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PH-D in Jurisprudence at National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam
Kamrup, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Jurisprudence at National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam Kamrup?
This Jurisprudence program at National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, focuses on advanced legal theories, philosophy of law, and contemporary judicial thinking. It explores foundational principles, socio-legal perspectives, and the evolving nature of justice in India, preparing scholars for critical analysis and contributing to legal discourse and academic excellence within the Indian legal system.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for LL.M. graduates, legal academics, and practicing lawyers aiming for rigorous intellectual inquiry and a career in research, teaching, or policy-making. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and a deep interest in legal philosophy and interdisciplinary legal studies, aspiring to contribute original research to the field.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect career paths as law professors, legal researchers, policy advisors, and experts in human rights or constitutional law within India. Salary ranges in academia typically start from INR 8-15 LPA, growing significantly with experience, publications, and impact in Indian universities and research institutions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Legal Research Methodologies- (First year (Coursework Phase))
Engage deeply with coursework on legal research methods, statistical analysis tools (if applicable), and qualitative research techniques. Regularly attend workshops on research ethics and academic writing to build a robust foundation.
Tools & Resources
NLUJA Library resources, JSTOR, HeinOnline, SCC Online, LexisNexis India, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Essential for producing high-quality, publishable research, a cornerstone for academic, research, and policy-making roles in India.
Cultivate Critical Jurisprudential Thinking- (First year (Coursework Phase))
Beyond coursework, actively engage with contemporary jurisprudential debates, read seminal texts, and present your perspectives in department colloquia. Seek faculty feedback on early research ideas to sharpen your analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Faculty consultations, Key legal philosophy journals, Online discussion forums on jurisprudence
Career Connection
Develops the analytical depth and critical reasoning required for academic teaching, advanced legal research, and high-level policy analysis in the legal field.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (End of first year / Start of second year)
Work closely with your supervisor to refine your research question and methodology. Spend dedicated time articulating a clear, original, and feasible research proposal, incorporating feedback from peers and experts.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, NLUJA Research Council guidelines, Academic writing workshops, Sample Ph.D. proposals
Career Connection
Successfully passing the proposal stage is crucial for formal registration, setting the foundation for timely thesis completion and demonstrating your research acumen.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Extensive Literature Review and Fieldwork- (Second to Third Year)
Continuously update your literature review, identifying gaps in knowledge. If applicable, conduct ethical and rigorous fieldwork (interviews, surveys, case studies) relevant to your Jurisprudence topic to gather primary data.
Tools & Resources
Digital archives, Government reports, Judicial databases, Interview transcription software, Research ethics committee
Career Connection
Builds expertise in your niche, making you a recognized authority and specialist in your chosen area of Jurisprudence, highly valued in research roles.
Regularly Publish Research Articles- (Second to Fourth Year)
Aim for at least one publication in a peer-reviewed national or international law journal during this stage. This enhances your academic profile and allows for early feedback on your ongoing research.
Tools & Resources
Reputable law journals (e.g., Indian Law Review, Journal of Indian Law Institute), Faculty mentorship on academic publishing, Pre-print servers
Career Connection
Crucial for securing academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and building a strong research portfolio for career advancement in India.
Participate in National/International Conferences- (Third to Fifth Year)
Actively seek opportunities to present papers at conferences. This refines your presentation skills, expands your network, and provides valuable feedback on your ongoing research from a wider academic audience.
Tools & Resources
Conference alerts, NLUJA travel grants (if available), Professional associations (e.g., Indian Society of International Law)
Career Connection
Boosts visibility, facilitates networking with potential collaborators, and strengthens your CV for academic and research roles across the country.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Revision- (Fourth to Sixth Year)
Dedicate significant time to drafting, structuring, and refining your dissertation. Establish a strict writing schedule, regularly submit chapters to your supervisor for feedback, and integrate revisions meticulously to ensure coherence and clarity.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing centers (if available), Grammarly/QuillBot, NLUJA thesis formatting guidelines, Supervisor feedback sessions
Career Connection
A well-written and structured thesis is key to successful submission and a strong foundation for future publications and a reputable academic career.
Prepare for Pre-Submission and Viva Voce- (Fifth to Sixth Year)
Master the art of defending your research orally. Practice defending your thesis in mock vivas with faculty and peers. Anticipate challenging questions and refine your answers to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of your research and its implications.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva panels, Previous viva questions (if accessible), Presentation practice sessions
Career Connection
Successful viva defense is the final hurdle to earning the Ph.D. and showcases your scholarly contribution and expertise to the academic community.
Network and Explore Post-Ph.D. Opportunities- (Final year of Ph.D.)
Actively plan your career trajectory after graduation. Attend job fairs, connect with faculty for recommendation letters, and explore post-doctoral positions, teaching roles, or research consultancy opportunities in India and abroad.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, Academic job portals (e.g., University Grants Commission - UGC NET, specific university recruitment pages), Faculty network
Career Connection
Proactive networking and application strategies streamline the transition from doctoral candidate to a professional in academia or research, ensuring a smooth career launch.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Law (LL.M.) or an equivalent degree from a recognized University with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade). 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled. OR M.Phil. in Law degree with at least 55% marks.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: 10 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester phase
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDCM101 | Research Methodology | Core (Compulsory) | 4 | Legal Research Methods, Data Collection and Analysis, Research Design, Ethical Considerations in Legal Research, Thesis Writing and Publication |
| PHDCE102 | Specialized Paper (Jurisprudence) | Elective (Relevant to Research Area) | 4 | Critical Legal Theories, Postmodern Jurisprudence, Feminist Jurisprudence, Law and Economics, Contemporary Debates in Legal Philosophy, Philosophy of Human Rights |
| PHDCE103 | Review of Literature / Presentation | Elective (Compulsory Component) | 2 | Literature Review Techniques, Academic Writing for Research, Presentation Skills, Viva Voce Preparation, Research Proposal Development |
