CNLU Patna 3 Year LLB Program 2026 Check Eligibility Criteria, Admission Process & Seats

Overview: Planning to enter the 3-Year Law Program of CNLU Patna. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information, including the exam structure, syllabus, preparation tips, and more.

Overview Of CNLU Patna

Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, is a premier public law school in Bihar, established in 2006 under the CNLU Act.

Spread across an 18-acre residential campus in Mithapur, Patna, it provides state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, a well-equipped library, moot court halls, hostels, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The university offers five-year integrated law programs like B.A., LL.B. and B.B.A., LL.B., 3 Year LLB Program along with postgraduate and doctoral courses.

Governed by the Chief Justice of Patna High Court as its Chancellor, CNLU is recognized by the UGC and the Bar Council of India.

It emphasizes quality legal education, research, and holistic student development.

Download FREE Study Material For CNLU 3 Year LL.B. By LegalEdge

CNLU 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026 Important Dates

Here are the Important dates to keep if you are aiming admission at CNLU Patna

CNLU-ET 2026 IMPORTANT EVENTS	CNLU-ET 2026 IMPORTANT DATES
Starting Date to Apply	To Be Announced
Last Date to Apply	To Be Announced
Last Date for Online Fee Payment	To Be Announced
Admit Card Release Date	To Be Announced
CNLU-ET Exam Date	To Be Announced
Result Date	To Be Announced

CNLU 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Here is the brief information about CNLU 3 Year LLB eligibility 

• Candidates must have at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in Graduation or its equivalent exam belonging to General / BC / EBC / EWS / PWD
• SC/ST candidates must have at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in Graduation or its equivalent exam.
• Final year/semester students can apply, but must submit results at the time of admission.
• There is no upper age limit for Admission.

CNLU 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026 Exam Pattern

If you’re planning to appear for the CNLU 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026, here’s what you need to know about the paper format.

Mode Of The Exam	Offline (Pen & Paper)
Total Marks	120
Duration	2 Hours
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions(MCQs)
Marking Scheme	1 Mark For Every Correct Answer & 0.25 minus for each wrong answer

Subject-Wise Breakup

The exam checks your ability across three main areas:

1. General English (40 questions)

This section tests your reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning. Expect questions like error spotting, tenses, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, para jumbles, and fill-in-the-blanks.

2. General Awareness (40 questions)

The focus here is on current affairs and static GK. The level is comparable to the UPSC Civil Services Prelims (General Studies–I), so you need a solid grip on both national and international events, history, polity, economy, and more.

3. General & Critical Reasoning (40 questions)

This part checks how well you can think logically and critically. You’ll find analytical reasoning (puzzles, blood relations), critical reasoning (arguments, inferences, conclusions), and logical sequences (syllogisms, analogies, etc.).

Check Out - Complete CNLU 3 Year LLB Exam Pattern

CNLU 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026 Application Process 

Applying for the exam? Here’s a quick guide you can follow:

1. Apply Online Only – Forms are available at www.cnlu.ac.in
2. Register Yourself – Use your mobile number and email ID. Verify with the OTP sent to your phone.
3. Login & Fill the Form – Enter details carefully. Make sure your name and parents’ names match your certificates.
4. No Changes Later – Once submitted and fee paid, you can’t edit or change your category.
5. Upload Documents –

• Passport size photo (plain background)
• Signature
• Category certificate (if applicable, issued by Bihar Govt.)
• PWD/SAP certificate (if applicable)

(All in PDF format)

6. Reservation Rules – Only certificates from Bihar Govt. are valid for EWS/BC/EBC/SC/ST reservation claims.
7. Test Centre – The exam will be conducted only in Patna.
8. Multiple Forms? – If you fill more than one form, only the last one will be considered. Fees for earlier ones won’t be refunded.
9. Be Honest – Any false info = direct cancellation of admission.

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

CNLU 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026 Application Fee

Candidates for three-year LLB admission have to pay online while filling out the application, the following amount –

• For General Category – Rs. 3000/-
• For SCT/ST/PWD – Rs. 2500/-

Number of Seats in CNLU Patna 3 year LLB Entrance Test 2026

There are 60 seats in the CNLU 3-Year LLB Program.

