College Guide | NLU Maharashtra 2026BA LLB | BBA LLB | LLM | MBA | PhDUpdated: May 2026
MNLU Aurangabad 2026 | Maharashtra National Law University | Fees, Courses, CLAT Cutoff, Ranking & Placements
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (also known as MNLU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) is a government NLU offering quality legal education in Maharashtra. This complete 2026 guide covers everything you need to know | fees, CLAT cutoff, courses, hostel, placements and how it compares to other NLUs.
✍️ By Priya Sharma, LLM NALSAR | Senior Law Education Editor
🔍 Sources: MNLUA Official Website, CLAT Consortium, Careers360, UGC
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (MNLU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) | Complete College Guide 2026 | LawGuru India
⚡ Quick Answer: MNLU Aurangabad At a Glance (2026)
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (MNLUA) | also officially renamed MNLU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | is a government NLU established in 2014 under the Maharashtra National Law University Act. It is recognised by BCI and UGC, ranked #25 in India (Law) by Collegedunia 2025. The CLAT 2026 cutoff (Round 3) was AIR 1573 for BA LLB (General AI). Annual fees are ₹2,75,499 (Maharashtra) and ₹3,22,001 (Outside Maharashtra). Average placement is ₹5–6 LPA with a highest package of ₹12 LPA. The permanent 55-acre campus in Karodi is under construction; current operations are from Nath Valley Road, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
💰 BA LLB: ₹2.75L/yr (MH) | ₹3.22L/yr (Others)🎯 CLAT Cutoff: AIR 1573 (Gen AI, Rd 3)🏛 Rank #25 India (Law) | 2025💼 Avg Placement: ₹5–6 LPA | Highest: ₹12 LPA
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (MNLU Aurangabad), now officially renamed MNLU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is one of the newer National Law Universities in India. Established in 2017 under the Maharashtra National Law University Act, 2014, the university is a government institution that operates under the aegis of the Maharashtra state government.
MNLU Aurangabad is one of three Maharashtra National Law Universities (the others being MNLU Mumbai and MNLU Nagpur). It is recognised by both the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is a member of the Consortium of National Law Universities, which means admission to its BA LLB and BBA LLB programmes happens exclusively through CLAT UG scores.
📌 MNLU Aurangabad | Key Facts 2026
Official Name
Maharashtra National Law University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Also Known As
MNLU Aurangabad / MNLUA
Established
2014 (Act) | 2017 (Operational)
Type
Government (State NLU)
Recognition
BCI + UGC | Consortium NLU
Location
Nath Valley Road, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, MH 431005
Permanent Campus
55 Acres, Karodi (Under Construction)
Admission Via
CLAT UG (UG) | CLAT PG (LLM/MBA)
Official Website
mnlua.ac.in
Ranking (Collegedunia 2025)
#25 in India (Law)
The university currently operates from its temporary campus near Nath Valley Road (adjacent to Raje Sambhaji Sainiki School), Kanchanwadi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. A sprawling 55-acre permanent campus at Karodi is currently under construction and will significantly expand the university's infrastructure and capacity when ready.
MNLU Aurangabad serves students from both Maharashtra and other states, with a distinct fee structure and reservation policy for Maharashtra domicile candidates. The university has positioned itself as a quality destination for CLAT aspirants with AIR 1000–2000 range scores who want the prestige, recognition, and career opportunities that come with an NLU tag.
MNLU Aurangabad offers a comprehensive portfolio of law and management programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Here is a detailed breakdown of every programme available in 2026:
B.A. LLB (Hons.) | 5 Year Integrated Flagship UG
Via CLAT UG5 Years | 10 SemestersFull-Time ResidentialBCI Approved
MNLU Aurangabad's flagship 5-year integrated programme combining a Bachelor of Arts with a law degree. Covers constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, contract, property, jurisprudence, and electives in specialised areas. Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 45% (40% for SC/ST) from a recognised board. Admission strictly via CLAT UG scores. CLAT 2026 Round 3 closing rank: AIR 1573 (General AI). Annual fee: ₹2,75,499 (Maharashtra) | ₹3,22,001 (Outside MH).
B.B.A. LLB (Hons.) | 5 Year Integrated Business + Law
Via CLAT UG5 Years | 10 SemestersCorporate Law Focus
A 5-year integrated programme combining Bachelor of Business Administration with a law degree, tailored for students interested in corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, banking law, and business regulatory frameworks. Eligibility same as BA LLB. CLAT 2026 Round 3 closing rank: AIR 1820 (General AI). Annual fee: ₹2,75,499 (Maharashtra) | ₹3,22,001 (Outside MH). BBA LLB graduates are particularly sought after by corporate law firms and in-house legal departments.
