Top Law Colleges in Kolkata

Kolkata, often proclaimed as the cultural capital of India, also holds a distinctive place in the history of Indian legal education. Home to some of the country’s oldest law faculties, the city has produced legendary legal minds, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Justice Subbarao, and Jurist Nani Palkhivala, among others. 

For today’s law aspirants, Kolkata continues to offer diverse academic pathways and practical exposure across various branches of law, from corporate litigation to legislative research. In this blog, we will explore some of the top law colleges in Kolkata that stand out for their academic rigour, recognitions, and career opportunities.

University of Calcutta (CU)

Standing tall since 1909, CU is not just one of the top law colleges/universities in Kolkata, but also one of the oldest in India. It has garnered an 'A' grade accreditation from NAAC and was placed as the 18th university in India in the NIRF 2024. CU’s Faculty of Law, based at the Hazra campus, runs its independent law programmes and sets the academic standard for many affiliated law colleges across the city. 

Popular Programmes: B.A. LL.B (Hons.) and LL.M in Constitutional and Administrative Law. 

Approximate Fees: The entire B.A. The LL.B programme is priced at ₹8,820, and the LL.M programme at ₹7,788.

Admission Process: The university conducts its entrance examination for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata

Established in 1999, WBNUJS is one of India's top national law universities. In 2024, it received an A+ grade from NAAC and was ranked 4th among law institutions in India by the NIRF. Known for its competitive academic environment and industry-aligned training, WBNUJS attracts top law aspirants from across the country. 

Popular Programmes: Its flagship B.A. LL.B (Hons.) and LL.M in Corporate and Commercial Law.

Approximate Fees: ₹3.34 Lakhs per year for B.A. LL.B; ₹1.81 Lakhs for the entire LL.M. programme. 

Admission Process: Admission is offered through CLAT for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

South Calcutta Law College

Operating since 1970, South Calcutta Law College is one of the top affiliated law colleges under the University of Calcutta. Approved by the Bar Council of India, the college offers CU-prescribed law courses with a strong academic depth. Although it does not currently hold a NAAC accreditation, it was ranked 37th among top law colleges in India by India Today in 2024. 

Popular Programmes: B.A. LL.B (Hons.) and LL.M. in Business Law. 

Approximate Fees: The entire B.A. LL.B. programme is covered at ₹87,150, and LL.M. at ₹40,000. 

Admission Process: Admission is given based on one’s scores in the entrance examination conducted by the University of Calcutta. 

Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, Kolkata 

Since its establishment in 1970, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College has emerged as a go-to option for students aspiring to pursue legal education in Kolkata. Approved by the Bar Council of India, the college is known for its affordable fee structure and consistent undergraduate turnout. Although it does not currently hold NAAC accreditation or NIRF ranking, it continues to be popular among Kolkata-based law aspirants.

Popular Programmes:  B.A. LL.B (Hons.) and LL.M in Criminal Law. 

Approximate Fees: ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per year for B.A. LL.B; ₹6,500 per year for LL.M. 

Admission Process: Through the entrance exam conducted by the University of Calcutta. 

Also Read: Top Engineering Colleges in Kolkata 

Surendranath Law College, Kolkata

With a legacy dating back to 1885, Surendranath Law College is among the oldest law colleges in eastern India and also one of the top in Kolkata. While it doesn’t currently hold NAAC accreditation or feature in the NIRF rankings, the college continues to attract aspirants for its historical significance and affordability of education. 

Popular Programmes: B.A. LL.B (Hons.) and LL.M in Jurisprudence. 

Approximate Fees: ₹6,730 per year for B.A. LL.B; ₹12,980 per year for LL.M. 

Admission Process: Admission is provided through the centralised entrance examination conducted by the University of Calcutta. 

To wrap up, what makes legal education different from many other fields is that its impact isn’t just personal, it’s civic. The college a student chooses will shape not just their career, but the kind of citizen and advocate they become. 

Some colleges will give better exposure to public law, while others may open doors to corporate firms. So, when one chooses a law college in Kolkata, it's ideal to consider what aligns better with career goals. 

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