1. About MNLU Mumbai | Overview & Recognition
Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai is a public National Law University established in 2014 under the Maharashtra National Law University Act 2014 by the Government of Maharashtra. Located in Powai, Mumbai | India's financial capital and commercial nerve centre | MNLU Mumbai benefits from an unrivalled urban legal ecosystem, with access to the Bombay High Court, hundreds of top law firms, corporate headquarters, and financial institutions.
As the only NLU in Maharashtra's capital city, MNLU Mumbai holds a distinctive position in India's National Law University network. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI), ensuring that its degrees are valid for enrolment with any State Bar Council in India. Admission to its flagship BA LLB (Hons.) and LLM programmes is through CLAT | the Common Law Admission Test conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai (MNLU Mumbai) |
| Established | 2014 | Under Maharashtra NLU Act 2014 |
| Location | Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra | 400076 |
| Type | Government-funded Autonomous National Law University |
| Recognition | UGC Recognised | BCI Approved |
| Admission Route | CLAT UG (BA LLB) | CLAT PG (LLM) | University Entrance (PhD) |
| NIRF Law Rank | #31 (2024) | Score 51.70 |
| BA LLB Seats | 100 (AI quota) + 10 Supernumerary (NRI/Foreign National) |
| LLM Seats | 50 (AI quota) + 10 Supernumerary (NRI/Foreign National) |
| Official Website | mnlumumbai.edu.in |
| CLAT Portal | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| MH CET Law Admission | 5-Year Integrated LLB via MH CET Law (separate from CLAT) |
MNLU Mumbai runs two parallel undergraduate law programmes with different admission routes. The BA LLB (Hons.) programme (5-year, 100 seats) is admitted exclusively through CLAT. The LLB (3-year) programme is admitted through MH CET Law | the Maharashtra state law entrance exam. This page focuses on the CLAT-admitted BA LLB programme and associated programmes. For MH CET Law admissions to the 3-year LLB, see our MH CET Law 2026 guide →
2. BA LLB (Hons.) Fee Structure 2026-27 | Complete Breakdown
The BA LLB (Hons.) programme at MNLU Mumbai is a 5-year integrated law degree. The fee structure is set by the university administration and approved by the Government of Maharashtra. Fees are collected on a semester or annual basis. Below is the comprehensive, component-wise fee breakdown:
Fee figures above are based on official MNLU Mumbai publications and NIRF data. MNLU Mumbai may revise fees annually. The exact fee for 2026-27 is confirmed at the time of CLAT counselling when the Consortium of NLUs publishes the updated fee schedule for each NLU. Always check the official fee notification at mnlumumbai.edu.in and the CLAT Consortium portal at consortiumofnlus.ac.in for the most current figures before making financial decisions.
3. Year-Wise Fee Breakdown | BA LLB (Hons.) Years 1 to 5
The MNLU Mumbai BA LLB fee is collected annually at the beginning of each academic year. The tuition fee is uniform across years (same per-year fee for each of the 5 years), though some one-time fees and deposits are payable only in Year 1. Here is the year-wise payment structure:
General (All India) Category | Year-Wise Fee
Maharashtra Domicile Category | Year-Wise Fee
* Figures are approximate based on official MNLU data. Security deposit is fully refundable upon course completion and clearance of all dues. Exam fees are collected separately per semester. Minor annual fee revisions may occur.
4. Maharashtra Domicile vs General AI | Fee Difference Explained
One of the most important fee-related distinctions at MNLU Mumbai is the Home State (HS) quota for Maharashtra domicile candidates. Unlike some NLUs that have identical fees regardless of domicile, MNLU Mumbai maintains a meaningful fee differential between General (All India) and Maharashtra domicile students:
| Parameter | 🔵 General (All India) | 🟢 Maharashtra Domicile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (BA LLB) | ~₹1,90,000 | ~₹1,34,000 |
| Annual Saving (Domicile vs AI) | | | ~₹56,000 per year |
| 5-Year Total Tuition | ~₹9.5 lakhs | ~₹6.7 lakhs |
| 5-Year Total Saving | | | ~₹2.8 lakhs saved |
| LLM Annual Fee | ~₹99,825 | ~₹74,896 |
| CLAT 2026 HS Closing Rank | ~AIR 495 (Round 2, AI quota) | Higher rank (more accessible) via HS quota |
| How to Claim HS Status | Not applicable | Submit valid Maharashtra domicile certificate at CLAT counselling document verification |
Maharashtra domicile students save approximately ₹2.8 lakhs over 5 years compared to General AI students. To claim this benefit, you must submit a valid Maharashtra domicile certificate issued by a competent authority at the time of document verification during CLAT counselling. This certificate must be in the candidate's name (or parent's name in some cases) and must be from Maharashtra. If you do not submit this certificate, you will be treated as an AI category student and charged the higher fee. Ensure you obtain the certificate before CLAT counselling begins.
