Introduction
Some professions require continuing education in a variety of ways. This is especially true for the legal profession, for someone who wishes to pursue a career in academia. That is where a Ph.D., the highest educational degree in any discipline, comes into play. Pursuing a Ph.D. is a fairly challenging endeavour for students, even those with exceptional skills in the field. It requires extensive research and coursework. In fact, even becoming eligible for pursuing the same requires a lot of dedication and hard work over the years, along with an LLM degree. This article aims to cover all the aspects one needs to know about pursuing a Ph.D. after completing a post-graduation in law. Read on!
What is a Ph.D.?
A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), also known as a doctoral degree is theoretically the highest educational degree in any given discipline. The research programme seeks to generate graduates who can add to the canon of knowledge in their particular fields of study and come up with highly innovative and practical solutions to pressing problems of the present times. In simple words, it can be described as a work experience where a person spends time teaching, learning how to analyse data and tackling difficult problems. It is only when a person is full of passion, discipline, persistence and perseverance that this degree can be effectively pursued.
Why do people pursue a Ph.D. In Law?
People pursue a Ph.D. in order to be able to work in furtherance of their passion for research (since the course curriculum requires extensive research), to explore new frontiers, and so that they could spend their life working on new ideas. This challenging yet rewarding degree also appeals to many due to the valuable skill set that it provides which may be beneficial to them in both academic as well as non-academic pursuits. For instance, it is pursued by those interested in teaching legal subjects at the university level since Ph.D. holders are often given more preference for the same than the ones with an LLM degree. Undeniably, professors are well paid and respected, which could be motivating factors as well. Some people also pursue the degree in order to take up research positions and promote the development in their chosen area of specialisation. Apart from this, the degree also prepares individuals for several leadership roles in Judiciary and Government.
Moreover, one of the many benefits that come with the degree is that it enables people to attend conferences, which could help them in having contact with various professionals, thereby, helping them build a great network. Summing up, a Ph.D. changes the outlooks and life of a person and enables people to earn money by doing what they love.
Duration Of The Course
Duration of a Ph.D in Law is 3 years (full-time) or 5- 6 years (part-time).
Course Structure: A General Overview
Though the curriculum and syllabus of a Ph.D. in Law can vary as per the specialisation as well as the academic institution, a general overview of the same is discussed below:
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First year: Students are required to focus on the coursework of their specialisations with their prospective Advisory Committees. Seminars regarding legal scholarships and methodologies are organised in the first semester and students are required to present a report on the same in the subsequent semester.
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Second year: Students must collaborate with the faculty dissertation committee and submit their dissertations as either a manuscript that is nearly a book's length or three articles that can be published, which together make up the portfolio. The committees offer their opinions on the dissertation prospectus of the relevant students and approve or disapprove it. Students are also required to compulsorily take up teaching positions such as teaching assistants, co-teaching with faculty etc.
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Third year: In this year, students can either continue with teaching or work on improvising their dissertations. In many cases, one can indulge in research projects while pursuing teaching and towards the end of the third year, submit their dissertation.
Specialisation Offered
Selecting a particular specialisation for a Ph.D. helps in delving deeper into it by pursuing research. There are a plethora of subjects such as civil law, jurisprudence, intellectual property law, human rights, environmental law, etc that students can choose from as their area of specialisation.
Eligibility
In order to pursue Ph.D. in law, one must:
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Secure minimum 55% marks in master's degree in either law or in social science stream with 5% relaxation for SC/ST and physically disabled students. This percentage may differ from institute to institute.
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Clear the common entrance exams conducted at the National and University level, which are discussed under the next header.
Note: Candidates who have passed the UGC NET/SET, JMI, ILET, and other related entrance exams do not need to take the university entrance exam and can pursue Ph.D. directly after clearing the interview and other rounds (as applicable in a given case).
Entrance Exams
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AILET
AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) is the exam conducted for admissions of law aspirants to National Law university (NLU) Delhi.