LLM | Master of Laws (2 Year) Postgraduate
Via CLAT PG2 Years | 4 SemestersMultiple Specialisations
A 2-year LLM programme with specialisations in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Business Law, Human Rights, and Intellectual Property Law. Eligibility: LLB degree recognised by BCI with minimum 55% (50% for SC/ST). Admission via CLAT PG scores. CLAT PG 2026 AI Quota cutoff: ~2513 (General). Total 2-year LLM fee: approximately ₹2.19 lakhs (Collegedunia estimate) to ₹1.17–₹1.46 lakhs per year.
M.A. in Public Policy (2 Year) Policy & Governance
2 Years | 4 SemestersInterdisciplinaryFor Law & Non-Law Graduates
A 2-year postgraduate programme designed for students interested in governance, public administration, regulatory policy, and legislative drafting. Interdisciplinary in approach, drawing from economics, political science, sociology, and law. Also available in specialisations like Forensic Science and Technology. Total fee: approximately ₹95,500 for the full programme duration. Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
MBA | Management & Law (2 Year) Management
Via CLAT PG / MNLUA CAT2 YearsLaw-Focused MBA
A unique law-integrated MBA programme offered at MNLU Aurangabad, covering corporate governance, commercial law, taxation, and business regulations. Total fee: approximately ₹2.10 lakhs for the full programme. Admission may be via CLAT PG scores or the MNLUA Common Admission Test. Suited for law graduates seeking management positions or management graduates seeking legal expertise.
PhD in Law / LLD | Doctoral Programmes Research
Via MNLUA PhD Entrance Test3–5 YearsFull-Time / Part-Time
MNLU Aurangabad offers PhD in Law and Doctor of Laws (LLD) for advanced research scholars. LLD is the highest academic qualification in law and requires a Master's degree in law with a minimum 55% marks. PhD admission is via the MNLUA PhD Entrance Test. The university has a dedicated legal research centre with access to online legal databases and an experienced doctoral supervision faculty. Fees for doctoral programmes are significantly lower than taught programmes.
3. MNLU Aurangabad Fee Structure 2026-27
MNLU Aurangabad follows a structured annual fee system that includes tuition fees, admission and registration charges, caution/security deposits, development and examination fees, student activity charges, and hostel fees. Importantly, fees differ for Maharashtra domicile students and students from outside Maharashtra.
BA LLB & BBA LLB Fee Structure | Year 1 (2026-27)
Fee Component
Maharashtra (₹)
Outside MH (₹)
One-Time Charges (First Year Only)
Admission & Registration Fee
~10,000
~10,000
Caution / Security Deposit (Refundable)
~15,000
~20,000
Annual Recurring Charges
Tuition Fee
~1,50,000
~1,87,019
Development & Infrastructure Fee
~36,300
~36,300
Examination & Student Activity Fee
~28,199
~28,682
Hostel Fee (Residential)
~36,000
~40,000
Total Year 1 Fee (Approx.)
~2,75,499
~3,22,001
Mess Fee (Charged Separately | At Actuals)
Extra
Extra
⚠️ Important Fee Notes
From Year 2 onwards, only recurring components apply (tuition, development, exam, hostel) | approx. ₹2.4L/yr (MH) and ₹2.9L/yr (Outside MH)
Mess charges are separate and charged at actuals | students should budget approximately ₹40,000–₹60,000/year for mess
Total 5-year cost: approximately ₹10.24–₹13 lakhs (MH) and ₹13–₹15 lakhs (Outside MH), excluding mess
Fees are payable per semester | MNLU Aurangabad follows a semester-based payment schedule
SC/ST students from Maharashtra may be eligible for full tuition freeship | paying only hostel and mess charges
Always confirm the exact fee at the time of admission from the official MNLUA fee notification at mnlua.ac.in
All Programmes | Fee Summary 2026-27
Programme
Annual Fee (Approx.)
Total Programme Cost
BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Yr (MH Domicile)
₹2,75,499 (Yr 1)
~₹10.24–₹13L
BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Yr (Outside MH)
₹3,22,001 (Yr 1)
~₹13–₹15L
BBA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Yr (MH)
₹2,75,499 (Yr 1)
~₹10.24–₹13L
LLM | 2 Yr
~₹1,09,500/yr
~₹2.19L
MA in Public Policy | 2 Yr
~₹47,750/yr
~₹95,500
MBA | 2 Yr
~₹1,05,000/yr
~₹2.10L
4. MNLU Aurangabad Admission Process 2026
Admission to MNLU Aurangabad's flagship UG programmes is exclusively through CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) scores. The Consortium of National Law Universities conducts CLAT annually in December, and the counselling process runs from December through March.
