PhD in Law: Admission, Eligibility, Scope & Career Opportunities
Table of Contents
A PhD in Law is the highest academic degree qualification in the field of law. It provides in-depth knowledge of legal concepts and advanced research skills. The programme is ideal for those who are seeking to deepen their knowledge of legal studies. The programme typically spans three to six years, covering topics such as constitutional law, international law, or criminology.
After completing a PhD in Law, you can pursue a role as an academic professor or researcher or contribute to a high level of research in the government or private sector. You can gain expertise in specialised legal areas and contribute to national and international legal reforms.
What is a PhD in Law?
A PhD in Law is the highest level of legal education, which involves in-depth research and expertise in specialised legal areas. The duration of a PhD in Law is three to six years. If you are passionate about studying legal terms and knowledge, you can pursue a PhD in Law.
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PhD in Law Details
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Law |
| Programme Level | Doctoral / Research Programme |
| Duration | Minimum 3 years; Maximum 6 years |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in Law (LLM) with a minimum of 55% marks |
| Admission Process | Entrance Test (University/ National level) + Personal Interview + Research Proposal Evaluation |
| Common Entrance Exams | UGC-NET, TRAT (for TMU), University-specific PhD entrance tests |
| Course Structure | Coursework (Research Methodology, Legal Research Skills) + Research Work + Thesis Submission + Viva Voce |
| Specialisations |
|
Why Pursue a PhD in Law?
If you are dreaming of becoming a legal expert and want to advance your career in the field, a PhD in law will be the best choice for you. During the programme, you can gain a deeper theoretical and philosophical understanding of law. It provides you with an opportunity to work or research globally. The programme allows you to immerse yourself in a topic you are passionate about.
A PhD in law offers you numerous career opportunities in the legal sector. You can either become a professor at a university or work as a researcher at NGOs or international organisations. You can also pursue a career as a legal consultant or serve as an expert in legal proceedings. The programme allows you to become a leading expert in a narrow legal field.
A PhD in law allows you to develop strong abilities to design and complete a long-term, in-depth research project. One of the main advantages of pursuing a PhD in law is that the process of completing the programme develops perseverance and can lead to a life-changing experience. It provides you with a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction.
Eligibility Criteria for a PhD in Law
- To pursue a PhD in law, you are required to have an LLM degree.
- You must have achieved at least 55% marks.
- You are required to qualify for an entrance exam, such as a university-specific exam or a national exam like AILET or CLAT.
- You must submit a strong research proposal.
PhD in Law Admission Process
The admission process for a PhD in law generally involves the following steps:
Apply Online
- Choose the college that offers legal education
- Apply online through the university’s official website
- Submit all the required details and documents
Entrance Exam or Research Proposal
- You have to qualify for the entrance exam, like AILET or CLAT
- Some universities may offer university-specific entrance tests like TRAT, TMU
- You need to submit a strong research proposal
- Mention your area of study and research questions.
Admission & Selection
- After a successful entrance test, you’ll be called for a personal interview.
- Now the final selection will be based on your interview and the strength of the research proposal.
- After clearing both rounds, you can confirm your seat.
