![Himachal Pradesh National Law University - [HPNLU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1703939318Screenshotfrom20231230175825.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
HPNLU, officially known as Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, is a state public law university located at Ghandal, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh. Established in 2016 under the Himachal Pradesh Act of 2016, the university is a member of the Consortium of National Law Universities. HPNLU Shimla is recognized by the UGC and approved by the BCI. The university has also signed MoUs with the Himachal Pradesh Police for PoLIF and the Army Institute of Law.
- Ranking 2025 (LAW): Ranked 34 in the NIRF and 92 in the Collegedunia. .
- Popular Courses: BA LLB {Hons.}(INR 16.09 Lakhs), L.L.M (INR 2.83 L)
- Entrance Exam: Admissions to UG and PG law programmes are based on CLAT UG and CLAT PG.
- Placement: As per the NIRF 2025 Report, the median package stood at INR 10 LPA (UG 5-year) and INR 15 LPA (PG 1-year), with 88 students placed in 2024.
HPNLU Shimla Admissions 2026 are currently ongoing through the CLAT 2026 counselling process.
HPNLU Important Dates 2026
Admissions to HPNLU Shimla for the 2026 academic session are carried out through the CLAT 2026 counselling process, which includes multiple rounds of seat allotment and confirmation fee payment. In addition to CLAT-based admissions, the university also conducts a separate application process for PhD programmes, with specific deadlines announced by HPNLU.
CLAT 2026
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| CLAT 2026 Round 2 Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze and Float options | 22 Jan, 2026 – 29 Jan, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment Result | 05 Feb, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Round 3 Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze and Float options | 05 Feb, 2026 – 12 Feb, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Round 4 Seat Allotment Result | 02 May, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Round 4 Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze and Float options | 05 Feb, 2026 – 08 May, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Round 5 Seat Allotment Result | 15 May, 2026 |
| CLAT 2026 Round 5 Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Freeze and Float options | 15 May, 2026 – 20 May, 2026 |
PHD 2026
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 15 Feb, 2026 |
MBA/PGDM
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| CUET-PG 2026 Registration | Dec 14, 2025 – Jan 23, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Examination (MBA/PGDM) | Jan 25, 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 Form Correction | Jan 28, 2026 – Jan 30, 2026 |
| MAT Exam Date | Mar 01, 2026 |
| MAT Registration | Dec 30, 2025 – Mar 02, 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 Admit Card | Mar 09, 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 Exam | Mar 13, 2026 – Apr 01, 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 Result | May 06, 2026 |
HPNLU Important Dates FAQs
Ques. When are the dates of counselling rounds and seat allotment announced?
Ans. HPNLU participates in the centralized CLAT counselling conducted by the CLAT Consortium. Counselling registration, preference submission, and seat allotment are done in multiple rounds. The exact dates are announced on the CLAT Consortium portal and reflected in HPNLU’s official admission notices. Typically, the rounds follow this schedule:
- Round 1 seat allotment: Early January
- Round 2 seat allotment: Late January
- Round 3 seat allotment: First week of February
Ques. How important are the deadlines for fee payment during counselling?
Ans. Payment dates are very important at all levels of counselling. First, you have to pay the registration fee for participating in rounds. Second, once a seat is allotted, you have to confirm your seat by paying confirmation fees within the prescribed time period- freez the seat or give options. The allotment will be cancelled in case of failure to do so. Thirdly, when the seat is frozen, the remaining fee needs to be deposited by the date mentioned; if that is not done, the seat would be forfeited, along with the confirmation fee. Payment dates confirm the intent and secure admission in time.
