The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai

This Law School Review has been shared anonymously.

Name

Anonymous

Full name of your college

The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, School of Excellence in Law, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Full address of the college

Perungudi Campus, M.G.R. Salai, Near Taramani [ MRTS ] Railway Station, Perungudi, Chennai – 600 113.

Tell us about the infrastructure of your law college

The classrooms are air-conditioned, and each one is equipped with a projector, as well as both black and white boards. The library is fully digitized, with no manual processes or procedures.

It features a digital room with monitors specifically for BCA students, and a separate monitor room for students from other departments. However, a few systems are outdated, and the internet connection tends to fail occasionally. Overall, I would rate it 3.5 out of 5.

How are the academic culture and faculty in your college?

There are a total of 76 regular teaching staff members, along with 12 faculty members working on a contractual basis. One Physical Education Director is responsible for overseeing the university’s physical education program.

There are no major quality concerns regarding the faculty. However, due to time constraints, some faculty members occasionally struggle to complete the syllabus.

To address this, special classes are usually arranged for first-year students to help them catch up with the syllabus and adapt to the new area of study—especially since law can be challenging for those new to the subject.

The attendance system is extremely strict, with virtually no scope for proxy attendance. The rate of proxy attendance is close to 0%. This is because faculty members take attendance by visually identifying each student, and students do not have access to their attendance records. To illustrate this, I once witnessed a faculty member reject a student’s attempt to have attendance marked through an office assistant (OA) on another floor.

The university operates in two shifts. The morning shift runs from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, while the evening shift runs from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Each class period lasts between 45 to 50 minutes.

Overall, I would rate the current system 4 out of 5.

How’s the peer quality in your college?

The university admits students strictly on the basis of merit. Most of the students are academically strong, and the institution is regarded as one of the most reputed law schools in the state of Tamil Nadu. Admission is highly competitive, and no one can gain entry through influence or connections, as the entire admission process is fully transparent.

The peer quality is commendable—I would rate it 4 out of 5. The university has also produced some of the finest mooters and Model United Nations (MUN) delegates across the state.

Tell us about the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities

The university hosts several student-led committees, among which the most prominent is the Moot Court Society. It operates through its dedicated MCA website, offering mentorship programs and a unique “team finder” feature to help baby mooters connect with potential teammates. It is one of the most well-structured and organized societies at SOEL.

The MUN Society is also highly active, with over 2,500 followers on Instagram and a track record of consistently hosting six successful editions. Another notable initiative is the Indian Society for Universal Dialogue, a student-led platform inspired by the prestigious Oxford Union Society, which is renowned for fostering meaningful discourse and celebrating two centuries of advocating free speech and intellectual exchange.

The university also has a vibrant cultural committee known as the Excellence Cultural Association. Lexcellence, a student-run journal, operates under the guidance of experienced and distinguished faculty members, encouraging legal scholarship among students.

In addition, NCC, NSS, and YRC units are active on campus, regularly organizing camps and community engagement activities. Notably, one NCC cadet from the university has gone on to become a JAG officer, and several others have represented Tamil Nadu in the Republic Day Parade.

An active Legal Aid Clinic also functions on campus, with practicing advocates visiting twice a week to provide legal assistance. The clinic has adopted a village where it offers continuous support to underprivileged families.

Beyond societies, the university frequently conducts workshops and special lectures, almost on a daily basis, catering to students from various departments and academic years.

Overall, I would rate the university’s co-curricular and extracurricular ecosystem 4 out of 5.

How are the placements in your college?

The university has a dedicated Internship and Placement Cell that actively guides students regarding job opportunities and vacancies. Almost every year, some senior students have the prestigious opportunity to intern under the Chief Justice of India. Additionally, pre-final and final-year students regularly secure internships at top-tier law firms such as Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Fox Mandal, Khaitan & Co., among others.

Many students opt for a career in litigation, while others successfully pursue Company Secretary (CS) qualifications. Some graduates have gone on to become judges, civil servants, JAG officers, and professors, with several choosing to pursue their master’s degrees as well.

Overall, I would rate the university’s internship and placement support at 4.5 out of 5.

How are the hostels in your college?

The girls’ hostel is located close to the university, while the boys’ hostel is situated near the railway station. Due to this close proximity, there are no major concerns regarding daily travel. While there have been no complaints about the quality of food in the hostels, some issues have been reported with the laundry services.

The curfew time is generally set at 6:00 PM, although it can be adjusted based on the student’s academic schedule and requirements.

Overall, I would rate the hostel facilities 3.5 out of 5.

What are the best things you like about your college?

• The campus library is my favorite place. I enjoy reading the wide variety of books, especially those in the general category.
• The academic schedule is another highlight. Since the college operates for only half a day, it provides ample opportunity to pursue internships throughout the year without interference. This structure has significantly contributed to my professional growth.
• The faculty members are generally very amiable and approachable. I often engage in discussions about my research papers—especially those I present at conferences—with faculty who possess strong subject knowledge and specialization.
• The Moot Court in-charge faculty have always been supportive and encouraging. They consistently guide both experienced mooters and baby mooters who are just stepping into the world of mooting.
• The university canteen is decent and well-maintained. It offers a comfortable space for students to relax and unwind during recess.
• The entire campus is disabled-friendly. Students with special needs can access most areas of the university independently, without requiring external assistance.
• The university has offered enriching student exchange opportunities. I had the privilege of participating in two such programs—one at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) and another at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
• The university has signed MOUs with several international institutions and has also hosted academic conferences in collaboration with some of them.

In your opinion, what are bad things about your college?

Indeed, every college has its limitations, and SOEL is no exception to this general rule. Students are often burdened with a large number of assignments, some of which are hand-written, and at times, research is not adequately integrated into these tasks.

The university does not consistently prioritize sports and physical activities, which is an area that could use more attention. At one point, we also faced issues with limited access to certain legal research tools due to a lack of subscriptions, although this has now been resolved.

Additionally, the overall student strength is quite high, which sometimes makes it challenging for the administration to effectively manage and cater to individual student needs.

Anything else you want to share?

Personally, I have had several experiences where people express genuine admiration for our university. Many advocates openly prefer SOEL students over those from other institutions. This isn’t just my personal belief—it was also shared with me by a student from another reputed deemed university.

I have always felt proud to speak about my university. Over the years, it has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. My communication skills have improved considerably, and I now speak with greater confidence and clarity.

However, I did witness a troubling incident where one of my close friends experienced ragging by her own classmates. She lodged a complaint with the Anti-Ragging Committee, and the university took swift and appropriate action. In fact, some students have even been suspended for engaging in such behavior.

That said, the overall culture of ragging at SOEL is very minimal. In most cases, seniors are supportive and go out of their way to guide and mentor juniors.

How would you rate your college overall on a scale of 10?

8/10

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