PhD in Law

Programme Dates:
Saturday, 19th July – Thursday, 25th September 2025
Location:
DAU Campus, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 19th August 2025

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Introduction

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Law is our most advanced research qualification at the School of Law. A PhD will be awarded on the completion of a doctoral thesis that substantially and significantly contributes to the candidate’s field of choice, written under the guidance and supervision of a qualified Faculty member.

The PhD degree can be pursued either on a full-time (Regular PhD) or a part-time basis.

PhD (Regular/Full-time)

Candidates pursuing a full-time PhD will be awarded a full scholarship for the tuition fee, along with INR 50,000/ month for 3 years during the course of their degree.

PhD (Part-time)

PhD ( Part-time), akin to our other hybrid programs, will allow working legal professionals to pursue their doctoral degree without disturbing their ongoing professional pursuits and give them an opportunity to interact with their doctoral guide via robust virtual learning platforms and e-mail as well as offline eco-systems at times of their convenience.

Typically pursued over the course of 3-5 years, the candidates, once selected will be integrated into academic research journey and research community as they teach, assist and participate in ongoing research projects, at the School of Law, related to the candidate’s thesis topic.

India is experiencing rapid and multifaceted growth. With the expansion of technology, infrastructure, and industrial activity, the legal and regulatory framework is under increasing pressure to respond and adapt. This environment requires legal professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also prepared to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

At the School of Law, Dhirubhai Ambani University, we believe that legal education and research must be aligned with the realities of a changing world. We are building a legal academic ecosystem that is interdisciplinary, professionally grounded, and responsive to contemporary needs. Our approach places equal emphasis on theory, policy, and practice.

Our academic and research focus is concentrated in three high-impact areas: ESG, Carbon Markets and Sustainability; AI, Data Protection and Technology Law; and Construction Law and Arbitration. These domains are shaping the future of legal services, regulatory frameworks, and policymaking across jurisdictions.

We are also actively engaged in research and policy reform initiatives. Our collaborations with institutions such as the World Bank reflect our commitment to contributing to national and global conversations around governance and regulation. Through these efforts, we aim to support the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Overview

The PhD in Law at the School of Law, Dhirubhai Ambani University is designed for scholars and professionals who seek to make a meaningful contribution through legal research. We believe that doctoral research should not remain confined to academic circles. It should inform practice, guide policy decisions, and provide insights that can be applied to real-world problems.

Legal research in India, particularly at the doctoral level, often remains isolated from the legal industry, policymaking institutions, and global academic networks. As a result, the impact and relevance of this research is frequently limited. There is a pressing need to create a space where legal scholarship can engage more directly with practical and policy challenges.

This programme is our response to that need. It is built for candidates who wish to enter academia, influence public policy, or work within the legal industry in roles that require advanced legal analysis and problem-solving. We aim to foster a generation of legal researchers who are capable of thinking across disciplines, responding to regulatory shifts, and making meaningful contributions to the evolving role of law in society.

Our doctoral candidates will engage with timely and significant legal issues. Their research will be grounded in both scholarly literature and current developments in practice and policy. Throughout the programme, they will receive mentorship and structured support to help them build clarity, rigour, and purpose in their research.

We do not view research as a solitary exercise. Our PhD programme is designed to support collaboration, exchange, and engagement at every stage.

How We Plan to Do It

The PhD in Law will be offered in our three core verticals: ESG, Carbon Markets and Sustainability; AI, Data Protection and Technology Law; and Construction Law and Arbitration. Each of these domains has been selected based on its growing significance within legal, regulatory, and policy contexts. They also reflect areas in which our institution has existing expertise and strategic partnerships.

A key feature of this programme is the co-supervision model. A team of three supervisors will guide each doctoral candidate:

  1. An academic supervisor from the School of Law, Dhirubhai Ambani University, who holds a PhD and possesses expertise in the relevant domain. This supervisor will provide academic direction, methodological guidance, and institutional support throughout the research process.
  2. A co -supervisor from a leading Indian law firm or a GC who holds an LLM and minimum 10 years of experience in the candidate’s chosen area of legal research. This supervisor will ensure that the research remains aligned with industry trends and makes a meaningful contribution to legal practice.
  3. An academic co – supervisor from a law school in India or abroad having Ph.D. and atleast 10 years of experience in the relevant or related domains of law. This model is designed to provide candidates with comprehensive guidance and support. It combines academic depth and real-world relevance. It also fosters ongoing collaboration between academia and industry.

In addition to regular supervision, the programme will offer structured research training, writing workshops, and opportunities for publication and presentation. Doctoral candidates will be encouraged to participate in national and international conferences, contribute to regulatory or policy consultations, and engage in research projects.