HPNLU Courses and Fees 2026
HPNLU, Shimla offers comprehensive legal education with a focus on academic excellence, research, and professional training. Its flagship programmes include the 5-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and the one-year LL.M. The table below provides key details of HPNLU courses and fees 2026, along with the other details.
| Course | Details | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. LL.B (Hons.) | Duration: 5 years Eligibility: 10+2 with ≥50% (45% for SC/ST) Selection: Admission through CLAT UG + counselling Seats: 120 |
INR 16.09 Lakhs |
| BBALLB {Hons.} | Duration: 5 years Eligibility: 10+2 with ≥50% (45% for SC/ST) Selection: Admission through CLAT UG + counselling Seats: 60 |
INR 16.09 Lakhs |
| LL.M | Duration: 1 year Eligibility: LL.B with ≥50% (45% for SC/ST) Selection: Admission through CLAT PG + counselling Seats: 80 |
INR 2.83 Lakhs |
| Ph.D (Full‑Time) | Duration: 5 years Eligibility: Postgraduate degree (LL.M or equivalent) Selection: Entrance + interview by HPNLU Seats: 20 |
INR 2.95 Lakhs |
| Ph.D (Part‑Time) | Duration: 5 years Eligibility: Postgraduate degree (LL.M) Selection: Entrance + interview by HPNLU Seats: 20 |
INR 3.37 Lakhs |
| LL.D | Duration: minimum duration of 3 years Eligibility: Ph.D or equivalent law doctorate Selection: Research proposal evaluation and interview by expert committee. |
INR 4.29 Lakhs |
| MBA (Corporate Law) | Duration: 2 years Eligibility: Graduate degree with minimum 55% (50% for SC/ST) Selection: CAT/MAT/CUET score + interview/personality test Seats: 20 |
INR 4.47 Lakhs |
HPNLU Courses and Fees FAQs
Ques. Are there any additional academic or administrative charges?
Ans. Yes, in addition to these tuition fees already listed in respect of every programme, other fees which are applicable to every student may include a one-time admission fee, library fees, examination fees, hostel fees/mess fees (in case availing these services), etc. All these fees are generally prescribed at the time of admission only and may vary marginally every year.
Ques. Is financial assistance or fee support available for students?
Ans. HPNLU offers Scholarships, Fee Concessions, and other financial assistance that can be claimed by students, such as Scholarships/ Fee Concessions/Scholarships payable to students belonging to the reserved category (SC/ST/OBC), Scholarships offered by the Government. Students can also secure education loans from banks. This information is disclosed at the onset of the academic session.
HPNLU Ranking 2026
The table below shows HPNLU Ranking 2025 by various agencies in the law category:
| Ranking Agency | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Collegedunia | 92 |
| NIRF | 34 |
| IIRF | 37 |
HPNLU Admissions 2026
HPNLU Shimla admits BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLM through CLAT scores and counselling, while PhD candidates qualify via university entrance or UGC NET/JRF, with applications submitted online with course-specific fees.
| Course Name | Categories | Application Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons) / BBA LLB (Hons) / LLM | General / OBC / PwD / NRI | INR 4000 |
| SC / ST / BPL | INR 3500 | |
| PhD/LLD/MBA | General / Other Categories | INR 3500 |
| SC / ST | INR 2500 |
Application Process for HPNLU Shimla
Each course at HPNLU Shimla follows a different admission process, with detailed steps outlined below for UG, PG, Doctoral, LL.D, and MBA programmes.
BA LLB / BBA LLB / LLM
- Candidates must register and apply online through CLAT UG (for UG courses) or CLAT PG (for LLM).
- Admission is based on CLAT merit, followed by seat allotment and counselling conducted by the Consortium of NLUs.
- Candidates must pay the application fee at the time of registration.
- Ensure all required documents and eligibility certificates are uploaded while applying.
PhD
- Interested candidates can apply online directly to HPNLU.
- All applicants must appear in the university-conducted entrance test, except those who have qualified UGC NET / JRF, who are eligible for direct personal interview.
- Shortlisted candidates are then called for a personal interview to assess research potential and suitability.
- Candidates must upload academic documents, research proposal (if required), and other certificates during application.
LL.D
- Candidates must apply online to HPNLU, submitting all necessary details.
- A research proposal must be prepared and submitted along with the application.
- Selection is based on evaluation of the research proposal and an interview conducted by the expert committee.
- The programme is meant for scholars who have already earned a PhD in Law or allied fields.
MBA
- Interested candidates apply online, submitting academic records and required certificates.
- Selection is based on CAT, MAT, or CUET scores, followed by a personal interview/personality assessment conducted by HPNLU.
