Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 27, 2026

The Ph.D. (Law) program at National Law University (NLU) Jodhpur is a prestigious 3-year full-time doctoral degree designed for aspiring legal researchers and academics. This program emphasizes original and innovative research, equipping scholars with advanced analytical skills to contribute meaningfully to legal scholarship. The course combines rigorous coursework with independent research under expert supervision. The program has a limited intake of 8 seats for UGC-JRF/NET qualified candidates and entrance test applicants combined. The program is offered in full-time on-campus mode at the university's Jodhpur campus. NLU Jodhpur's Ph.D. program is highly regarded for its research-focused approach and strong faculty mentorship, making it an excellent choice for students aspiring to pursue academic careers in law.

Admissions for the Ph.D. (Law) program 2026 are currently ongoing. The application deadline is March 31, 2026, and the entrance test is scheduled for May 17, 2026. Candidates with UGC-NET qualification or UGC-JRF fellowship are exempted from the entrance test and will be evaluated based on research proposal evaluation (50 percent weightage) and interview/viva-voce (50 percent weightage). For other candidates, the selection process involves a written entrance test (70 percent weightage) followed by research proposal evaluation and interview (30 percent weightage). The program follows a rolling admission process, and selected candidates are typically notified within 2-3 weeks of the interview.

Key Points:

Research-focused curriculum combining coursework and independent research
Expert faculty supervision with Research Advisory Committee guidance
Flexible duration with provisions for maternity leave and extensions for female scholars and persons with disabilities
Access to university libraries, research facilities, and academic journals
Opportunities for publication in NLUJ's flagship journals and research centers

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

NLU Jodhpur Ph.D. (Law) Fees

The total fees for the Ph.D. (Law) program at NLU Jodhpur is Rs. 3.37 lakhs for the entire 3-year duration. This includes tuition fees of Rs. 1.8 lakhs and other academic charges of Rs. 37,000. Students are required to pay Rs. 1.39 lakhs in the first year. The fee structure is designed to be affordable while maintaining the quality of research infrastructure and faculty support. Hostel fees are optional and charged separately at Rs. 3.24 lakhs for the entire duration if students opt for on-campus accommodation.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee	1,80,000
Other Academic Charges	37,000
Total Academic Fee	2,17,000
Additional Charges (if applicable)	1,20,000
Total Fees (3 Years)	3,37,000
Hostel Fee (Optional)	3,24,000

Fees are non-refundable except for the security deposit component.
Payment can be made in installments as per university guidelines.
NRI candidates are charged higher fees of Rs. 5 lakhs for the entire program.
Candidates with UGC-JRF fellowship receive monthly stipends of Rs. 31,000 (JRF) or Rs. 25,000 (NET) during their research period.

Explore Other Group Colleges of NLU Jodhpur

NLU Jodhpur Ph.D. (Law) Admission 2026

The Ph.D. (Law) program at NLU Jodhpur follows a merit-based admission process with multiple pathways for candidates. Admissions are conducted through the National Level Entrance Test or through UGC-NET/JRF qualification. The university maintains a transparent and rigorous selection process to ensure that only the most dedicated and capable researchers are admitted to the program. The admission process typically spans from March to June, with results announced within 2-3 weeks of the final interview.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Application Deadline	March 31, 2026
Entrance Test Date	May 17, 2026
Result Announcement	June 15, 2026 (Tentative)
Counselling/Registration	June 20-30, 2026 (Tentative)
Program Commencement	July 2026

Exam Dates (UGC-NET - Relevant for Ph.D. Admission)

Exam	Phase	Registration Start	Registration End	Exam Date	Result Date
UGC-NET	Phase 1	October 7, 2025	November 7, 2025	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET	Phase 2	April 1, 2026	May 1, 2026	June 1, 2026	July 1, 2026

Note: UGC-NET qualified candidates are exempted from the NLU Jodhpur entrance test and are directly evaluated on research proposal and interview.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Master's degree in Law (LL.M.) with minimum 55 percent marks or equivalent grade, or a professional degree declared equivalent to Master's in Law by statutory regulatory bodies
Bachelor's degree in Law combined with a Master's degree in Social Sciences or Humanities with minimum 55 percent marks, provided the research interfaces with law and public policy
Candidates with Law degree and Company Secretary (CS) or Chartered Accountant (CA) qualifications are eligible if their research interfaces with law

Admission Process:

For UGC-NET/JRF Qualified Candidates: Exempted from entrance test; evaluated on research proposal (50 percent) and interview/viva-voce (50 percent)
For Entrance Test Applicants: Written entrance test (50 percent research methodology + 50 percent subject-specific law questions) followed by research proposal evaluation and interview
Minimum 50 percent marks required in entrance test to qualify for second stage; minimum 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC/ST/OBC/EWS) required in research proposal and interview for final selection
5 percent relaxation in entrance test marks for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), Differently-Abled, EWS, and other reserved categories
Candidates equal to three times the number of available seats are shortlisted for the second stage based on entrance test performance

