Raipur Placement FAQ
Ques. Does HNLU Raipur provide placement assistance for students interested in litigation or higher studies?
Ans. Yes, HNLU Raipur supports students pursuing careers beyond corporate law placements. The Placement and Internship Coordination Committee (PICC) also assists students interested in litigation, research fellowships, policy think tanks, and higher education opportunities. Guidance is often provided through internship facilitation, mentorship, and alumni interactions.
Ques. Are placements at HNLU Raipur mandatory for all graduating students?
Ans. No, participation in the placement process at HNLU Raipur is optional. Many students choose alternative career paths such as litigation, judicial services preparation, academia, or further studies in India and abroad. The placement process is designed primarily for students seeking corporate or organizational roles through campus recruitment.
HNLU Raipur vs NLUO Cuttack
Hidayatullah National Law University, located in Raipur, 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 HNLU has shown consistent improvement of its academic standards, moot court performance, and student-led initiatives over recent years. This is a structured comparison:
| Feature | HNLU Raipur | NLUO Cuttack |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 2003 | 2008 |
| Location | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | Cuttack, Odisha |
| Type | State University | State University |
| Campus Size | 65 Acres | 50 Acres |
| Recognized By | UGC, BCI | UGC, BCI |
| Entrance Exam | CLAT (UG, PG) | CLAT (UG, PG) |
| Flagship Program | B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | LLM |
| Other Programs | LL.M., Ph.D. | PhD, LLB, BALLB, BBALLB, MBA, BA (Law) |
| Top Recruiters | AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., Trilegal, Khaitan & Co. | Khaitan and Co., Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Singh and Associates, Saraf and Partners, Saakshya Law, Argus Partners, TriLegal, Casus Chambers, DMD Advocates, Tatva Legal, Sagus Legal, S&A Law Offices, Burgeon Law, |
| Campus Facilities | Moot court halls, library, sports, Wi-Fi | Library, moot court, e-resources, hostel, cafeteria, Wi-Fi |
| Student Activites and Clubs | Moots, Legal Aid Cell, Debates, Fests | Moots, Legal Incubation Centre, Policy Dialogues, Cultural Events |
HNLU Raipur College Comparison FAQ
Ques. Which university is better for corporate law placements: HNLU Raipur or NLUO Cuttack?
Ans. NLUO Cuttack is generally perceived to have a stronger edge in corporate law placements due to its consistent recruitment by top-tier law firms and corporates, along with a well-established alumni network. However, HNLU Raipur has shown steady improvement in placement outcomes over recent years and continues to attract leading law firms. Candidates should consider individual career goals, specialization interests, and recent placement trends before making a decision.
Ques. Is HNLU Raipur a good alternative to NLUO Cuttack for CLAT aspirants with slightly lower ranks?
Ans. Yes, HNLU Raipur is often considered a strong alternative for candidates who narrowly miss out on higher-ranked NLUs like NLUO Cuttack. HNLU offers solid academic exposure, active mooting culture, and growing national recognition. For students focused on litigation, judiciary preparation, or holistic legal training, HNLU Raipur can be a competitive and rewarding choice.
HNLU Raipur Campus And Facilities
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur campus is situated in the capital city of Chhattisgarh over an area of 65 acres.The campus is a fully residential campus and aimed towards supporting academic growth, research and all-round development. The details related to the campus is shown below:
- Campus Size: 65 acres, green and fully residential
- Classrooms: Smart classrooms with audio-visual aids for interactive learning
- Library: State-of-the-art library with vast legal resources, journals, and online legal databases like SCC Online, Manupatra, and JSTOR
- Computer Labs: Modern labs with high-speed internet and access to legal research platforms
- Hostel Facilities: Separate hostels for boys and girls, equipped with common rooms, indoor games, and hygienic mess
- Cafeteria: Clean and well-maintained cafeteria offering a variety of food options
- Sports & Recreation: Multiple sports grounds (football, cricket, basketball), indoor sports rooms, and gym facilities
- Wi-Fi: 24/7 high-speed campus-wide internet connectivity
- Moot Courts & Halls: Dedicated moot court halls for practice and national-level competitions
- Research Centres: Functional centres focusing on legal studies, environmental law, human rights, and public policy
- Accessibility: Located in Naya Raipur, well-connected by road and close to Swami Vivekananda Airport (approx. 15 km)
HNLU Raipur Hostel Facilities
HNLU Raipur has separate Halls of Residence for boys & girls. The facilities in the HNLU Raipur Hostels include:
- The first year students are given a two-in-one room for both boys & girls.
- From the second year to the fifth, single-occupancy rooms are provided.
- There are 800 rooms furnished with cots, tables, and storage space
- There is a separate PG for girls having a capacity of 30 students.
- There is a dining hall with a capacity of 150 students at a time.
- There is electrical heating systems for shower rooms.
- Each room has an individual balcony with water coolers on each floor
- The hostel fee is between INR 9,000 to INR 15,000 annually.
HNLU Raipur FAQs
Ques. How are the hostel facilities at HNLU Raipur?
Ans. HNLU offers on-campus, stand-alone boys and girls hostels with full residential facilities. Each hostel has full facilities including a mess and common area. The hostels have basic furnishings such as beds, wardrobes, and study tables. Wi-Fi is available in all the hostels, and the common area is maintained regularly in a clean and tidy manner. The hostels also have laundry availability, security guards, and CCTV in public areas. The hostels are conveniently located within walking distance of the academic blocks.
Ques. How is the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) program at HNLU compared to other NLUs?
Ans. The B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) program at HNLU is designed to give each student an equal exposure to legal theory, practical knowledge, and opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. It has a strong faculty base and regularly reviews the course. Placement opportunities, particularly in litigation, the corporate section and judiciary preparation are improving every year.
Ques. Are scholarships or financial aid available at HNLU Raipur?
Ans. HNLU offers scholarships through several different government and private raspberry schemes including:
- National Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/Minority categories)
- Merit-cum-Means Scholarships
- State government funded aid
Students can also apply for grants through UGC (utility grant commission), Central Government sanctioned scholarships and grants from NGOs. The university supports students in terms of documentation and applications to ensure students from poorer sections can access grants.
Ques. Does HNLU offer any interdisciplinary or elective courses?
Ans. HNLU provides various interdisciplinary electives in fields like international relations, sociology, political science, and business management, as well as standard legal subjects. The program includes specialized electives such as cyber law, environmental law, IPR, and trade law, which can help students focus their studies based on career paths like corporate law, litigation, academia, or public policy.

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Comments
Found 2 Comments
There is no criteria for lateral entry admission to HNLU Raipur as of now.
Yes, you can get admission without giving CLAT examination. You get admission to the PhD course. For LLM and BA LLM courses, you are required to score a valid score in the CLAT examination.