Delhi University 5-year LLB vs NLU Patna; Which is Better for CLAT 2025 Students?

Why NLU Patna Vs Delhi University Comparison?

When it comes to tier 1 NLUs, there is enough clarity among students in accepting the admission offer. However, tier 2 or tier 3 NLU admission offers during CLAT counselling often raise questions if they should opt for a top non-NLU. With NLUs such as CNLU Patna, NLU Ranchi, or NLU Odisha, students are tempted to think about non-NLUs like Jindal Global University, GLC Mumbai or Delhi University. So, drawing a comparison between CNLU Patna and Delhi University becomes crucial for a better understanding of NLUs standing against top non-NLUs.

Parameters of comparison

There are some parameters students should keep in mind while comparing law colleges. It makes the comparison more pointed and objective. The parameters should include specific indicators such as courses, location preference, alumni base, budget, programme outcomes and cut-offs. In the following section, we have discussed each of these parameters.

1. Courses

Delhi University and CNLU Patna offer similar courses at the undergraduate level. Both universities are offering BA LLB and BBA LLB courses through CLAT 2025. While CNLU offers 69 seats in each of these courses, DU is offering 60 seats in each course.

2. Location

DU has some great locational advantages. It is based in the National Capital Region, very close to the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India. Being one of the best multidisciplinary universities in the country, DU also has many learning opportunities beyond classrooms. Even from an internship and placement perspective, DU enjoys an ideal location.

CNLU Patna is less than 4 km from the Patna High Court. So, access to the courtroom is not an issue. However, it still lags behind DU in locational advantages.

3. History and alumni

CNLU Patna is a dedicated law university. It provides a focused learning environment for law students. Delhi University has recently started 5-year LLB and it does have a good reputation. It is too early to talk about its legacy or alumni base. In comparison, CNLU Patna has relatively a wider alumni base.

4. Budget

Both DU and CNLU Patna are government universities, expected to offer LLB at affordable costs. However, while DU charges approximately Rs. 2.0 Lakh per annum for 5 year LLB, CNLU would charge approximately Rs. 2.62 Lakh per annum. CNLU Patna is slightly more costly than DU and the fee increases by 5% every year.

5. Programme Outcome — Placements

DU’s 5-year LLB program has yet to see its first graduating batch, so placement data is unavailable. If we take the reference of the 3-year LLB programme offered by DU, the placement numbers and packages are far less than any of the tier 2 national law universities. CNLU Patna is an established law university and has consistently provided placement records. The CNLU graduating batch of 2024 secured a median salary of approximately Rs. 10.41 Lakh per annum. From a batch of 137 students, 107 were placed, so the placement percentage is over 75%.

6. Admission Cut-Offs

Finally, the CLAT cut-offs for DU and CNLU Patna are important indicators students must consider. Last year, the CNLU Patna admission opened at a CLAT rank of 790 for the general category and closed at AIR 1358. The Delhi University CLAT cut-off was around AIR 1100 for the general category. It went up to AIR 4,000 for OBC candidates.

Delhi University vs NLU Patna: Conclusion

• DU has a better locational advantage for students looking to study in close proximity to the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court and Corporate houses.

• CNLU Patna is a reliable option from an outcome perspective. The university has a decent placement record. DU 5-year LLB courses are yet to be tested from an outcome perspective.

• DU is a top multidisciplinary university offering numerous learning opportunities outside classrooms. Whereas, CNLU Patna has a dedicated law focussed environment.

• CNLU is slightly costly. However, given that it comes with an NLU tag and a good placement record, it is worth considering.

For students prioritizing location and interdisciplinary exposure, DU is an excellent option. However, those seeking a well-established law school with proven placement records might find CNLU Patna more suitable.