Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is one of India's premier law universities. It offers a Part-Time Ph.D. program for working professionals and academics who wish to pursue doctoral research while continuing their professional commitments.
Educational Qualification:
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 (e.g., Social Sciences, Humanities, Management, etc.) may also apply, provided their research proposal is law-related.
Relaxation of 5% marks (or equivalent CGPA) for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates.
Professional Experience:
Candidates must have significant professional experience in academia, judiciary, legal practice, or related fields.
Entrance Exam:
Candidates must qualify for the GNLU Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) or have a valid UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/SET score.
The entrance test typically includes a written exam and an interview.
Research Proposal:
A well-defined research proposal (around 3000-5000 words) is required, outlining the research objectives, methodology, and relevance.
Application submission (online/offline).
Entrance test and interview.
Final selection based on academic record, research proposal, and performance in the interview.
The part-time Ph.D. program typically takes 4-6 years to complete.
Flexibility:
Designed for working professionals, allowing them to balance work and research.
Interdisciplinary Approach:
Encourages research at the intersection of law and other disciplines like economics, sociology, and technology.
Research Facilities:
Access to GNLU’s extensive library, online databases, and research centers.
Expert Guidance:
Supervision by experienced faculty and legal experts.
Workshops and Seminars:
Regular opportunities to present research and interact with scholars.
| Aspect | Full-Time Ph.D. | Part-Time Ph.D. |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-5 years | 4-6 years |
| Eligibility | LL.M. or equivalent | LL.M. or equivalent + professional experience |
| Focus | Dedicated research | Research alongside professional work |
| Stipend/Fellowship | Available (e.g., UGC-JRF, GNLU fellowships) | Generally self-funded |
| Suitability | Fresh graduates or full-time researchers | Working professionals, academics, judges |
A Ph.D. from GNLU opens up diverse career opportunities in the following sectors:
Academia:
Professor, Lecturer, or Researcher in law schools and universities.
Judiciary:
Opportunities for higher judicial services or legal advisory roles.
Legal Practice:
Specialized legal consultancy or advocacy.
Research Organizations:
Think tanks, policy research institutes, and NGOs.
Corporate Sector:
Legal advisor, compliance officer, or corporate counsel.
Government and Public Policy:
Roles in law commissions, legislative drafting, and policy-making.
International Organizations:
Positions in UN agencies, WTO, or other international legal bodies.
Reputation: GNLU is a top-ranked law university in India.
Networking: Opportunities to collaborate with legal experts and scholars.
Research Output: High-quality publications and interdisciplinary research.