Last updated: July 11, 2026

Quick Answer

There are currently 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India, admissions to which are governed by the Consortium of NLUs through CLAT. Annual tuition fees at NLUs for the BA LLB (Hons.) programme range from approximately Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 per year for general category students, depending on the specific university. The total 5-year cost including hostel and mess typically falls between Rs. 7 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh, making NLUs significantly more affordable than comparable private law colleges.

Key Takeaways

India has 25 NLUs, all admitting students through CLAT 2027 (exam date: December 6, 2026).
Annual NLU fees in India range from roughly Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 for general category BA LLB students.
SC/ST/OBC candidates receive fee concessions and reservations at most NLUs; many states waive fees entirely for SC/ST students.
Hostel and mess charges add approximately Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,20,000 per year to the base tuition.
The total 5-year cost at an NLU is typically Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh, compared to Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 60 lakh at top private law colleges.
Multiple scholarship options exist, including the National Merit-cum-Means Scholarship, state government scholarships, and NLU-specific fee waivers.
Education loans from nationalised banks under the Vidya Lakshmi portal cover NLU fees with no collateral up to Rs. 7.5 lakh.
NLU placements consistently outperform private law colleges, with top NLUs reporting median packages of Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh per annum.
The CLAT 2027 application fee is Rs. 4,000 for general/OBC candidates and Rs. 3,500 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Hidden costs like library deposits, moot court fees, and study material charges can add Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000 per year.

Law students on a National Law University campus in India

How Many NLUs Are There in India and What Is the Typical Annual Fee?

As of 2026, there are 25 National Law Universities in India. These are autonomous institutions established by individual state legislatures and are considered the premier destinations for legal education in the country. Admission to all 25 NLUs for the BA LLB (Hons.) 5-year integrated programme is through the Common Law Admission Test, better known as CLAT.

The NLU fee structure varies considerably from one university to another. Older, more established NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad tend to charge higher fees, while newer NLUs are often more affordable. For general category students, annual tuition fees across NLUs in India range from approximately Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000.

Here is a complete list of NLUs in India with their approximate first-year BA LLB annual fees for general category students. These figures are based on publicly available fee notifications and official university websites for the academic year 2024-25 and 2025-26. Always verify the current fee directly with the respective university before making financial plans.

NLU	Location	Approx. Annual Fee 2026 (General, incl. hostel at most campuses)	Approx. 5-Year Total
NLSIU Bengaluru (National Law School of India University)	Bengaluru, Karnataka	Rs. 5,00,000	Rs. 25,00,000
NALSAR Hyderabad	Hyderabad, Telangana	Rs. 2,97,000	Rs. 14,85,000
NLIU Bhopal	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh	Rs. 3,90,000	Rs. 19,50,000
WBNUJS Kolkata	Kolkata, West Bengal	Rs. 3,52,000	Rs. 17,60,000
NLU Jodhpur	Jodhpur, Rajasthan	Rs. 3,85,000	Rs. 19,25,000
HNLU Raipur	Raipur, Chhattisgarh	Rs. 2,50,000	Rs. 12,50,000
GNLU Gandhinagar	Gandhinagar, Gujarat	Rs. 2,58,000	Rs. 12,90,000
RMLNLU Lucknow	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh	Rs. 2,50,000	Rs. 12,50,000
RGNUL Patiala	Patiala, Punjab	Rs. 3,30,000	Rs. 16,50,000
CNLU Patna	Patna, Bihar	Rs. 2,70,000	Rs. 13,50,000
NUALS Kochi	Kochi, Kerala	Rs. 2,70,000	Rs. 13,50,000
NLU Odisha (NLUO)	Cuttack, Odisha	Rs. 2,60,000	Rs. 13,00,000
NUSRL Ranchi	Ranchi, Jharkhand	Rs. 3,00,000	Rs. 15,00,000
NLUJA Assam	Guwahati, Assam	Rs. 2,53,000	Rs. 12,62,000
DSNLU Visakhapatnam	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh	Rs. 2,30,000	Rs. 11,50,000
TNNLU Tiruchirappalli	Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu	Rs. 3,00,000	Rs. 15,00,000
MNLU Mumbai	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Rs. 3,50,000	Rs. 17,50,000
MNLU Nagpur	Nagpur, Maharashtra	Rs. 3,80,000	Rs. 19,00,000
MNLU Aurangabad	Aurangabad, Maharashtra	Rs. 3,50,000	Rs. 17,50,000
HPNLU Shimla	Shimla, Himachal Pradesh	Rs. 3,00,000	Rs. 15,00,000
DNLU Jabalpur	Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh	Rs. 3,50,000	Rs. 17,50,000
DBRANLU Sonipat	Sonipat, Haryana	Rs. 2,50,000	Rs. 12,50,000
NLU Tripura (NLUT)	Agartala, Tripura	Rs. 2,00,000	Rs. 10,00,000
RPNLU Prayagraj	Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh	Rs. 4,50,000	Rs. 22,50,000
NLU Delhi (admission via AILET, not CLAT)	New Delhi	Rs. 1,60,000 (tuition; hostel extra)	Under Rs. 10,00,000

Fees are indicative for the 2026 academic year, rounded, for the 5-year BA LLB (Hons.) programme, general category. NLUs revise fees periodically. Always confirm the exact structure on the university’s official website before paying anything.

