Learn how to apply for Doctoral Fellowship at National Law School of India University (NLSIU) for Academic Year 2026-27
- What is the Doctoral Fellowship at NLSIU?
- Objectives of the Doctoral Fellowship
- Eligibility Criteria
- Benefits & Financial Support
- How to Apply for the Doctoral Fellowship
- Document Required
- Selection Process
- Importance of the Doctoral Fellowship at NLSIU
- FAQs
What is the Doctoral Fellowship at NLSIU?
The Doctoral Fellowship at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, represents an organized financial support mechanism for fulltime PhD researchers who are registered and enrolled at the University. The fellowship aims to support and develop NLSIU’s research ecosystem by enabling registered PhD researchers to engage in quality doctoral research in Law, Social Sciences, Humanities and Public Policy without being encumbered by financial constraints.
Beginning from Academic Year 2026 – 27, NLSIU may award up to eight (8) Doctoral Fellowships, corresponding with the total PhD seats available per year (4 for PhD in Law and 4 for PhD in Social Sciences, Humanities & Public Policy).
As an engagement with rigor and professionalism, the fellowship also expects registered PhD researchers to participate in some teaching, research or university-wide activities while pursuing their doctoral studies.
Objectives of the Doctoral Fellowship
The purpose of the fellowship is to support the university’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary and legal research. The fellowship has several principal aims, which are to:
- Enhance the quality of legal scholarship by attracting outstanding PhD candidates to the NLSIU, and
- Facilitate full-time, residential research by alleviating the financial burden on a doctoral candidate.
- Integrate fellows into the research community, contributing to ongoing teaching and academic pursuits.
- Encourage research that is socially relevant and informs our understanding of legal and policy questions through practical and theoretical studies.
Eligibility Criteria for the Doctoral Fellowship
To be considered for the NLSIU Doctoral Fellowship, a candidate needs to be admitted into one of the university’s full-time PhD programmes. Fellowship eligibility will only be considered once a candidate has been admitted.
For Ph.D. (Law)
Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- An LL.B degree (5-year integrated) from regular mode of study with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD);
- An LL.B degree (3-year) with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD);
- An LL.M degree from regular mode of study with 55% marks (50% for the SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD);
- Passed the Solicitor’s examination (Bombay Incorporated Law Society) + LL.B. degree obtained through regular mode of study;
- An MBL degree from NLSIU with a minimum CGPA of 4.00 + bachelor degree from the regular mode of study.
- Final year students of the above qualifying degrees may apply provided they achieve minimum marks prior to the commencement of the Programme.
For PhD Program in Social Sciences, Humanities and Public Policy
Candidates are eligible to apply if they meet at least one of the following:
- A 4-Year Regular Programme Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities, public policy, or any other relevant subject with a minimum of 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD).
- A Masters degree in any relevant discipline with a marks of 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD) and a Bachelor’s degree in any relevant discipline in regular mode.
- Having passed Company Secretaryship (ACS) or the Chartered Account, with or without experience, with a décor through regular education.
- Passed Chartered Accountancy (CA) examination and a recognised bachelor degree on a regular basis.
Candidates who are currently in the final year of any of the above qualifying degree programs may also apply if they receive the required points before they start the PhD.
Benefits & Financial Support
1. Fellowship Amount
- ₹50,000 monthly
- For a maximum duration of 3 years from the date of joining.
2. Annual Increment
- 10% per year, based on:
- satisfactory progress in research;
- fulfilling all duties assigned by the institution
3. Total Duration
- 3 years maximum is included in the doctoral timeline.
4. Weekly Institutional Duties
- Members are expected to contribute 10 hours per week, which may include:
- helping faculty in courses;
- research assistance;
- academic or administrative tasks related to research centres;
- support working on the dissertation task.
- Such duties will assist in the professional formation of the scholar as an academic.
5. Fellowship Discontinuation
The fellowship can be discontinued if it is determined
- research work is unsatisfactory;
- institutional duties are not fulfilled;
- the scholar takes up paid employment;
- the scholar receives another national fellowship;
- This assures that the fellowship is only supporting full-time, committed researchers.
How to Apply for the Doctoral Fellowship
A separate application is not needed for the Doctoral Fellowship. Once admitted to NLSIU for the full-time PhD programme (PhD (Law) or PhD (Social Sciences, Humanities & Public Policy)), one is automatically considered for the fellowship. To be considered for the fellowship, the candidate must:
- Complete the PhD application on the NLSIU official PhD application. (The fellowship can only be awarded to admitted full-time PhD scholars).
- Include a research proposal (approximately 6-8 pages long) with his/her PhD application
- Pay the PhD application fee (Rs. 3000) upon submission.
- Qualify in the admission test and other activities after it (NLSAT-PhD written test, proposal review, and oral presentation).
- Candidates who are selected for admission will be given the fellowship, but only if seats are available and other ways to qualify for the fellowship are also met.
- Research Proposal Note: The candidate must write the research proposal without assistance from anyone and without using any AI tools. The proposal should specify a working title; include a focused research problem and specific research questions; include an awareness of relevant literature; and, include some description of a proposed methodology. If the candidate does not write the research proposal independently, the candidate may be disqualified from consideration.
