The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is the highest degree in law and is intended for individuals who wish to pursue a career in legal academia, policy-making, or other high-level legal positions.
The SJD program typically requires a minimum of two years of advanced study beyond the Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, and it involves extensive research and writing on a specific legal topic. The program culminates in the submission and defense of a dissertation, which demonstrates the student's original contribution to legal scholarship.
The SJD program is highly competitive and typically admits only a small number of students each year. Applicants must have an outstanding academic record, demonstrate strong research and writing skills, and have a clear research agenda that aligns with the expertise of the faculty members at the institution they are applying to.
The SJD program is offered by many top law schools around the world, and graduates of the program are highly sought after in the legal profession. Many SJD graduates go on to become law professors, judges, legal scholars, and policy-makers.
Stream | Doctor of Philosophy |
Course | PhD in Juridical Science |
Full Name | PhD in Juridical Science |
Eligibility | Master in relevant Subject with 55 % marks |
Duration | 3 Years |
Fees | Updated soon |
Type | Degree |
Mode | Year |
The SJD program typically does not require an entrance exam. However, applicants must have earned a Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, and they must have an outstanding academic record.
Research and Choose Programs: | Start by researching different universities or institutions that offer PhD programs in Juridical Science. Look into their faculty, research areas, resources, and reputation in the field. Identify the programs that align with your interests and career goals. |
Meet Requirements: | Review the admission requirements for each program you're interested in. These usually include a completed application form, transcripts from previous academic institutions, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose or research proposal, standardized test scores (such as the GRE or LSAT), and sometimes a writing sample. |
Prepare Application Materials: | Begin gathering the necessary documents and preparing your application materials well in advance of the application deadlines. Make sure your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documents are up to date and reflect your academic and professional achievements. |
Write a Statement of Purpose/Research Proposal: | This is a crucial part of your application where you articulate your academic interests, research goals, and why you're interested in pursuing a PhD in Juridical Science. Be sure to demonstrate your knowledge of the field, your research experience, and how the program aligns with your career aspirations. |
Take Standardized Tests: | If required by the programs you're applying to, take the necessary standardized tests (e.g., GRE or LSAT) and ensure that your scores are sent to the institutions where you're applying. |
The SJD program typically takes a minimum of two years to complete. However, the actual duration can vary depending on the student's research topic and the requirements of the institution.
The selection criteria for the SJD program vary depending on the institution. |
Generally, the admissions committee will evaluate the applicant's academic record, research proposal, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. |
They may also consider the applicant's work experience and extracurricular activities. |
To apply for the SJD program, applicants must submit an application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a research proposal. Some institutions may also require a writing sample or an interview. Applicants should consult the admissions requirements of the institution they wish to apply to for specific instructions on how to apply.
The SJD program application form is typically available on the website of the institution offering the program. Applicants should carefully review the instructions for the application form and ensure that they provide all the required information.
The application fee for the SJD program can vary depending on the institution. Applicants should check the website of the institution offering the program for information on the application fee.
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Academia | Many SJD graduates choose to pursue careers in academia as professors or researchers. They may work in law schools, universities, or research institutions, where they teach courses, conduct legal research, and publish scholarly articles and books. |
Legal Research | SJD graduates may work as legal researchers in various organizations, such as think tanks, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private research firms. They may conduct research on legal issues, analyze legislation and case law, and provide recommendations for policymakers or legal practitioners. |
Legal Practice | Some SJD graduates may choose to practice law in specialized areas that require advanced legal knowledge. They may work as legal consultants, advisors, or experts in fields such as international law, human rights law, intellectual property law, or environmental law. They may also work for law firms that specialize in these areas or start their own legal practices. |
Government and Policy | SJD graduates may pursue careers in government agencies or international organizations, where they work on legal and policy issues. They may serve as legal advisors, policy analysts, or diplomats, providing expertise on complex legal matters and participating in the development of laws, regulations, and international agreements. |
Corporate Sector | Some SJD graduates may work in the corporate sector, particularly in companies that operate in highly regulated industries or have complex legal needs. They may work as in-house counsel, compliance officers, or legal advisors, providing guidance on legal issues related to business operations, contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. |
The SJD degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the legal profession. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, policy-making, government, private practice, and non-profit organizations. Some of the specific career opportunities available to SJD graduates include law professor, judge, legal scholar, policy analyst, and legal consultant.
The top law schools offering the SJD program include
However, the specific institution that is best for a student will depend on their research interests and career goals.
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD 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.