Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, is one of the premier National Law Universities in India. It offers a full-time Ph.D. program in law for candidates interested in advanced legal research. Below is a general guide on the admission process, marking scheme, and other relevant details for the Ph.D. program at HNLU:
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.
Candidates with a Master’s degree in other disciplines relevant to law may also be considered, provided they demonstrate a strong research interest in legal studies.
Admission Procedure:
Admission to the Ph.D. program is based on a Research Entrance Test (RET) followed by an interview.
Candidates who have qualified for UGC-NET/JRF, SLET, or M.Phil. are exempt from the RET but must appear for the interview.
Research Entrance Test (RET):
The RET consists of two parts:
Part A: Research Methodology (50 marks).
Part B: Subject-specific questions related to the candidate’s proposed research area (50 marks).
The test is designed to evaluate the candidate’s research aptitude, analytical skills, and subject knowledge.
Interview:
Shortlisted candidates from the RET (or exempted candidates) are called for an interview.
The interview assesses the candidate’s research proposal, understanding of the subject, and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D.
Research Proposal:
Candidates must submit a detailed research proposal (around 3000-5000 words) outlining their research objectives, methodology, and relevance of the study.
The final selection is based on the following criteria:
Research Entrance Test (RET): 100 marks (50% weightage).
Interview: 50 marks (25% weightage).
Research Proposal: 50 marks (25% weightage).
While HNLU does not release official practice papers, candidates can prepare for the RET by focusing on:
Research Methodology:
Books like Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques by C.R. Kothari.
Topics include research design, data collection methods, hypothesis testing, and legal research techniques.
Subject-Specific Preparation:
Focus on core areas of law relevant to your research proposal.
Refer to standard textbooks, case laws, and recent legal developments.
Previous Year Question Papers:
Review question papers from other law university Ph.D. entrance exams for practice.
Application Process:
Applications are typically invited online through the official HNLU website.
Ensure all required documents (academic transcripts, research proposal, etc.) are submitted before the deadline.
Important Dates:
Keep an eye on the official HNLU website for notifications regarding application deadlines, RET dates, and interview schedules.
Contact Information:
For any queries, contact the HNLU admissions office:
Email: admissions@hnlu.ac.in
Phone: +91-771-3057771, 3057772
Website: www.hnlu.ac.in
Start preparing your research proposal well in advance.
Stay updated on recent legal developments and judgments related to your research area.
Practice writing answers to hypothetical and analytical questions to improve your performance in the RET.
For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official HNLU website or contact the university directly. Good luck with your Ph.D. application!