5. MNLU Mumbai Hostel & Mess Charges 2026-27
MNLU Mumbai is located in Powai, Mumbai | one of India's most expensive residential areas. The university provides on-campus hostel accommodation for students, which is not only more affordable than private accommodation in Mumbai but also significantly more convenient given the campus's location. Hostel and mess charges are separate from the tuition fee and are payable at the time of hostel allotment.
| Hostel Charge Component | Approximate Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Accommodation (Single/Shared Room) | ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 | Per Year |
| Mess Charges (3 meals/day) | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 | Per Year |
| Electricity & Utilities | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 | Per Year (as metered/fixed) |
| Hostel Security Deposit (One-Time, Refundable) | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 | One-Time |
| Total Annual Hostel + Mess (Approx.) | ~₹1,20,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Per Year |
| 5-Year Hostel + Mess Total (Approx.) | ~₹6 – ₹7.5 Lakhs | 5 Years |
Powai, Mumbai | where MNLU is located | is adjacent to IIT Bombay and surrounded by premium residential areas. Private accommodation (PG or flat) in the vicinity costs approximately ₹20,000–₹40,000 per month, translating to ₹2.4–4.8 lakhs per year | significantly more than the on-campus hostel fee of ₹1.2–1.5 lakhs per year. On-campus hostel is strongly recommended for both financial and academic reasons. MNLU Mumbai allots hostel rooms to students based on the order of admission confirmation | paying the confirmation fee early after CLAT seat allotment improves hostel room choice.
6. MNLU Mumbai LLM Fee Structure 2026-27
The LLM programme at MNLU Mumbai is a 1-year (2-semester) postgraduate law degree with specialisations in Corporate and Commercial Laws, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property and Technology Law, International Law, and Human Rights Law. Admission is through CLAT PG scores.
LLM Specialisations at MNLU Mumbai
| LLM Specialisation | CLAT PG 2026 Cutoff (Gen AI) | Career Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate & Commercial Laws | ~AIR 522 (Round 2) | Law firms, corporate legal departments, M&A, banking |
| Constitutional Law | ~AIR 600–650 (Round 2) | Constitutional litigation, judiciary, civil services, academia |
| Criminal Law | ~AIR 700–800 | Criminal litigation, prosecution, judiciary, criminal defence |
| Intellectual Property & Technology | ~AIR 600–700 | IP law firms, tech companies, pharma, media |
| International Law | ~AIR 700–850 | International organisations, diplomatic service, international arbitration |
| Human Rights Law | ~AIR 800–950 | NGOs, UN bodies, human rights litigation, social justice organisations |
7. Other Programmes | Executive LLM, MA, M.IPR, MBA, PhD
MNLU Mumbai has significantly expanded its programme portfolio beyond the flagship BA LLB and LLM. The university now offers several innovative postgraduate and doctoral programmes that reflect the evolving demands of the legal profession:
| Programme | Duration | Admission | Approx. Fee | Unique Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive LLM | 1 Year (Part-Time) | MNLU Entrance + Interview | Higher than regular LLM; check official notification | For working legal professionals; evening/weekend classes |
| MA in Mediation & Conflict Resolution | 2 Years | MNLU Entrance Test | As notified by MNLU | Unique programme in ADR; focus on mediation practice |
| M.IPR (Master of Intellectual Property Rights) | 2 Years | MNLU Entrance Test | As notified by MNLU | Specialised IPR degree; high demand from tech/pharma sector |
| MBA (Law and Management) | 2 Years | CAT / MAH MBA-CET | As notified by MNLU | Law-management intersection; unique among NLUs |
| PhD in Law | Min. 2 Years | MNLU Entrance + Interview | As per university norms | Research areas: Maritime, IPR, Tax, Environmental, Corporate |
| Post-Graduate Diploma Programmes | 1 Year each | MNLU Entrance | As notified per programme | Taxation Law, IPR, Maritime Law, Environmental Law, Labour Law |
MNLU Mumbai has active research centres in Maritime Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Taxation Law, Environmental Law, and Corporate Law. These centres conduct research, organise symposia, and collaborate with industry | and are directly relevant to the PhD, M.IPR, and Executive LLM programmes. Being located in Mumbai gives these centres access to India's largest concentration of maritime companies, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters. For PhD and postgraduate diploma students, these centres provide research funding, mentorship, and publication opportunities.
