Ph.D. Program in Law

The Ph.D. in Law programme at D. Y. Patil Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai is designed for scholars, academicians, legal professionals, policymakers and researchers who aspire to contribute to the advancement of legal education and research through rigorous academic inquiry and critical analysis. The programme aims to develop advanced research competencies and a comprehensive understanding of contemporary legal issues, jurisprudence, public policy, constitutional governance and emerging areas of law.

The School of Law provides a research-oriented academic environment supported by experienced faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, digital learning resources, legal databases, libraries and academic collaborations, enabling scholars to undertake impactful and high-quality legal research that contributes meaningfully to society and the legal profession.

Programme highlights:

• Duration of Ph.D. Programme in Law:
  • Minimum 3 years from the date of registration. Maximum duration shall not exceed 6 years which will be based on the recommendation from the Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC).
  • A maximum of an additional two years can be given through a process of re-registration as per the statute / Ordinance of the University. However, the total period for completion of the Ph.D.programme should not exceed eight years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme.
  • Female Ph.D.scholars and Persons with Disabilities (more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two years. However, the total period for completion of Ph.D.programme in such cases should not exceed 10 years from the date of admission in the Ph.D.Programme.
  • Female Ph.D. scholars may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days in the entire duration of Ph.D. Programme

• PhD. Entrance Examination (PET):
  • Notifications on PET, Ph.D.vacancies and other details pertaining to admission can be accessed from the University website .Applications for joining the Ph.D. programme will be received by the Research Directorate of DYPU throughout the year. Eligible students can appear for the Ph.D.Entrance Test (PET) of the University that is conducted twice in a year (January and July), followed by in-person interview.
  • Students who qualify for fellowship/scholarship in UGC-NET/UGC-CSIR NET may be admitted based on the in- person Interview.
  • Eligible International students are required to submit a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation along with their application. They may be allowed to attend an online interview.

•  University provides Advanced research training in doctrinal, interdisciplinary and applied legal research methodologies, Structured coursework, comprehensive review and thesis defence as per UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations.
• Guidance from experienced faculty with excellent academic, judicial and practice backgrounds along with Access to legal databases, digital learning resources and a well-stocked law library is available.
• Ph.D. programme in Law at the DY Patil School of Law is fully UGC-compliant.
• Ph.D. programme is ideal for careers in academia, judiciary, policy-making, litigation, corporate legal practice, consultancy and leadership roles in legal and regulatory institutions.

1.  A candidate seeking admission to the course of study leading to the award of a degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) should possess at least one of the following qualifications:

1.1    Master’s degree in the respective subject with 55% marks in    aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed. [Either a 1-year /2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4 -year /8- semester bachelor’s degree programme or a 2 -year/4 – semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body

OR

1.2   Equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognised or authorised by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of the educational institution.

1.3   A candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed.

1.4    Candidates who have completed the MPhil programme with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognised or authorised by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of educational institutions.

        Note:

• Modification in eligibility criteria will be considered, subject to approval of DYPU Academic Senate and as per UGC guidelines.
• Admission cut-offs, entrance test schedules and interview dates are subject to change at every cycle. Candidates should refer to the official DY Patil University admissions page before applying.

INR 6,00,000/- for 3 Year- term. Other fees as per university norms for registration, examination, viva voce (Approx. INR 1, 00,000/-)

Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Corporate & Commercial Law, Intellectual Property Rights Laws, International Law, Human Rights, Cyber Law, Environmental Law, Labour Law, Family Law, Competition Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and other evolving domains including Legal Tech, Artificial Intelligence & Data Protection Law and Health Law

• Ph.D. in Law programme is ideal for individuals who possess:
• Aspirations for careers in academia, legal research, judiciary, policy-making, litigation, corporate legal practice, consultancy, and leadership roles in legal and regulatory institutions.
• A strong academic background and keen interest in legal research and jurisprudence.
• Passion and commitment towards independent and original research.
• Intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and the ability to critically evaluate legal issues and contribute to the development of legal scholarship and policy frameworks.
• Aspirants for Ph.D. in Law programme can be among the categories:

(a)  Internal candidates, working at DYPU institutions, willing to do their PhD in addition to their normal duties or,

(b)  External candidates, working outside but wish to pursue PhD research work at DYPU or,

(c)  Research Scholars availing research grant from a non-DYPU funding agency and willing to pursue Ph.D. programme in DYPU institutions or collaborative research centers or Qualified Non- resident Indian/ Foreign candidates.

Programme Outcomes:

On successful completion of the Ph.D. in Law programme, scholars will demonstrate the following outcomes.

For Ph.D. holders in Law, opportunities extend across academic institutions, research organisations, judicial services, government departments, regulators, public sector undertakings, law firms, corporate legal teams, policy think tanks, NGOs and international organisations.

Placement Sectors

• Universities, law schools, and academic institutions in India and abroad
• Judicial services, judiciary, and judicial academies
• Law Ministries, Law Commissions, and legislative bodies
• Regulators including SEBI, RBI, CCI, TRAI, IRDAI, IBBI, and CBDT
• Public sector undertakings, banks, and government departments
• Full-service and boutique Law firms
• In-house legal teams of Indian and multinational companies
• Policy think tanks, research institutes, and civil society organisations
• International organisations including the United Nations, WTO, WHO, and ILO
• Legal publishing, journalism, and Legal Tech ventures

International Experts in different Legal sectors are frequently invited as Guest Speakers for FDP, Customised legal events, Seminars, workshop etc.

VIEW PET Notification OCT 2026