PhD in Law: Colleges, Eligibility, Fees, Jobs & More

The demand for legal professionals with a PhD in Law is growing in India’s evolving legal landscape, making it an attractive path for those passionate about legal research and academia. A PhD in Law in India typically takes 3-5 years, with students focusing on areas like legal research, constitutional law, criminal law, and international law. To be eligible, candidates need a Master’s degree in Law (LLM) with at least 55% marks. Admission is usually based on entrance exams or interviews, though some universities waive these for NET/JRF holders.

Career opportunities for PhD in Law graduates are diverse, including roles as professors, legal advisors, researchers, and advocates. Salaries vary based on experience and the specific role. Understanding the admission process is key, including checking eligibility, applying for exams, attending interviews, and submitting required documents. This article offers a comprehensive look at PhD in Law programs in India, covering top government colleges, fees, admission, and career paths. Aspiring legal scholars can use this information to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

PhD in Law: Key Highlights

A PhD in Law in India is a research-based doctorate that generally takes 3-5 years to complete, available in both full-time and part-time formats. Before diving into details, here is a quick overview in the table below:

Feature	Details
Duration	3-5 years
Average Fees (INR)	INR 50,000-2,00,000 per year
Eligibility	Master’s degree in Law (LLM) with 55% marks
Top Specializations	Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law, Human Rights Law
Career Opportunities	Professor, Legal Advisor, Researcher, Advocate
UGC/AICTE Approvals	Mandatory for universities to offer PhD programs
NIRF Rankings	Used to rank universities based on performance
Admission Process	Entrance exam and interview
Course Structure	Research-based with coursework and dissertation
Research Opportunities	Available in various fields of law

PhD in Law Eligibility Criteria: Detailed Requirements for Indian Students

To pursue a PhD in Law in India, you need a Master’s degree in Law (LLM) or equivalent with a minimum of 55% from a recognized university. Some universities may also require a valid entrance exam score, such as UGC-NET or JRF. Work experience can be an advantage.

Requirement	Details
Qualifying Degree	Master’s degree in Law (LLM) or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university
Minimum Percentage (General Category)	At least 55% aggregate marks or equivalent grade
Minimum Percentage (Reserved Categories)	50% aggregate marks or equivalent grade
Alternative Pathways (Select Universities)	– 5-year integrated LLB (e.g., BA LLB) with minimum 55% – 3-year LLB with minimum 55% – Degree in law + Master’s in social sciences/humanities with 55%
Entrance Exam Requirement	Valid score in university-specific entrance exam, UGC-NET (including JRF), or equivalent (e.g., AILET PhD, NLSAT-PhD)
UGC-NET/JRF Qualification	Qualifying UGC-NET in Law (or related) exempts from many university entrance exams; JRF provides additional benefits (stipend/fellowship)
Work Experience	Relevant professional experience (e.g., in legal practice, academia, or research)
Other Requirements	Research Proposal, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (in some cases), Interview/Viva Voce
Age Limit	No upper age limit for PhD admission
Foreign/International Students	Equivalent foreign Master’s degree accredited/recognized; additional requirements (e.g., equivalence certificate, higher fees)
University-Specific Variations	Check individual university websites for any variations

PhD in Law Admission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Applicants

To secure admission to a PhD in Law program in India, follow these steps:

Check the eligibility criteria of the desired university, including the required Master’s degree and minimum percentage.
Apply for the entrance exam conducted by the university or relevant body, such as the NET or JRF.
Appear for the entrance exam and secure the required score, which may vary depending on the university.
If shortlisted, attend the interview process, which may include a presentation of the Research Proposal.
Submit the required documents for verification, including transcripts, certificates, and identification proof.
Pay the admission fees to confirm your seat, which can range from INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 per annum.
Prepare a comprehensive Research Proposal outlining the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Submit a well-crafted Statement of Purpose (SOP) highlighting research interests, goals, and motivations.
Ensure that the SOP and Research Proposal are tailored to the specific specialization, such as PhD in Criminal Law or PhD in International Law.
Follow up with the university to confirm the admission status and complete any remaining formalities.

