PhD in law is a 3 year doctorate degree that specializes you in the law study. You can complete this course within a maximum time span of 5 years. PhD in law trains you to lead the judiciary, academic, government, business and other alike sectors. The course curriculum is divided into 4 semesters. During a Law Phd program, students typically take advanced courses in legal theory, research methods, and specialized topics in their chosen field of study. They also conduct independent research and write a doctoral dissertation under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The dissertation is typically a substantial piece of original research that contributes to the knowledge and understanding of a specific area of law. Law Phd graduates may pursue academic careers as law professors or researchers, or may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, or private firms as legal experts and policy analysts. The degree can also be a valuable asset for lawyers who wish to specialize in a particular area of law or enhance their credentials and career opportunities.
Course Level | Doctoral Degree |
Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Law |
Duration | 3-5 Years |
Admission process | Either by Entrance test or by Merit List |
Eligibility | Minimum 55% score in Master’s degree in law or in social science stream |
Career prospects | Lawyer, Oath Administrator, Notary, Judge, Author and others |
Many Law Phd programs do not require an entrance exam, but some programs may require applicants to take a standardized test, such as the GRE or LSAT.
LPU NEST |
ACLAT |
ILICAT |
UGC NET |
SLET |
A minimum of 55% marks in master's degree in either law or in social science stream. |
There is a 5% relaxation too for SC/ST and physically disabled categories of the society. |
The qualifying percentage may differ from institute to institute. Apart from this, you also have to appear for common entrance exams conducted at National and University level. |
A Law Phd program typically takes three to five years to complete, although some programs may allow students to complete the program in as few as two years or as many as seven years.
Selection criteria for Law Phd programs typically include academic achievement, research experience, writing ability, and demonstrated interest in a specific area of law. The selection process may also consider other factors such as professional experience, letters of recommendation, and personal characteristics such as leadership and teamwork skills.
The application form for a Law Phd program can usually be found on the website of the institution offering the program. Applicants should carefully review the instructions provided and ensure that they submit all required materials by the deadline.
The application process for a Law Phd program typically involves submitting an online application form, official transcripts from all previous academic institutions attended, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample. |
Some programs may also require applicants to submit a research proposal or statement of purpose. |
Applicants should ensure that they carefully follow the instructions provided by each program and submit all materials by the deadline. |
The application fee for a Law Phd program can vary widely depending on the institution. Applicants should check the application fee requirements for each program they are interested in.
Semester I
| Semester II
|
Semester III
| Semester IV
|
Semester V
| Semester VI
|
Career Prospects | Description |
Notary | Role of a Notary is to authenticate and attest the documents. They also help in preparation of other documents like bonds, legal papers and alike. |
Judge | The responsibility of a judge is to give the verdict on both civil and criminal cases after hearing the parties. |
Lawyer | Role of a Lawyer is to do legal research work, prepare legal documents, and advise their clients on the same. |
Authors | They write about the legal thesis and law related subjects. |
Law Phd graduates may pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including academic careers as law professors or researchers, government positions in regulatory agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations, and private sector positions as legal experts and policy analysts. The specific career opportunities available will depend on the individual's area of specialization and career goals.
Some of the top Law Phd programs in the United States include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.