Note: These are approximate figures sourced from official university fee notifications for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Fees are revised periodically. Confirm exact figures on the official university website or the Consortium of NLUs portal before applying.

What Are NLU Entrance Exam Fees in India?

The CLAT application fee is separate from university tuition and is a one-time cost paid at the time of registration. For CLAT 2027, the application fee is Rs. 4,000 for general and OBC candidates and Rs. 3,500 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. This fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of the entrance exam itself.

Beyond CLAT, some NLUs also accept scores from AILET (for NLU Delhi, which is not part of the CLAT Consortium). The AILET application fee is around Rs. 3,000. If you are appearing for CLAT 2027, the exam is scheduled for December 6, 2026. You can read a detailed breakdown of the exam format and preparation strategy in our complete CLAT preparation coaching guide.

NLU Hostel and Other Charges Besides Tuition

Tuition is only part of the picture. Every NLU charges separately for hostel accommodation and mess (food), and these costs can add significantly to your annual budget.

Typical additional charges at NLUs include:

Hostel rent: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 80,000 per year depending on the NLU and room type (single vs. shared)
Mess charges: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000 per year
Library and reading room fee: Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000 per year
Sports and cultural activities fee: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year
Examination fee: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000 per semester
Refundable security deposit: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 (one-time, refunded on exit)

So when you add hostel and mess to tuition, the total annual cost at most NLUs falls between Rs. 1.5 lakh and Rs. 4 lakh per year for a general category student living on campus.

What Is the Total 5-Year Cost at an NLU?

For the full BA LLB programme, the approximate 5-year all-inclusive cost (tuition plus hostel plus mess plus incidentals) at different NLU tiers looks like this:

Top-tier NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NLU Jodhpur, MNLU Mumbai): Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh over 5 years
Mid-tier NLUs (GNLU, NLIU, HNLU, WBNUJS): Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh over 5 years
Newer or state-funded NLUs (RMLNLU, CNLU, TNNLU, HPNLU): Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh over 5 years

These estimates assume modest annual fee increases of 5 to 8 percent, which most NLUs implement periodically.

Are NLU Fees the Same for All Candidates or Different by Category?

NLU fees are not the same for all candidates. Most NLUs offer fee concessions to SC, ST, OBC, and economically weaker section (EWS) students. The extent of concession varies by state and university.

NLU Fees for SC, ST, and OBC Candidates

SC and ST students from the home state of many NLUs often receive full or partial tuition fee waivers under state government schemes. For example, SC/ST students at RMLNLU Lucknow and CNLU Patna may be eligible for complete fee reimbursement through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar state scholarship portals respectively.
OBC candidates typically receive a 25 to 50 percent reduction in tuition at several NLUs, subject to income criteria.
EWS category students with family income below Rs. 8 lakh per annum may qualify for fee concessions under central government guidelines.
PwD (Persons with Disability) candidates often receive a 50 percent fee waiver at most NLUs.

The exact concession depends on the NLU and the state in which it is located. Always check the specific university's fee notification after CLAT 2027 counselling.

Can You Get an NLU Fee Waiver or Scholarship in India?

Yes, multiple scholarship and fee waiver options exist for NLU students. This is one area where NLUs genuinely have an edge over private law colleges.

Central Government Scholarships:

National Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (NMMS): Available to students from economically weaker backgrounds who secure merit-based admission.
Central Sector Scholarship: For students whose family income is below Rs. 8 lakh per annum and who are in the top 20 percentile of their Class 12 board.
PM-YASASVI Scholarship: For OBC, EBC, and DNT students pursuing higher education.

State Government Scholarships:
Most state governments run their own post-matric scholarship schemes that cover tuition fees for SC, ST, OBC, and minority students enrolled in NLUs within that state or even outside it. The National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) is the central hub for applying to most of these.

NLU-Specific Fee Waivers:
Several NLUs have their own internal merit-based or need-based scholarship funds. NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad, for instance, have documented financial aid programmes for students from low-income households.

