The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is one of India’s premier law universities. Established in 1999 under the WBNUJS Act, 1999, it is among the top National Law Universities (NLUs) in the country. Known for its academic excellence, outstanding faculty, and exceptional infrastructure, WBNUJS has produced some of the finest legal professionals, corporate lawyers, and judicial officers in India.
Over the years, WBNUJS has earned a reputation for its rigorous curriculum, practical learning methods, and high-quality placements. The university is recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and remains one of the most sought-after choices for students aspiring to pursue a career in law.
History and Overview
WBNUJS was established through the West Bengal Act IX of 1999, making it an autonomous law university. The vision behind its creation was to promote legal education, research, and training at the highest standards. The university was inaugurated by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the then President of India, and since then, WBNUJS has emerged as a center of excellence in legal studies.
The university operates under the leadership of the Chancellor, who is the Chief Justice of India, and the Vice-Chancellor, who manages the academic and administrative functions. With its innovative approach, WBNUJS integrates traditional legal education with modern practices to produce competent professionals in the field of law.
Academic Programs at WBNUJS
WBNUJS offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in the field of law and allied disciplines. These programs are designed to provide students with comprehensive legal knowledge, along with practical exposure to real-world cases.
1. Undergraduate Program
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B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – 5 Years
This is the flagship course of WBNUJS. It combines arts subjects like political science, economics, sociology, and history with core law subjects such as constitutional law, criminal law, corporate law, and environmental law.
2. Postgraduate Program
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LL.M. (Master of Laws) – 1 Year
WBNUJS offers a one-year LL.M. program with specializations in areas like:-
Corporate & Business Laws
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Constitutional Law
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Criminal Law
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Human Rights & Humanitarian Law
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Intellectual Property Rights
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3. Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)
WBNUJS offers a Ph.D. in Law for students interested in research, academics, and policy-making.
4. Diploma & Online Courses
The university also provides diploma and online certification programs in specialized fields like cyber law, business law, arbitration, and intellectual property rights, catering to working professionals and students.
Campus Facilities
The WBNUJS campus in Kolkata is spread across a modern urban setup with excellent facilities to ensure a smooth academic journey.
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Library – One of the largest law libraries in India with books, journals, case studies, and online legal databases.
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Hostels – Separate well-furnished hostels for boys and girls with 24/7 Wi-Fi facilities.
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Moot Court Halls – Fully equipped moot court halls for mock trials and competitions.
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IT & Research Center – Advanced computer labs with access to online legal research tools like SCC Online, Manupatra, and HeinOnline.
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Sports Facilities – Facilities for cricket, football, basketball, table tennis, and other sports.
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Cafeteria & Dining – Hygienic, affordable, and student-friendly food options.
Admission Process at WBNUJS
Admission to WBNUJS is primarily through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), which is conducted annually for both UG and PG courses.
Eligibility Criteria
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B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
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Passed 10+2 with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates).
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Admission through CLAT UG Rank.
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LL.M.
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LL.B. degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
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Admission through CLAT PG Rank.
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Ph.D.
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A master’s degree in law or equivalent qualification.
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Selection Process
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Appear for CLAT Examination.
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Check your All India Rank (AIR).
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Participate in the counseling process.
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Secure admission based on merit and seat availability.
Courses & Fee Structure
1. B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – 5 Years
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Tuition Fee: ₹1,50,000 per year
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Hostel Charges: ₹60,000 per year
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Other Fees: ₹20,000
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Total Estimated Fee: ₹2,30,000 per year
2. LL.M. (1 Year)
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Tuition Fee: ₹1,00,000
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Hostel Charges: ₹50,000
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Other Fees: ₹15,000
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Total Estimated Fee: ₹1,65,000
3. Ph.D. in Law
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Tuition Fee: ₹60,000 per year
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Research Fee: ₹25,000
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Total Estimated Fee: ₹85,000
(Note: The fee structure may vary slightly depending on revisions by the university.)
Highlights of WBNUJS, Kolkata
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Established: 1999
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Type: National Law University
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Recognized by: Bar Council of India (BCI)
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Campus Location: Salt Lake City, Kolkata
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Flagship Course: B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
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Admission Process: CLAT-based
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Student Intake: 132 seats (UG)
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Top Recruiters: AZB & Partners, Khaitan & Co, Trilegal, Amarchand Mangaldas, Infosys Legal Team
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Placement Package: Average ₹12–15 LPA, Highest ₹22+ LPA
Career Opportunities After WBNUJS
Graduates from WBNUJS enjoy excellent career prospects due to the university’s reputation and strong industry connections. Students can pursue careers as:
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Corporate Lawyers
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Judicial Officers
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Legal Consultants
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Academicians & Researchers
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Policy Advisors
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Public Prosecutors
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In-house Counsel in MNCs
Top law firms, multinational corporations, and government bodies actively recruit WBNUJS graduates, making it one of the best options for law aspirants in India.
Placement Records
WBNUJS has an exceptional placement record among the NLUs. Many students receive pre-placement offers (PPOs) from top-tier law firms even before graduating.
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Average Package: ₹12–15 LPA
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Highest Package: ₹22 LPA
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Top Recruiters:
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Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas
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Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
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Trilegal
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AZB & Partners
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Luthra & Luthra
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Khaitan & Co
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Infosys
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ICICI Bank Legal Team
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