College Overview: Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the programs, facilities, and opportunities at Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, providing prospective students with a detailed understanding of the academic offerings and vibrant campus life at one of India's emerging national law universities.

College Overview

College Name: Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur

Location: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; located near Dumna Nature Reserve and Dumna Airport.

Establishment Year: 2018

Affiliations: Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and governed by the Bar Council of India (BCI).

Email: registrar@mpdnlu.ac.in

Introduction

Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, is a premier law institution established to provide high-quality legal education and training in India. Known for its focus on Dharmashastra principles and contemporary legal systems, the university integrates traditional Indian legal wisdom with modern jurisprudence. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced faculty, and emphasis on research and practice make it one of India's rapidly growing National Law Universities.

Vice Chancellor

Vice Chancellor's name: Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha

Background: Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, is a distinguished academic with expertise in human rights, constitutional law, and international law. Previously, he served as the Director of the Indian Law Institute. He holds a Doctorate in International Law from Jawaharlal Nehru University, an LL.M. from the University of Nottingham, and an LL.B. from the University of Delhi. Dr. Sinha has extensively published and regularly lectures at prominent institutions in India and abroad. He also serves on the editorial boards of several reputed law journals.

Dean

Dean's Name: Dr. Manwendra K Tiwari

Background: Dr. Manwendra K. Tiwari, the Dean of Faculties at Dharmashastra National Law University, has been teaching at National Law Universities since 2008. He previously served at Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow, before joining DNLU as an Associate Professor in 2019.

Courses Offered (Law)

Undergraduate Programs:

B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – 5 Years Integrated

Postgraduate Programs:

LL.M. (Specializations in Business Law and Criminal Law)

Doctoral Programs:

Ph.D. in Law and Interdisciplinary Legal Studies

Fee Structure

Program-wise Fee Details (approximate figures):

Tuition Fee: ₹1,10,000 per annum 

Examination Fee: ₹6,655 per annum

Hostel Rent and Amenities Charges: ₹51,244/-

Refundable Charges (One Time): ₹25,000/- 

Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, has outlined the fee structure for the newly admitted batches of B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. (Hons.) programs for the academic year 2024-25. According to the university's draft ordinance, there will be an annual increase of 10% in fees and charges each year, excluding the tuition fee.

For detailed information on the fee breakdown, please visit the official fee structure page on DNLU's website.

Scholarships

Candidates can avail of various scholarships from the M.P. State, other states, and the Central Government through schemes like Mukhya Mantri Medhavi Yojna, Mukhya Mantri Jankalyan Yojna, Pratibha Yojna, and MPTAAS for OBC, SC, and ST candidates. Scholarships for candidates from other states are available as per respective state regulations, and Central Government scholarships can be accessed via the National Scholarship Portal.

The university also provides merit-cum-means financial aid for students who do not meet government scholarship criteria. 

Admission Process

Eligibility Criteria:

For UG: Minimum 45% (40% for SC/ST) in 12th standard.

For PG: LL.B. or equivalent with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).

For Ph.D.: Master’s in Law with at least 55% marks.

Entrance Exams: Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for UG and PG programs.

Application Procedure:

• Register and apply via CLAT consortium's website.
• Submit necessary documents (10th & 12th mark sheets, CLAT scorecard, ID proof).
• Pay the application fee online.
• Attend counselling post-CLAT results for seat allocation.

Infrastructure

Campus Facilities:

Situated in a serene environment near Dumna Nature Reserve, the campus is spread across a sprawling 125-acre area.

The campus is designed to accommodate 500+ students with expansion plans.

Key Features:

• Modern classrooms equipped with audio-visual aids.
• Moot courtrooms for practical legal training.
• A well-equipped auditorium with a seating capacity of 500 for events, seminars, and workshops.
• Cafeteria offering nutritious and hygienic meals.
• Fully functional computer labs with high-speed internet for research and learning.

Library:

• Books: 6500
• Hard Bound and Journals: 2000
• Law Commissions Report: 20
• Bare Acts: 1400
• Encyclopaedia: 40
• AIR Manual: 45

Digital Resources

Access to premier legal databases such as:

• JSTOR
• Lexis Nexis Advance
• WestLaw Asia
• SCC Online
• Hein online
• Manupatra
• Bar & Bench
• Live Law
• E-Books : LexisNexis
• AIR Supreme Court & High Court Database (1950-2023)
• AIR Privy Council Database (1900-1952)
• Criminal Law Journal Database (1950-2023)
• EBC Reader
• Kluwer Arbitration
• Legal Bites

E-books, research papers, and digital theses are accessible through the library portal.

High-speed internet with a dedicated resource centre for digital research.

Sports:

DNLU Jabalpur offers excellent sports facilities, including a football ground, cricket field, basketball court, and volleyball court.

Hostels/Accommodation

The university offers separate hostels for boys and girls, designed to provide a clean, eco-friendly, and comfortable living environment. The campus includes one (1) girls' hostel and two (2) boys' hostels.

Medical Facilities

A lady visiting doctor is available six days a week from 4 PM to 6 PM, and a resident nurse is present to coordinate in case of emergencies. An ambulance facility is available 24/7 for medical urgencies

Placement Opportunities

Placement Cell: Active placement and career counselling cell guiding students for internships and job opportunities.

The Placement Cell at DNLU actively assists students in securing internships and placements by connecting them with law firms, corporate legal departments, and academic institutions. The cell organizes workshops, seminars, and training sessions to enhance students' employability skills and prepare them for the recruitment process.

Student Life

Clubs & Societies:

• Legal Aid Society
• Moot Court Society
• Debating Club

Events & Fests:

• Justice R.K. Tankha Memorial Debate
• National Youth Parliament
• Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
• International Conference on Law, Economics, and Artificial Intelligence

Alumni Network 

DNLU has made notable strides in fostering relationships with alumni and integrating them into the university's growth.

For instance, the university has collaborated with the Confederation of Alumni for National Law Universities Foundation (CAN Foundation) to co-host significant events, such as the 4th Justice HR Khanna Memorial National Symposium

Conclusion and Recommendation

Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, stands out as a growing institution blending traditional Indian legal principles with modern educational standards. Its robust academic curriculum, committed faculty, and placement opportunities make it an excellent choice for aspiring legal professionals.