Ph.D (Law)

There are two categories of PhD programmes at NLSIU: The PhD (Law) programme enables candidates to pursue advanced research in their chosen areas of law. On the other hand, the PhD (Social Sciences, Humanities and Public Policy) programme is designed for scholars from social sciences, humanities and public policy backgrounds who wish to conduct research that cuts across disciplines.

​As a part of the programme, candidates are also provided an opportunity to teach or participate in ongoing research at NLSIU, in areas related to their dissertation, allowing for deeper integration with the NLSIU community and providing diverse feedback opportunities.

Key features of the PhD programme at NLS:

• Doctoral candidates undertake a minimum of three years of research, including mandatory coursework spread over three trimesters
• Each scholar is supported by a Research Advisory Committee consisting of a supervisor and two other experts, and is expected to make periodic presentations on progress.​
• Doctoral fellowships available for select candidates.

Eligibility for Ph.D. (Law)

The following candidates shall be eligible to apply for the Ph.D. (Law) programme:

a) Candidates having a 5-year/ 10-semester/ 15-trimester bachelor’s degree in Law through regular mode from a recognised University having secured a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed (50% of marks or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST/OBC- NCL/Persons with Disability);

OR

b) Candidates having a 3-year/ 6-semester/ 9-trimester bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B.) through regular mode from a recognised University having secured a minimum of 55 % marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed (50% of marks or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST/OBC-NCL Persons with Disability);

OR

c) Candidates having a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) through regular mode from a recognised University having secured an aggregate of at least 55% marks or its equivalent grade (50% of marks or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST/OBC-NCL)/ Persons with Disability);

OR

d) Candidates having passed the Solicitors Examination conducted by the Bombay Incorporated Law Society and having completed a bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B./LL.B. (Hons.) degree from a recognised University through regular mode;

OR

(e) Candidates having a Master of Business Laws (MBL) degree from the National Law School of India University with a minimum CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 4.00 and having completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized University through regular mode.

Provided that candidates in their final year of study in the respective degrees in (a), (b) and (c) shall be eligible to apply, subject to the candidate securing the minimum marks or equivalent grade prior to the date of commencement of the Ph.D.