PhD in Legal Studies: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

A Phd Legal Studies is a research-oriented academic degree that focuses on the comprehensive study of law, legal systems, and related interdisciplinary fields. It is distinct from professional law degrees like Juris Doctor or LLB, which prepare students for practising. It develops expertise in legal theory, jurisprudence, policy analysis, and historical, social, and philosophical contexts.

The eligibility criteria for the PhD Legal Studies are that the candidate must have completed a master’s degree with an aggregate of 50% marks from a recognized university. Admission to this course is based on the entrance exam scores; students need to appear in entrance exams such as UGC NET/CSIR NET/ICMR/DBT, etc.

The average course fees for the PhD in Legal Studies range from INR 15,000 – 90,000, depending on the institute type. Some of the colleges offering the course are Dr. BR Ambedkar, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, and South Asian University.

Graduates having a Phd in Legal Studies can work as a multidisciplinary professional with expertise in a University professor, lecturer, research analyst, corporate training manager, legal studies consultant, government policy advisor, judicial clerkship, legal researcher, and policy analyst with various roles. The average salary after earning a PhD in Legal Studies ranges from INR 5 LPA – 9 LPA.

Phd in Legal Studies Highlights

Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the PhD Legal Studies:

What is a Phd Legal Studies?

A Phd in Legal Studies is a research-oriented academic degree that focuses on the comprehensive study of law, legal systems, and related interdisciplinary fields. It is different from professional law degrees like the Juris Doctor or LLB, which prepare students for practising law. The program encourages critical analysis of laws, legal institutions, and their impact on society, often integrating perspectives from political science, economics, sociology, and ethics.

The curriculum typically includes rigorous coursework in legal research methods, theory, and specialised areas of law, followed by a substantial dissertation that contributes new knowledge or insights to the field. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, as policy advisors, legal consultants, or advanced roles within government, think tanks, or international organisations.

Why study a Phd Legal Studies?

A Phd in Legal Studies is a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the law and contribute to the development of legal scholarship and policy. Let's have a deeper look at the points mentioned below:

• Pursuing this degree allows students to gain an expert-level understanding of how laws function within society and the theoretical foundations that underpin legal systems.
• Unlike professional law degrees, a Ph.D. program immerses scholars in critical thinking about the origins, purposes, and consequences of laws.
• This intellectual rigour requires candidates to analyse legal issues from multidisciplinary perspectives, including philosophy, sociology, economics, and political science, fostering a comprehensive approach to solving complex legal problems.
• For those passionate about research, theory, and academia, a Phd in Legal Studies is an essential path to developing the analytical skills and scholarly expertise necessary to influence the future of legal thought and education.

Who should study a Ph.D in Legal Studies?

A Phd Legal Studies is an advanced degree that is ideal for those who have a passion for understanding the law at a profound and theoretical level. Let's have a deeper look at the points mentioned below:

• This degree is suitable for law graduates, legal professionals, and scholars who want to explore the philosophical, social, and political dimensions of law.
• Candidates should be motivated by curiosity about how legal systems evolve, how laws affect different populations, and how legal frameworks intersect with societal issues.
• The program is particularly suitable for those aspiring to careers in academia, research institutions, or policy-making bodies.
• It equips individuals with the rigorous research skills and specialised knowledge needed to teach and publish scholarly work.
• The program demands dedication, patience, and a strong interest in contributing to the intellectual and practical evolution of law in society.

Phd Legal Studies Eligibility Criteria

Given below are the Phd Legal Studies eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Candidates must have a master's degree, such as LLM/M. A in Political Science/Public Administration/ International Relations role with at least 50% marks from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification.
• Candidates with professional degrees are also eligible at many institutes, provided they have good academic records.
• A valid national-level fellowship or entrance exam qualification is usually required, such as UGC NET/CSIR NET/ICMR/DBT and JRF/SRF, or equivalent.

Phd Legal Studies Entrance Exams

Given below is the Phd Legal Studies entrance exam, along with the application date and application fees.

Phd Legal Studies Colleges in India

India offers prestigious Ph.D. programs in Legal Studies, blending law, social sciences, and international relations. These interdisciplinary programs equip researchers for impactful careers in academia, policy-making, and advocacy. Given below are the top Phd Legal Studies colleges in India.

Phd Legal Studies Admission Process 2025

A Phd Legal Studies can be accessed through either the entrance examination mode or direct admission through a quota. The admission process at the South Asian University is mentioned below:

Step 1: Visit the South Asian University admissions official site and choose the Phd Legal Studies.

Step 2: Fill in the online application form with all the necessary details, upload scanned images of your photograph and signature, and pay the application fee online.

Step 3: Choose your admission mode: With a valid UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT, and JRF/SRF, or equivalent Score.

Step 4: Complete the application and print it out for your records.

Step 5: Appear if the UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT, and JRF/SRF, or equivalent scores are both valid and received.

Step 6: Wait for the release of merit lists: Each UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT, and JRF/SRF, or equivalent participant has a separate merit list prepared by the Jamia Hamdard University.

Step 7: If shortlisted, go to the official site to see whether you have been selected, and follow the process for admission confirmation.

Step 8: Confirm your seat by paying the admission fee.

Step 9: Complete the document verification as per the institute's requirements.

Step 10: Now, receive the details regarding the commencement of classes after completing the formalities.

Documentation Required:

• 10th and 12th mark sheets.
• Graduation Marksheets
• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• Migration certificate
• Character certificate
• School Leaving Certificate
• Passport-size photographs
• Signature.
• Caste Certificate (If any)
• Income proof

Phd Legal Studies Syllabus

The Phd Legal Studies typically includes advanced coursework in legal theory, research methodologies, jurisprudence, and specialised areas of law such as constitutional, international, or human rights law.

Given below is the syllabus of the PhD in Legal Studies from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University:

Course Comparison between Phd in Legal Studies and Ph.D. in Jurisprudence

Given below is a course comparison between the Phd in Legal Studies and the Ph.D. in Jurisprudence:

Phd in Legal Studies Job Opportunities in India

Given below are the job opportunities one can pursue after a Phd in Legal Studies.

Phd in Legal Studies FAQs