Prof. (Dr.) Avinash Dadhich
Senior Non-Resident Fellow
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 30th April 2026
About the Programme
As the world advances toward net-zero goals, sustainability and climate accountability have become central to corporate strategy, investment, and global policymaking. The LL.M. in ESG, Carbon Markets & Sustainability at Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law is India’s first-of-its-kind postgraduate law programme designed to bridge the gap between law, policy, and practice in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, sustainable finance, and carbon markets.
Developed in collaboration with global experts, policymakers, and industry practitioners, this one-year, practice-oriented programme equips participants with the legal and regulatory expertise needed to lead India’s transition toward a sustainable and climate-resilient economy.
What truly sets this program apart is its personalized and immersive learning experience. With a small cohort, each participant benefits from focused mentorship, peer learning, and direct interaction with distinguished faculty and visiting experts from across the world. Adding a global dimension, the program includes an international study visit, fully covered within the tuition fee, offering participants firsthand exposure to leading ESG and carbon trading institutions and networks. This component ensures that graduates emerge not only with academic rigor but also with practical global insights.
It opens pathways to leadership roles in law firms, international organizations, consulting, sustainable finance, and regulatory bodies. Through this pioneering program, DAU School of Law aims to build a new generation of legal and policy professionals equipped to drive the global sustainability transition - from regulation and governance to implementation and innovation.
India’s first LL.M. (and Masters programme) specialising in ESG and Carbon Markets built to meet global sustainability mandates.
International research tour (1–2 weeks) to leading ESG and climate institutions, which is included in tuition fees.
Expert faculty and industry mentors from top law firms, financial institutions, and international organisations.
Hands-on curriculum combining legal frameworks, sustainable finance, carbon trading, and climate governance.
Career-focused learning through apprenticeships, case studies, and policy-making simulations.
Selective cohort of 10 candidates, ensuring personalised mentoring and peer learning.
Founding Director Dhirubhai Ambani University School of law
At Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law, we believe that law is much more than rules and regulations; it is a powerful tool to shape the future we want to see. India is at a pivotal moment, with rapid growth and digital transformation opening new doors every day. This creates a unique need for legal professionals who are curious, courageous, and committed to making a real difference. Our School is built to meet this moment. We offer programmes that combine deep legal knowledge with hands-on experience in fields that matter most to India’s development: data privacy, artificial intelligence, sustainability, construction arbitration, aviation law, and more. Here, you will not just study the law; you will engage with it, challenge it, and learn how to apply it in the real world. Education here is a journey that connects academic excellence with professional skills and ethical grounding. Whether you come to us as a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, our goal is to equip you with the tools to lead, innovate, and contribute to India’s growth story. As we look ahead to Viksit Bharat 2047, we are proud to nurture lawyers who think globally and act locally. Lawyers who carry ambition in one hand and responsibility in the other. I invite you to join us on this path, to be part of a community that values integrity, curiosity, and impact. Let’s shape the future of law and the future of India together.
Research Methodology, The Origins and Evolution of ESG, ESG Policymaking & Sustainability Reporting, Materiality Assessment and Sustainable Finance
Law and Justice in a Globalised World, Climate Finance & Green Taxonomies, Carbon Markets and Emission Trading Systems, Legal Risk Management in Carbon Transactions, Green Fraud and Greenwashing
Comparative Public Law, Dissertation / Capstone Project, International Research Tour, Optional apprenticeships with ESG firms, carbon developers, or think tanks
Trimester 1
Climate Finance and Climate Finance Taxonomies (2 credits)
| Component | Teaching Hours | Research Hours | Total Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Core Courses (3 × 45 hrs and 3 X 90 hrs) Core Courses (3 × 45 hrs and 3 X 90 hrs) | 135 135 | 270 270 | 405 405 | 9 9 |
Electives (6 × 30 hrs and 6 x 60 hrs) Electives (6 × 30 hrs and 6 x 60 hrs) | 180 180 | 360 360 | 540 540 | 12 12 |
Dissertation (per UGC norms, max 5 credits) Dissertation (per UGC norms, max 5 credits) | - - | 75 75 | 75 75 | 5 5 |
International Research Tour International Research Tour | - - | 30 30 | 30 30 | 2 2 |
Total Total | 315 315 | 735 735 | 1050 1050 | 28 28 |
Advise corporations, investors, and governments on ESG regulations, compliance frameworks, sustainability disclosures, and responsible business practices.
Work with carbon credit firms, regulators, and international organizations on emissions trading systems, carbon offset projects, and climate governance mechanisms.
Lead sustainability and ESG strategy within corporations, ensuring adherence to evolving global reporting and governance standards.
Contribute to global sustainability projects and policy research with entities such as the UN, World Bank, IETA, or policy research institutions.
Join financial institutions, asset managers, or development banks to structure ESG-compliant investments, green bonds, and sustainabilitylinked finance instruments.
Pursue research, teaching, or policy advocacy roles focused on ESG law, climate policy, and sustainability governance at universities or NGOs.
Senior Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Professor of Practice
Non-Resident Fellow
Associate Professor of Law | Head of AI, Data Privacy & Technology Law Vertical
Associate Professor of Law
Assistant Professor of Law
Assistant Professor of Law | Head of Aviation Law and Management Vertical
Assistant Professor of Law | Head of Construction Law, Contracts & Arbitration Vertical
Co-founder & CEO, Varaha
Head of Finance, Legal and Compliance at Varaha
Director, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Head of CSR & ESG, Axis Max Life Insurance Limited
Chief Manager – ESG, Axis Max Life Insurance
Partner – ESG & Global Strategy, Dhir & Dhir Associates
Director, Program on Environmental & Energy Law, American University
Applications Open- March 3, 2026
Phase 1 Application Deadline- April 30, 2026
Programme Commencement- August 22, 2026
Tuition Fees- INR 4,00,000/-
LL.M. Application Fee: INR 2000 (Non-Refundable) LL.M. Tuition Fees- INR 4,00,000/-
For admissions and programme-related queries, please contact:
Mr. Shesh Shukla – Head of Admissions (shesh_shukla@dau.ac.in)
Mr. Ishan Sodhani – Manager of Admissions (ishan_sodhani@dau.ac.in, +91-92744 17321)
Three-Stage Admission Process
Please find details for Phase 1 below:
Last Date to Apply: 30th April 2026
DLAT Entrance Examination: 03rd May 2026
Online Interview: 04th-16th May 2026
Kindly note that 60% seats will be filled in Phase 1. Phase 2 & Phase 3 dates to come out soon
Total Seats: 25
LL.M. Application Fee: INR 2000 (Non-Refundable)
The LL.M. Programme offered by the Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law is fully compliant with Bar Council of India (BCI) guidelines. The programme fees include a mandatory 1–2 week International Research Tour to leading regulatory bodies, legal institutions, and technology hubs abroad.
All classes are conducted on-site at the Gandhinagar campus, and the programme is non-residential; hostel and mess facilities are not included in the fees, and students may make their own accommodation arrangements.