Law School Spotlight | Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla 

If you are preparing for CLAT and dreaming of studying law in a peaceful and beautiful place, Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla can be a good option for you. It is one of India’s National Law Universities and offers a 5-year integrated law course for students just like you, right after Class 12.

This article will help you understand everything about HPNLU, so you can decide whether this law college is right for your future.

Where Is HPNLU Located?

HPNLU is located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, around 16 miles from the main city. The campus is surrounded by mountains, greenery, and fresh air, which makes it very different from busy city colleges.

If you like a quiet and focused environment for studies, this location can be a big advantage for you. However, you should also be comfortable living away from big cities.

When Was HPNLU Established?

HPNLU was established in 2016 by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is a relatively new NLU, but it is officially recognised by:

• Bar Council of India (BCI)
• University Grants Commission (UGC)

The Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court is the Chancellor of the university, just like other NLUs.

UG Courses Offered at HPNLU (Important for You)

Since you are a CLAT aspirant and planning to join a 5-year integrated course, here are the two main options at HPNLU:

1. B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – 5 Years

This course combines:

• Law subjects
• Arts subjects like Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and History

It is suitable if you are interested in policy, governance, civil services, or litigation along with law.

2. B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – 5 Years

This course combines:

• Law subjects
• Business and management subjects like Finance, Marketing, and Management

It is a good choice if you are interested in corporate law, law firms, or business-related legal work.

Both courses are fully residential, meaning you will live on campus.

How Do You Get Admission to HPNLU?

Admission to HPNLU is through CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).

Here’s how it works:

1. You appear for CLAT UG
2. You get a rank
3. Based on your rank, you may get HPNLU during CLAT counselling
   

CLAT Cut-Off (General Idea)

• HPNLU usually has a mid-range CLAT cut-off
• It is not as high as top NLUs like NLSIU or NALSAR
• But it is competitive and requires serious preparation

If your rank is not very high but still decent, HPNLU can be a realistic and good option.

Seat Intake at HPNLU

For UG courses:

• B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – Around 60 seats
• B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – Around 60 seats

Seats are divided among:

• General category
• Reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, etc.)

Campus Life at HPNLU

HPNLU has a small but developing campus.

Hostels

• Separate hostels for boys and girls
• Rooms are usually shared
• Basic facilities like water, electricity, and security are available

Food

• Mess food is simple and vegetarian-friendly
• Non-veg options may be limited
• You may need time to adjust if you are used to city food

Weather

• Shimla is cold, especially in winters
• You must be ready for low temperatures and occasional snowfall

Academics and Teaching Style

Since HPNLU is an NLU:

• Classes are regular and structured
• Attendance matters
• You will study core subjects like:
  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Contract Law
  • Torts
  • Family Law

Teachers encourage:

• Class participation
• Presentations
• Research and reading

If you are serious about law, the academic environment will help you grow.

Moot Courts, Internships, and Activities

HPNLU gives importance to practical learning.

Moot Courts

• Students participate in national-level moot court competitions
• Mooting helps you improve:
  • Legal research
  • Speaking skills
  • Confidence

Internships

During the 5-year course, you can intern with:

• Advocates
• Law firms
• NGOs
• Courts
• Legal startups

Internships are mostly self-driven, meaning you apply on your own, but seniors and faculty often guide juniors.

Placements at HPNLU

Since HPNLU is a newer NLU, placements are still developing.

What You Can Expect

• Some students get placed in:
  • Law firms
  • Legal research roles
  • Corporate legal teams
• Many students also:
  • Prepare for judiciary
  • Go for litigation
  • Prepare for higher studies

Your success here depends a lot on:

• Your own effort
• Internships
• Skills you build during college

Fees Structure 

This may change every year, so always check the official website.

Who Should Choose HPNLU?

HPNLU is a good choice for you if:

• You want an NLU tag
• You are comfortable living in a quiet hill area
• You are ready to work hard on your own
• Your CLAT rank is moderate

It may not be ideal if:

• You want a big city life
• You expect very high placements from Day 1

Final Thoughts

Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla is a good option for CLAT aspirants who want quality legal education in a peaceful environment. It may be a newer NLU, but with the right mindset and hard work, you can build a strong law career from here.

What truly matters is how you use your five years, not just the college name.