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National Academy of Legal Studies and Research

· 9 min read
Stuti Pathak
Stuti Pathak
Vaquill Intern
  • Official Website: https://nalsar.ac.in/
  • Contact Email: registrar@nalsar.ac.in
  • Established: 1998
  • Govt Rank: 3 (NIRF Ranking 2023)
  • College Type: Government
  • Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
    Address: Justice City, Shamirpet, R.R. District, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101

About NALSAR University of Law​

NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, established in 1998, has firmly established itself as one of India’s top law universities. Known for its cutting-edge academic curriculum and an unwavering commitment to legal research, NALSAR emphasizes creating a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The university's focus areas include emerging legal domains like aviation law, space law, and corporate governance, along with a strong base in traditional law subjects.

NALSAR consistently ranks among the top three law schools in India, largely due to its innovative pedagogy, world-class faculty, and thriving research culture. Its diverse programs, partnerships with international universities, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals make it a top choice for law aspirants.

Courses Offered at NALSAR​

1. B.A. LL.B (Hons)​

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Fees: INR 2.42 Lakhs (First Year)
  • Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent with an aggregate of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/PwD)
  • Selection Criteria: CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
  • Program Highlights:
    A highly interdisciplinary program that includes subjects like political science, economics, and sociology along with core legal subjects, preparing students for diverse roles in law, policy, and governance.

2. LLM​

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Fees: INR 1.30 Lakhs (First Year)
  • Eligibility: LL.B or equivalent degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD)
  • Selection Criteria: CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
  • Program Highlights:
    NALSAR's LL.M program is known for offering specializations in areas like constitutional law, corporate law, international trade law, and intellectual property rights, providing students with an in-depth understanding of their chosen fields.

3. MBA​

  • Specializations: General, Court Management, Financial Services, Capital Markets, Human Resource Management, Corporate Governance, Innovation Management, Family Business Management, Sustainability Management
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Fees: INR 2.50 Lakhs (First Year)
  • Eligibility: Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks
  • Selection Criteria: CAT/XAT/GMAT or NALSAR Management Entrance Test (NMET)
  • Program Highlights:
    NALSAR's MBA programs are unique in blending law and management, catering to individuals who wish to pursue careers in legal management, corporate governance, or business consulting.

4. PG Diploma​

  • Specializations: Aviation Law, Cyber Laws, Patents Law, Media Laws
  • Duration: 1-year
  • Fees: INR 35,000 (Total Fees)
  • Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline
  • Selection Criteria: Merit-based
  • Program Highlights:
    These diploma programs provide professionals with knowledge in niche areas of law, offering them the tools to advance their careers in fast-growing sectors like aviation and cyber law.

5. Ph.D. in Law and Public Policy​

  • Duration: 3-6 years
  • Fees: INR 65,000 (First Year)
  • Eligibility: Master’s degree in law, social sciences, or humanities with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD)
  • Selection Criteria: Research Proposal, Personal Interview, UGC NET/JRF preferred
  • Program Highlights:
    The Ph.D. program encourages high-quality research in both conventional and emerging areas of law, shaping students into scholars and legal thought leaders.

6. Post-Doctoral Fellowship​

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Fees: Not Applicable (Fellowship provided)
  • Eligibility: Ph.D. in Law or related discipline
  • Selection Criteria: Research Proposal and Presentation
  • Program Highlights:
    This fellowship is ideal for academics who wish to contribute to the university’s growing body of research. The fellowship also includes opportunities for teaching and engagement in university research initiatives.

1. Infrastructure and Facilities​

NALSAR offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and academic facilities:

  • Library: The NALSAR library is one of the most extensive law libraries in India. It offers access to national and international legal databases like SCC Online, HeinOnline, Westlaw, JSTOR, Manupatra, etc. The library also has reading rooms and study spaces for students.

  • Moot Court Halls: NALSAR’s moot court facilities are among the best in India, hosting numerous national and international moot competitions.

  • Hostels: On-campus hostel accommodation is provided for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Hostels are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

  • Sports Facilities: The campus has a variety of sports facilities, including football, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, as well as a gymnasium.

  • Auditorium: A fully-equipped auditorium is available for seminars, workshops, and cultural events.

  • Research Centers: The university has several specialized research centers in areas like Space Law, Aviation Law, IPR, and Law and Technology.

2. Facilities & Campus Life​

Life at NALSAR goes beyond academics:

  • Clubs and Societies: NALSAR has numerous student-run clubs, including literary societies, debate clubs, music, and performing arts groups. There are also legal aid societies that engage in community service.

  • Mooting and Debating Culture: The university encourages active participation in national and international moots and debates. NALSAR teams have consistently performed well in global competitions.

  • Cafeteria: The campus has a modern cafeteria offering a variety of food options catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

  • Events and Festivals: NALSAR hosts several cultural and legal festivals, including Ad Astra (the cultural fest), Justice Bodh Raj Sawhny Memorial Moot Court Competition, and Sports Fest.