Eligibility: LL.M. or an equivalent law degree with 55% marks (50% in case of SC/ST/ Persons with Disabilities).
Exam pattern: 100 multiple choice Objective Type Questions of one mark each with a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
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Section A: 50 multiple-choice questions (50 marks) to test legal knowledge and legal reasoning drawn from different areas of law. (50 questions: 50 marks)
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Section B: Candidates have to answer one question (50 marks) out of the three options given in Section B. Section B question will require candidates to develop a research design in response to the given factual scenario. The evaluation of this part will particularly take into consideration the quality, feasibility and innovativeness of research questions and research methodology suggested by the candidate (1 question; 50 marks)
Exam duration: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Language of the exam: English
Mode: offline/pen-paper based
2. UGC NET
The UGC NET is conducted twice a year by the National Testing Agency.
Eligibility: LL.M. or an equivalent masters degree with 55% marks (50% in case of SC/ST/ OBC). Those candidates appearing in their final examinations, completing their postgraduation or awaiting results can also apply for the exam.
Exam pattern: The exam includes two papers. UGC NET Paper 1 is compulsory for all the candidates while the candidates need to choose the subject of Paper 2. The total questions are 150 questions where 2 marks are allotted for each correct answer without any negative marking.
Exam duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Language of the exam: English and Hindi
Mode: Online (CBT mode)
Other entrance exams which candidates can appear for are LPUNEST (Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test, ACLAT (Alliance Common Law Admission Test), ILICAT (Indian Law Institute Common Admission Test), etc.
Syllabus In Ph.D. Law
The format of Ph.D. entrance varies from University to University but the syllabus is common for the entrance exam.
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Paper
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Syllabus
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1. Research
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1. Research Methodology
2. Research Aptitude
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2. Law
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1. Jurisprudence
2. Constitutional and Administrative Laws
3. International Laws
4. Law of Crimes
5. Law of Torts and Consumer Protection
6 Commercial Law
7. Family Law
8. Environmental and Human Rights Law
9. Intellectual Property Rights and Information Technology Law
10. Comparative Public Law and Systems of Governance
11. Law and Justice in a Globalising World.
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Research Assistants And Research Scholars
Many reputed law colleges across India hire research assistants and research scholars for a variety of research projects on a regular basis. These may be short-term projects (3-6 months) or long-term projects (6months- 2 years). As part of the project work, the candidate may be asked to work in diverse research activities including fieldwork, data collection, data analysis, report drafting and other related activities.
Needless to say, research assistants who are selected for such projects are paid a fixed stipend every month for their services. Such stipend may range from INR 20000/ to INR 40000/- or even more every month, depending upon the hiring institution and/or the nature of the project.
Some of these colleges include:
Top 5 Colleges Offering Ph.D. In Law
Part time Ph.D. is the best option for a working professional aiming to steer towards a career in research or academia or to broaden your career horizons.While most law colleges in India offer full-time Ph.D.s, some also offer part-time Ph.D. programs. The main difference between the two is that a part time Ph.D. is of a longer duration spanning around 6 to 8 years while a regular doctoral degree might be somewhere between 3 to 5 years. Also, assistance from faculty would be limited in a part time Ph.D. program, however, legal professionals who want to pursue working side by side with their doctoral degree are suggested to opt for the part-time program. The degree value of both the programs are the same.
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National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
Equipped with a state-of-the-art library, multiple academic centres, student housing and essential facilities, the University is committed to serve as a breeding ground for future leaders. The Ph.D. program offered by the university provides candidates with an opportunity to contribute to the academic field in their chosen areas of study. The University issues an advertisement every year inviting applications from candidates seeking admission for the Research Degree Programme.
