Government Law Colleges in Mumbai

If you are a Mumbai student dreaming of becoming a lawyer, judge, corporate legal advisor, or policy expert—but don’t want to spend lakhs on private law colleges—then government law colleges are your best option.

Mumbai is not just India’s financial capital; it is also a legal powerhouse. From the Bombay High Court to top law firms and tribunals, studying law in Mumbai gives you real exposure that textbooks alone cannot provide.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through Mumbai’s top government and government-aided law colleges, explained in a simple, honest, and student-focused way, so you can decide which college actually suits you.

1. Government Law College (GLC), Churchgate

Best for: Students aiming for top law firms, litigation, or judiciary

Established in 1855, GLC is not just a college—it’s a legacy. It is one of the oldest law colleges in Asia and still considered among India’s best.

Why students love GLC

• Located right next to the Bombay High Court
• Alumni include Fali S. Nariman, Soli Sorabjee, and several judges
• Extremely low fees with very high reputation

Courses Offered

• 3-year LLB (after graduation)
• LLM (Constitutional, Criminal, Business Law)
• Diploma courses (Cyber Law, IPR, Labour Law)

Admissions & Fees

• Entrance exam: MH CET Law
• Cut-off: Very high (95+ percentile for general category)
• Fees: ₹12,000–₹15,000 per year

Career Exposure

Students regularly intern at:

• Bombay High Court
• Top law firms like AZB, Khaitan
• Senior advocates’ chambers

📌 Choose GLC if you are serious about law, ready for competition, and want maximum courtroom and corporate exposure at minimum cost.

2. Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai

Best for: Students who want NLU-style education in Mumbai

Started in 2014, MNLU Mumbai follows the National Law University (NLU) model, similar to NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR Hyderabad—but with state support and lower fees.

What makes MNLU different

• Modern campus
• Research-focused teaching
• Interdisciplinary subjects (law + economics + policy)

Courses Offered

• 5-year BA LLB (Hons)
• LLM

Admissions & Fees

• Entrance exam: CLAT
• Fees: ₹20,000–₹50,000 per year (subsidized for Maharashtra students)

Placements

• Law firms like Trilegal, Deloitte Legal
• PSUs and policy think tanks
• Average packages: ₹12–18 LPA

📌 Choose MNLU if you want an NLU experience but prefer studying in Mumbai with government-backed fees.

3. University of Mumbai Law Academy (UMLA), Fort

Best for: Students interested in litigation and corporate advisory

Located in South Mumbai’s historic Fort area, this law academy is directly run by the University of Mumbai.

Courses Offered

• 3-year LLB
• LLM
• PhD in Law

Fees & Admission

• Entrance: MH CET Law
• Fees: ₹10,000–₹12,000 per year

Why consider UMLA?

• Close to courts and corporate offices
• Faculty includes practicing advocates
• Ideal for students who want practical learning with affordable fees

📌 Choose UMLA if you want strong fundamentals and easy access to Mumbai’s legal ecosystem.

4. SNDT Women’s University – Law School

Best for: Female students who want a supportive and focused environment

SNDT is India’s first women’s university, and its law school focuses strongly on women’s rights, criminal law, and social justice.

Courses Offered

• 5-year BLS LLB
• LLM

Fees & Admission

• Entrance: MH CET Law
• Fees: ₹8,000–₹15,000 per year
• Scholarships available

Career Paths

• NGOs
• Litigation
• Policy research
• Law firms focusing on social justice

📌 Choose SNDT if you want quality legal education in a women-only, supportive academic environment.

5. DM Harish School of Law, HSNC University

Best for: Students interested in corporate law and business

Located in Bandra, this is a government-aided institution with a modern outlook.

Courses Offered

• 5-year BBA LLB (Hons)
• LLM in Business Law

What stands out

• Law + management combination
• Focus on startups, fintech, arbitration
• Industry interaction with BKC firms

📌 Choose DM Harish if you want to mix law with business and aim for corporate careers.

6. Institute of Forensic Science (IFS), Mumbai

Best for: Students interested in criminal law + forensic science

This institute is ideal if you are fascinated by crime investigation, cyber forensics, and expert evidence.

Courses Offered

• MSc Forensic Science
• PG Diploma in Forensic Law

Career Options

• CBI
• State forensic labs
• Cybercrime units
• Expert witness roles

📌 Choose IFS if you want a niche career combining law and science.

Quick Comparison Table

Conclusion

Every law college in Mumbai has its own strengths, and the “best” choice depends on your career goals. Whether you aim for corporate law, litigation, social justice, or research, government law colleges offer a reliable and cost-effective path. Understanding entrance exams, fees, and exposure opportunities will help students make a confident and informed decision.

Disclaimer: This article is written only for general information and awareness of students who are interested in pursuing a law degree in Mumbai. The details related to colleges are based on publicly available sources and general research available at the time of writing. Students are strongly advised to verify the information on official website of colleges.Choose a college that aligns with your career goals, financial situation, and learning preferences.