Entrance Exams for PhD in Law Admission in India: Exam Pattern and Eligibility

Admission to a PhD in Law in India requires entrance exams that assess knowledge, research aptitude, and analytical skills. Universities, national bodies, and other organizations conduct these exams. Common entrance exams include:

Exam Name	College/University	Tentative Exam Dates
UGC-NET (for JRF/Eligibility)	National Testing Agency (NTA) – Applicable nationwide	June 2026
NLSAT-PhD	National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru	April 2026
AILET / AIET (PhD)	National Law University (NLU), Delhi	May 2026
University-Specific Entrance Test / Research Entrance	NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad; WBNUJS Kolkata; GNLU Gandhinagar; other NLUs	Varies
LPUNEST (PhD)	Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara	Multiple sessions in 2026
University PhD Entrance Test	Panjab University; Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLUP), Prayagraj; others	Varies

Top Government Colleges for PhD in Law in India

Take a look at some of the top government colleges in India for PhD in Law. Explore their fees, specialisations and admission mode.

College Name (City)	Estimated Fees (INR)	Ky Specializations	Admission Mode
National Law School of India University (Bengaluru)	85,000 (at admission)	Constitutional Law, International Law, Criminal Law, IPR, Business Law, Human Rights	NLSAT-PhD (written test) + Research Proposal + Interview; UGC-NET/JRF preferred/exempts
National Law University (New Delhi)	2,25,000 (full program)	Constitutional Law, IPR, Corporate Law, Human Rights, Environmental Law, Criminal Law	AILET PhD or university entrance + Interview + Research Proposal; UGC-NET/JRF exemption possible
NALSAR University of Law (Hyderabad)	50,000–1,50,000 (annual/yearly basis)	Constitutional Law, International Law, IPR, Cyber Law, Labour Law, Animal Law	University-specific entrance test + Interview + Research Proposal; UGC-NET/JRF advantageous
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (Kolkata)	1,50,000–3,15,000 (full program)	Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Human Rights, Criminal Law, International Law	NUJS Research Entrance Test (NRET) + Interview; UGC-NET/JRF preferred
Gujarat National Law University (Gandhinagar)	60,000–1,00,000 (annual)	Constitutional Law, International Trade Law, Environmental Law, IPR, Maritime Law	University entrance + Interview + Research Proposal; UGC-NET/JRF exemption/priority

Top Private Colleges for PhD in Law in India

Here’s an overview of top private colleges in India offering PhD in Law programs, including fees, specializations, and admission criteria.

College Name (City)	Estimated Fees (INR)	Key Specializations	Admission Mode
O.P. Jindal Global Law School (Sonipat)	1.7 – 3 Lakhs (full program)	Constitutional Law, International Law, Corporate Law, IPR, Human Rights, Environmental Law	University entrance test/Research Aptitude Test + Interview + Research Proposal; UGC-NET/JRF exemption possible
Symbiosis Law School (Pune)	1.15 – 2.2 Lakhs (full program)	Business Law, Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law	SIU PhD Entrance Test (PET) + Personal Interview + Research Proposal; UGC-NET/JRF advantageous
Christ University, School of Law (Bengaluru)	90,000 – 2 Lakhs (full program)	Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, IPR, Criminal Law, International Law	University entrance test + Interview + Research Proposal; UGC-NET/JRF preferred
KIIT School of Law (Bhubaneswar)	2 – 3.5 Lakhs (full program)	Business Law, Human Rights, Environmental Law, IPR, Criminal Law	KIITEE (PhD) or university test + Interview; UGC-NET/JRF exemption/priority
Amity Law School (Noida)	2.7 – 3.2 Lakhs (full program)	Contract Law, Tort Law, Property Law, Constitutional Law, IPR	Amity PhD Entrance Test + Personal Interview; UGC-NET/JRF exemption possible
ICFAI Law School (Hyderabad)	3 – 3.4 Lakhs (full program)	Business Law, Constitutional Law, IPR, Criminal Law	University entrance test + Interview + Research Proposal; UGC-NET/JRF beneficial
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, School of Law (Chennai)	2 – 3 Lakhs (full program)	Corporate Law, International Law, Human Rights, Cyber Law	SRMHCAT or university test + Interview; UGC-NET/JRF considered
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, School of Law (Chennai)	2 – 4 Lakhs (full program)	IPR, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, Health Law	University entrance + Interview; UGC-NET/JRF advantageous
LPU (Lovely Professional University), School of Law (Phagwara)	2 – 3 Lakhs (full program)	Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, IPR, International Law	LPUNEST (PhD) or university test + Interview; UGC-NET/JRF exemption
Alliance School of Law, Alliance University (Bengaluru)	2.5 – 3.5 Lakhs (full program)	Business Law, IPR, Human Rights, Corporate Law	University entrance test + Interview + Research Proposal

