Law colleges in Tamil Nadu offer a dynamic blend of traditional legal studies and modern legal practices. The state is home to 34 reputed BA LLB colleges, including Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) in Tiruchirappalli, one of the most reputed law universities in South India. This five-year integrated course combines humanities and law, letting students explore how politics, society, and history shape the legal world. Other notable law institutions in Tamil Nadu include Dr Ambedkar Government Law College, SASTRA University, SRM School of Law, and Bharath Institute of Law.
Some cities in Tamil Nadu are popular centres for legal education. Cities like Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, and Thanjavur are educational hubs while also exposing students to corporates and courts. With both government and private colleges, Tamil Nadu caters to students from different backgrounds while maintaining high academic and ethical standards.
Feature | Details |
Total number of colleges | 34 (including both government and private) |
Courses offered | 5-year integrated BA LLB |
Admission criteria | Entrance exams, merit-based |
Top entrance exams | CLAT, VEE, SRMJEEL, KLSAT, DSUJEТ |
Fees range (entire course) | Rs 7k - 15 lakhs |
College name | Ownership | Approx. fees (total) | Entrance exams accepted |
Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli | Government | Rs 7.52 lakhs | CLAT |
Dr Ambedkar Government Law College, Pudupakkam | Government | Rs 7k | Merit-based |
School of Law, SASTRA University, Thanjavur | Private | Rs 3.9 lakhs | Merit-based |
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai | Private | Rs 10.9 lakhs | VEE (VELS Entrance Exam) |
SRM School of Law, Kattankulathur | Private | Rs 12.5 lakhs | CLAT / SRM Joint Entrance Examination for Law (SRMJEEL) |
Bharath Institute of Law, Bharath University, Chennai | Private | Rs 15 lakhs | Merit-based |
Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai | Private | Rs 7.25 lakhs | CLAT |
Crescent School of Law, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute, Chennai | Private | Rs 8.9 lakhs | CLAT / direct admission |
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Virudhunagar | Private | Rs 8.11 lakhs | CLAT / Kalasalingam Law School Admission Test (KLSAT) |
Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University, Tiruchirappalli | Private | Rs 10 lakhs | CLAT/ Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University Joint Entrance Test (DSUJEТ) |
Admission to BA LLB colleges in Tamil Nadu primarily depends on entrance exams and merit-based selection. The key entrance exam accepted by top institutions like Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) is CLAT. Some colleges conduct their own university-level exams like VEE (Vels Institute), SRMJEEL (SRM School of Law), KLSAT (Kalasalingam Academy), and DSUJET (Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University). Direct admissions are also available in some private colleges, requiring 45–60% marks in class 12.
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
CLAT is accepted by Tamil Nadu National Law University and several top private universities in Tamil Nadu. It is a national-level offline exam testing English, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Current Affairs.
VELS Entrance Exam (VEE)
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, conducts the VEE for BA LLB (Hons.) admissions. This university-level exam tests students’ aptitude for law through questions on English, general knowledge, and legal reasoning. Selection is based on VEE scores and performance in counselling.
SRM Joint Entrance Examination for Law (SRMJEEL)
The SRM School of Law, Kattankulathur, offers BA LLB (Hons.) admissions through SRMJEEL. The test covers English, logical reasoning, legal aptitude, and general awareness. Candidates with strong entrance exam scores can earn merit-based admission through this university’s dedicated legal entrance exam.
KLSAT (Kalasalingam Law School Admission Test)
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Virudhunagar, conducts KLSAT for BA LLB admission. The exam assesses candidates’ proficiency in English, legal reasoning, and general studies. Selection includes counselling and evaluation of higher secondary marks, along with the KLSAT score.
DSUJET (Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University Joint Entrance Test)
Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University, Tiruchirappalli, organises DSUJET for BA LLB (Hons.) admissions. The test usually consists of sections on current affairs, legal aptitude, English, and logical reasoning. Final admissions are contingent upon scores and performance during the admission process.
Several private law colleges in Tamil Nadu also offer direct admissions for a limited number of seats. Students must still meet the minimum eligibility requirement of 45–60% marks in class 12. Some colleges also include a short interview or merit-based counselling round. Such options are more common in self-financing colleges.
Criteria | Requirement |
Educational qualification | The student must have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board |
Minimum marks | General: 45-60% (40% for SC/ST students) |
Age limit | No upper age limit |
Students at institutions like SASTRA University, VISTAS Chennai, and SRM School of Law secure average packages ranging from Rs 4.5 to Rs 7.13 LPA, from top recruiters including Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, and Luthra & Luthra.
Jeppiaar University and Kalasalingam Academy also maintain strong recruitment networks, focusing on practical training and career readiness. Key recruiters across Tamil Nadu’s law colleges include Khaitan & Co., Trilegal, Deloitte, Infosys Legal, HCL, ICICI Bank, and more.
Institute | Average package (approx.) |
School of Law, SASTRA University, Thanjavur | Rs 5 LPA |
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai | Rs 4.5 LPA |
SRM School of Law, Kattankulathur | Rs 4.13 LPA |
Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai | Rs 2.80 LPA |
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Virudhunagar | Rs 4.5 LPA |
Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University, Tiruchirappalli | Rs 15.5 LPA (highest package) |
Jeppiaar University, Chennai | Rs 4.29 LPA |
Tamil Nadu’s law colleges have growing placement networks with national and regional law firms, corporates, and NGOs. Placement cells provide workshops, internships, and soft-skill training to prepare students for professional roles.
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