1
Qualify CLAT UG (December 2026 for 2027 Admission)
Register for CLAT at consortiumofnlus.ac.in. The exam tests English, Current Affairs & GK, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. For MNLU Aurangabad, aim for an AIR in the 1000–2000 range (General).
2
Register for CLAT Counselling
After CLAT results (typically December 16), register for counselling on the Consortium portal within the stated window. Pay the counselling registration fee and fill your college preferences | include MNLU Aurangabad in your preference list.
3
Seat Allotment (Multiple Rounds)
The Consortium releases seat allotment lists in multiple rounds (Round 1 in early January, followed by Rounds 2–4). Accept your seat and pay the confirmation fee within the deadline. In 2026, the confirmation fee deadline was April 24, 2026.
4
Document Verification at MNLU Aurangabad
Report to MNLU Aurangabad with original documents: 10+2 mark sheet, identity proof, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate (for MH quota), CLAT scorecard, passport photos, and migration certificate.
5
Fee Payment & Enrolment
Pay the first-year fee (₹2,75,499 for MH or ₹3,22,001 for Others). Fees are accepted both online and offline. Complete the hostel allotment process if residential accommodation is needed. Academic sessions typically begin in July.
💡 Maharashtra Home State Quota | Key Advantage
MNLU Aurangabad has a Home State (Maharashtra) quota with lower CLAT cutoffs than the All India General category. Maharashtra domicile students often get admitted with significantly higher AIR ranks. Combined with lower fees (₹2.75L vs ₹3.22L/yr), this makes MNLU Aurangabad a highly attractive option for Maharashtra students who score in the 1500–3000 rank range in CLAT.
The CLAT cutoff for MNLU Aurangabad is released round-by-round through the CLAT Consortium's official portal. Below are the Round 3 closing ranks for 2026 across all categories:
CLAT 2026 Cutoff | Round 3 (BA LLB & BBA LLB)
Category
BA LLB (Hons.)
BBA LLB (Hons.)
LLM (CLAT PG)
General (All India)
1573
1820
~2513
EWS (All India)
17,121
16,479
|
OBC (All India)
16,290
18,912
|
SC (All India)
24,370
25,223
|
ST (All India)
60,165
55,620
|
📊 CLAT Cutoff Trend | Year-on-Year
The MNLU Aurangabad CLAT cutoff has been relatively stable over recent years. The Round 3 closing rank for General AI for BA LLB has ranged from approximately 1424–1949 over 2023–2026, suggesting that:
Students with CLAT AIR below 1500 (General AI) have a strong chance in Round 1
Students in the 1500–2200 range should keep MNLU Aurangabad in preferences and watch rounds 2–4
Cutoffs can open further in later rounds as top-ranked students upgrade to NLSIU, NALSAR, or NLU Delhi
Category-wise cutoffs (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) are significantly more relaxed | check official Consortium data for the latest round-specific figures
6. MNLU Aurangabad Ranking & Recognition 2026
MNLU Aurangabad is a relatively young NLU, having become operational in 2017. While it has not yet cracked the top 20 in the NIRF Law Rankings, it holds a respectable position among law institutions in India and is recognised by all major accrediting bodies.
🏆 MNLU Aurangabad Rankings & Recognition
Collegedunia | Law Ranking (2025)#25 in India
CLAT Consortium Membership✓ Member NLU
Bar Council of India (BCI)✓ Approved
University Grants Commission (UGC)✓ Recognised
CLAT Cutoff Position (2026)~18th among Consortium NLUs
Governing ActMaharashtra NLU Act, 2014
As a relatively young institution (operational since 2017), MNLU Aurangabad's ranking trajectory is expected to improve as its permanent campus becomes operational and its batch sizes and alumni network grow. The NLU tag itself carries significant weight in the legal job market | MNLU Aurangabad graduates are recognised by top national law firms as NLU-trained professionals.
7. MNLU Aurangabad Placements 2024-25
MNLU Aurangabad has a growing placement programme, with over 30 companies visiting campus for recruitment drives. The placement cell actively connects students with law firms, corporate legal departments, and government bodies.
