Choosing the right National Law University (NLU) is one of the most crucial decisions for a CLAT aspirant. Among India’s oldest and most respected NLUs, The National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal continues to be a top preference for students seeking strong academics, interdisciplinary exposure, and consistent placements.
Established in 1997, NLIU is the second National Law School in India after NLSIU Bengaluru, and is known for its rigorous academic culture, innovative courses, and strong alumni presence across litigation, corporate law, judiciary, academia, and policy roles.
About National Law Institute University, Bhopal
Foundation, Vision and Recognition
NLIU was established under the Rashtriya Vidhi Sansthan Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam, 1997, later substituted by Act No. 06 of 2018 of the Madhya Pradesh Legislature. The University is recognized by both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Bar Council of India (BCI).
The University’s vision is to emerge as a global centre of excellence in legal education and research, while its mission focuses on nurturing socially responsible legal professionals committed to justice, constitutional values, and nation-building.
Courses Offered at NLIU Bhopal (CLAT 2026)
5-Year Integrated Undergraduate Programmes
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
- Duration: 5 years (maximum 7 years)
- Intake: 134 seats
- Teaching Methodology:
- Case method
- Socratic discussions
- Research papers in every subject
- Project presentations and viva-voce
- Strong focus on advocacy, policy, judiciary, and public law
B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) – Cyber Security
- Intake: 68 seats
- A unique law + technology programme
- Core focus areas:
- Cyber Security Law
- Data Protection
- Artificial Intelligence
- Blockchain and Digital Governance
- Ideal for students interested in technology law and emerging legal domains
Postgraduate and Doctoral Programmes
LL.M. (One Year)
Specializations offered:
- Intellectual Property & Business Law
- Constitutional & Administrative Law
- Human Rights & Criminal Law
Master of Cyber Law & Information Security (MCLIS)
- Duration: 2 years
- Admission through NLIU’s All India Entrance Test
Ph.D. Programmes
- Ph.D. in Law
- Ph.D. in Social Sciences
- Ph.D. in Cyber Law & Information Security
Admission Through CLAT 2026
Eligibility
Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes at NLIU is strictly based on CLAT 2026 ranks, as notified by the Consortium of NLUs.
Reservation Highlights
- Vertical reservations: SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS
- Horizontal reservations:
- Women candidates
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
- Madhya Pradesh domicile candidates
- Foreign Nationals are eligible for direct admission without CLAT
NLIU Bhopal Campus and Infrastructure
Academic and Residential Facilities
- Fully Wi-Fi enabled campus
- Air-conditioned smart classrooms
- High-speed computer labs
- “Gyan Mandir” Library with databases like:
- SCC Online
- Manupatra
- HeinOnline
- JSTOR
- LexisNexis
Hostels and Student Life
- Separate hostels for men and women
- Gymnasium and indoor sports
- Outdoor sports courts (tennis, basketball, volleyball)
- 900-seat Justice J. S. Verma Memorial Convention Centre
- 24×7 CCTV-secured campus
Centres of Excellence at NLIU
NLIU houses 13 specialised research centres, including:
- Centre for Business and Commercial Laws
- Centre for Research in Competition Law & Policy
- Rajiv Gandhi National Cyber Law Centre
- Centre for Parliamentary Studies
- Centre for Child and Human Rights
These centres actively engage students in research, policy drafting, and legal consultancy projects.
Moot Courts, Publications and Global Exposure
Moot Courts and ADR
- NLIU Moot Court Association (MCA)
- Prestigious competitions hosted:
- Justice R.K. Tankha International Moot
- NLIU-INADR International Mediation Competition
- Strong international moot participation record
Journals and Publications
NLIU publishes 8 reputed law journals, including:
- Indian Law Review
- NLIU Law Review
- Indian Arbitration Law Review
- Journal of Business Laws
Placements and Alumni Network
Recruiters Include
- Top Law Firms: AZB & Partners, Trilegal, Khaitan & Co., LKS, JSA
- Corporates: ICICI, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Reliance
- Foreign Law Firms: Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy
- Government Bodies: SEBI, ONGC, BHEL
NLIU alumni are also prominent as:
- Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record
- Judges
- Academicians
- Policy advisors
- International scholars (Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, NUS)
Scholarships and Financial Support
- Full tuition fee waivers under Merit-cum-Means Scholarships
- Justice J.S. Verma Memorial Scholarship
- Support for SC/ST/OBC students through government reimbursements
- Prestigious international scholarships secured by students include:
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Why Choose NLIU Bhopal for CLAT 2026?
- One of India’s oldest and most stable NLUs
- Strong academic discipline and evaluation system
- Unique Cyber Security law programme
- Excellent placement consistency
- Research-oriented and globally connected campus
- Balanced focus on corporate, litigation, judiciary, and academia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – NLIU Bhopal (CLAT 2026)
Is NLIU Bhopal a top-tier NLU?
Yes. NLIU is consistently ranked among India’s leading NLUs and is known for academic rigor and placements.
Does NLIU offer a technology-focused law course?
Yes. The B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) in Cyber Security is a flagship programme integrating law and technology.
How is campus life at NLIU?
NLIU offers a fully residential campus with strong sports, mooting, research, and cultural activities.
Is CLAT mandatory for NLIU admission?
Yes, for Indian students. Foreign nationals can apply directly without CLAT.