Admission Process
The admission process consists of three steps:
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Submission Of Application Form Along With A Research Proposal
Every candidate shall submit an application form, along with a research proposal of not more than 3500 words. The research proposal should contain:
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Title
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Statement of the problem with background information on the subject and the expected contribution of the research
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A set of research questions along with the hypothesis and methodology
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A research design
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An admissions test
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Presentation of the research proposal before a panel constituted by the University
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Admissions Test
There shall be a national-level entrance examination, which will consist of the following:
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Research Aptitude – 50 marks
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Contemporary developments in the field of law and society –50 marks
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Specific questions in Law – 50 marks
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Candidates securing not less than 50% marks in the admissions test will qualify for an oral presentation before a panel of experts on the date specified by the University.
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Presentation Of The Research Proposal
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Successful candidates, in the admission test, shall be required to make an oral presentation before a panel of experts on a date specified by the University.
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Research Proposals of candidates who qualify to make an oral presentation shall be evaluated by a panel of experts.
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The oral presentation will be evaluated by a panel of experts.
Selection Process
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Candidates are selected upon consideration of the marks obtained by each candidate in the admissions test, the written research proposal and the oral presentation. The weightage of each score component shall be notified by the University to the candidates every year, in the Admissions Notification
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A candidate who has failed in a second attempt shall not be eligible for any further attempts to seek admission to the Ph.D programme in NLSIU.
Fees
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Fee
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Amount
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Registration Fee (at the time of admission)
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Rs. 30,000/-
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Course Work Fee (at the time of admission)
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Rs. 30,000/-
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Annual Fee (Every Year within one month from the date of registration, failing which they will have to pay the fine prescribed by the University )
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Rs. 25,000/-
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Fee for Final Presentation
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Rs. 50,000/-
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Examination Fee (at the time of submission of Thesis)
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Rs. 20,000/-
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Re-submission of thesis
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Rs. 20,000/-
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Total
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Rs. 175000
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Source: HERE
2. National Law University, Delhi
National Law University (NLU), Delhi is the leading law institute of all the NLUs in India. It is recognised by UGC, and as the university had accredited Grade-A NAAC.
Admission Process
The admission takes place through a two-stage selection process, which includes:
(1) Written entrance test
(2) The evaluation of research proposals followed by interview/ viva-voce. In the final selection of candidates, a weightage of 70% shall be given to the entrance test and 30% shall be given to the results of evaluation of research proposals and interview/viva-voce.
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50% of the questions for the entrance test shall be relating to Research Methodology and the remaining 50% shall be from different areas of law. The candidate shall secure a minimum of 50% marks (45% in case of SC/ST/PWD candidates) in the entrance test to qualify for the second stage. Candidates equal to three times the number of available seats will be shortlisted for the second stage, based on the results of the entrance test.
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The candidate should also secure a minimum of 50% marks (45% in case of SC/ST/differently abled candidates) in the evaluation of research proposals and interview/viva-voce to qualify for the final selection.
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The Research Advisory Committee will assist the Doctoral Committee in evaluating the research proposals as per the guidelines prescribed by NLU Delhi. The decision of the Doctoral Committee in recommending the name of the candidates for admission to Ph.D. programme shall be final. The admissions will finally be approved by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendations of the Doctoral Committee.
Fees
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Particulars
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Full-time
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Part-time
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Registration Fee (At the time admission)
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Rs.10,000.00
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Rs.30,000.00
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Course work Fee/Tuition Fee (at the time of admission)
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Rs.50,000.00
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Rs.1,50,000.00
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Annual Fee (Every Year from the 1st year onwards)
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Rs.50,000.00
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Rs.1,50,000.00
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Fee for Final Presentation/Evaluation (at the time of submission of Ph.D. Thesis)
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Rs.50,000.00
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Rs.50,000.00
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Library Security Deposits
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Rs.15,000.00
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Rs.15,000.00
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Re-Registration fee-in case of deregistration of scholar
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Rs.25,000.00
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Source: HERE
3. Symbiosis Law School, Pune
Symbiosis Law School, Pune, has reached numerous milestones in teaching, learning, and research during the course of its 38-year history. The primary goal of SLS is to produce one of the best, most knowledgeable, and new legal professionals with a social responsibility to society and education standards that are on pace with international norms.