MNLU Aurangabad's placement numbers (23 out of 56 placed via campus) reflect the fact that many MNLU graduates choose litigation, judicial services, higher education, or self-arranged internship-to-employment paths rather than campus placements. The university has a dedicated Scholarship Committee and Career Services Cell that provides LORs (Letters of Recommendation) for internships and actively facilitates connections with Delhi and Mumbai-based law firms. Students who perform well academically and build strong mooting credentials typically land at tier-1 firms.
8. MNLU Aurangabad Campus & Facilities
MNLU Aurangabad currently operates from its temporary campus in Kanchanwadi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. While the temporary campus is modest compared to older NLUs, it provides all the essential academic and residential facilities a law student needs. The permanent 55-acre campus at Karodi is under construction and will be a game-changer for the university's growth.
🏠
Hostel
Separate hostels for male and female students inside the campus. Rooms are double-sharing with study table, cupboard, and common washrooms per floor. Hostel fee is approximately ₹16,000/year (excluding mess). Wi-Fi enabled, with water coolers and a common recreation room.
📚
Library & e-Resources
Well-stocked library with books, law journals, and legal databases. Open Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) for digital searches. Subscriptions to online legal research platforms. Reading rooms with individual seating for focused study.
💻
Digital Classrooms
Smart classrooms equipped with AV systems and projectors. Computer labs with internet access for legal research and drafting. Campus-wide Wi-Fi ensures students can access learning resources from anywhere on campus.
🍽️
Cafeteria & Mess
Maintained cafeteria with variety of food at affordable prices. Hostel mess charged at actuals. Student-run food committees often supervise quality. Off-campus food options also available near the university in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city.
🏋️
Sports & Gym
Campus gym for fitness and stress relief. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities for recreation. Students are encouraged to participate in university sports events and inter-NLU competitions.
🏥
Medical Facilities
First-aid facility available on campus. For serious medical situations, students are referred to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city hospitals nearby. Hostel residents advised to keep personal medical records. Health insurance is encouraged for all students.
⚖️
Moot Court
Dedicated moot court room for practice and competitions. MNLU Aurangabad students actively participate in national and international moot court competitions. The university's moot court committee organises annual intra-university mooting tournaments.
🔬
Legal Research Centre
Dedicated legal research facility with access to SCC Online, Manupatra, Westlaw India, and other premium legal databases. Supports doctoral research, faculty publications, and student law journal activities.
9. MNLU Aurangabad Scholarships & Financial Aid
While MNLU Aurangabad does not operate a large internal scholarship fund, students have access to multiple government-funded and external scholarship schemes. The university has a dedicated Scholarship Committee to help students identify and apply for available aid.
🎓 Maharashtra Government Freeship | SC/ST Students
Maharashtra-domiciled SC and ST students are eligible for a Government of Maharashtra freeship that covers tuition fee entirely. Such students pay only hostel and mess charges | making MNLU Aurangabad nearly free for economically weaker reserved category students from Maharashtra. Students must apply through the Maharashtra scholarship portal with income and caste certificates.
📋 National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | Central Government Schemes
Students from SC, ST, OBC, and Minority communities can apply for Post-Matric Scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). These cover a significant portion of tuition and hostel fees. MNLU Aurangabad is registered with NSP. Annual renewal is required, and students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
💰 Education Loans | Nationalised Banks
As a government university, MNLU Aurangabad students are eligible for education loans from nationalised banks at preferential interest rates. Collateral-free loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs are available under the IBA Model Education Loan Scheme. Higher amounts with collateral are also possible. Bank representatives visit campus during admission season to facilitate loan applications.
🏅 State Government Scholarships (Other States)
Students from other states may be eligible for their respective state government scholarship schemes. The availability and quantum varies by state. Students should check with their home state scholarship portals and the MNLU Aurangabad administration for guidance on cross-state scholarship applicability. The Scholarship Committee at MNLU Aurangabad assists students with documentation and application processes.
10. MNLU Aurangabad vs Other NLUs | How Does It Compare?
Where does MNLU Aurangabad stand among India's NLUs? Here is an honest comparison to help CLAT aspirants make an informed decision:
NLU
CLAT Cutoff (Gen AI)
BA LLB Fee (₹/yr)
Avg. Placement
NLSIU Bangalore (#1)
~AIR 101
~5,00,000
₹16–19 LPA
NALSAR Hyderabad (#2)
~AIR 200
~2,50,000
₹10–12 LPA
NLU Delhi (#3)
~AIR 150
~2,10,000
₹12–15 LPA
GNLU Gandhinagar (~#7)
~AIR 900
~1,70,000
₹8–10 LPA
MNLU Aurangabad (#25)
~AIR 1573
~2,75,499 (MH)
₹5–6 LPA
MNLU Mumbai
~AIR 1200
~2,00,000–2,50,000
₹8–10 LPA
HPNLU Shimla
~AIR 2200
~1,00,000–1,50,000
₹4–5 LPA
📌 Should You Choose MNLU Aurangabad?