- Candidates must pay the application fee during the submission of the application form.
- Ensure all documents and eligibility proof are uploaded correctly for the application to be considered valid.
HPNLU Admissions FAQs
Ques. I know I've confirmed my seat. Can my admission be cancelled? What should I be careful of?
Ans. Yes, your seat is only fully secured when you finish all the requirements on time. HPNLU reserves the right to cancel admissions if your documents are incorrect or lacking details, fee payment is not done on time, and discrepancies arise concerning your eligibility. Such misconduct and false information may result in admission cancellation. However, there is an escape route from all of these worries. Ensure you provide all documents and requirements correctly and on time.
Ques. How does HPNLU support students during counselling and seats allotments?
Ans. HPNLU adheres to the CLAT counselling time table for UG and PG programmes. It is important for the students to keep a record and lock their seats, make confirmation payment, and submit requisite documents well in time. Failure to do so will cause a loss for the student.
HPNLU CLAT-UG Cutoff 2026
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and AI Quota for CLAT ranges between 1824 - 1871. BALLB Hons. was the most preferred course for General candidates (AI) in 2026 with the lowest rank of 1824 , followed by BBA + L.L.B. (Hons.) with a cutoff of 1871.
HPNLU Shimla, CLAT Cutoff UG 2026 for General Category and All India quota is listed below.
| Courses | Round 1 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|
| BALLB Hons. | 1824 |
| BBA + L.L.B. (Hons.) | 1871 |
HPNLU CLAT-PG Cutoff 2026
The overall cutoff rank for General Category Students and HS Quota for CLAT-PG is 7393. L.L.M. Criminal Law was the most preferred course for General candidates (HS) in 2026 with the lowest rank of 7393 , followed by L.L.M. Constitutional Law with a cutoff of 7393.
HPNLU Shimla, CLAT Cutoff PG 2026 for General Category and Home State quota is listed below.
| Courses | Round 1 (Closing rank) | Round 2 (Closing rank) |
|---|---|---|
| L.L.M. Criminal Law | - | 7393 |
| L.L.M. Constitutional Law | - | 7393 |
HPNLU CLAT Cutoff FAQs
Ques. How can I use cutoff information strategically for counselling?
Ans. Cutoff information is more than just a threshold—it’s a planning tool for students. By going through the cutoffs of previous years, one will be able to prioritize course preferences, decide whether to freeze or float choices, and speculate about competition for popular seats. It also allows you to plan financial and accommodation logistics, as some courses or rounds may require immediate fee payments. In short, understanding cutoffs helps students make informed, confident decisions during counselling, rather than leaving admission to chance.
Ques. How do cut-offs reflect competition and the expectation of students?
Ans. Cutoffs are a reflection of both competition among applicants and quality of the programme. A high cutoff would mean a strong pool of candidates and high demand for the course. For students, it provides a benchmark against which to prepare, set targets, and have realistic expectations. Knowing what cutoffs have been in the past can also help you decide on your backup options, plan your scholarship application schedule, and allocate time for counselling and documentation efficiently.
HPNLU Placement 2026
As per NIRF 2025 Data HPNLU Placement tabulated below.
| Program | Total Students Graduated | Students Placed | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG (5-year) | 111 | 52 | INR 10 LPA |
| PG (1-year) | 74 | 36 | INR 15 LPA |
HPNLU Placements FAQs
Ques. What kind of career opportunities are available after the course at the HPNLU?
Ans. HPNLU prides itself on providing students with education that is both intellectually rewarding as well as practically rewarding, opening the doors to any career that the student wishes to take. There are opportunities in litigation law practice, corporate law practice, the judiciary, academia, legal research, policy-making, multinational law practice, among many others. There are even opportunities in banks, consultancies, NGOs, multinational corporations, among other organizations. For a student, HPNLU is the best option because we can offer you a flexible education that enables you to explore all the opportunities that law has to offer.
Ques. What does HPNLU do to facilitate its students in getting internships/placement?
