The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) in Kolkata offers a part-time Ph.D. program for candidates who wish to pursue doctoral studies while continuing their professional commitments. Below is an overview of the admission process, recommended books, and exam pattern for the part-time Ph.D. program at NUJS.
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates).
Candidates with a professional background in law (e.g., judges, lawyers, legal academics) are often preferred for part-time Ph.D. programs.
Application Process:
NUJS releases a notification for Ph.D. admissions on its official website (www.nujs.edu).
Candidates must fill out the online application form and submit the required documents, including:
Academic transcripts
Research proposal (approximately 2000-3000 words)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letters of recommendation
Proof of professional experience (if applicable)
Entrance Exam and Interview:
Candidates may need to appear for an entrance exam conducted by NUJS, which tests their research aptitude and subject knowledge.
Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview, where they present their research proposal and discuss their academic and professional background.
Registration:
Selected candidates are required to complete the registration process and pay the prescribed fees.
The following books are recommended for candidates preparing for the Ph.D. entrance exam and research work:
Legal Research Methodology:
Legal Research and Methodology by Dr. S.R. Myneni
Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques by C.R. Kothari
Jurisprudence and Legal Theory:
Jurisprudence by N.V. Paranjape
Legal Theory by W. Friedmann
Constitutional Law:
Indian Constitutional Law by M.P. Jain
Constitution of India by Dr. Subhash Kashyap
Specialized Areas of Law:
Depending on your research area, refer to authoritative textbooks and journals in fields like Criminal Law, International Law, Corporate Law, etc.
Research Proposal Writing:
Writing a Research Proposal by Dr. Paul Oliver
The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams
The Ph.D. entrance exam at NUJS typically consists of the following sections:
Research Aptitude:
Questions on research methodology, legal reasoning, and critical thinking.
Subject-Specific Knowledge:
Questions related to the candidate’s proposed area of research (e.g., Constitutional Law, International Law, etc.).
Legal Writing:
Essay or case analysis to evaluate the candidate’s writing and analytical skills.
Interview:
Candidates are assessed on their research proposal, academic background, and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D.
Stay updated with the official NUJS website for admission notifications and deadlines.
Prepare a strong and original research proposal that aligns with the expertise of NUJS faculty.
Focus on current legal issues and recent developments in your area of interest.