Law School Review: Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal

This Law School Review has been shared by Aagya Dubey, as a part of her test task for Campus Leader program at Lawctopus.

Name

Aagya Dubey

Full name of your college

Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Full address of the college

Jagran Lakecity University, Chandanpura, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462044

Tell us about the infrastructure of your law college

• Classrooms – The law classrooms are modern, spacious, and well-ventilated. Most are equipped with digital smart boards, audio-visual facilities, and ergonomic seating arrangements. Seminar halls and moot court halls are technologically enabled for real-time simulations. Rating: 4/5
• Library – The JLU School of Law has a well-stocked central library with a dedicated law section. It includes national and international law journals, SCC Online, Manupatra, Westlaw, and access to various online legal databases. Quiet reading spaces and digital research terminals are also available. Rating: 4.5/5
• Moot Court Hall – The university offers a fully air-conditioned moot court setup that replicates an actual courtroom experience. It is regularly used for intra- and inter-university competitions and practice rounds.
  Rating: 4.5/5
• Hostel Rooms – Hostels are separate for boys and girls. Rooms are clean and available in both AC and non-AC options, with choices of single or shared occupancy. Facilities include high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry services, and common lounges. Rating: 4.2/5
• Sports & Recreation – JLU offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including cricket, football, basketball, a gymnasium, table tennis, chess, and more. Rating: 4.3/5
• Cafeteria and Food Courts – The campus has a hygienic multi-cuisine cafeteria offering affordable meal options. Separate juice bars and café spaces are also available. Rating: 4.0/5
• Campus & Connectivity – The university campus is eco-friendly and located on the outskirts of Bhopal amidst lush greenery. Shuttle and transport services are available for students commuting from the city. Rating: 4.1/5

How are the academic culture and faculty in your college?

1. Number of Faculty –
   The JLU School of Law has a well-qualified and diverse faculty team comprising around 25 to 30 members, including professors, associate professors, and assistant professors. Many faculty members hold PhDs, have published research, and bring valuable practical legal experience. Regular teaching is often supplemented by visiting faculty and industry experts. Rating: 4.3/5
2. Quality of Faculty –
   The faculty is known for being approachable, supportive, and research-oriented. They emphasize interactive teaching methods, case studies, and moot court participation. The curriculum is regularly updated, and students are encouraged to take part in seminars, workshops, and conferences. Rating: 4.5/5
3. Academic Culture –
   The academic environment fosters discipline, critical thinking, and practical learning. Students are actively encouraged to participate in group discussions, presentations, and research projects. The college frequently organizes guest lectures by eminent jurists, lawyers, and academicians. Rating: 4.4/5
4. Attendance Policy –
   Attendance is strictly monitored, with a general requirement of at least 75% to be eligible for exams. Regular attendance in lectures, moot courts, and practical sessions is emphasized to uphold academic standards. Rating: 4.0/5
5. Class Timings –
   Classes are typically held from Monday to Saturday, beginning around 9:00 AM and ending by 3:00 PM, including breaks. Timings may vary slightly across different courses and semesters but generally follow a full-day academic schedule. Rating: 4.1/5

Overall Academic Culture and Faculty Rating: 4.3/5

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 group at JLU School of Law is academically diverse and socially vibrant. Students hail from various parts of India as well as from other countries, creating a multicultural environment that fosters cross-cultural learning, mutual tolerance, and global exposure.

Many students are highly motivated and actively participate in mooting, debates, internships, research writing, and leadership roles in clubs and societies. The university attracts individuals with interests spanning the judiciary, corporate law, public policy, and academia — encouraging a healthy mix of career aspirations and perspectives.

International students further enhance the global classroom dynamic, particularly in discussions on comparative law, international human rights, and cross-border legal systems. This enriches classroom interaction and deepens peer learning.

The overall atmosphere is collaborative and student-friendly, offering ample opportunities for peer mentoring, team-based projects, and cultural exchange. Rating: 4.4/5

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

Jagran Lakecity University offers a vibrant campus environment that strikes a balance between academics and a wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities.

1. Clubs and Societies –
   The School of Law has several active, student-led bodies including the Moot Court Society, Legal Aid Cell, Debate & Literary Society, Cultural Club, Film Society, and the Music & Theatre Club. These platforms help students develop legal acumen, leadership qualities, creative talents, and communication skills. Rating: 4.5/5
2. Committees and Student Bodies –
   Committees such as the Academic Committee, Cultural & Events Committee, and the Student Welfare Committee play a key role in organizing student-centric events and addressing student concerns. Rating: 4.2/5
3. Fests and Events –
   Major events like the JLU Juris Conclave, Lakecity MUN, and the annual Cultural Fest are key highlights. Regular legal workshops, guest lectures, and national-level competitions further enrich student exposure and learning. Rating: 4.3/5
4. Social Life and Networking –
   With students from across India and abroad, JLU fosters an inclusive and engaging social culture. Events such as open mics, informal hangouts, and inter-departmental activities encourage strong peer bonding and networking. Rating: 4.3/5
5. Sports and Fitness –
   The university provides a range of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including cricket, football, badminton, table tennis, and a well-equipped gym. Annual sports meets and regular fitness activities promote holistic development. Rating: 4.1/5

Overall Campus Life Rating: 4.3/5

How are the placements in your college?

The placement and internship scenario at JLU School of Law is still evolving. Approximately 20–30% of students from each batch regularly secure internships, mostly through personal efforts, faculty referrals, or independent applications.

The Career Development Cell (CDC) organizes internship and placement drives; however, only a limited number of students (around 20–30%) participate in or receive concrete offers through these initiatives.