Ans. The Career Development and Placement Cell at HPNLU provides such services for internships and placements. The career development support includes exposure to recruiters, career fairs, workshops, and networking sessions. It also provides practical assistance to the student, such as resume writing and other aspects of career development. For the student, this means the exposure comes even before the actual completion of the course.
Here’s what Prachi has to say about the college
The BA LLB program at HPNLU Shimla offers a diverse curriculum covering subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology, Law of Torts, and Legal Methods, with a strong emphasis on practical, situation-based learning rather than rote theory. Each subject is assessed out of 100 marks, divided among mid-semester exams, presentations/assignments, and end-semester exams, with classes conducted for a batch of 180 students and annual fees of INR 3,00,000. Exams are held every two months, supplemented by additional assignments and presentations. Internship opportunities are available, including placements with HPNLU at Jaipur, though knowledge about them is limited from a first-year perspective. Placement records are modest, with only 30% of the fifth-year batch securing jobs; previous data shows six students placed, with packages ranging from 5 LPA to 18 LPA, and eligibility requiring a CGPA above 7 with no backlogs. Many students have yet to finalize their post-graduation plans.
HPNLU Shimla VS NLU Delhi VS Nalsar Hyderabad
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, and Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) Gandhinagar are among India’s top-ranked NLUs offering the B.A. LL.B. programme. All three admit students through CLAT UG, but they differ significantly in rankings, fees, seat intake, cutoff ranks, and placement outcomes.
| University | HPNLU Shimla | NALSAR Hyderabad | GNLU Gandhinagar |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. LL.B. Ranking (NIRF 2025) | 15 | 3 | 10 |
| Admission Criteria | CLAT UG | CLAT UG | CLAT UG |
| Seat Intake | 120 | 132 | 120 |
| Total Fees (Full Course) | INR 9.5 Lakhs | INR 9.9 Lakhs | INR 9.2 Lakhs |
| Average Package (2025–26) | INR 10 LPA | INR 17.5 LPA | INR 12 LPA |
| Cutoff (General, All India, CLAT UG 2026) | 110–120 AIR | 15–25 AIR | 40–60 AIR |
- HPNLU Shimla: Best suited for students seeking a quieter academic environment with steady growth, regional exposure, and improving national visibility.
- NALSAR Hyderabad: Ideal for top CLAT rankers aiming for elite law firms, strong alumni networks, and consistent international opportunities.
- GNLU Gandhinagar: A good choice for students who want a balanced mix of academics, competitive moots, policy exposure, and relatively controlled costs.
HPNLU Campus and Facilities
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) offers a well-planned campus spread over 24 acres, providing students with modern infrastructural facilities such as hostels, a library, and a cafeteria to ensure a comfortable and convenient campus life. The university administration strives to address any student concerns promptly, ensuring that the campus environment remains supportive and problem-free.
- Hostel: HPNLU provides separate hostels for boys and girls. The room has AC and non-AC rooms for the students.Hostels have facilities such as light, Wi-Fi, water cooler, common rooms, CCTV cameras, newspapers/magazines, etc.
- Library: A library is available for the students on the HPNLU campus and houses collections of books, journals, research, etc.
- Cafeteria: A cafeteria has various eatery stores on campus. Students can purchase the food items and chill for some time with their friends in the cafeteria.
- Sports: The university works to give high-class sports facilities both indoor and outdoor to aid students to participate in sports.
- Banks/ATMs: UCO Bank, situated at a distance of about 2 kms fulfill the requirements of the students and the staff.
- Classrooms: The university provides the Well-furnished Classroom facility available on the campus for the students.
HPNLU CAMPUS TOUR
Hostel Fees
| Programme | Hostel Charges (Annual) | Mess Charges (Advance) | Refundable Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. / B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | INR 35,823 |
- |
INR 20,000 |
| LL.M | INR 39,525 |
- |
INR 20,000 |
| Ph.D. (Full-time) | INR 50,400 | INR 50,400 (Mess Advance, if availed) | INR 14,700 |
| Ph.D. (Part-time) | INR 16,800 |
How to Reach HPNLU?
