Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India's premier law universities. The university offers a full-time Ph.D. program in law and related disciplines, aimed at promoting advanced legal research and scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria:
A Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) with at least 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA) from a recognized university.
Candidates with a Master’s degree in other disciplines related to law may also be considered, provided they demonstrate a strong research aptitude.
Relaxation of 5% marks (or equivalent CGPA) is provided for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates.
Admission Procedure:
Admission is based on an entrance test conducted by RMLNLU, followed by an interview.
Candidates who have qualified for UGC-NET/JRF or SLET are exempt from the entrance test but must appear for the interview.
Application Form:
The application form is available on the official website of RMLNLU during the admission cycle.
Candidates must fill out the form online, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
Required documents include academic transcripts, research proposal, category certificate (if applicable), and proof of eligibility for exemption (if applicable).
Important Dates:
The admission notification is usually released in March-April.
The entrance test and interview are conducted in June-July.
The academic session typically begins in August.
RMLNLU encourages interdisciplinary research in law. Some important and emerging research areas include:
Constitutional Law and Human Rights
Corporate Law and Governance
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Environmental Law and Climate Change
International Law and Global Governance
Criminal Law and Justice Administration
Cyber Law and Data Privacy
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Gender Justice and Feminist Legal Studies
Comparative Law and Legal Systems
While Ph.D. graduates typically pursue careers in academia, research, and policy-making, they are also sought after by various organizations, including:
Law Firms: Top-tier law firms like Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
Corporate Sector: Legal departments of multinational corporations (e.g., Tata, Reliance, Infosys).
Judiciary: Opportunities in judicial services and legal advisory roles.
Academia: Teaching and research positions in universities and law schools.
International Organizations: UN agencies, World Bank, and NGOs working on legal and human rights issues.
Government Agencies: Legal advisory roles in ministries, regulatory bodies, and public sector undertakings.
Think Tanks and Research Institutions: Organizations like Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, PRS Legislative Research, etc.
Prepare a strong research proposal aligning with your area of interest and the university’s expertise.
Stay updated with the official RMLNLU website for admission notifications and deadlines.
Network with faculty and alumni for guidance on research topics and career opportunities.