Education Loans:
Nationalised banks like SBI, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank offer education loans for NLU students under the Vidya Lakshmi portal (vidyalakshmi.co.in). Key features:

Loans up to Rs. 7.5 lakh without collateral
Loans above Rs. 7.5 lakh with collateral at 8 to 10 percent interest
Moratorium period covers the course duration plus one year
Tax benefit on interest paid under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act

NLU Fees Payment Schedule and Deadlines

NLU fees are typically paid in two instalments per academic year, aligned with the semester system. After CLAT counselling, the Consortium requires an initial seat acceptance fee (currently around Rs. 50,000 for general category and Rs. 30,000 for SC/ST candidates) to confirm your allotted seat. This amount is later adjusted against the first semester fee.

Subsequent semester fees are usually due before the start of each semester, with a grace period of 15 to 30 days. Late payment typically attracts a fine of Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per day.

How to Pay NLU Fees Online in India

Most NLUs now accept online fee payment through:

The university's official student portal
Net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card via integrated payment gateways
NEFT/RTGS transfer to the university's designated bank account

The Consortium of NLUs also processes the initial seat acceptance fee online through the CLAT official website during counselling rounds.

NLU Fees Refund Policy If You Don't Join

If you withdraw from an allotted NLU seat, the refund policy follows UGC guidelines and the Consortium's own rules. Here is the general structure:

Withdrawal before the last round of counselling: Full refund of seat acceptance fee minus a processing charge of Rs. 1,000.
Withdrawal after joining but before the academic session starts: Refund of tuition fee minus one month's fee or Rs. 5,000, whichever is less.
Withdrawal after the academic session starts: No refund of tuition; hostel security deposit is refunded.

Always check the specific year's counselling brochure for exact refund timelines and amounts, as these can change.

Hidden Costs and Additional Charges at NLUs in India

Let's be honest: the official fee structure does not tell the whole story. Here are costs that often catch students and parents off guard:

Parent and student reviewing NLU fee structure and education loan documents

Moot court and competition fees: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 per year if you participate actively in national and international moots
Study material and photocopying: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000 per year
Laptop and stationery: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 (one-time, mostly in year one)
Travel to and from home: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000 per year depending on distance
Internship travel and accommodation: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000 per summer
Formal clothing for moots, placements, and internships: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000

Realistically, budget an extra Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per year beyond the official fee structure for these incidentals.

Are NLU Fees Cheaper Than Private Law Colleges in India?

Yes, NLU fees are substantially lower than comparable private law colleges, and the return on investment is considerably better. This is one of the most important financial decisions a family will make, so it deserves a clear comparison.

Top private law colleges like Symbiosis Law School Pune, Jindal Global Law School, and Amity Law School charge annual fees ranging from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh per year, with the 5-year total often crossing Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 35 lakh. Some premium private colleges go even higher.

Compare that to NLUs where the 5-year all-inclusive cost is typically Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.

Do NLU Fees Include Placement Assistance and Internships?

Yes, placement and internship support at NLUs is part of the institutional infrastructure and is not charged separately. NLUs have dedicated Placement Cells and Career Development Centres that coordinate on-campus recruitment, internship drives, and alumni networking, all included within the regular fee structure.

Placement outcomes at top NLUs are significantly stronger than most private law colleges:

NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS, NLU Jodhpur, and GNLU consistently report on-campus placement rates of 60 to 80 percent for interested students.
Median packages at top NLUs range from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh per annum for corporate law roles.
Magic Circle and top Indian law firms actively recruit from the top 5 to 7 NLUs.

For a deeper look at earning potential after law school, check out this guide on highest paid lawyers in India.

Private law colleges, with some exceptions like Jindal Global Law School, generally report lower placement rates and smaller recruiter pools.

The verdict: For a family investing in legal education, NLUs offer better infrastructure, stronger alumni networks, more credible degrees, and superior placement outcomes at a fraction of the cost of comparable private institutions. The NLU fee structure is one of the most compelling arguments for cracking CLAT.

NLU Fees for Distance Learning or Online Programmes

This is a common question worth addressing directly. NLUs do not offer distance learning or fully online BA LLB programmes. The 5-year BA LLB at NLUs is a residential programme, and attendance requirements are strict. The Bar Council of India mandates minimum attendance for law degrees to be valid for enrolment as an advocate.

Some NLUs offer short-term certificate programmes or online continuing legal education courses, but these are not equivalent to the full degree and are not accessible through CLAT.

If flexibility is a priority for you during CLAT preparation, that is a different matter. Flexible, accessible preparation is exactly what platforms like Lawgic Coaching are built for. Our online CLAT coaching is designed to fit real student schedules, whether you are in Class 11, Class 12, or a drop year.

How to Crack CLAT 2027 and Secure an NLU Seat

Admission to all 25 NLUs is through CLAT 2027, with the exam scheduled for December 6, 2026. The Consortium of NLUs conducts CLAT, and the merit list determines which NLU you are allotted based on your rank and category.