Top International Colleges for PhD in Law

Students willing to pursue PhD education in Law abroad can choose from the following colleges:

College Name (City)	Approximate Fees ( USD)	Key Specializations	Admission Mode
Harvard Law School (Cambridge, MA, USA)	240,000–400,000 (full program)	International Law, Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Corporate Law	LLM or equivalent + research proposal + academic references + possible interview; deadline Dec 1
University of Oxford – Faculty of Law (Oxford, UK)	120,000–200,000 (full program)	Constitutional Law, International Law, Criminal Law, Jurisprudence	LLM with high honors + research proposal + references + interview; deadline Jan 28
Yale Law School (New Haven, CT, USA)	Waived (full program)	Advanced Legal Studies, Constitutional Law, International Law	JD from US law school + application with proposal; deadline Dec 15
Stanford Law School (Stanford, CA, USA)	230,000–385,000 (full program)	International Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate Law, Cyber Law	LLM + research proposal + references + interview; deadline Apr 2
University of Cambridge – Faculty of Law (Cambridge, UK)	105,000–175,000 (full program)	International Law, Commercial Law, Human Rights, Environmental Law	LLM + research proposal + academic references + interview; deadline Dec 1
New York University (NYU) School of Law (New York, NY, USA)	Waived + stipend (full program)	International Law, Human Rights, Corporate Law, Taxation	LLM + research proposal + references + interview; deadline Feb 2

PhD in Law Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown of Subjects

Take a look at the syllabus breakdown of PhD in Law for each year:

Year 1

Core Focus / Subjects
Research Methodology (including quantitative/qualitative methods, research ethics, computer applications)
Legal Theory / Jurisprudence
Review of Literature / Advances in the Subject
Philosophical Foundations of Law / Current Legal Trends
Research and Publication Ethics

Year 2

Core Focus / Subjects
Specialized / Advanced Courses (tailored to research topic, e.g., Constitutional Law, International Law, Comparative Law)
Law and Social Change / Interdisciplinary Perspectives (e.g., Law and Economics, Human Rights)
Optional Electives (e.g., Intellectual Property Law, Cyber Law, Environmental Law, Criminal Law)

Year 3-5

Core Focus / Subjects
Advanced Research Methodology / Specialized Topics
Dissertation / Thesis Writing
Thesis Refinement and Finalization
Revisions based on supervisor / committee feedback
Preparation for Viva Voce / Oral Defense

Major Specialisations in PhD in Law in India

PhD in Law covers diverse fields of study. Here are some of the most prominent specialisations with their descriptions:

Major Specialisation	Description
Constitutional Law	Explores interpretation, federalism, fundamental rights, judicial review, and governance structures in the Indian Constitution.
Criminal Law	Focuses on criminal justice systems, penal reforms, criminology, evidence, and emerging issues like cybercrime and restorative justice.
Corporate and Commercial Law	Examines company governance, mergers/acquisitions, securities regulation, insolvency, and economic policies in business contexts.
International Law	Studies public/private international law, treaties, diplomacy, trade law, human rights, and India’s role in global legal frameworks.
Human Rights Law	Investigates protection of rights, international conventions, refugee law, discrimination, and social justice mechanisms in India.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)	Analyzes patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and emerging issues in technology, innovation, and digital rights.
Environmental Law	Addresses sustainability, climate change policies, pollution control, biodiversity, and environmental justice under Indian statutes.
Cyber Law and Technology Law	Covers data protection, cybersecurity, AI regulation, e-commerce, privacy, and legal implications of digital transformation.
Labour and Employment Law	Examines industrial relations, worker rights, contracts, social security, and evolving policies in gig economy and labour reforms.
Family and Personal Law	Researches marriage, divorce, inheritance, gender issues, uniform civil code debates, and reforms in personal laws across communities.

