

PHD-LAW in Research Areas As Per Faculty Expertise at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak


Rohtak, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is Research Areas as per faculty expertise at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak Rohtak?
This PhD Law program at Maharshi Dayanand University focuses on advanced legal research tailored to individual faculty expertise and specific research areas. It provides a robust framework for scholars to delve into intricate legal issues, contributing original knowledge to the field. The program emphasizes critical thinking and rigorous methodology, addressing diverse legal challenges relevant to the Indian legal landscape and global jurisprudence.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for legal professionals, academicians, and recent LL.M. graduates seeking to pursue in-depth scholarly inquiry. It suits those passionate about contributing to legal theory, policy, and practice. Candidates with strong analytical skills and a commitment to rigorous research, aiming for careers in academia, policy-making, or specialized legal consultation, will find this program highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become leading experts in their chosen legal domains. India-specific career paths include law professors, legal researchers in think tanks, government policy advisors, or senior legal consultants. While direct salary figures vary widely, a PhD enhances earning potential significantly, with experienced professionals earning between INR 10-30 LPA in academic or specialized roles, fostering growth trajectories in legal scholarship.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Legal Writing- (Semester 1)
Thoroughly grasp the principles of legal research, including doctrinal, non-doctrinal, comparative, and historical methods. Focus on developing strong legal writing skills for academic publications and thesis preparation. Attend workshops on research software like Mendeley or Zotero for efficient citation management.
Tools & Resources
MDU Law Library (physical & digital), JSTOR, SCC Online, Manupatra, Online Legal Databases, Mendeley/Zotero
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures robust research proposals and publications, crucial for academic positions and research roles.
Engage Actively in Coursework Seminars- (Semester 1)
Utilize the ''''Seminar'''' paper to critically identify and refine your research problem. Engage in peer discussions, present preliminary findings, and actively seek feedback from faculty and fellow scholars. This helps in solidifying your research question and methodology early on.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Seminars, Faculty Mentorship, Peer Review Groups
Career Connection
Develops presentation skills, critical analysis, and confidence, preparing for conference presentations and thesis defense.
Build a Strong Literature Review Base- (Semester 1-2)
Begin an exhaustive review of existing literature pertinent to your broad area of interest immediately. Catalog key theories, landmark judgments, statutes, and academic articles. Identify gaps in current research to position your unique contribution.
Tools & Resources
MDU Law Library, Indian Kanoon, HeinOnline, LexisNexis India, Google Scholar
Career Connection
Essential for thesis development, demonstrating scholarly rigor, and identifying areas for future research and publication.
Intermediate Stage
Regular Interaction with Supervisor & Departmental Colloquia- (Year 2-3)
Maintain consistent communication with your PhD supervisor, scheduling regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps. Actively participate in departmental colloquia, presenting your work and engaging with diverse legal perspectives. This fosters critical thinking and hones presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor Meetings, Departmental Research Colloquia, MDU Law Department Events
Career Connection
Crucial for navigating research hurdles, getting timely feedback, and building academic networking within the department.
Attend & Present at National/International Conferences- (Year 2-4)
Seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national and international legal conferences. This not only provides valuable feedback from wider academic community but also helps in networking, refining your arguments, and establishing your presence in your research field.
Tools & Resources
Academic Conference Listings, MDU Research Grant Support, Professional Legal Associations
Career Connection
Enhances academic visibility, builds a professional network, and strengthens CV for academic or research positions.
Focus on Publications in Reputable Journals- (Year 2-5)
Transform chapters or significant findings from your research into publishable papers. Target UGC-CARE listed journals or other peer-reviewed international law journals. Early publications are vital for career progression in academia and demonstrate your research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List, Scopus/Web of Science indexed journals, Journal Editorial Guidelines
Career Connection
Publications are key performance indicators for academic recruitment and promotions, solidifying your profile as a researcher.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Pre-Submission Seminar & Thesis Defense- (Final Year (Year 4-6))
Methodically prepare for your pre-submission seminar, incorporating feedback and refining your thesis chapters. Practice defending your research methodology, findings, and contributions. Ensure your thesis adheres to all university guidelines for formatting and submission.
Tools & Resources
MDU PhD Ordinance, University Library Thesis Guidelines, Mock Viva Sessions
Career Connection
Finalizes the PhD journey, demonstrating research rigor and readiness for independent academic and research leadership roles.
Network with Legal Academia & Industry Leaders- (Throughout PhD, Intensified in Final Year)
Expand your professional network by connecting with senior legal academicians, judges, and legal practitioners. Attend workshops, webinars, and alumni events. These connections can open doors to post-doctoral opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional Legal Associations (e.g., Indian Law Institute), University Alumni Network
Career Connection
Facilitates career opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship, crucial for long-term professional growth and impact.
Strategize Post-PhD Career Path- (Final Year (Year 4-6))
Actively explore and prepare for your chosen career trajectory, whether in academia, legal policy, or specialized practice. Prepare your CV, teaching philosophy (if targeting academia), and research statements. Identify potential employers or post-doctoral fellowships.
Tools & Resources
MDU Career Counseling Cell, Academic Job Portals, Mentors & Supervisors
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition from PhD to professional life, leveraging your specialized expertise for impactful career development.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Law (LL.M.) or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade). A relaxation of 5% marks is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled categories. Candidates must qualify the university''''s entrance test and interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years from the date of registration
Credits: 12 credits (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW-PHD-CWP1 | Research Methodology & Legal Writing | Core | 4 | Nature & Scope of Legal Research, Research Design & Types of Research, Doctrinal & Non-Doctrinal (Empirical) Research, Methods of Data Collection, Legal Writing & Citation |
| LAW-PHD-CWP2 | Socio-Legal Research Methods | Core | 4 | Nature & Scope of Socio-Legal Research, Tools of Socio-Legal Research, Interdisciplinary Approach, Statistical Methods in Legal Research, Computer Application in Legal Research, Ethical Issues in Legal Research |
| LAW-PHD-CWP3 | Seminar (Related to Area of Specialization) | Core | 4 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review & Research Gap Identification, Hypothesis Formulation, Research Design Presentation, Methodology Discussion, Presentation of Research Findings |