NLU Jodhpur Ph.D. (Law) Scholarships 2026

NLU Jodhpur offers multiple scholarship and fellowship opportunities for Ph.D. scholars to support their research and living expenses. The university recognizes merit and provides financial assistance through various government and institutional schemes. These scholarships aim to encourage talented researchers from diverse backgrounds to pursue doctoral studies without financial constraints.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship/Fellowship	Amount	Duration	Eligibility
UGC-JRF Fellowship	Rs. 31,000 per month	5 years	UGC-NET JRF qualified candidates
UGC-NET Fellowship (Category 2 and 3)	Rs. 25,000 per month	5 years	UGC-NET qualified candidates (non-JRF)
University Merit Scholarship	Variable	3 years	Top performers in entrance test and interview
SC/ST/OBC Scholarship	Variable	3 years	Reserved category candidates meeting merit criteria
EWS Scholarship	Variable	3 years	Economically Weaker Section candidates

UGC-JRF fellowship is activated upon joining as a full-time Ph.D. scholar.
Contingency grants of Rs. 20,000 per annum are provided to JRF fellows for research expenses.
Candidates can avail only one scholarship/fellowship at a time.
Application for university scholarships must be submitted within 15 days of admission.
SC/ST/OBC candidates receive 5 percent horizontal reservation in addition to category-specific reservations.

NLU Jodhpur Ph.D Law Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#4 out of 98 in India 2025

#1st in Rajasthan

The Week Ranking

#7 out of 38 in India 2025

#1st in Rajasthan

IIRF Ranking

#9 out of 40 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

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NLU Jodhpur Ph.D. (Law) FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between UGC-NET and the NLU Jodhpur entrance test for Ph.D. admission?

Ans. UGC-NET is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for determining eligibility for lectureship and research fellowships. Candidates who qualify UGC-NET (especially with JRF) are exempted from NLU Jodhpur's entrance test and are directly evaluated on their research proposal and interview. The NLU Jodhpur entrance test is specifically designed for candidates who have not qualified UGC-NET and consists of 50 percent research methodology and 50 percent subject-specific law questions.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. part-time while working as a lawyer or in another profession?

Ans. Yes, NLU Jodhpur offers both full-time and part-time Ph.D. enrollment options. Part-time scholars can pursue their research while maintaining professional commitments, though the minimum duration remains 3 years. However, part-time scholars are required to spend a minimum of 2 years in residence at the university for coursework and research guidance. It is advisable to discuss your specific situation with the Ph.D. coordinator before applying.

Ques. What is the research proposal evaluation process, and how important is it for admission?

Ans. The research proposal is a critical component of the admission process, carrying 50 percent weightage for UGC-NET/JRF candidates and 30 percent weightage for entrance test applicants. Your proposal should clearly articulate your research question, methodology, significance, and expected outcomes. The Research Advisory Committee evaluates proposals based on originality, feasibility, and alignment with the university's research strengths. A well-crafted proposal significantly enhances your chances of admission.

Ques. Are there any provisions for female scholars or persons with disabilities in the Ph.D. program?

Ans. Yes, NLU Jodhpur provides several provisions for female scholars and persons with disabilities. Female Ph.D. scholars are eligible for maternity leave/child care leave up to 240 days during their entire Ph.D. duration. Additionally, female scholars and persons with disabilities (more than 40 percent disability) can avail an additional 2-year extension, making the maximum duration 10 years instead of 8 years. These provisions ensure that scholars from diverse backgrounds can pursue their research without undue hardship.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing Ph.D. from NLU Jodhpur?

Ans. Ph.D. graduates from NLU Jodhpur pursue diverse career paths including academic positions in law schools and universities, research fellowships at national and international institutions, positions in think tanks and policy research organizations, legal consultancy roles, and positions in government and international organizations. Many graduates also pursue postdoctoral research or establish themselves as independent researchers. The university's strong alumni network and research reputation facilitate placements in prestigious institutions.

Ques. How is the research supervision structured, and what support do Ph.D. scholars receive?

Ans. Each Ph.D. scholar is assigned a Research Supervisor who serves as the Convener of the Research Advisory Committee. The committee includes at least two additional members, with possible inclusion of external experts. Scholars are required to present their progress before the committee each semester and receive feedback for improvement. The university provides access to extensive library resources, research databases, computing facilities, and opportunities to present research at national and international conferences. Regular seminars and workshops are organized to enhance research skills and academic development.