Chanakya National Law University, Patna

This Law School Review has been shared by Aditya Aman, as a part of his test task for Campus Leader program at Lawctopus.

Name

Aditya Aman

Full name of your college

Chanakya National Law University, Patna, Bihar

Full address of the college

Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna 80001

Tell us about the infrastructure of your law college

Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, boasts a beautifully green and serene campus that makes everyday student life pleasant and refreshing. Over the past few years, the university has made commendable strides in upgrading its infrastructure, with several improvements aimed at enhancing both academic and residential experiences.

Classrooms: All classrooms are now fully furnished and equipped with digital teaching aids such as smart boards and sound systems. The environment is well-lit and air-conditioned in the major academic blocks, creating a comfortable atmosphere for learning. The recent development drive has made classroom sessions more interactive and technologically enriched.

Library: The library has been recently upgraded and is now one of the best facilities on campus. It offers enhanced seating capacity and is stocked with an impressive collection of books from reputed national and international publishers. Students have access to essential legal databases such as SCC Online, Manupatra, HeinOnline, ONOS, PressReader, and JSTOR. A major advantage is that the reading room remains open until 2:00 a.m., making it an ideal space for late-night readers and moot court researchers.

Hostels: The hostel rooms are spacious and well-ventilated, with each room furnished with basic amenities such as beds, study tables, cupboards, and fans. The first floor is generally allotted to first-year students, while senior students are given room preferences based on academic performance. The hostel also features a first-class gym, contributing to students’ health and wellness. Cleanliness and maintenance are taken seriously, and overall hostel life is vibrant and well-regulated.

Sports and Recreation: CNLU has decent sports infrastructure. There are courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, along with ample open space for football and cricket. Additionally, indoor games like table tennis, carrom, and chess are available in the common areas. Regular inter-batch matches and friendly tournaments keep the competitive spirit alive and foster a sense of community.

Canteen and Mess: The mess operates on a rotational menu that offers both North Indian and South Indian dishes, with options like eggs, bananas, chickpeas, and mung peas available in the morning. The food is hygienic, wholesome, and caters to the nutritional needs of students. The canteen serves snacks and beverages and is a popular spot for night owls who wish to enjoy Maggi at 2 in the morning.

Wi-Fi and Digital Infrastructure: Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel, and the connectivity is generally stable and fast enough to support academic research, online classes, and daily usage. Most administrative processes and communications are now handled digitally, making operations more efficient and transparent.

Overall Reflection: CNLU’s campus is not only aesthetically beautiful and lush but also equipped with all the essential facilities a law student might need. The institution has demonstrated a consistent commitment to infrastructural development, and the ongoing improvements continue to enhance the quality of campus life. For any prospective law student, the infrastructure at CNLU provides a solid and supportive foundation for both academic and personal growth.

Rating: 4/5

How are the academic culture and faculty in your college?

The academic culture at CNLU strikes a balanced tone—it is structured enough to keep students accountable, yet flexible enough to allow personal exploration.

Class Timings & Routine: The class schedule is manageable, usually comprising four classes a day, with a half-hour break provided after the first two. Classes typically run from morning until early afternoon, depending on the semester timetable. Each semester also includes optional extra-credit courses offered by various national and international faculty members, enriching the academic experience.

Faculty Quality: CNLU has a diverse and experienced faculty base, with a healthy mix of young academics and seasoned professors. When I was in my first semester, subjects like Law & Literature really piqued my interest. In later semesters, Criminal Law stood out—thanks to a professor who broke down each section using real-life illustrations and clear concepts. Those classes were both fun and insightful.

While a few professors genuinely spark curiosity and help build a strong academic foundation, like any institution, not every subject feels equally engaging. Some lectures may seem monotonous at times, but they remain manageable.

Attendance Policy: CNLU follows a strict attendance requirement of 75% per subject. Falling short disqualifies a student from sitting for the examinations. Additionally, 5 internal assessment marks per subject are allocated for attendance.
Students with over 95% attendance receive the full 5 marks. This system encourages regular class participation and indirectly enhances overall internal performance.

Overall Academic Environment: The academic environment is not overly burdensome, but it is well-structured to promote consistency and discipline. With a good mix of practical insights, interactive lectures, and research opportunities, students can tailor their academic journeys according to their interests.

The university also strongly promotes participation in moot courts, debates, seminars, and research projects. Submitting a research paper in a subject of one’s choice is mandatory every semester, fostering a strong research and writing culture.

Rating: 4/5

How’s the peer quality in your college? Rate it on a scale of 5 with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.

The peer environment at CNLU is both competitive and enriching, which significantly shapes your overall college experience. Being a national law university, the campus is filled with students from diverse regions, backgrounds, and mindsets, creating a truly stimulating atmosphere for intellectual and personal growth.

