Established by the State Government through Act 16 of 2016, Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla began its operations on October 5, 2016. As a member of the Consortium of National Law Universities, HPNLU Shimla is recognized by UGC and has established MoUs with the HP Police for PoLIF and the Army Institute of Law. The university admits students to its UG and PG programs through CLAT.

HPNLU offers a five-year integrated UG program with B.A.LL.B. and B.B.A.LL.B.-Hons. degrees, and a one-year LL.M. program at the PG level. The LL.M. program provides specializations in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law & Forensic Studies, Business Law, and Intellectual Property Rights. Additionally, the university offers Ph.D and LL.D programs in Law. PhD admissions at HPNLU Shimla are based on merit in the entrance examination conducted by HPNLU.

The university has limited seats available: 60 for BA LLB (Hons), 60 for BBA LLB (Hons), 80 for LLM, and 20 for PhD programs. HPNLU also provides students with placement and internship opportunities at esteemed firms such as AG Law Chambers, ALG India Law Offices LLP, AZB & Partners, Fox Mandal & Co, Keystone Partners, and Khaitan & Co and many more.

HPNLU Highlights

Particulars Details
Institute Name Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU)
Established | Type 2016 | State University
Approved by UGC
Location Shimla District, Ghandal, Himachal Pradesh
Courses Offered BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM and PhD
Admission Criteria Entrance-Based
Entrance Exam Accepted CLAT UG and CLAT PG
MoUs HP Police for PoLIF and Army Institute of Law
Facilities Offered Library, Hostel, Health Facility and Sports Facility
Top Recruiters AG Law Chambers, ALG India Law Offices LLP, AZB & Partners, Fox Mandal & Co, Keystone Partners, Khaitan & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Optimus Legal
Official Website www.hpnlu.ac.in

HPNLU Courses and Fees

The table below consists of the details of the HPNLU Courses and Fees. 

Courses Program details Selection basis
BA LLB (Hons)
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Fees: INR 235500 (1st year)
  • Eligibility: 10+2 with a minimum cumulative score of 50% (or 45% for SC/ST applicants)
 CLAT
LL.M
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Fees: INR 2,69,750 (1st year)
  • Eligibility: LLB/Five Year Integrated LLB/Equivalent Degree with at least 55% of the marks required. Candidates who are SC or ST will receive a 5% aggregate score relaxation.
 CLAT
BBA LL.B (Hons)
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Fees: INR 235500 (1st year)
  • Eligibility: 10+2 with a minimum cumulative score of 50% (or 45% for SC/ST applicants)
 CLAT
Ph.D Law
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Total Fees: INR 65000
  • Eligibility: Master’s Degree in a relevant field with at least 50% marks
 Entrance test conducted by University or (UGC NET/ JRF) followed by presentation of the research proposal
MBA Corporate Law
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Fees: INR 236500
  • Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University established by Law with at least 55% marks
 Based on the entrance test Himachal Pradesh National Law University- Common Entrance Test (HPNLU- CET)

HPNLU Admission 2025

HPNLU Admission to all undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses at HPNLU Shimla is based on merit in the respective entrance examinations. For the Ph.D. in Law program, HPNLU conducts a written entrance test. However, candidates who qualify for UGC NET/JRF are exempted from this test and can directly appear for the personal interview. For BA LLB (Hons) / BBA LLB (Hons) and LLM admissions, candidates are selected based on their merit in CLAT UG and CLAT PG, followed by counselling conducted by the Consortium of NLUs. Candidates can apply for HPNLU admissions online by paying the required fees.

How to apply?

Application Process for BA/BBA LLB (Hons) and LLM

  • Register for the entrance exam on the official website of CLAT.
  • Fill out the application form provided by the university online
  • Submit the form and all the necessary documents.
  • Final selection will be through a shortlist prepared on the basis of CLAT score

 Application process for Ph.D

  • Candidates must sign up on the HPNLU’s official website.
  • Download the application form, and submit it with the necessary documents.
  • The merit list will be released based on the results of the presentation round, and entrance test.

HPNLU Cutoff 2024

Admission to HPNLU depends on the cutoff released. HPNLU Cutoff is based on the merit in CLAT UG and CLAT PG for BA LLB (Hons) / BBA LLB (Hons) and LLM programs. Given below are the CLAT UG and PG cutoff for the general category.