Here is what serious aspirants need to know right now:

CLAT 2027 registrations are expected to open in mid-2026 on the official CLAT website.
The exam tests English language, current affairs and GK, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques.
A rank in the top 1,000 gives you a realistic shot at the top 5 NLUs. A rank up to 5,000 opens doors to mid-tier NLUs.
Consistent mock test practice is the single biggest differentiator between aspirants who make it and those who don't. Our CLAT mock test strategy guide breaks this down in detail.

Your success is our mission at Lawgic Coaching. We've helped thousands crack CLAT with expert guidance without the premium price tag. Real mentors from top NLUs, personalized attention you deserve, and proven strategies that actually work. No cookie-cutter approach here.

If you are still weighing your preparation options, read our complete guide to the best CLAT coaching in India to make an informed choice. And if you are starting early, our guide on CLAT preparation from Class 11 is worth bookmarking.

NLU 5-Year Cost at a Glance

A quick way to budget: pick the tier of NLU you are targeting and plan for the range below (tuition plus hostel and mess, general category, 2026 fee levels).

Tier	Examples	Approx. 5-Year Total
Top tier	NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, NLU Jodhpur	Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh
Mid tier	GNLU, NLIU, MNLU Mumbai, RGNUL, HPNLU	Rs. 13 lakh to Rs. 19 lakh
Newer / most affordable	NLU Tripura, DSNLU, HNLU, RMLNLU, DBRANLU	Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 13 lakh

Add roughly Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000 per year for books, travel and personal expenses on top of these figures.

Frequently Asked Questions About NLU Fees in India

Q1. How many NLUs are there in India in 2026?
There are 25 National Law Universities in India as of 2026. All of them, except NLU Delhi (which conducts AILET separately), admit students through CLAT.

Q2. What is the cheapest NLU in India by annual fees?
Among the NLUs in the CLAT Consortium, NLU Tripura (Agartala) is currently the most affordable at roughly Rs. 2,00,000 per year all-in, followed by DSNLU Visakhapatnam, HNLU Raipur, RMLNLU Lucknow and DBRANLU Sonipat at around Rs. 2,30,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 per year.

Q3. Do NLU fees increase every year?
Yes, most NLUs revise their fee structures annually or biennially, typically by 5 to 10 percent. Factor this into your 5-year budget planning.

Q4. Is the CLAT seat acceptance fee refundable?
Partially. If you withdraw before the final counselling round, most of the seat acceptance fee is refunded minus a processing charge. After joining, refund rules follow UGC guidelines and the specific NLU's policy.

Q5. Can I get an education loan for NLU fees without collateral?
Yes. Under the Vidya Lakshmi portal, nationalised banks offer education loans up to Rs. 7.5 lakh without collateral. For higher amounts, collateral is required. Interest paid is tax-deductible under Section 80E.

Q6. Are NLU fees worth it compared to private law colleges?
For most students, yes. NLU fees are 30 to 60 percent lower than comparable private law colleges, and placement outcomes at top NLUs are significantly stronger. The cost-to-outcome ratio strongly favours NLUs for serious law aspirants.

Q7. When is CLAT 2027 and how do I apply?
CLAT 2027 is scheduled for December 6, 2026. Applications are submitted through the official Consortium of NLUs website. The application fee is Rs. 4,000 for general/OBC and Rs. 3,500 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our CLAT 2026 registration guide.

Conclusion

NLU fees in India are genuinely accessible compared to what premium legal education costs elsewhere in the world, and even compared to top private law colleges in India. With annual tuition ranging from Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 and a 5-year all-inclusive cost of Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh, an NLU degree represents one of the best value propositions in Indian higher education.

But here is the thing: none of this matters unless you crack CLAT 2027. The exam is on December 6, 2026, and the preparation window is right now.

Your next steps are clear:

Use the cost estimator above to set a realistic budget for your target NLU tier.
Check scholarship eligibility on the National Scholarship Portal early so you don't miss deadlines.
Start structured CLAT preparation immediately. Every week of focused prep counts.
Explore our complete CLAT success guide for a proven roadmap to your target rank.

Accessible education for serious aspirants is not just a phrase at Lawgic Coaching. Let's build your law career together. Results speak louder than promises, and we're ready to back that up.

References

Consortium of NLUs, CLAT 2025 Information Brochure. consortiumofnlus.ac.in, 2024.
NLSIU Bangalore Official Fee Structure. nlsiu.ac.in, 2024.
NALSAR University of Law Fee Notification. nalsar.ac.in, 2024.
National Scholarship Portal, Government of India. scholarships.gov.in, 2024.
Vidya Lakshmi Education Loan Portal. vidyalakshmi.co.in, 2024.
University Grants Commission, Guidelines on Refund of Fees. ugc.ac.in, 2018.
Bar Council of India, Rules on Legal Education. barcouncilofindia.org, 2020.