HPNLU is located about 22 Km away from Shimla on Shimla-Mandi National Highway. Some of the convenient routes by railway, bus and airport to reach HPNLU Shimla are mentioned below:
| Mode of Transportation | Halt Point | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| By Railways | Kalka Railway Station | 97.3 Km |
| By Bus | Shimla Old Bus Stand | 21.9 Km |
| By Airport | Shimla Airport | 27.2 Km |
HPNLU Alumni Association
HPNLU Shimla, though a relatively young law university, has a steadily growing alumni network. Graduates have started making their mark in law firms, corporate roles, litigation, judiciary preparation, and academia. Many alumni actively engage with the university, guiding current students through mentoring, internships, and career advice.
| Alumni Name | Association Role | Alumni Engagement Area |
|---|---|---|
| Sahil Malhotra | President, HPNLU Alumni Association | Alumni coordination, mentoring initiatives, institutional networking |
| Shubham Mahajan | Vice-President, HPNLU Alumni Association | Alumni outreach and student interaction |
| Arshiya | Secretary, HPNLU Alumni Association | Alumni communication and event coordination |
| Anuranjan Upadhyay | Treasurer, HPNLU Alumni Association | Financial and organisational management of alumni activities |
| Ankita | Executive Member, HPNLU Alumni Association | Alumni-led student support and engagement programmes |
HPNLU Campus and Hostel FAQs
Ques. Is hostel accommodation compulsory at HPNLU?
Ans. Hostel accommodation is not compulsory; however, it is highly desirable for a large number of students, especially for those coming from outside the State of Himachal Pradesh. Residence on campus saves time and much hassle in commuting to the campus and enables one to use facilities like the library and academic ones more conveniently, besides participation in campus life more effectively. The day scholars can stay off campus but are required to conform to the University schedules and rules.
Ques. Can the students choose or change their hostel rooms?
Ans. Hostel room allocation is normally carried out by the university, and students may not enjoy complete freedom in the choice of rooms. However, genuine cases on account of medical reasons or changes in availability may see hostel authorities considering applications for room changes. It is expected that students will follow the official procedures and maintain discipline at hostels.
Ques. How active are student-led academic and cultural activities on the campus of HPNLU?
Ans. Academic and cultural activities led by the students play an important role in the life of students at the school. Moot societies, publication cells, legal aid cells, and debate forums of the school participate actively by organizing moots, writing sessions, workshops, and guest lectures every now and then during the course of the year. Cultural activities help students to divert their attention from studies as well. It is by actively participating in such activities that students gain practical knowledge while pursuing their studies simultaneously.
Ques. How do currently enrolled students describe campus life and admission choices?
Ans. With the threads on certain threads stating how though the HPNLU gets the NLU designation, perhaps it may not have the same buzz or urban exposure as other NLUs ranking above it, one such discussion on the advantages and cons of the location on the Reddit forum stated how the place may not have seminars conducted by city-based institutions within the campus or the proximity of the option of visiting the court for guest sessions. It's all about who you meet.
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HPNLU Shimla Courses are offered at UG, PG, Doctorate level. There are 10 courses offered at HPNLU Shimla. The courses are offered disciplines like Law, Management. HPNLU Shimla courses includes BALLB {Hons.}, L.L.M, BBALLB {Hons.}, MBA, Ph.D. Popular courses at HPNLU Shimla are BALLB {Hons.}, L.L.M, BBALLB {Hons.}. HPNLU Shimla Fees 2026-2027 is ? 2.32 Lakhs - 43.26 Lakhs across all offered courses. The UG Fees for HPNLU Shimla is INR 14.95 Lakhs. HPNLU Shimla PG Fees is INR 2.32 Lakhs - 4.47 Lakhs
The fee for the BALLB course is mentioned below:
The selection process in HPNLU is online. You can check here for the HPNLU Admission 2024
The overall cutoff for CLAT is 1856 - 1930 ranking for general category. Check here for the HPNLU CLAT cutoff 2023
You need to be a Graduate from a recognised university with a valid score in CLAT to pursue LLB at NLU, Shimala. For LLM, a LLB degree with a valid score in CLAT PG will be required.
The new batch for session 2023 will start from January last week 2023.