The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) was established by Act 27 of 2005 of the Kerala State Legislature. By the same Act, the National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) established by the Bar Council of Kerala Trust in 2002 merged with the NUALS. In 2008, an amendment streamlined the powers and functions of the authorities of the University and ensured the active involvement of the Government of Kerala. The University is recognized by the University Grants Commission under section 2(f) of the UGC Act. It is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
The main objects of the University are: (a) to advance and disseminate learning and knowledge of law and legal and judicial processes, professional legal education and their role in national development; (b) to develop in the student and research scholar a sense of responsibility to serve the society by developing skills with regard to advocacy, legal services, legislation, law reforms, etc.; and (c) to promote legal and judicial reforms needed to strengthen the administration of justice in India.
Courses
Five Year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) Degree
Admission to the B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) Degree course shall be based on the performance in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT): (i) The candidate for CLAT shall have passed the Higher Secondary Certificate examination (10+2) or an examination recognized as equivalent thereto with at least 45% marks; (ii) Exemption upto 5% from the requirement of the minimum of 45% for the qualifying examination is given to the candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) [declared eligible for reservation in the State of Kerala]. These categories are allowed to apply for CLAT if they do not have less than 40% marks obtained in the qualifying examination. Students who are appearing for the qualifying examination are allowed to appear for CLAT. However, they should submit the results of the qualifying examination at the time of admission. If they do not do so, the candidates shall be considered ineligible.
One year LL.M.
A candidate shall have passed the 5 year Integrated B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) Degree of the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) or an examination recognised as equivalent thereto with a minimum of 55% of the total marks in the aggregate [Not less than 50% in the case of SC/ST (declared eligible for reservation in the State of Kerala) candidates].
Library
The NUALS library has a collection of over 7,300 volumes covering a wide range of general and special subjects consisting of textbooks, reference books, back volumes of journals, reports, etc. The library subscribes to several leading law journals, both Indian and foreign and also a number of newspapers and magazines. It has acquired the complete set of leading law reports like All England Law Reports, Supreme Court Cases, All India Reporter, Criminal Law Journal, Kerala Law Times. The library also has a sizeable collection of electronic materials in CD-ROMs (Annual Survey of Indian Law, Journal of Indian Law Institute, All India Reporter – Supreme Court and High Courts, Kerala Law Times, etc.) and online legal databases such as Westlaw, Hein Online and Manupatra Online.
Facilities
I.T. Services
The NUALS provides a campus wide wireless network for the student community. It has established a100 Mb bandwidth leased line connectivity from BSNL. The academic block is equipped with wireless coverage which can cater to the requirements of the entire student community. There is also a computer lab for the exclusive use of the students. Facilities for taking printouts and photocopies are also provided to the student community. Every classroom is facilitated with an LCD projector. The University auditorium in the new campus will be fully equipped with audio-visual systems.
Hostels
The campus of the University is situated at Kinfra Hi-tech Park, H.M.T. Colony. The campus has two separate hostel blocks for girls and boys. The hostel consists of triple occupancy rooms with an attached bathroom. The inmates are given a separate cot, table and a cupboard. Each hostel has a common room and a mess hall. There are provisions for indoor gaming facilities like carom, chess and badminton.
Contact
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS)
NUALS Campus, H.M.T. Colony
P.O.Kalamassery
Ernakulam – 683 503
Ph: 0484-2555990, 09446899047
Fax No: 0484 – 2555992
E-mail: registrar@nuals.ac.in
Website: http://www.nuals.ac.in/
