Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Ph.D. in Law (Part Time) at Saveetha School of Law (SSL), a constituent institution of Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, is a doctoral programme specifically designed for working legal professionals, practicing advocates, academicians, and judicial officers who wish to pursue advanced legal research without interrupting their careers. The programme is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and recognized by UGC, and spans a minimum of 3 years. Research areas include constitutional law, criminal law, corporate law, intellectual property rights, international law, labour law, human rights, environmental law, and cyber law. The total programme fee is Rs. 75,000 (Rs. 25,000 per year), making it one of the most affordable part-time law Ph.D. programmes in Tamil Nadu. SIMATS is ranked #11 in NIRF University Rankings 2025, and Saveetha School of Law is ranked #39 by IIRF among law colleges in India in 2025.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open on a rolling basis. Candidates can apply online through the SIMATS admissions portal (simatsadmissions.saveetha.com). Based on previous year patterns, the application window typically remains open from January to June, with batch commencement in July/August. The Part Time mode is particularly suited for legal practitioners, government officers, and faculty members seeking to enhance their academic credentials while continuing their professional commitments.

Key Points

The Part Time Ph.D. (Law) is specifically designed for working professionals including practicing advocates, legal officers, and law faculty members.
Saveetha School of Law is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and recognized by UGC, ensuring national validity of the degree.
The school is ranked #39 by IIRF among law colleges in India (2025) and is part of NAAC A++ accredited SIMATS.
The school employs the MILA (Micro Interactive Learning Approach) pedagogy, emphasizing research, publication, and practical legal training.
Research scholars are encouraged to publish 5-6 research papers during the programme, with mentorship from a Scientific Review Board.
The campus features a 1,200 sq. ft. Moot Court, a digital library with 8,000+ books, legal aid clinics, and Wi-Fi-enabled smart classrooms.
SIMATS has active MoUs with international institutions, enabling collaborative research and global exposure for doctoral scholars.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

SIMATS Ph.D. (Law) Part Time Fees

The Ph.D. (Law) Part Time at Saveetha School of Law carries the same fee structure as the Full Time programme, with a total course fee of Rs. 75,000 payable over 3 years at Rs. 25,000 per year. An additional examination fee of Rs. 10,000 per year is applicable. Since this is a Part Time programme, hostel accommodation is generally not required; however, on-campus hostel facilities are available for outstation scholars who need to attend periodic contact sessions.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (per year)	Rs. 25,000
Examination Fee (per year)	Rs. 10,000
Total Academic Fee (per year)	Rs. 35,000
Total Academic Fee (3 years)	Rs. 1,05,000
Hostel Fee (per year, optional)	Rs. 80,000 - Rs. 1,80,000
Total Fees (without hostel)	Rs. 1,05,000

Hostel accommodation is optional and typically not required for Part Time scholars; it is available for outstation candidates attending contact sessions.
Hostel fee varies by room type: Non-AC shared rooms start at Rs. 80,000/year; AC deluxe rooms go up to Rs. 1,80,000/year.
Application fee of Rs. 1,000 is payable at the time of registration (non-refundable).
Fees are refundable as per the university's cancellation and refund policy upon submission of a written cancellation request.
Education loans are available through partner banks for eligible candidates.

SIMATS Ph.D. (Law) Part Time Admission 2026

Saveetha School of Law accepts applications for Ph.D. (Law) Part Time on a rolling basis throughout the year, with the primary intake typically commencing in July/August. Admission is based on UGC-NET scores (Law / relevant subject) and/or a university-level research aptitude interview. The application process is fully online through the SIMATS admissions portal. Shortlisted candidates are called for a group discussion and personal interview before final selection. Part Time scholars are expected to attend periodic contact sessions on campus as per the university's schedule.

Saveetha School of Law Ph.D. (Part Time) Admission Dates 2026

Event	Tentative Date
Application Window Opens	January 2026 (Ongoing)
Application Last Date	June 29, 2026
Group Discussion and Interview	July 2026
Batch Commencement	July / August 2026

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

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

Note: UGC-NET (Law) is the primary accepted entrance exam for Ph.D. (Law) Part Time admission at Saveetha School of Law. Candidates are advised to check the official SIMATS admissions portal for the latest updates.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must hold an LL.M. degree (or equivalent Master's degree in Law) from a UGC-recognized university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per UGC norms).
A valid UGC-NET score in Law (or relevant subject) is preferred; candidates may also be considered based on performance in the university-level research aptitude interview.
Candidates must be employed in a relevant professional capacity (e.g., practicing advocate, law faculty, legal officer, judicial officer) to be eligible for the Part Time mode.