Job Opportunities & Salary After PhD in Law

After completing PhD in Law, degree holders can pursue the following job opportunities:

Job Role	Job Description	Salary Range (INR per year)
Assistant Professor / Lecturer	Teach law subjects, conduct research, guide students, and publish papers in universities/law schools.	4–12 Lakhs
Professor / Associate Professor	Lead academic departments, supervise PhD scholars, develop curriculum, and contribute to legal scholarship.	10–30+ Lakhs
Legal Researcher / Policy Analyst	Conduct in-depth legal research, draft reports, advise on policy, or work with think tanks/government bodies.	5–15 Lakhs
Legal Advisor / Consultant	Provide expert legal opinions, draft contracts, ensure compliance, and advise corporations, NGOs, or government.	6–20 Lakhs
Advocate / Senior Advocate	Practice in courts (especially higher judiciary), argue complex cases, and specialize in areas like constitutional or international law.	8–30+ Lakhs
Corporate Counsel / In-House Legal Head	Manage legal affairs for companies, handle compliance, mergers, and risk management in corporate sectors.	10–25+ Lakhs
Judicial Services / Judge (via exams or elevation)	Serve as judge in courts, interpret laws, and deliver judgments (PhD aids eligibility/promotion in some cases).	10–25+ Lakhs

Top Recruiters for PhD Law Holders in India

Here is a list of top employers in various sectors for PhD Law holders in India:

Industry/Sector	Top Recruiters
Academia / Higher Education	National Law Universities, Jindal Global Law School, Central/State Universities, Private Law Schools
Legal Research & Policy Think Tanks	Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, PRS Legislative Research, Centre for Policy Research (CPR), Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Corporate Law Firms & Advisory	Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., AZB & Partners
Corporate Sector / In-House Legal	Reliance Industries, Tata Group, Adani Group, Infosys
Government & Judicial Bodies	Ministry of Law & Justice, Law Commission of India, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Supreme Court/High Court Research Positions
International & NGO Organizations	United Nations (UN bodies in India), Amnesty International India, Commonwealth Secretariat, World Bank/ADB Legal Departments

Stipend and Financial Support for PhD Law Students in India

Pursuing a PhD in Law in India often requires full-time dedication, making financial support essential for covering living expenses, research materials, and any incidental costs. Stipends and fellowships, thus, remain crucial throughout the duration of the course. Here are some popular financial aids available to students:

Fellowship/Scheme	Monthly Stipend	Duration	Additional Benefits
UGC-NET JRF (Most Common)	₹37,000 (JRF, first 2 years) ; ₹42,000 (SRF, later years)	Up to 5 years	HRA + Contingency (₹10,000–₹20,500/year)
NLSIU Doctoral Fellowship	₹55,000–₹65,000	Up to 3 years	Institutional duties (teaching/research)
NLU Delhi (IPR/Insolvency Chairs)	₹37,000–₹42,000 (JRF qual.) ₹28,000–₹32,000 (NET non-JRF)	Up to 5 years	Contingency + HRA
PMRF (Interdisciplinary)	₹70,000 (years 1–2) ; ₹75,000 (year 3); ₹80,000 (years 4–5)	5 years	₹2 lakh research grant/year
University/Non-NET Assistantships	₹18,000–₹40,000	Varies	Teaching/research roles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the duration of a PhD in Law in India?

The duration of a PhD in Law in India is 3-5 years. This duration may vary depending on the university and the individual’s progress. The course is a doctorate level program.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for a PhD in Law in India?

To be eligible for a PhD in Law in India, one must have a Master’s degree in Law (LLM) with a minimum percentage of 55%. Additionally, some universities require candidates to clear an entrance exam or have a NET/JRF qualification.

Q3. What is the average annual fee for a PhD in Law in a government college in India?

The average annual fee for a PhD in Law in a government college in India is INR 50,000-1,00,000. This fee may vary depending on the college and location.

Q4. What are the core subjects taught in the first year of a PhD in Law program?

In the first year of a PhD in Law program, the core subjects taught are Research Methodology and Legal Theory. These subjects are taught in the first and second semesters, respectively.

Q5. What is the exam pattern for the NET/JRF entrance exam for PhD in Law admission in India?

The exam pattern for the NET/JRF entrance exam for PhD in Law admission in India consists of multiple choice questions. The exam is a written test conducted by the UGC/CSIR. Candidates with a Master’s degree are eligible to appear for this exam.

Q6. Can I skip masters and go for PhD?

No, you generally cannot skip a Master’s (LLM) and directly pursue a PhD in Law in India. UGC regulations require an LLM (or equivalent) with at least 55% marks.

Written by Aayush Kukreja

Aayush is a writer and content strategist who turns personal stories into brand narratives. With an experience spanning diverse industries, rely on his writing for simplifying complex subjects & get in-depth insights - always with sharp wit.

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