HPNLU CLAT Cutoff 2024

Courses General General Defence Personnel
AI HS AI HS
BALLB Hons. 1712 8736 - 5433
BBA + L.L.B. (Hons.) 1773 11357 - 11006

HPNLU CLAT PG Cutoff 2024

Courses General General Defence Personnel
AI HS AI HS
L.L.M. Constitutional Law 1255 4257 NA 2029
L.L.M. Criminal Law 1255 4257 NA 2029

HPNLU Placement

HPNLU Shimla boasts a dedicated placement cell that assists students in securing internships and placements with prestigious law firms, legal houses, and organizations. This cell is instrumental in bridging the gap between recruiters and students by organizing pre-placement talks and screenings. The top recruiters at HPNLU include law firms, government organizations and many more. The top law firms at HPNLU Placements include AG Law Chambers, ALG India Law Offices LLP, AZB & Partners, Fox Mandal & Co, Keystone Partners, Khaitan & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Optimus Legal, PS Law Advocates & Solicitors, Parsoons Legal Solutions, SNS Legal.

HPNLU Facilities

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) offers a range of infrastructural facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient campus life for its students. The administration is dedicated to addressing any issues promptly to ensure a smooth experience for everyone on campus.

  • Hostel: HPNLU provides separate hostels for boys and girls, with options for AC and non-AC rooms. The hostels are equipped with facilities such as lighting, Wi-Fi, water coolers, common rooms, CCTV cameras, and newspapers/magazines.
  • Library: The university boasts a well-stocked library with a vast collection of books, journals, and research materials to support the academic needs of students.
  • Cafeteria: The campus cafeteria features various eateries where students can purchase food and relax with friends.
  • Sports: HPNLU offers top-notch indoor and outdoor sports facilities to encourage student participation in athletic activities.
  • Banks/ATMs: The UCO Bank, located approximately 2 kilometers from the campus, meets the banking needs of students and staff.
  • Classrooms: The university provides well-furnished classrooms to enhance the learning environment for students. 

HPNLU FAQs

Ques. What is the HPNLU Shimla's total seat intake?

Ans. The Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Himachal Pradesh, Shimla has a total of 120 seats available for BA LLB course, 60 seats for BBA LL.B and 80 seats for the LL.M course.

Ques. When will the conducting body release the HPNLU Shimla cutoff?

Ans. Before each round of counseling, the organizing organization will announce the HPNLU Shimla cutoff. The HPNLU Shimla cutoff will be announced in three rounds.

Ques. Is direct admission possible at HPNLU?

Ans. No, direct admission to Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) is not possible. To join HPNLU, you need to apply through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for the BALLB and LLM programs. The university has been part of the CLAT Consortium since the 2023-2024 academic session, and the admission process is conducted online. For undergraduate courses, candidates must have completed the 10+2 examination with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized education board and must take the CLAT exam.

Ques. Who are the top recruiters at HPNLU Shimla?

Ans. HPNLU Shimla placements include top law firms, MNC’S, Government organizations, NGOs, Research centres. The top law firms are Keystone Partners, Khaitan & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Optimus Legal, PS Law Advocates & Solicitors, Parsoons Legal Solutions, SNS Legal, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas. Additionally, government organizations such as Gurugram Police Cyber Security, National Company Law Tribunal Chandigarh, National Green Tribunal, NITI Aayog, Niti Manthan,  State Legal Service Authority, Chandigarh select students from HPNLU.

Ques. What are the fees of the HPNLU LL.M Course?

Ans. The fee structure of HPNLU LL.M course is as follows.

Fee Detail Annual Fee 1st Semester 2nd Semester
Admission Fee 7,500 7,500 -
Tuition Fee 1,20,000 60,000 60,000
Facilities Fee 47,250 47,250 -
Campus Development Fee 15,000 15,000 -
Examination Fee 15,000 15,000 -
Library Fee 7,500 7,500 -
Hostel Charge 37,500 37,500 -
Refundable Security** 20,000 20,000 -
Total Fees 2,69,750 2,09,750 60,000

Note: The university will deduct Rs. 5,000 from the total security deposit of Rs. 20,000 as the HPNLU Alumni Registration Fee.

Ques. What are the specializations available in LL.M course at HPNLU?

Ans. The PG program at  HPNLU provides four specializations such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law & Forensic Studies, Business Law, and Intellectual Property Rights. The University also offers Doctor of Philosophy(Ph.D.) and Post-Doctorate Programmes (LL.D.) in Law.