Admission Process:

Step 1: Register and fill the online application form at simatsadmissions.saveetha.com and pay the application fee of Rs. 1,000.
Step 2: Submit academic documents, proof of employment/professional engagement, UGC-NET scorecard (if applicable), and a research proposal/statement of purpose.
Step 3: Shortlisted candidates are called for a group discussion and personal interview conducted by the department.
Step 4: Final merit list is prepared based on UGC-NET score, professional experience, and interview/GD performance.
Step 5: Selected candidates complete document verification, seat booking, and fee payment to confirm admission.

SIMATS Ph.D. (Law) Part Time Scholarships 2026

Saveetha School of Law and SIMATS offer scholarship and fellowship avenues for Ph.D. (Law) Part Time scholars. While most national fellowships (such as UGC-JRF) are primarily available for Full Time scholars, Part Time candidates may benefit from merit-based fee concessions and research grants offered by the university. The low fee structure of Rs. 75,000 for the entire programme makes it highly accessible for working professionals.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Amount / Benefit	Eligibility
SIMATS Merit-Based Fee Concession	Partial tuition fee waiver (amount varies)	High-performing scholars as per university policy
DST-INSPIRE Fellowship	Rs. 31,000/month + Rs. 20,000 annual research grant	Top 1% in qualifying exam or national-level merit (check eligibility for Part Time mode)
Sports Scholarship (SIMATS)	Up to 100% tuition fee waiver (International level)	Scholars with outstanding sports achievements
UGC-JRF / SRF (via UGC-NET Law)	Rs. 31,000/month (JRF); Rs. 35,000/month (SRF)	Primarily for Full Time scholars; Part Time candidates should verify eligibility with UGC

UGC-JRF/SRF fellowships are generally awarded to Full Time research scholars; Part Time candidates should confirm eligibility directly with UGC.
Candidates are encouraged to explore state government scholarships and bar council grants for legal research.
SIMATS provides financial support for presenting research at national and international conferences.
Application deadlines for national fellowships vary; candidates should check the respective official portals.

SIMATS Chennai Ph.D Law Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#40 out of 102 in India 2025

#1st in Chennai

#2 in Tamil Nadu

NIRF Ranking

#19 out of 40 in India 2025

#1st in Chennai

#2 in Tamil Nadu

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here

SIMATS Ph.D. (Law) Part Time FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the Full Time and Part Time Ph.D. (Law) at Saveetha School of Law?

Ans. The Full Time Ph.D. (Law) requires scholars to be present on campus regularly and dedicate themselves entirely to research. The Part Time Ph.D. (Law) is designed for working professionals who can continue their employment while pursuing the doctorate, attending periodic contact sessions on campus as required by the university. Both programmes carry the same fee structure and lead to the same UGC-recognized degree.

Ques. Can a practicing advocate enroll in the Part Time Ph.D. (Law) at Saveetha School of Law?

Ans. Yes, the Part Time Ph.D. (Law) is specifically designed for working legal professionals including practicing advocates, law faculty members, legal officers, and judicial officers. Candidates must provide proof of their professional engagement at the time of application.

Ques. What is the minimum duration to complete the Part Time Ph.D. (Law) at Saveetha School of Law?

Ans. The minimum duration for the Part Time Ph.D. (Law) programme is 3 years. The actual duration may extend depending on research progress, thesis submission, and evaluation timelines. Part Time scholars typically take 4 to 6 years to complete the programme.

Ques. Is UGC-NET mandatory for Part Time Ph.D. (Law) admission at Saveetha School of Law?

Ans. A valid UGC-NET score in Law is the preferred requirement for Ph.D. admission. However, candidates with significant professional experience may also be considered based on their performance in the university-level group discussion and personal interview. It is advisable to contact the admissions office directly for the latest policy.

Ques. How many days per week or month does a Part Time Ph.D. scholar need to be present on campus?

Ans. The exact contact session schedule for Part Time scholars is determined by the university and the assigned research supervisor. Typically, Part Time scholars are required to attend periodic contact sessions (weekends or designated days) and submit progress reports at regular intervals. Candidates should confirm the specific attendance requirements with the Saveetha School of Law admissions office before enrolling.

Ques. Are there hostel facilities available for outstation Part Time Ph.D. scholars at Saveetha School of Law?

Ans. Yes, on-campus hostel accommodation is available for outstation scholars who need to attend contact sessions. Hostel options range from non-AC shared rooms (Rs. 80,000/year) to AC deluxe rooms (up to Rs. 1,80,000/year). Since Part Time scholars typically do not reside on campus full-time, short-term accommodation arrangements can be discussed with the hostel administration.