Ph.D. Program in Law

The Ph.D. in Law program 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 program 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 program offers opportunities for interdisciplinary and doctrinal research in diverse areas such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Corporate & Commercial Law, Intellectual Property Rights, International Law, Human Rights, Cyber Law, Environmental Law, Labour Law, Family Law, Competition Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and other evolving domains of legal studies.

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.

The eligibility criteria for admission to the Ph.D. in Law program at D. Y. Patil Deemed to be University, as per UGC guidelines, are as follows:

• A Master’s Degree in Law (LL.M.) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying examination (with relaxation of 5% for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled candidates as per UGC norms).
• Candidates who have qualified UGC NET (including JRF)/SET or any other equivalent national-level examination conducted by recognized central agencies may be considered as per applicable regulations.
• The University conducts the Ph.D. Entrance Examination twice every year.

As per UGC guidelines, the duration for completion of the Ph.D. program is as follows:

• Minimum Duration:  3 Years for Full-Time Candidates  and 4 Years for Part-Time Candidates
• Maximum Duration: 6 Years for Full-Time Candidates and 7 Years for Part-Time Candidates

Extensions beyond the prescribed duration may be granted under exceptional circumstances, subject to University rules and regulations.

INR 7,00,000/- for 3 Years

The Ph.D. in Law program 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.