The bifurcation of seats is as follows:

Category	Seats
Unreserved (General) Category	24
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)	6
Scheduled Castes (SC) of Bihar	9
Scheduled Tribes (ST) of Bihar	1
Extremely Backward Classes - EBC of Bihar	11
Backward Classes – BC of Bihar	7
Women of Backward Classes (WBC) of Bihar	2
Total	60

CNLU Patna 3 Year LLB Fee Structure 2026

Particular	Fee Structure for 2025-2026
Tuition Fees	1,14,950
Admission Fee (One Time Payment)	1,500
Admission Processing Fee (One Time Payment)	5,000
Development charges	10,000
Moot Court fee	5,000
Arbitration & Mediation fee	5,000
Sports fee	5,000
Literary & Cultural Activities	4,000
Outsourced Fee	16,000
Internet Fee	3,000
Examination Fee	5,000
Library Fee	5,000
Alumni Fee (one-time payment)	1,000
NSS Fee (one-time payment)	20
Refundable Deposits
Total Fee	₹ 1,85,470
The hostel will not be allotted to students.

CNLU Patna 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026 Exam Centers

The test Centre for CNLU-ET is only at Patna.

CNLU Patna 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026 Admit Card

CNLU Patna will release the CNLU-ET Admit Card 3-4 days before the examination date. Candidates who have applied for the CNLU-ET can download the Admit Card by visiting the official website of CNLU Patna.

CNLU Patna 3 Year LLB Entrance Test 2026 Results

CNLU Patna will announce the results of the CNLU-ET 2026 a few weeks after the exam is conducted. The results will be published on the official website. Candidates can check the results by entering their application number and password.

Read more: CNLU 3 Year LLB 2026 Results

Why Choose CNLU 3 Year LLB?

Legal education in India has long been dominated by the five-year integrated BA LLB (Hons) program, which students usually take up right after Class 12. For graduates from other fields: commerce, humanities, science, or even engineering, the three-year LLB route has always been the traditional path.

Now, with CNLU introducing the program, the landscape changes significantly.

• CNLU joins the elite club – Only a handful of NLUs have opened their gates to 3-year LLB aspirants. By doing so, CNLU offers graduates a golden chance to study law at one of India’s top legal institutions without having to go through the five-year integrated route.
• Academic rigour assured – CNLU’s Vice-Chancellor has already made it clear that this course won’t be a watered-down version. The 3-year program will carry the same academic rigour, research opportunities, and industry exposure that CNLU is known for.
• Track record speaks volumes – With successful BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLM programs already shaping some of the brightest legal minds in India, it’s expected that the three-year program will also maintain that benchmark of excellence.
  • 2024 UG Placements
    • 136 companies visited
    • 110 students placed
    • Average package: ~₹ 10.80 LPA
    • Highest package: ₹ 19 LPA
  • 2023 UG Placements
    • Median package: ₹ 10.40 LPA
    • Placement rate: [You can add the % if available]
• A timely opportunity – For anyone planning their career switch or higher studies in law, the timing couldn’t be better. Entrance exams for the 2026 intake will soon be announced, giving aspirants ample time to prepare.

Read more: Upcoming 3 Year LLB Entrance Exams 2026 in India

Key Features of CNLU 3 Year LLB Program 2026

CNLU Patna 3 year LLB program has been designed to offer a holistic, practice-oriented, and rigorous legal education. Some highlights include:

• Duration: A full-time, three-year course divided into six semesters.
• Curriculum: Covers Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Family Law, Administrative Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Environmental Law, and more.
• BCI Approval: Structured as per the Bar Council of India norms, ensuring graduates are eligible to practice law across India.
• Faculty Expertise: Classes taught by experienced professors, guest judges, and practicing advocates.
• Moot Court & Internships: Opportunities to hone courtroom and practical skills through moot court competitions, internships with firms, NGOs, corporate houses, and legal aid clinics.
• Infrastructure: Access to CNLU’s state-of-the-art library, e-resources, research centers, and legal aid cells.

This careful balance of academic theory, experiential learning, and professional exposure ensures that students graduate ready to excel in litigation, corporate practice, judiciary, or policy-making.

Read More: 3 Year LLB Entrance Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria

What Sets CNLU Apart?

Located in Patna, CNLU has consistently maintained a strong academic culture and vibrant student life. Over the years, it has produced graduates who’ve gone on to excel in litigation, judiciary, corporate law, civil services, academia, and international organizations.