8. NRI / Foreign National Fee Structure
MNLU Mumbai has 10 supernumerary seats for the BA LLB (Hons.) programme and 10 supernumerary seats for the LLM programme under the Foreign National / NRI / NRI-Sponsored category. These are additional to the 100 AI seats for BA LLB and 50 AI seats for LLM | meaning they do not affect the CLAT cutoff for Indian students.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| NRI/Foreign National Seats (BA LLB) | 10 supernumerary seats (over and above 100 AI seats) |
| NRI/Foreign National Seats (LLM) | 10 supernumerary seats (over and above 50 AI seats) |
| Annual Fee (Approx.) | USD 5,000 per year (or Indian equivalent as notified) |
| Admission Process | Direct application to MNLU Mumbai; CLAT not required for NRI/Foreign National seats |
| Impact on AI Cutoff | None | NRI/Foreign National seats are independent; do not affect Indian students' cutoff |
| Official Notification | Published annually at mnlumumbai.edu.in |
9. Total Cost of Attendance | 5-Year Full Estimate
Understanding the Total Cost of Attendance (CoA) | not just the tuition fee | is essential for planning your MNLU Mumbai investment. The following estimates cover all major costs a BA LLB student will incur over 5 years:
| Cost Component | General (AI) | 5 Years | Maharashtra Domicile | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (5 years) | ~₹9,50,000 | ~₹6,70,000 |
| Refundable Security Deposit (One-Time) | ~₹25,000 | ~₹25,000 |
| Hostel Accommodation (5 years) | ~₹3,00,000–₹3,75,000 | ~₹3,00,000–₹3,75,000 |
| Mess Charges (5 years) | ~₹2,75,000–₹3,25,000 | ~₹2,75,000–₹3,25,000 |
| Examination Fees (5 years) | ~₹15,000–₹25,000 | ~₹15,000–₹25,000 |
| Books, Stationery & Course Materials | ~₹30,000–₹50,000 | ~₹30,000–₹50,000 |
| Personal Expenses (5 years) | ~₹1,50,000–₹2,50,000 (highly variable) | ~₹1,50,000–₹2,50,000 |
| Total Estimated 5-Year CoA | ~₹17–19 Lakhs | ~₹14–16 Lakhs |
Compared to top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore (5-yr total CoA ~₹32–35 lakhs) or NALSAR Hyderabad (5-yr total CoA ~₹20–22 lakhs), MNLU Mumbai's total cost of attendance at ₹17–19 lakhs for General AI students is genuinely competitive | especially given its Mumbai location premium. For Maharashtra domicile students, the estimated ₹14–16 lakhs total CoA makes MNLU Mumbai one of the most affordable NLU options in the country while being located in the country's financial capital. The actual figure for any student depends significantly on hostel room type, mess plan, and personal lifestyle choices.