Application Timeline (Important Dates for AY 2026–27)
- Final date to submit your PhD application (with payment): 11:59 PM IST, March 23, 2026.
- NLSAT–PhD (written examination): April 26, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (length: 150 minutes).
- Qualifying for proposals (written exam): Candidates who obtain at least 50 marks in the written test qualify to have their proposals reviewed and deliver their oral presentation.
- Oral presentations: Probably taking place in May 2026 (the dates will be announced by the university subsequent to the written exam).
- Classes (coursework) commence: July 2026.
- These points are taken from the announcement for 2026–27. Fellowships are awarded subsequent to admission; candidates offered admission in July 2026 would have the fellowship amount payable beginning their date of admission. (Dates from announcement uploaded to the conversation).
Official link : Apply online
Documents Required
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must be applied for the PhD programme and submit the items listed below:
At the time of application (to be included with PhD application):
- PhD application form (online) – completed, with a payment receipt for the application fee (₹3,000).
- Research proposal (6-8 pages): propose a Title, problem statement, discrete research questions, literature background, and methodology and research plan. The proposal must be original and prepared independently/without the assistance of any external/AI tools.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), containing academic history (and/or research history).
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (if applicable: undergraduate & postgraduate); if a final-year student, satisfactory evidence of enrollment and confirmation statement of the award of the degree before the programme commences.
- Proof of categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) or disability certificate (as applicable).
- Photo ID and recent passport size photograph.
Following a successful selection where applicable/ once selected (as relates to the fellowship stipend disbursal):
- Proof of full-time enrollment and/or proof of residing in accordance with University policy.
- Bank account detail (bank accounts will be provided once the stipend is ready for transfer).
- Any additional documentation requested by Academic Administration (e.g., undertaking of full-time enrollment or proof of non-engagement in paid employment during the research period).
Please note – University may ask to provide additional documentation once enrolled to finalize the disbursement of the fellowship stipend and compliance with regulations.
Selection Process
The Doctoral Fellowship is associated with the admission process, thus fellowship evaluation occurs after Ph.D selection evaluation. PhD selection evaluation consists of an:
- NLSAT-PhD written examination (Research aptitude & subject knowledge), which has a weighting of 50%. Candidates must achieve a score of ≥50 marks to be able to progress to evaluation of research proposals.
- Evaluation of research proposal, weighted 25%. The proposal of research (6-8 pages) will be evaluated by the Panel of Experts; proposals that demonstrate a solid grounding in the literature and method will receive higher scores. (The research proposal should be the ‘own’ work of a candidate, including avoidance of AI assistance);
- Oral presentation (panel of experts), weighted 25%. Short listed candidates present their proposal and answer questions; performance/presentation will weigh in on final selection;
- The final selection of candidates will be ranked based on a composite score (Exam (50%) + Proposal (25%) + Oral (25%)). Admission will be offered based on ranking and availability of seating (Entitlement to a max of 8 seats total).
- The Doctoral Fellowship is awarded after the offers of admission have been made to the candidate(s), all full-time scholars who meet the fellowship conditions (total number of fellowships at the Institute permitted per gainfully employed total number of scholars will liquify the total fellowship numbers) may be considered for the Doctoral Fellowship once all conditions are met.
Importance of the Doctoral Fellowship at NLSIU
The Doctoral Fellowship is a strategic action in NLSIU’s intention to strengthen its doctoral and research ecosystem.
It enables scholars to:
- Conduct research without the limiting factor of finances.
- Engage in teaching and actively participate in collaborative research.
- Work towards a portfolio of research to support academic careers for university faculty and policy careers.
- Engage with NLSIU’s growing research agenda in law, governance, and policy.
- Structured financial support tied to academic milestones allows NLSIU to deliver accountability and academic throughput in scholarly activity.
FAQs
Q1. On average, how many Doctoral Fellowships are awarded at NLSIU in any one year?
Ans. NLSIU awards up to 8 fellowships in alignment with the total number of PhD seats for 2026–27 (4 in Law and 4 in Social Sciences/Humanities/Public Policy).
Q2. How long is the fellowship for doctoral candidates?
Ans. The fellowship is for a maximum of 3 years.
Q3. How many hours do you work weekly?
Ans. Fellows are expected to undertake 10 hours of contributions in their academic and/or research capacity at NLSIU over the course of the week.
Q4. Are candidates with JRF eligible for the NLSIU Doctoral Fellowship?
Ans. No, candidates who hold a JRF or any national fellowship are ineligible.
Q5. Can I take a part-time job while I am a fellow
Ans. No. Fellows must not account for any paid full-time employment. Any engagement in paid full time activity will disqualify them or shall lead to the termination of the fellowship.
Conclusion
The Doctoral Fellowship at NLSIU Bengaluru is a prestigious opportunity for full-time PhD scholars from the University to engage in graduate-level work in Law, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy. Scholars are provided with funding, supervision, and a supportive research environment to enable them to carry out rigorous and impactful research while contributing to the academic life of the university, and in turn, help to build the next generation of academics and policy professionals dedicated to expanding knowledge in their fields.
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