CNLU Patna Review: Academics, Infrastructure, and Placements

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Name

Anonymous

Full name of your college

Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, Bihar

Full address of the college

Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna-800001, Bihar

Tell us about the infrastructure of your law college

The classrooms at CNLU Patna are quite good and underwent major changes before the session of 2024 began. All the classrooms have been equipped with digital boards, and comfortable chairs have been put in place, replacing the black steel chairs that were there earlier. Though not very spacious, the size of most classrooms is sufficient to accommodate around 69 students.

Rating: 4/5

The library is really decent, equipped with air conditioners and a large collection of books. However, certain improvements can be made, such as increasing the size of the library so that more students can be accommodated at a time, considering that the number of students staying in libraries for extended periods is ever-increasing.

Rating: 4/5

The sports culture is very much prevalent here, although it primarily benefits those already skilled in the games. Several sports-related tournaments are conducted in an academic year, including a tournament between several teams comprising students from different batches and another tournament between teams of different batches. An indoor sports facility is also available.

Rating: 3/5

Hostel rooms can be described as fine. While no major problems are usually encountered, the hostel rooms are small and often not maintained very well. Mosquito infestation is also an issue.

Rating: 2/5

Overall, the campus and the infrastructure are fairly decent. Greenery is abundant on campus. However, a lot needs to be done, and considering that it is a National Law University, it does have significant potential. A lot of land is unused and should be utilized for the construction of further infrastructure.

How are the academic culture and faculty in your college?

The quality of faculty at CNLU Patna is fairly decent. The professors are indeed knowledgeable, though occasionally there is a disconnect between them and the students.

The attendance policy is quite strict. A minimum of 75 per cent attendance is mandatory to appear in exams. Furthermore, approximately 5 marks are awarded for attendance, which makes attending classes really necessary.

Classes start at 9 AM and end at 1:30 PM, with a half-hour break from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM Around January–February, classes start at 9:30 AM and end at 2 PM.

Rating: 3/5

How’s the peer quality in your college?

Peers are highly competitive, and the competition is cutthroat, which sometimes limits cooperation. Nevertheless, some individuals do try to help. During the final years, this competition becomes even fiercer as students race for placements.

Rating: 3/5

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

There is no dearth of clubs and committees, and competitions are lined up, which sometimes causes scheduling issues. The most active committee is undoubtedly the Debating Committee, which conducts a grand parliamentary debate, recently holding its 15th edition.

Several competitions are held, such as the Legal Aid Cell Fest, which features a variety of events ranging from policy drafting to ADR. The Startup Law Committee is also a unique aspect of CNLU, hosting its own startup law presentation event. All of this fosters connections and social life.

Rating: 3/5

How are the placements in your college?

Without sugarcoating, the condition of placements is certainly not up to the mark for a university carrying the tag of “National Law University.”

Students do work hard to secure placements, generally in mid-tier firms or certain organizations as in-house legal interns. Students in the initial years also intern at government organizations. However, the most common internships are in litigation and judicial roles.

The less-than-ideal placement scenario is, to some extent, influenced by the fact that a large number of students, at least before the implementation of the three-year rule, were aspirants of judicial services, which discourages a culture of corporate placements.

Rating: 2/5

How are the hostels in your college?

The hostel is mediocre. Students from other cities are prioritized over local students when rooms are allotted to first-year students, indicating that rooms are not abundant, though generally sufficient to accommodate everyone.

The rooms are quite small and old-fashioned. They are generally clean, although cleaning services are not very regular.

The mess provides breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner. There is also a paid canteen that remains open until late hours at night.

What are the best things you like about your college?

The debating culture at CNLU is one of my favorite aspects of the college, something not very common at other NLUs. The lush greenery is also appreciable. The frequent competitions, which are often lined up, are also an advantage.

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

Placements are the first thing that comes to mind. Considering that it is an NLU, CNLU Patna certainly punches below its weight. Emphasizing placement prospects could drastically improve the college. The lack of focus and encouragement regarding ADR activities is a major disadvantage. Hostel infrastructure and facilities certainly need to be improved. More unused land on the college campus should be utilized to better serve the students.

Anything else you want to share?

CNLU is overall a very decent university with significant potential for growth. A proper emphasis on placement prospects and infrastructure, to some extent, could drastically improve its standing.

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

7/10

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