Specialisations in a PhD in Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Corporate & Commercial Law
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Human Rights
- International Law
- Environmental Law
- Cyber Law & Technology Law
- Family & Personal Law
PhD in Law: Career Opportunities & Scope
| Category | Roles / Opportunities |
| Academic Careers |
|
| Legal Research & Policy |
|
| Corporate & Law Firms |
|
| Judiciary & Public Sector |
|
| Independent Career |
|
Job Roles & Salary
| Job Role | Average Salary (Per Annum) |
| Assistant Professor / Professor | ₹600,000 – ₹1,800,000+ |
| Research Scholar / Research Supervisor | ₹500,000 – ₹1,200,000 |
| Policy Analyst (Think Tanks / Govt.) | ₹700,000 – ₹2,000,000 |
| Legal Consultant | ₹800,000 – ₹2,200,000 |
| Corporate Governance Advisor | ₹10,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 |
| Compliance Strategist | ₹900,000 – ₹1,800,000 |
| Research Head – Law Firms | ₹12,00,000 – ₹28,00,000 |
| Legal Officer (Government Departments) | ₹600,000 – ₹1,500,000 |
| Legislative Drafter | ₹700,000 – ₹1,800,000 |
| NGO / International Organisation Researcher | ₹500,000 – ₹1,400,000 |
| Independent Legal Researcher / Author | ₹400,000 – ₹1,200,000 (varies widely) |
| Policy Advisor / Expert Consultant | ₹10,00,000 – ₹30,00,000 |
Top Colleges for a PhD in Law
| University / College | Key Highlights (Very Short) |
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru | India's top law school has a strong research culture |
| National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad | Renowned faculty, excellent legal research facilities |
| National Law University (NLU), Delhi | Policy-focused research, strong national reputation |
| Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar | Interdisciplinary research & advanced research centres |
| Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad | Research-driven PhD, personalised guidance, modern infrastructure |
| WBNUJS, Kolkata | Known for constitutional & human rights research |
| Indian Law Institute (ILI), New Delhi | Premier institute for legal research & policy studies |
| Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune | Strong industry interface & contemporary law research |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi | The oldest and most respected law faculty in India |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh | Established legal department with strong academic credentials |
Why TMU Stands Out for a PhD in Law Studies?
Teerthankar Mahaveer University is considered an ideal destination for pursuing a PhD in law due to its BAR Council of India curriculum, experienced faculty and structured PhD monitoring system. Here, students will get theoretical knowledge and practical training both through the moot course, internships and case studies.
- BCI-Approved Curriculum: TMU offers a BCI-approved curriculum to its students, enabling them to appear for the All India Bar Examination and become legal practitioners in India. That means TMU prepares students with career-oriented knowledge and necessary skills. The curriculum of the BA LLB course at TMU is designed to provide students with a perfect balance of classroom learning and real-world practice.
- Faculty Members: The College of Law and Legal Studies of TMU has excellent faculty members. They encourage students to participate in moot court competitions and internships. Beyond academics, the faculty members of TMU provide an opportunity to get real-world experience through moot courses, internships and case studies.
- World-Class Infrastructure: TMU has modern facilities and infrastructure to equip candidates with advanced knowledge and practical skills through modern classes and updated labs. The university has moot court facilities (a real courtroom environment), a legal aid clinic and also its own well-stocked library. It has many other digital resources for legal research.
Admission Process for a PhD in Law at TMU
- You can apply online for the PhD programme through the official admission page of TMU.
- Finish the application form and fill out the information.
- Upload required documents
- After successfully applying, the TMU Admission Cell will coordinate with you for the entrance exam, TRAT.
- After qualifying for the entrance exam, you can pay the admission fee and confirm your seat.
Conclusion
A PhD in law is not just a degree; it’s a transformative journey. It equips you with the knowledge and skills. It provides scholars with critical thinking and research skills as well as problem-solving skills that open up a broad range of career paths in academia, industry, government, entrepreneurship, consultancy and many more. Doctoral studies teach resilience, discipline, and passion to discover, which are essential to prepare graduates to overcome obstacles and make a difference in the different areas.
FAQ
Q1. What is a PhD in law programme?
Ans. A PhD in Law is the highest level of legal education, which involves in-depth research and expertise in specialised legal areas.
Q2. What is the duration of the PhD in law programme?
Ans. The minimum duration of the PhD in law programme is 3 years, and the maximum is 6 years.
Q3. What is the qualification for a PhD in law?
Ans. To be eligible for the PhD in law programme, you are required to have a master's degree in law with at least 55% marks.
Q4. Can I do a PhD with an LLB?
Ans. No, you cannot pursue a PhD with an LLB. After completing an LLM, you can do a PhD in law.
Q5. Is LLM equal to a PhD?
Ans. No, an LLM is not equal to a PhD. LLM is a master ’s-level education, while a PhD provides in-depth knowledge and expertise in legal education.