Students who are active in mooting, networking, and legal writing are typically able to secure internships at High Courts, District Courts, small to mid-sized law firms, and NGOs. However, full-time job placements post-graduation remain limited. Only a few students receive Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) or final job offers via the CDC, and many opt for litigation practice, judiciary preparation, or higher studies due to the scarcity of placement opportunities.

While the CDC provides resume-building support and career guidance sessions, students largely depend on their own initiative and external networks to shape their career paths.

Overall Placement Rating: 3.0/5

How are the hostels in your college?

JLU provides separate on-campus hostels for boys and girls, with limited occupancy. Each hostel block accommodates approximately 150–200 students, though the exact number of vacancies may vary each year.

1. Cleanliness & Maintenance – The hostels are generally clean and well-maintained. Regular housekeeping services are provided, and hygiene standards are satisfactory. Bathrooms and common areas are cleaned daily, and pest control is conducted periodically. Rating: 4.0/5
2. Rooms & Facilities – Rooms are available in single, double, and triple occupancy, with both AC and non-AC options. Facilities include study tables, wardrobes, high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry services, common rooms with TVs, and access to the mess and cafeteria. Some hostels also offer reading lounges and indoor sports equipment. Rating: 4.2/5
3. Security – The hostels are under 24×7 CCTV surveillance and are managed by wardens. Entry is biometric or ID-based, with strict in-time rules, especially for female residents. Rating: 4.3/5
4. Mess Food – The mess serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals with a rotating weekly menu. Food quality is average but gradually improving, though taste preferences differ among students. Rating: 3.8/5
5. Vacancy & Allotment – Hostel seats fill up quickly, particularly in the girls’ hostel. Allotment is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Late applicants may need to arrange accommodation in nearby PGs or private hostels. Rating: 3.9/5

Overall Hostel Experience Rating: 4.0/5

What are the best things you like about your college?

• Beautiful and Modern Campus: The campus is aesthetically designed, spacious, and lush with greenery. It features modern infrastructure, smart classrooms with digital boards, and is fully Wi-Fi enabled—creating a professional and conducive learning environment.
• Faculty Support and Approachability: Most faculty members are friendly, approachable, and genuinely committed to students’ academic growth. Many possess strong research credentials and actively encourage students to write, publish, and participate in academic events.
• Opportunities for Exposure: JLU regularly organizes guest lectures, conclaves, national and international conferences, and hands-on workshops. These events offer valuable exposure to industry professionals, judges, and legal scholars, bridging the gap between academics and the real world.
• Focus on Research and Mooting: There is a strong institutional emphasis on mooting, legal research, and academic writing. Active student bodies like the Moot Court Society and Legal Aid Cell play a vital role in honing practical legal skills.
• Multicultural Peer Environment: The student community comprises individuals from diverse Indian states as well as international students, fostering a multicultural environment that enriches classroom discussions and broadens social perspectives.
• Support for Creativity: JLU encourages holistic development by supporting student involvement in music, theatre, dance, filmmaking, and literature. This emphasis on balancing academics with creativity nurtures well-rounded personalities.
• Safe and Disciplined Environment: The campus is secure, particularly for female students. The administration maintains a strong focus on discipline, attendance, and anti-ragging measures, ensuring a safe and structured atmosphere for all.

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

• Placement and Internship Support: The most significant drawback is the limited conversion rate for placements and internships. Only around 20–30% of students secure opportunities through the university’s Career Development Cell (CDC). Most internships and job offers are self-sourced by students, and the university has relatively fewer tie-ups with top law firms or corporate legal departments compared to national law schools.
• Expensive Fee Structure: The fee is on the higher side, especially when considered in light of the limited placement support. This raises concerns regarding return on investment, particularly for students from modest financial backgrounds.
• Limited Access to Law-Specific Library Resources: Although the central library is well-maintained, the law section needs improvement. Access to advanced legal databases such as SCC Online and Manupatra is either limited or inconsistently updated, which can hinder quality legal research.
• Lack of Intense Peer Competition: Not all students are equally academically inclined, resulting in a noticeable gap between high performers and the rest. This disparity can sometimes reduce overall academic intensity and meaningful peer competition.
• Delayed Administrative Response: Students often report delays in receiving responses from administrative departments—whether for hostel-related concerns, fee queries, or event permissions. Inter-departmental coordination can be slow and bureaucratic.
• Strict and Rigid Attendance Policy: The mandatory 75% attendance requirement is strictly enforced, often without flexibility for valid academic commitments such as moots, internships, or participation in external research conferences. This rigidity can be discouraging for proactive and engaged students.

Anything else you want to share?

• Growing Reputation: JLU is an evolving institution steadily working toward building its reputation as a law school. While it may not yet be at par with the top National Law Universities (NLUs), it provides a solid academic foundation and ample opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Focus on Holistic Development: The university places strong emphasis on holistic student development. Through cultural events, sports, and community engagement programs, students are encouraged to build essential soft skills alongside academic learning.
• International Collaborations: JLU has signed MOUs with several foreign universities, facilitating student exchange programs and joint research opportunities. These collaborations offer valuable global exposure and broaden students’ academic horizons.
• Encouragement for Student Initiatives: Students are given the autonomy to launch new clubs, organize events, and engage in social causes. This support for student-led initiatives fosters leadership, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
• Scope for Improvement in Research Facilities: While the university is investing in research infrastructure, there is still room for improvement—particularly in terms of access to advanced legal databases, updated journals, and research mentorship.
• COVID-19 Response: JLU responded swiftly during the pandemic by transitioning to online classes and hosting virtual events. This adaptability ensured academic continuity and kept student engagement intact during uncertain times.

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

7/10

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