Choose MNLU Aurangabad if:
Your CLAT AIR falls in the 1000–2000 range (General) or you are from Maharashtra with a slightly higher rank
You want an NLU tag that is nationally recognised by top law firms
You are interested in Marathwada's legal ecosystem and Maharashtra courts for practice
You want an affordable NLU | fees are among the lower end of Consortium NLUs, especially for MH domicile students
You are from Maharashtra SC/ST | the Government freeship makes it essentially free
11. MNLU Aurangabad | Honest Pros & Cons Review
✅ Pros
Government NLU | recognised by BCI, UGC, Consortium; degree carries weight nationally
Affordable fees | ₹2.75L/yr for MH students; among the most affordable NLUs
Maharashtra domicile advantage | lower cutoffs and SC/ST freeship
Quality faculty | experienced professors including Dr. Tanaya Tarai, Dr. A. Lakshminath
Active moot court culture | students participate in national competitions
Tier-1 law firm recruiters on campus | L&L Partners, Phoenix Legal, Indus Law
Residential campus | hostels, Wi-Fi, library all on-site
Strategic location | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is the economic hub of Marathwada
⚠️ Cons / Challenges
Young institution | established 2017; alumni network is still building
Temporary campus | permanent 55-acre campus still under construction
Lower placement numbers | only 23/56 placed via campus in 2024; others self-arrange
Lower placement packages vs top NLUs | avg ₹6 LPA vs ₹16+ LPA at NLSIU
Limited brand recognition outside Maharashtra compared to older NLUs
Mess charged separately | fee estimate must add ₹40,000–₹60,000/year for food
Fewer PG specialisations vs larger NLUs with dedicated research centres
12. Frequently Asked Questions | MNLU Aurangabad
Q: Is MNLU Aurangabad the same as MNLU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar?
Yes. Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad, was officially renamed MNLU Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar following the renaming of the city of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar by the Maharashtra government. Both names are used interchangeably in academic and admission references. The official website remains mnlua.ac.in.
Q: What CLAT rank is needed for MNLU Aurangabad?
For General (All India) category, you need approximately AIR 1573 or better (as per Round 3, CLAT 2026) for BA LLB (Hons.). For BBA LLB, the cutoff was AIR 1820. Maharashtra domicile students may get admission at slightly higher AIR ranks due to Home State quota. Always participate in all counselling rounds | cutoffs change across rounds.
Q: How is the campus life at MNLU Aurangabad?
Campus life at MNLU Aurangabad is active despite the temporary campus setup. Students participate in moot courts, seminars, legal aid clinics, cultural events, and sports. The hostel community creates a strong peer network. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city offers historical attractions (Ajanta and Ellora Caves are nearby), food options, and urban amenities. The relatively smaller batch size creates a close-knit community atmosphere.
Q: Does MNLU Aurangabad accept CLAT scores from previous years?
No. MNLU Aurangabad accepts only the current year's CLAT scores for UG and PG admissions. To get admission in the 2026-27 academic session, candidates must have appeared for CLAT 2026. There is no provision for using scores from prior years.
Q: What is the eligibility for BA LLB admission at MNLU Aurangabad?
For BA LLB (Hons.) at MNLU Aurangabad: (1) 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board with minimum 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST candidates); (2) valid CLAT UG score from the current year; (3) Indian citizenship or OCI/PIO status. There is no upper age limit as per the BCI guidelines following the Supreme Court ruling. Candidates appearing in 10+2 final exams can also apply, subject to meeting the eligibility on declaration of results.
Q: Are there internship opportunities for MNLU Aurangabad students?
Yes. MNLU Aurangabad students actively pursue internships at national law firms in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. The university's career services office provides Letters of Recommendation to help students secure internships at reputed firms. Many MNLU Aurangabad students have interned at tier-1 firms like L&L Partners, Phoenix Legal, and Indus Law. Summer internships (after semesters 2, 4, 6, and 8) are a critical component of the BA LLB curriculum.
Targeting MNLU Aurangabad? Start Your CLAT Preparation Now.
A CLAT AIR of 1000–1600 is your gateway to MNLU Aurangabad's BA LLB programme. Use LawGuru India's free CLAT 2027 resources, mock tests, and NLU comparison tools to plan your college strategy with confidence.
