Law School Spotlight | Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad

If you are preparing for CLAT and looking at National Law Universities, Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (MNLU Aurangabad) is one option you should understand clearly before making your preference list. It is one of the newer NLUs in India, and many students get confused about what life, academics, and opportunities here actually look like.

Where Is MNLU Aurangabad Located?

MNLU Aurangabad is located in Aurangabad, which is now officially called Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in Maharashtra.

Aurangabad is a quiet and developing city. It is not as fast or crowded as Mumbai or Delhi. If you prefer a peaceful place where you can focus on studies, this city can work well for you.

The university is currently running from a temporary campus, while plans for a permanent campus are still in progress.

When Was MNLU Aurangabad Established?

MNLU Aurangabad was established in 2017 under the Maharashtra National Law University Act, 2014.

Since it is a new NLU, it does not yet have the long legacy of older NLUs like NLSIU or NALSAR. However, being a National Law University, it follows the same academic structure and CLAT admission system.

Courses Offered for CLAT Aspirants (UG Only)

If you are a CLAT aspirant, the main course you should focus on is:

B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – 5 Years

This is a five-year integrated law course where you study:

• Arts subjects (like Political Science, Sociology, History)
• Core law subjects (like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law)

The course is divided into 10 semesters over 5 years.

This program is designed for students who have just completed Class 12 and want to become lawyers.

Admission Process: How Do You Get Into MNLU Aurangabad?

Admission to the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) course is through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).

Here’s how it works:

1. You appear for CLAT
2. You get an All India Rank
3. You fill your NLU preference list
4. Seats are allotted through CLAT counselling

Your chances of getting MNLU Aurangabad depend on:

• Your CLAT rank
• Category (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.)
• Domicile reservation (Maharashtra students get some advantage)

CLAT Cut-Off: What Rank Is Needed?

Since MNLU Aurangabad is a newer NLU, the cut-off is usually lower than top NLUs.

This makes it a good option if your CLAT rank is not very high but you still want to study in an NLU.

Cut-offs change every year, but generally:

• General category students get seats at mid to lower CLAT ranks
• Maharashtra domicile students may get seats at slightly higher ranks

Fee Structure: Is MNLU Aurangabad Expensive?

Like most NLUs, MNLU Aurangabad is not very cheap, but it is still considered affordable compared to private law colleges.

Approximate yearly costs include:

• Tuition fees
• Hostel fees
• Mess charges
• Other academic charges

The total cost per year can be around ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh, depending on your category and hostel choice.

You should always check the latest fee notification before applying.

Hostel and Campus Life

Hostel Facilities

• Hostels are provided, but not on a large permanent campus yet
• Accommodation is usually in nearby buildings
• Basic facilities like Wi-Fi, mess, and security are available

Campus Life

Because the university is new:

• The campus is small
• Student strength is limited
• You will know most of your batchmates personally

This can be good if you like a close-knit student community.

Academics and Faculty

Academics at MNLU Aurangabad follow the standard NLU pattern:

• Semester system
• Internal assessments + end-semester exams
• Research papers and presentations

Faculty members include:

• Full-time professors
• Visiting faculty from other institutions

Since it is a growing university, faculty strength is improving every year.

Moot Courts, Internships, and Activities

Moot Courts

• Students actively participate in moot court competitions
• You may need to take extra initiative, as systems are still developing

Internships

Like all law colleges, internships are very important.

• You will intern with lawyers, NGOs, district courts, or law firms
• Big internships depend mostly on your own effort, not just the college name

Student Activities

• Legal aid clinics
• Debates and seminars
• Cultural and sports activities (on a smaller scale)

Placements: What Can You Expect?

Since MNLU Aurangabad is still new:

• Placement records are developing
• Do not expect top-tier corporate packages immediately

However, many students:

• Go for litigation
• Prepare for judiciary
• Build careers through internships and networking

Your success here will depend more on your hard work than the college brand.

Who Should Choose MNLU Aurangabad?

MNLU Aurangabad can be a good choice if:

• Your CLAT rank is moderate
• You want an NLU tag
• You are self-motivated and ready to work hard
• You prefer a calm city over a busy metro

You should think carefully if:

• You want strong corporate placements immediately
• You expect a large, fully developed campus

Final Thoughts for CLAT Aspirants

Choosing a law college is a big decision, especially at 16 or 17 years of age. MNLU Aurangabad may not be the most famous NLU, but it still offers:

• Quality legal education
• National Law University exposure
• A growing academic environment

If you are ready to take responsibility for your own growth, MNLU Aurangabad can be a solid starting point for your legal career.