3. Compare Key Metrics: NALSAR vs Other Top NLUs​

MetricsNALSAR (Hyderabad)NLSIU (Bangalore)NLU DelhiWBNUJS (Kolkata)
Established1998198720081999
Govt Rank (NIRF 2023)3124
B.A. LL.B Fees (1st Yr)INR 2.42 LakhsINR 2.50 LakhsINR 1.86 LakhsINR 2.32 Lakhs
LLM Fees (1st Yr)INR 1.30 LakhsINR 1.91 LakhsINR 1.38 LakhsINR 1.80 Lakhs
Global Partnerships25+ International Universities20+ International Universities15+ International Partnerships18+ International Universities
Placement Rate100% (2023)100% (2023)98% (2023)96% (2023)
Hostel Fees (1st Yr)INR 1.20 LakhsINR 1.25 LakhsINR 1.15 LakhsINR 1.22 Lakhs
Specialized ProgramsAviation Law, Space Law, Cyber LawsConstitutional Law, Human RightsIntellectual Property, TaxationCorporate Law, Criminal Law

4. Global Collaborations and Exchange Programs​

NALSAR has established global partnerships with leading institutions for student exchange programs, faculty exchanges, and joint research:

  • Collaborations with Global Universities: Universities like King’s College London, Harvard Law School, University of Warwick, and National University of Singapore (NUS).

  • International Moots and Conferences: NALSAR students regularly participate in prestigious international moots, such as Jessup, Willem C. Vis, and Oxford Price Media Law Moot.

  • Study Abroad Opportunities: Students can study for a semester or a year at partnered universities through exchange programs, gaining international exposure and global perspectives on legal systems.

5. Placement Opportunities​

NALSAR has an excellent placement track record, with students securing positions in top law firms, corporates, and judicial clerkships:

  • Top Recruiters:
    Law Firms: Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, Khaitan & Co.
    Corporates: Tata Group, Reliance Industries, Flipkart
    International Law Firms: Allen & Overy, White & Case (for those looking to work abroad).
    Public Sector Units: ONGC, HPCL
    Judicial Clerkships: Clerkships with Supreme Court and High Court judges are regularly offered to NALSAR graduates.

  • Average Package: INR 15-16 Lakhs per annum (2023 data).

  • Highest Package: INR 36 Lakhs per annum (international placements).

6. Institute’s Unique Features​

  • Specialized Programs: NALSAR is renowned for its specialized programs in Aviation Law and Space Law, making it a pioneer in legal education in these niche areas.

  • Legal Aid Clinic: The university has a strong commitment to pro bono legal work, with a legal aid clinic that serves the local community.

  • Mooting and Debating Excellence: NALSAR students have won numerous national and international moot court competitions, establishing a strong reputation in this field.

  • Research Focus: NALSAR places a strong emphasis on legal research, with dedicated centers for studying various legal areas, including Law and Technology, Human Rights, and Public Policy.

7. Why Choose NALSAR?​

  • Academic Excellence: NALSAR is consistently ranked among the top law schools in India and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum.

  • Global Exposure: Through exchange programs, collaborations, and participation in international moots, NALSAR students are offered abundant global exposure.

  • Strong Alumni Network: With a powerful alumni base, NALSAR students benefit from networking and mentorship opportunities that aid career development.

  • Cutting-edge Research and Innovation: Students are encouraged to undertake research projects, with several opportunities for publishing in reputed legal journals.

  • Placement Record: NALSAR’s excellent placement statistics make it a top choice for law aspirants aiming for lucrative careers.

8. Notable Alumni​

  • Arundhati Katju: Human rights lawyer, notable for her work on the decriminalization of homosexuality in India (Section 377 case).

  • Menaka Guruswamy: Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, also part of the team that fought for LGBTQ+ rights in India.

  • Aniruddha Rajput: Elected as a Member of the International Law Commission by the United Nations General Assembly.

  • Alok Prasanna Kumar: Co-founder of Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, an influential think-tank on legal reforms.

9. What’s Bad About NALSAR? What Critics Say​

While NALSAR is a leading institution, it has faced criticism in certain areas:

  • High Fees: The fees for various programs, especially the B.A. LL.B and LL.M courses, are considered high, which can be a deterrent for economically weaker students despite scholarships.

  • Location: NALSAR is situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad, which some students feel can be isolated. Although it provides a peaceful academic environment, it can limit access to urban amenities.

  • Hostel Quality: While the hostels are functional, some students have raised concerns about maintenance issues and overcrowding during peak academic years.

10. Student Reviews​

  • Academics: "The faculty here are exceptional, especially in specialized areas like corporate law and international law. The courses are intense but rewarding."

  • Campus Life: "Campus life at NALSAR is a good mix of academic rigor and extracurricular fun. Mooting, debates, and sports fests keep us engaged."

  • Placements: "The placement record speaks for itself. Almost everyone in my batch got placed in top law firms or corporate houses."

  • Challenges: "The only issue I had was the hostel facilities could be improved, and the campus is a bit isolated from the city, making it hard to explore Hyderabad."

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