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CNLU 3 Year LLB Eligibility Criteria 2026: A Comprehensive Guide

Author : Samriddhi Pandey

September 26, 2025

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Overview: Are you planning to pursue a 3 year LLB at Chanakya National Law University, Patna (CNLU)? If so, knowing the CNLU 3 year LLB eligibility criteria is the first step on your path to success. The following comprehensive guide gives you the information you require about the CNLU 3 year LLB entrance exam eligibility so that you are well-prepared to take the next step and raise your chances of success.

In this blog, you shall find the answer to specific questions like:

  • Overview of CNLU 3 Year LLB Eligibility Criteria 2026
  • Educational Qualifications
  • Age Limit
  • Reservation and Relaxation Criteria
  • Eligibility for NRI Candidates

Overview Of CNLU Patna

Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, stands as a premier institution of legal education in India, blending academic excellence with professional opportunities. Situated in the historic city of Patna, the university carries forward the intellectual spirit of its namesake, Chanakya, the legendary strategist and political thinker.

CNLU offers a dynamic environment for aspiring lawyers, scholars, and leaders through its five-year integrated B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) programmes, along with postgraduate (LL.M.) and doctoral (Ph.D.) courses in law. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical depth with practical exposure, equipping students for litigation, corporate law, judiciary, academia, and public policy.

The university is known for its strong mooting culture, active student committees, legal aid clinics, and research centres, fostering critical thinking and advocacy skills. Over the years, CNLU has developed a reputation for producing graduates who excel in both national and international moots, debates, and placements.

The campus at Mithapur, Patna, provides a conducive learning environment with academic blocks, a well-stocked library, hostels, sports facilities, and digital infrastructure. With increasing collaborations, internships, and alumni engagement, CNLU has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing NLUs in India.

Guided by the vision of its leadership and the judicial fraternity of Bihar, CNLU Patna aims to nurture not just lawyers, but responsible professionals committed to justice, ethics, and nation-building.

Read more: How to fill CNLU Patna 3 Year LLB Application Form 2026?

What is CNLU 3 year LLB Entrance Test (CNLU-ET)?

CNLU-ET stands for Chanakya National Law University Entrance Test. It’s the entrance test designed explicitly for admission into the 3-year LLB course at CNLU Patna. CNLU-ET is tailored for graduates who now wish to pursue law.

This exam is relatively niche but highly competitive, so mastering the NLU Odisha 3-year LLB exam pattern becomes non-negotiable.

CNLU 3 year LLB Eligibility Criteria 2026: Key Highlights

  • Candidates must have at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in Graduation or its equivalent exam.
  • SC/ST candidates must have at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in Graduation or its equivalent exam.
  • Candidates appearing for their qualifying exam in May/June 2026 are also eligible.
  • There is no upper age limit for CNLU LLB. Admission 2026.

CNLU 3 year LLB Eligibility Criteria 2026: Educational Qualifications

To be eligible for the CNLU 3 year LLB eligibility criteria, candidates must fulfil the following educational qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree Requirement: Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) from a recognized university or institution. This could be a degree in fields like science, arts, commerce, or any other stream.
  • Minimum Percentage Requirement:
    • General Category: A minimum of 60% marks in the qualifying examination (degree).
    • SC/ST Category: At least 55% marks in the qualifying examination (degree).

This is an essential eligibility requirement to appear for the CNLU 3 year LLB exam eligibility. Candidates in their final year of graduation can apply, provided they submit proof of graduation before the admission deadline.

CNLU 3 year LLB Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit

Unlike many other law entrance exams, CNLU Patna has no upper age limit for the 3-year LLB program. The eligibility criteria for age in the CNLU Patna 3 year LLB exam eligibility are relatively lenient, meaning that any graduate can apply for the entrance exam regardless of age.

CNLU Patna 3 year LLB Eligibility Criteria 2026: Reservation and Relaxation Criteria

CNLU Patna has a reservation policy as per government standards to provide an even opportunity to all categories

  • General Category: Reserved seats are provided to candidates under the general category on a merit basis.
  • SC/ST Categories: Specific seats are reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories and are provided with the required relaxation in marks.
  • Specially Abled Persons (SAP): Under the horizontal reservation scheme, CNLU Patna reserves 5% of the total seats for SAP candidates.

Moreover, for Patna-domiciled candidates, there are separate reservation criteria that enable relaxation in marks and certain seat reservations for those who have graduated from state colleges. This is essential for students applying under the CNLU 3-year LLB entrance exam eligibility who want to take advantage of state-based reservations.

CNLU 3-year LLB Eligibility Criteria 2026: NRI Category

For NRI (Non-Resident Indian) candidates, the eligibility requirement for the CNLU 3-year LLB entrance exam includes producing documents validating their NRI status. NRI candidates must also meet specific academic and documentation standards to be eligible for admission.

Conclusion

The CNLU 3-year LLB eligibility criteria 2026 guarantee that only those candidates who match the educational qualifications, age criteria and other particular requirements are eligible for admission. By carefully following the steps in this guide, you can improve your chances of getting admission to one of India's most reputed law schools for pursuing a 3-Year LLB.

Whether you are applying under the general or reserved category, understanding the CNLU 3 year LLB Eligibility Criteria will help you better prepare for the entrance exam and the overall application process. Stay updated with the official CNLU Patna  website for any changes in eligibility criteria or application deadlines.

This guide has discussed all the necessary details regarding CNLU 3-year LLB eligibility criteria and CNLU Patna 3-year LLB entrance exam eligibility. If you qualify with the mandatory academic requirements and can do well in the CNLU-ET, you're on the path to a successful legal career through CNLU Patna.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum educational qualification required for CNLU 3-year LLB?

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Is there any age limit for applying to the CNLU 3-year LLB program?

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Can final-year graduation students apply for CNLU 3-year LLB?

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Are there reservation benefits available for candidates?

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Is there a separate eligibility requirement for NRI candidates?

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About the Author

Faculty
Samriddhi Pandey

Content Writer

A seasoned content writer with 2 years of hands-on experience in SEO content writing across diverse domains including CLAT, AILET, CLAT PG, Judiciary, AIBE, UGC NET Law, & Banking and Legal Officer Exams. Additionally, I am proficient in Technical writing, Email writing, Proofreading, and Editing.... more