Admission Process
The selection is done strictly on the merit basis taking into account the combined scores obtained in of Ph.D Entrance Test (70 % weightage) and Personal Interview (30 % weightage).
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Ph D Entrance Examination (PET): Eligible applicants are required to appear for Computer based Test at designated centres. The examination may be held in proctored mode if the situation warrants. PET is a multiple choice based test with no negative marking having two parts: Research Methodology ( 50 Marks) and sub-stream ( 50 Marks). Minimum passing marks are 50/ 100 ( 45/100 for SC/ST/DA candidates).
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Personal Interviews: Personal Interactions are conducted by a panel of experts as per the sub-streams on assigned dates and time slots. Marks are allocated for articulation of the research problem, understanding of the subject, critical thinking, suitability of the research topic to SIV agenda, extent of proposed research topic to contribution to the new body of knowledge, research publications in the past and overall research idea being proposed.
Fees
Selected candidates need to pay the Registration Fees of INR.10,000/- (Non-refundable) Course-work Fees of INR. 20,000/- and a Security Deposit of INR. 10,000/- (Refundable) from the first instalment.
Once confirmed in the programme the candidates need to pay semester fees of INR.15,000/- per semester till a candidate submits the Ph.D. Thesis. Since the programme is non-tenured, the total fees shall depend upon the time taken to complete the programme.
Source: HERE
4. The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad
With students admitted from all over the country and faculty drawn from home and abroad, NALSAR is counted amongst the top law schools of the country. A symbiotic relationship between teaching and research has thus been proactively forged in the operation of the academic programs by the university including Ph.D.
Admission Process
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Selection of the candidate will be based on the marks scored in the entrance examination conducted by the university.
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Candidates who pass the entrance test will be required to submit a preliminary proposal to get shortlisted for the interview round. If the percentage of plagiarism exceeds 15% in the proposal, then the candidates will not be called for the interview
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If a candidate clears the admission test and the interview, they will be required to attend Research Methodology course to be conducted by the University.
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After successful completion of the course, candidates will have to submit their research proposal
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The research proposal shall be evaluated by all members of the Research Committee and accordingly, the candidates will be shortlisted for the course.
Fees
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Year
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1
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2
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3
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Admission Fees
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Rs. 10000
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--
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--
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Tution Fees
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Rs. 20000
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Rs. 20000
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Rs. 20000
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Registration Fees
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Rs. 2000
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--
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Other Fees
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Rs. 34500
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Rs. 29500
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Rs. 29500
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Total Year Wise Fees
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Rs. 66,500
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Rs. 49,500
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Rs. 49,500
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This course is provided by full-time Full-time Residential Scholars or Part-time and Non-Resident Full Time Scholars.
Source: HERE
5. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
The Ph.D. in Law programme offered by the university allows students to take up advanced research in law and interdisciplinary areas. The programme is primarily designed for students to contribute substantially to the area of legal literature and, thereby, facilitating them to be a part of the contemporary legal academia in their chosen area of study.
Admission Process
Selection of candidates for the available seats shall be on the basis of marks obtained in Research Proposal, entrance test plus interview or Research Proposal and interview only as the case may be on the basis of merit. Date of the interview will be notified later on. The Entrance Test shall consist of one paper of 100 marks with 3 hours duration.
Fees
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Particulars
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Amount to be paid
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Admission Fee ( Registration)
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Rs. 15,000
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Annual Fees
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Rs.50,000 (per year)
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Source: HERE
Conclusion
Pursuing a Ph.D. can be a life changing decision that must not be taken in haste. It is only after taking all the relevant factors into account, that one must make the decision. A dedicated approach and passion for a particular area of law are other determining factors.
