Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, or HPNLU, is a government law university established in 2016 under the Himachal Pradesh National Law University Act. It is located in Ghandal, around 12 km from the heart of Shimla city. HPNLU is among India’s newer NLUs but has quickly earned a reputation for quality legal education. It offers BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM, and Ph.D. programs in law. The university is recognised by the UGC and Bar Council of India (BCI), and admission is done through CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).

What makes HPNLU special is its focus on both classroom learning and practical legal training. The campus provides modern classrooms, a law library, a moot court, and a student-friendly environment. Students take part in moot court competitions, debates, legal aid camps, and internships with law firms, courts, and NGOs. The faculty includes top law professors and practitioners. Some of its top recruiters include AZB & Partners, Fox Mandal & Co, Keystone Partners, Khaitan & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Optimus Legal, and PS Law Advocates & Solicitors.

HPNLU Highlights 2027

Particulars Details
Institute Name HPNLU
Established Year 2016
Institute Type Public
Location Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Recognitions UGC, BCI
Top Courses Offered B.A LLB
Admission Criteria Entrance and Merit-Based
Entrance Exams Accepted CLAT
Top recruiters AZB & Partners, Fox Mandal & Co, Keystone Partners, Khaitan & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Optimus Legal, and PS Law Advocates & Solicitors
Alumni 2,000+
Official Website https://hpnlu.ac.in/

HPNLU Courses and Fees 2027

Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, offers B.A LLB, BBA LLB and LLM courses. Its annual fees are around INR 2,20,500. Also, candidates with a mark of 45% in 10+2 can apply for admission.

Course Specialisation Eligibility Duration Fees (Annual)
B.A LLB Hons. General 12th-passed candidates 5 Years INR 2,20,500
BBA LLB Hons. General 12th with 45% marks 5 Years INR 2,20,500
LLM General LLB 2 Years -/-
Ph.D. Law Master’s degree 3-5 Years -/-

HPNLU Admissions 2027

Getting admission into Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, is simple if students understand the steps. For all UG and PG law courses like BA LLB (Hons) and LLM, students must appear for the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test). Students have to register online for CLAT, write the exam, and then take part in centralised counselling based on their CLAT rank. Seats are allotted based on rank, category, and choice preference. Once students get a seat in HPNLU, they need to complete the admission formalities, which include document verification and fee payment.

For PhD programs, the university conducts its own entrance test and interview. If they're already qualified through UGC-NET, JRF, or a similar national exam, they may be exempted from the written test. Admissions usually open around December-January (for CLAT) and vary for PhD.

Application Process for Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla Admission 2027

  • Visit the official website of the institute.
  • Press the ‘Apply to HPNLU’ button at https://hpnlu.ac.in/.
  • Fill in the required details, such as name, mobile number, and secured marks, and select the course.
  • Submit the application form.

HPNLU Placement 2026

Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla’s 2025 placements are in progress. It offers excellent placements for students each year. It achieved 100+ offers in 2023-24. Some of its major recruiters include AZB & Partners, Fox Mandal & Co, Keystone Partners, Khaitan & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Optimus Legal, and PS Law Advocates & Solicitors.

Academic Year Total Offers Top Recruiters
2023-24 100+ AZB & Partners, Fox Mandal & Co, Keystone Partners, Khaitan & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Optimus Legal, and PS Law Advocates & Solicitors

HPNLU Ranking 2026

Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, was ranked 37th under the ‘Law’ category by the IIRF Ranking 2025.

Year Ranking Body Category Rank
2025 IIRF Law #37

HPNLU Scholarship 2026

Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, offers institute-level and government scholarships, such as Merit and NSP Scholarships.

Scholarship Name Eligibility Criteria
University Merit-cum-Means Scholarship • Family income ≤ INR 2.5L/year • Meritorious academic record
National Scholarships (NSP) Varies by scheme (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/Others)

HPNLU Facilities

Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, offers various campus facilities, such as classrooms, a library, canteens, labs and a court hall.

  • Hostels: HPNLU offers separate hostels for boys and girls with basic facilities like beds, study tables, Wi-Fi, and a mess. It's safe and comfortable for students from outside Shimla.
  • Library: The university has a well-stocked library with law books, journals, research papers, and online databases like SCC Online and Manupatra for law students.
  • Classrooms: Smart classrooms with projectors and audio systems help students learn in an interactive and modern way.
  • Moot Court Hall: There is a fully functional moot court setup for law students to practice real courtroom-style arguments and debates.
  • Computer Lab: The lab is equipped with computers, internet, and legal research tools useful for academic work and projects.
  • Cafeteria: A clean, student-friendly canteen provides snacks and meals at affordable rates.
  • Sports and Recreation: Students can take part in indoor and outdoor games like table tennis, volleyball, and cricket. Events like fests and debates are regularly held.

HPNLU Faculty

Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, has the best law faculty. Candidates have to check the detailed faculty of HPNLU, as mentioned below:

Name Designation Department
Dr. Ruchi Sapahia Associate Professor of Law Law
Dr. Chandreshwari Minhas Associate Professor of Law Law
Dr. Santosh Kumar Sharma Associate Professor of Law Law
Dr. Sachin Sharma Associate Professor of Law Law
Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Jaswal Professor of Law Law
Prof. (Dr.) Girjesh Shukla Professor of Law Law
Prof. (Dr.) Chanchal K. Singh Professor of Law Law
Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar Professor of Law Law
Dr. Navditya Tanwar Kaundal Assistant Professor of Law Law
Dr. Hari Chand Assistant Professor of Economics Economics
Dr. Ved Parkash Sharma Assistant Professor of Political Science Political Science
Dr. Ruchi Gupta Assistant Professor of Law Law
Dr. Ambika Assistant Professor of Law Law
Dr. Sarita Assistant Professor of Law Law
Dr. Deepika Gautam Assistant Professor of Management Management
Dr. Praveen Kumar Assistant Professor of Management Management
Dr. Esha Sharma Bhagra Assistant Professor of Management Management
Dr. Honey Kumar Assistant Professor of Sociology Sociology
Dr. Shaifali Dixit Assistant Professor of Law Law
Dr. Mritunjay Kumar Assistant Professor of Law Law

HPNLU FAQs

What is HPNLU Shimla known for?
HPNLU Shimla is known for its quality legal education, modern curriculum, and beautiful location in the hills. It offers BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, and PhD programs in law.
Is CLAT required for admission to HPNLU?
Yes, admission to HPNLU for BA LLB and LLM programs is done through CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).
Does HPNLU provide hostel facilities?
Yes, HPNLU provides hostel facilities for both boys and girls. It includes all basic amenities, good food, and a safe environment.
How is the faculty at HPNLU Shimla?
The faculty at HPNLU includes experienced law professors, researchers, and industry experts who focus on both theory and real-life legal practice.
What is the placement support like at HPNLU?
The university has a placement and internship cell that helps students get internships at law firms, courts, and corporate offices. Some students even get pre-placement offers.
Is HPNLU a government university?
Yes, HPNLU is a state government university, established under the Himachal Pradesh National Law University Act, 2016.
What programs does HPNLU offer?
HPNLU offers BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM, and PhD in Law programs.
How can I apply for HPNLU?
You need to appear for CLAT and select HPNLU in your preference list during counselling. After CLAT results, admissions are based on rank and seat availability.