In my batch, students are highly focused on moots, internships, research publications, debates and other co-curricular activities. This often inspires you to push your limits, explore new domains of law and improve at every instant. At the same time you will find peers who match your character and ambitions.

Friendship at CNLU will often lead to some of the best experiences of law school life, be it long discussions in the hostel rooms, late-night preparation for exams or working together for events, journals. CNLU offers a peer group that definitely helps you to grow as a person.

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

CNLU offers a vibrant student life, with a wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that go beyond the classroom and significantly enrich the law school experience.

Co-curricular Activities: The university places strong emphasis on co-curricular engagement through active societies such as the Moot Court Society, Debating Society, Research and Publication Cells, ADR Centre, Legal Aid Cell, and several student-run journals.

Students frequently participate in prestigious national and international moot court competitions, client counselling sessions, mediation contests, policy drafting events, and paper presentations.

There is a growing culture of research and writing, with committees regularly organizing seminars and conferences that help students build essential legal skills. These events are almost entirely student-led, with oversight provided by designated Faculty Coordinators—offering early exposure to leadership and organizational experience in law school.

Extra-curricular Activities: On the extra-curricular front, CNLU offers something for everyone. The Cultural Committee organizes various events, including the much-awaited annual fest Jeevatva, while the Sports Committee conducts tournaments such as URZAA, an intra-batch competition.

The campus remains alive with enthusiasm and student involvement throughout the year. A dedicated Social Media Committee (SoMeCo) captures key moments on campus, helping students stay connected. Creative spaces such as LitSoc—an open mic and jam session platform—and the CNLU Book Club for reading enthusiasts, add diversity to campus life.

Student-led Initiatives and Social Life: CNLU actively encourages students to take initiative—whether it’s organizing legal awareness drives under the Legal Aid Cell or IDIA, managing social media for student bodies, or launching independent blogs and content platforms. These opportunities help cultivate a dynamic and inclusive social environment while building real-world skills in communication, collaboration, and advocacy.

Rating: 4/5

How are the placements in your college?

The placement scenario at CNLU is evolving and largely depends on individual effort, consistency in internships, and building a strong portfolio over the years. While a few companies do actively recruit from campus, the majority of students secure opportunities through their own merit, networking, and internship experiences.

A significant number of students at CNLU aim for the Judiciary and Civil Services, while others explore alternative career paths such as academia, policy work, and entrepreneurship. This diversity in career interests provides students with the flexibility and academic freedom to carve out their own unique journeys.

The university has a designated Placement Cell that provides information about available opportunities and extends assistance. However, final outcomes are heavily influenced by individual initiative, networking, and performance during internships.

Rating: 3.5/5

How are the hostels in your college?

The hostel facilities at CNLU are quite decent—spacious, clean, and well-maintained—which makes student life both comfortable and manageable. There are single-room, double-room, and a few triple-room options available, all of which are well-ventilated and receive ample natural light.

First-year students are generally allotted rooms on the first floor. From the second year onward, room allotment is based on the marks scored in the previous semester, creating a fair and motivating system.

The hostels are equipped with essential amenities and decent Wi-Fi connectivity. A well-maintained gym within the hostel is a major plus for fitness enthusiasts. Additional facilities include a badminton court and indoor games like table tennis, carrom, and chess—offering a healthy recreational balance to academic life.

Regular housekeeping services help maintain cleanliness in washrooms, corridors, and rooms. Faculty members and the Registrar occasionally conduct inspections to ensure hygiene standards are met. Security is well-managed, and the hostel wardens are cooperative, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

The mess serves nutritious meals and offers special dishes on festive or special occasions, adding a homely touch to the overall hostel experience.

Rating: 4/5

What are the best things you like about your college?

One of the best things I admire about CNLU is the balance it strikes between academics, student life, and opportunities for growth. From mooting to music and sports, there’s always something happening on campus.

CNLU provides the space to grow at your own pace. I’ve found the environment to be very supportive, and opportunities are always available if you’re willing to seize them.

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

While my overall experiencce at CNLU has been largely positive, there are a couple of areas where the college could improve further. Firstly the placement cell needs to be strengthened in terms of outreach and structured support.

A more robust and industry-connected placement system could help streamline this process and open up more consistent opportunities for students across batches.

Secondly, while the hostels are generally comfortable and well-maintained, they lack centralized air conditioning. This becomes particularly challenging during the harsh Patna summers. Although Personal Coolers and AC are allowed, a long-term infrastructural solution would enhance the quality of life for students.

Anything else you want to share?

I’ve been fortunate enough to find friends who’ve become like family. One of them, in particular, has been my study partner, my go-to person for exploring Patna, and a constant source of emotional and academic support. Having someone who understands the pressure of law school, shares goals, and still knows when it’s time to unwind has made my experience at CNLU incredibly fulfilling.

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

8/10

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