Here’s why this new program at CNLU is likely to stand out:

• Prestige of the NLU Tag – Being part of an NLU means access to high-quality faculty, research centers, moot courts, and strong alumni networks. For law aspirants, this is a huge advantage.
• Industry Exposure – CNLU regularly invites senior advocates, judges, and corporate leaders for guest lectures and workshops, ensuring that students stay connected to real-world law practice.
• Diverse Peer Group – With students from across India, NLUs create a multicultural learning environment. The 3-year LLB will further enrich this diversity by bringing in graduates from varied academic backgrounds.
• Research & Internships – Opportunities for internships with top law firms, NGOs, policy think tanks, and courts are already part of CNLU’s ecosystem. The new program is expected to integrate the same.

Explore 3 Year LLB Courses By LegalEdge

Read more: How to prepare for the 3-Year LLB Entrance Exam?

Who Should Consider CNLU 3 Year LLB 2026?

Still wondering if this program is the right fit for you? Let’s simplify:

• Graduates from Any Stream – Whether you did your B.Com, BA, B.Sc, or B. Tech, you’re eligible.
• Career Switchers – Already working in IT, banking, or media but want to move into law? This is your gateway.
• Civil Service Aspirants – Law as a subject gives an edge in UPSC and state services. A 3-year LLB from CNLU strengthens both knowledge and credibility.
• Litigation Dreamers – If your ambition is to argue in courts, this program is tailor-made.
• Corporate Law Hopefuls – NLUs are a direct pipeline to India’s top corporate law firms.

Read more: Difference between 3 Year LLB & 5 Year LLB

Career Opportunities After CNLU 3 Year LLB 

One of the most exciting aspects of this new program is the career scope it opens up. Graduates can explore:

1. Litigation – Join the bar, practice under senior lawyers, and eventually build your independent practice.
2. Judiciary – Prepare for Judicial Service Examinations while having a strong academic backing.
3. Corporate Law Firms – Work with Tier-1 and Tier-2 law firms in M&A, arbitration, taxation, and compliance.
4. Civil Services – Law as an optional paper, plus the credibility of an NLU degree, gives you a strong advantage.
5. Academia & Research – Contribute to legal scholarship or pursue higher studies like LLM/PhD.
6. Policy & NGOs – Work with think tanks, NGOs, and policy institutes influencing governance and reforms.
7. In-House Counsel – Join companies as legal advisors, compliance officers, or policy specialists.

Read More: 3 Year LLB Entrance Exam 2026 Books

Attempt FREE CNLU 3 Year LLB Test by LegalEdge

Growing Popularity of the 3 Year LLB 

• Flexibility for Graduates: Allows students from any academic background to pursue law after completing graduation.
• Faster Career Entry: A direct route to enter the legal profession without committing to 5 years.
• Diverse Peer Group: Attracts graduates from varied fields, enriching classroom discussions.
• Rising Demand: Increasing recognition by top universities and law firms boosts its appeal.
• Career Switch Option: Popular among professionals seeking a mid-career shift to law.
• Judiciary & Competitive Exams: Opens pathways for judicial services and higher legal studies like LLM.

Read More: 3 Year LLB 2026 Admission Procedure

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Opportunity

Think about it,  not too long ago, the only path to an NLU was through CLAT-UG after Class 12. Miss that, and your chance was gone. But with CNLU opening up its doors for the three-year program, the dream of studying at a National Law University is now alive for graduates, too.

And let’s be honest, the NLU ecosystem is more than just academics. It’s about networks, opportunities, internships, and the prestige that stays with you for life.

So, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to pivot your career towards law, this is it.

Read more: 3 Year LLB as a Career

Conclusion

The 3-Year LLB program at CNLU Patna is nothing short of a game-changer for law aspirants across India. For graduates who once thought the NLU dream was out of reach, this program opens a new door. With its rigorous curriculum, strong faculty, placement opportunities, and the prestige of the NLU brand, CNLU offers an ideal platform to kickstart or pivot your legal career.

Whether you’re aiming for litigation, corporate law, judiciary, academia, or civil services, this course ensures you graduate with not just a degree, but the skills, exposure, and confidence to thrive in the legal profession.

If you are serious about entering the legal world and want the right mix of academic excellence, industry exposure, and professional opportunities, the CNLU 3-Year LLB should definitely be on your radar. Start preparing today—because opportunities like this don’t come around often, and this one could very well shape the course of your career.