Utkal University conducts an entrance exam for B.A.LL.B (Hons.)

University Law College (ULC) is one of the Constituent Institutes under the oldest University of Odisha that is Utkal University. Though, previously it was regarded as one of the most premiere and prestigious law institute in Odisha but currently it requires a much needed revamp because of its numerous shortcomings. However, the institute is still held in high esteem within the Odia legal fraternity for its continued legacy of contributing renowned legal luminaries which is exemplified in the fact of a record number of its alumni qualifying and topping OJS (Odisha Judiciary Service), for example: 2021 topper Adyasha Mishra and 2023 topper Sushrita Mishra. I was pretty enthusiastic about pursuing law and hence I had applied at ULC and number of other state level law institute within the state. Though, I was selected for both ULC and Madhusudan Law University but considering the proximity to my residence and comparatively better credentials, I decided to opt for ULC.

ULC provides 5 years integrated B.A.LL.B (Hons.) and 3 years LL.B Law program. Previously, it offered LL.M program as well but it has been discontinued from this year itself because of some discrepancies. I'm enrolled in 5 years integrated B.A LL.B (Hons.) program on the basis of merit secured in 12th final exam. However, this is not the usual method of selection. The selection for my batch was based on merit considering the exceptional circumstances and challenges posed by the continued pandemic of COVID-19. Presently, for admission into the 5 yr B.A.LL.B (Hons.) program, the College conducts its own entrance exam once in every year around May-June within the college premise itself. The exam is a pen and paper based exam consisting MCQs from General Knowledge, General English, Legal Aptitude, and Reasoning. The difficulty quotient of the MCQ questions is not at par with that of CLAT or any other premier legal entrance exam. The questions are pretty straightforward with suitable options. It is possible to qualify entrance exam within a small preparation period of one month. However, kindly note that the method of selection may subject to change in the near future as previously even for admission into 3 yr LL.B program the same procedure was followed but starting from this year the applications are required to be applied online in SAMs portal and the selection is strictly based on merit (overall mark / percentage / grade secured in under graduation.) Kindly, check the official website of the college for updated information regarding the admission process.

The faculty is pretty small. Most teachers are from guest faculty and are pretty young, both age and experience wise. For obvious reasons most faculty members are of legal background. A lot of the teachers are alumni of the college itself. However, most BA faculty members are pretty experienced with years of teaching at various institutes. At times, the lecturers from the main campus of Utkal University serve as guest faculties. The teaching style of different teachers significantly differs from one another. While some teachers are excellent in teaching and explaining different topics and legal concepts, the other set of teachers are clearly lacking in their teaching methodology. However, every teacher that I have encountered so far is extremely helpful and friendly. The faculty size, however, requires being increased and newer teachers needs to be appointed.

Presently, there is no placement cell under the institute's disposal as most students graduating from this institute mostly opt for Judiciary exam and even excel at it. However, there was talk around the air regarding appointment of Placement Cell. In near future there is a high possibility of appointment of placement cell but since it is completely a government college the process of it may be long and cumbersome, considering it would require a huge number of paperwork and permission from across different departments.

Currently, the college provides hostel facility only for female students adjacent to the campus itself. However, a hostel building is currently under construction for male students. Since, I have not opted for hostel facility as I live nearby the college I personally have no experience regarding the institute's hostel life but since I have been to the hostel premise, I'll provide few insights. All the hostel rooms are shared with individual beds assigned to each student. However, the students themselves have to arrange for bedding (mattress, pillows, etc.) As far as I know the Institute does not provide it. The basic facilities such as Wi-Fi and water filtering machine is provided to students. The bathroom though small and compact in size but are clean and well-maintained. The hostel warden is extremely friendly. However, there is no kitchen facility. One has to order regular meals from nearby Tiffin service providers or hotels. Furthermore, there is no availability of air conditioner, cooler or washing machines. The recreational activities are meager and the hostellers are mostly involved in college functions' organisation activities only. But, I have come to the realization that living in college hostel provides great opportunity in networking and forming a bond with seniors and the juniors besides our contemporaries and this can come handy in times of any much needed guidance or opportunities.

Despite being one of the most premier institutes of the state, it falls short regarding infrastructural superiority. The college infrastructure is much below the belt unfortunately. Here's a brief about it: The institute is situated in Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar (the capital city of Odisha). Besides, it is adjacent to the main road itself making it easily accessible to other parts of Bhubaneswar. Since, a network of intra-city bus facility is available within few steps of walk from the institute; the students are well connected with the rest of the city. Within the campus, there are 2 Academic blocks with two wide open garden areas. However, the classrooms and everyday teaching resources are not well kept and maintained, most probably because of a shortage of cleaning and maintenance staff. Besides, a 3rd block is present within the premise as well. The ground floor of it serves as a library-cum-computer lab area while the upper floor constitute, firstly, a Moot Court Hall where intra-batch and national level moot events are held and secondly, an All-Event Hall for purpose of hosting multitudes of events and recreational activities. Free Wi-Fi facilities are provided here as well. However, critical issues regarding infrastructural shortcoming is very evidently present. Firstly, restroom is very average and requires a complete renovation. Secondly, there is no common student room nor there is any room dedicated to recreational activities within the academic block. Thirdly, the classrooms are not air-conditioned and there are frequent issues with the projector. The college infrastructure is bare minimum at best but nothing more than that.

The institute's population is considerably small as the college only takes about a small batch of students within an academic year. For example- in my batch itself there are just about 62 students. On one hand, it does provide a close-knitted community feel but on the flip side there is much lower competition and zeal. The campus life as such isn't much happening except during the times of college fests, freshers/farewell party, and any other events like- Moot Competition, Seminar and Conferences. There are barely any active clubs or club activities. The college though has a Student Moot Court Committee but ever since the graduating of the 2022 batch it is as well pretty dormant. Since, the class hours are pretty flexible and short; most students usually prefer to be engaged in internship, pro-bono activities, and any other extra-curriculum activities outside the college.