What Sets This Programme Apart This PhD programme is designed to offer more than just academic training. It provides a structured and forward-looking research environment that prepares candidates to address the real-world challenges facing law and policy today. Some key features of this programme are –

  • Structured co-supervision from two mentors across academia and industry, ensures doctoral work that is research-driven and industry-relevant.
  • Direct engagement with industry leaders, including top law firms, gives doctoral work practical depth and future-facing perspective.
  • Global exposure through research visits brings access to international best practices and comparative frameworks.
  • Focused research training and publication support prepare candidates to succeed in academic, policy, or industry roles.
  • A purpose-driven vision aligned with national goals such as Viksit Bharat 2047 reinforces our commitment to producing legal researchers equipped to meet the needs of tomorrow.
  • Our goal is to produce legal researchers who are well prepared to teach, write, advise, and lead. The PhD programme reflects our commitment to research that is useful, relevant, and impactful in classrooms, courtrooms, boardrooms, and beyond.

At the School of Law, Dhirubhai Ambani University, we are cultivating a research culture that addresses the needs of the present while shaping the possibilities of the future.

Click here for Ph.D. in Law Regulations

A total of 6 seats are available for the Ph.D. program for the Academic Year 2025 – 2026, divided as follows:

1. Full-Time Ph.D. Scholars (3 Seats)
  • Requirements: Full-time candidates must physically report to campus regularly to work directly with their Faculty Guides and adhere to the HR policies of Dhirubhai Ambani University, Gandhinagar.
  • Full-time Ph.D. scholars must complete a one-month compulsory internship each semester during the first two years of the program. The internship shall be undertaken with a law firm, government body, or think tank, subject to prior approval from the research supervisor (guide).
  • In the second year, the School of Law at Dhirubhai Ambani University will arrange a one-month visiting fellowship for each full-time scholar.
2. Part-Time Ph.D. Scholars (3 Seats)
  • Part-time PhD Scholars need not report physically to the School of Law on a regular basis, but must consult regularly with their Faculty Guide and report physically when required to do so.
  • Inclusions: One international immersion trip each year for the first three years of the Ph.D. program.
Application Eligibility

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview, in front of a panel if interviews headed by the Main Guide Faculty, and the final selection will be based on the cumulative performance in the following components:

  • Research Proposal and SoP – 20 Marks
  • Online Entrance Test – 50 Marks
  • Personal Interview -30 Marks The candidates who have qualified UGC NET, NET – JRF and GSET are exempt from appearing in the Online Entrance Examination.

Upon selection, part time candidates are required to submit a fee of ₹1,00,000 to confirm and secure their admission to the Ph.D. program. Likewise, the regular/full time candidates must deposit their registration fees of Rs 2500 for the first semester to confirm and secure their admission to the Ph.D. program.

Foreign candidates will have to complete all three components of the selection criteria (i.e. submission of application and Expression of Interest, appear for online entrance exam, and clear personal interview stage), and must possess LL.M. that is recognised as equivalent by the UGC.

The refund policy for withdrawing candidates would be as per UGC rules.

All applicants will be provided with the syllabus and suggested readings to prepare for the online entrance examination after the application form is received.

PhD Programme Specializations & Faculty Experts

Each applicant must choose one of the following three areas of law while applying:

  • Construction Law, Contracts & Arbitration

  • ESG, Carbon Markets & Sustainability

  • AI, Data Protection and Technology Law The School of Law presently has the following experts in these areas of law

  • Dr. Avinash Dadhich and Dr. Vini Singh in AI, Data Protection and Technology Law

  • Ms. Alisha Mehta in Construction Law, Contracts and Arbitration

S. No.ProcessImportant DatesDay
3
Online Entrance Test
24 August 2025
Sunday
4
Personal Interview
31 August 2025
Sunday
5
List of Selected Candidates
6 September 2025
Saturday
6
Last Day to Submit Fees
12 September 2025
Friday
7
Course Commencement
15 September 2025
Monday

Applicants are required to submit their expression of interest by August 5, 2025 and a complete application form, along with a research proposal and a Statement of Purpose (SOP) by August 19, 2025. Those candidates who are applying for a part – time Ph.D. must submit a No Objection Certificate from their Employer Organisation.

General Instructions for Candidates

  • The application must be filled online only through the official portal.

  • Ensure all documents are uploaded in PDF format unless otherwise specified.

  • Fill in the application form with accurate personal, academic, and professional details.

  • Upload individual PDF files for each qualification:

  • UG Degree in Law (Marksheets + Certificate)

  • LL.M. Degree (Marksheets + Certificate)

  • M.Phil Degree (if applicable)

  • UGC NET/JRF Certificate and Scorecard (if applicable)

  • Upload a single PDF file containing all experience certificates, if applicable.

  • Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPG/PNG, max 500 KB).

  • Upload a valid Government-issued ID proof (PDF: Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID, max 2 MB).

  • Choose only one specialization vertical:

  • Prepare and upload:

  • Submit the Declaration affirming the correctness of the information.

  • Pay the Application Fee via the payment link provided on the portal. Enter the transaction reference number in the form.

  • Review the Final Checklist before submission (see below).

Research Proposal

Tentative Title of Research – A working title that reflects the proposed area of inquiry.

Research Problem – Clearly define the central legal or regulatory issue your research seeks to address.

Research Methodology – Outline the legal research methods and/or interdisciplinary approach you will use (e.g., doctrinal, empirical, comparative, case study).

Key Research Questions – List 4- 5 research questions you will explore through your project. Formatting Instructions:

1. Word limit: Maximum 600 words. 2. Do not use AI tools to generate this proposal. 3. File format: PDF. 4. File name: YourName_ResearchProposal.pdf

Checklist

sessions

1

Duly filled and signed application form

2

Statement of Purpose (PDF)

3

Research Proposal (PDF)

4

UG degree marksheets and certificate (PDF)

5

LL.M. degree marksheets and certificate (PDF)

6

M.Phil certificate (if applicable) (PDF)

7

UGC NET/JRF certificate (if applicable) (PDF)

8

Work experience certificate(s) (if applicable) (PDF)

9

Proof of identity (Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID – PDF)

10

Passport-size photograph (JPG/PNG)

Application Eligibility & Expression of Interest

To be eligible to apply, Candidates must have secured atleast 55% marks in their LL.M. A relaxation of 5% would be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD on production of a valid category certificate.

As part of the admission process, each applicant is required an expression of interest, including their educational qualifications, an updated CV and their preferred area of research. They would be then invited to complete the application form, and submit a research proposal and a statement of purpose, before appearing for the online entrance examination.

An application fee of ₹1,000 is payable at the time of application, to be paid to the, Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law.

Ph.D. Entrance Test Pattern

  • The entrance test will be MCQ based only
  • The paper will consist of 50 MCQ’s, with each question carrying one mark
  • 25 MCQ’s will be from the subject of Research Methodology (Common to all Candidates)
  • The remaining 25 MCQ’s will be from the Candidates chosen area of research as indicated by the Candidate in their application form.
  • There will be a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer
  • The Candidates who have qualified UGC NET are exempt from appearing in the entrance examination. The shortlisted candidates will have to secure at least 55% marks in the online entrance exam to be considered eligible for a place in the PhD program. A relaxation of 5% would be given to SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD candidates subject to the production of a valid category certificate.

The candidates who have qualified UGC NET, NET – JRF and GSET are exempt from appearing in the Online Entrance Examination.

The Candidates would be shortlisted on the basis of their performance in the online entrance test, research proposal and Statement of Purpose.

Fee Structure

For Full-Time Ph.D. Scholars
  • Full-Time Ph.D. Scholars will receive a Fellowship of ₹50,000 per month as the Institute’s Junior Research Fellowship. Full-Time Ph.D. Scholars will be exempt from paying tuition fees for the first three years of the Ph.D. program.
  • Full-time Ph.D. scholars are exempt from all program fees except registration fees and caution deposit for the first three years of their Doctoral studies.
  • Tuition fees (payable 4th year onwards) – Rs. 1,50,000 per semester. Note: Full-time PhD scholars at Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law who hold a UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) will receive the UGC fellowship amount of INR 42,000 per month. Additionally, the School of Law will provide a top-up grant of INR 20,000 per month for the duration of the fellowship, subject to satisfactory academic progress and compliance with University norms.
Online Entrance Examination

Candidates shortlisted on the basis of their Expression of Interest and Application will have to appear for an Online Entrance Exam, organized by the School of Law.

For Part-Time Ph.D. Scholars
  • Tuition Fees: ₹3,00,000 per annum.
  • The tuition fees are to be paid on a semester-by-semester basis, amounting to ₹1,50,000 per semester.
  • To confirm admission, part-time Ph.D. scholars are required to pay ₹1,00,000 as a seat reservation fee after selection. If this fee is not paid within the stipulated time frame, the seat will be offered to the next eligible candidate on the waiting list. This fee would be adjusted towards their tuition fees for the first semester. All candidates are required to pay a registration fee of Rs 2500 per semester and a caution deposit of Rs 25,000 (refundable at the end of the course).
Need Help?

For queries or technical issues:

Email: admissions_sol@dau.ac.in