Dharmashastra National Law University BA+LLB Review By Stuti Shrivastava

Dharmashastra National Law University is a growing NLU situated in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It was established in 2018 under Madhya Pradesh National Law University Act, 2018. The university provides a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. The CLAT Consortium conducts the Common Law Entrance Test (CLAT) for admission. The administration of the university is decent and supportive; however, there is a need for more academic assistance and resources to better support students. The university has several student committees and cells working on the various aspects of law, headed by faculty members. DNLU has its merits and demerits; however, it has improved its rank over the years, making constant progress.

DNLU offers B.A.LL.B five-year integrated program which is a blend of law and humanities. It provides theoretical as well as practical knowledge on various subjects of law. It has excellent library and study rooms. Teachers and seniors are always ready to lend a helping hand. This program aims to build critical and analytical approach in the students. Course curriculum can be improvised, and university is working on it, to make it even more relevant. There is a need to focus more on law subjects and provide reading material and books for it. I feel some steps should be taken to have better academic culture in DNLU.

The faculty at DNLU consists of experienced and highly qualified individuals who are experts in their fields. They are dedicated in providing quality education, educational activities and guest lectures by scholars and legal practitioners to further enrich the learning experience. However increased faculty student interaction and mentoring can further benefit students. I feel the university is understaffed, burdening the current faculty.

Placement opportunities at DNLU are currently in a developmental stage. Since it is comparatively new, the absence of a strong alumni base poses a challenge, but the university is actively working to build connections and improve placement outcomes in the future. The university has established a robust, internship and placement cell. More internship opportunities are crucial for better footing in future. The university also established various other cells to offer legal aid, initiated an academic buddy program to assist students in their education, and Aadhyan to educate underprivileged students.

The hostel facilities at DNLU are satisfactory, providing spacious, separate accommodations for boys and girls. The hostels have all essential amenities. It provides single and double sharing rooms, and the drawback is there are common washrooms. It has mess as well as dispensary. However, there is always a room for improvement in terms of maintenance and recreational activities.

The current DNLU campus is leased from BSNL, which has certain restrictions. DNLU have very little area as compared to other NLUs. Current infrastructure needs up gradation as it is a very old building. However, the university is set to shift to its own campus soon, which promises to provide better facilities and infrastructure.

Campus life in DNLU is really vibrant. Students are actively involved in hosting various cultural and sport events. The university hosts multiple fests, guest lectures, competitions creating a lively atmosphere. The campus is in the city area making everything easily accessible and fun. Intra University competitions increase student's interaction, fostering in building network and gives sense of community. This ensures well- rounded and engaging life in DNLU.