10. Fee Payment Process & Schedule
The fee payment process at MNLU Mumbai follows the CLAT counselling and university admission timelines. Here is how it works at each stage:
11. Scholarships & Financial Aid at MNLU Mumbai
MNLU Mumbai has been offering scholarships to students for over 15 years | an exceptional track record for a university established only in 2014, reflecting its commitment to supporting students regardless of financial background. The following scholarships and financial aid options are available:
12. MNLU Mumbai CLAT 2026 Cutoff | Category-Wise
The CLAT 2026 closing rank for admission to MNLU Mumbai is an important benchmark for prospective students. Understanding these cutoffs alongside the fee structure helps you plan whether MNLU Mumbai is a realistic target based on your expected CLAT rank:
BA LLB (Hons.) | CLAT 2026 Cutoff (Round 2 Final)
LLM | CLAT PG 2026 Cutoff (Round 2)
| Year | MNLU Mumbai CLAT Cutoff (Gen AI, BA LLB) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT 2026 (Round 2) | ~AIR 495 | 📈 More accessible than 2025 |
| CLAT 2025 | AIR 558 | | |
| CLAT 2024 | ~AIR 500–520 | | |
| CLAT 2023 | ~AIR 530–560 | | |
13. Placements & Return on Investment
Understanding the placement record at MNLU Mumbai helps contextualise the fee investment. Here is the placement picture based on official NIRF 2025 data and additional university reports:
| Placement Metric | MNLU Mumbai 2024-25 |
|---|---|
| Median UG Placement Package (NIRF 2025) | ₹10 LPA |
| UG Students Placed (NIRF 2025) | 41 students placed + 82 internship offers |
| Placement Rate (Recent Report) | ~90% (of those who participated) |
| Highest Package Reported (2024) | ~₹20–25 LPA (Tier-1 law firms) |
| PG (LLM) Median Package (NIRF 2025) | As notified; check NIRF 2025 law report |
| Top Recruiters | AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., Trilegal, JSA, Phoenix Legal, DSK Legal, EY, Nishith Desai Associates |
| Common Career Paths | Tier-1 law firms, In-house corporate counsel, Bombay High Court litigation, LLM abroad (NUS, LSE, KCL), Civil services, Judiciary |
Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis
With a total cost of attendance of approximately ₹17–19 lakhs for General AI students and a median placement of ₹10 LPA, MNLU Mumbai's ROI timeline is approximately 2 years | i.e., it takes about 2 years of working at the median salary to recover the entire 5-year educational investment. For students who secure above-median packages at Tier-1 firms (₹16–25 LPA), the payback period is shorter. This is consistent with NLU-level ROI across the country.
* Payback period = total CoA ÷ annual median salary. Longer bars = higher absolute salary; not a payback measure. Payback calculation is approximate and individual results vary significantly.
14. MNLU Mumbai Fee vs Other NLUs | 2026-27 Comparison
Context is everything when evaluating fees. Here is how MNLU Mumbai's fee structure compares to other major NLUs:
| NLU | Annual Tuition (BA LLB) | 5-Yr Total (Tuition Only) | 5-Yr Total CoA (Approx.) | NIRF Law 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | ₹4.52L | ~₹22.6L | ~₹24–25L | #1 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | ~₹2.5L | ~₹12.5L | ~₹18–20L | #3 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | ~₹2L | ~₹10L | ~₹15–17L | #4 |
| MNLU Mumbai (This Page) | ~₹1.9L (Gen) | ~₹1.34L (Dom) | ~₹9.5L (Gen) | ~₹6.7L (Dom) | ~₹17–19L (Gen) | #31 |
| HNLU Raipur | ₹1.30L | ~₹6.5L | ~₹9–11L | #8 |
| RMLNLU Lucknow | ~₹1.5L | ~₹7.5L | ~₹12–14L | #9 |
| NLU Delhi (AILET) | ~₹1.7L | ~₹8.5L | ~₹12–15L | #2 |
MNLU Mumbai's tuition fee is competitive | lower than NLSIU, NALSAR, and GNLU. However, Mumbai's inherently high cost of living (reflected in hostel and personal expenses) means the total CoA is comparable to some higher-ranked NLUs. For a student securing CLAT AIR 400–550 who genuinely cannot access NLSIU/NALSAR/NLU Delhi, MNLU Mumbai offers strong brand recognition in Maharashtra, exceptional Mumbai location advantage, and competitive (if not top-tier) placement outcomes | making it a sound financial and academic investment.