

LLM in Public Law at National Law University, Delhi


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Public Law at National Law University, Delhi Delhi?
This Public Law program at National Law University, Delhi, focuses on the intricate framework of laws governing state power, citizen rights, and administrative functions. It offers a deep dive into constitutional principles, administrative law, human rights, and governance, preparing graduates for impactful roles in the Indian legal landscape. The program emphasizes critical analysis of public legal challenges and policy formation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for law graduates seeking advanced legal expertise in constitutional, administrative, and human rights law, aiming for careers in the judiciary, public service, or academia in India. It also suits legal professionals engaged in public sector roles or NGOs, looking to deepen knowledge and contribute to public welfare and good governance.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue esteemed careers as public prosecutors, legal advisors to government bodies, judicial officers, or human rights advocates within India. Roles include policy analysts for think tanks and civil society organizations, with starting salaries from INR 6-12 LPA, growing significantly with experience in the Indian legal domain.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research and Legal Writing Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Diligently engage with the ''''Research Methods and Legal Writing'''' course. Focus on understanding empirical and doctrinal research methodologies, honing critical legal reasoning, and mastering advanced academic writing skills essential for legal scholarship. This foundation is crucial for all subsequent academic and professional work.
Tools & Resources
LexisNexis India, SCC Online, Westlaw India, NLU Delhi Library Resources
Career Connection
Develops core competencies for legal research, analysis, and drafting, which are indispensable for roles in judiciary, public prosecution, policy analysis, and legal academia in India.
Gain Global Perspective in Comparative Public Law- (Semester 1)
Actively participate in discussions and conduct independent research on ''''Comparative Public Law.'''' Explore constitutional frameworks, judicial review mechanisms, and human rights regimes across diverse jurisdictions to gain a robust global perspective on public law principles and their application. Understand India''''s place in this global context.
Tools & Resources
Constitute Project Database, International Legal Journals, NLU Delhi Faculty Mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for roles in international organizations, cross-border policy advising, or comparative legal research, providing insights into best practices applicable to the Indian context.
Cultivate a Professional Network- (Semester 1)
Attend guest lectures, seminars, and workshops organized by NLU Delhi and other prominent legal bodies. Actively engage with faculty, visiting scholars, and legal practitioners. This helps in discussing current public law issues, building early professional connections, and gaining insights into diverse career paths within India''''s public legal sphere.
Tools & Resources
University Events Calendar, LinkedIn for Legal Professionals, Academic Conferences
Career Connection
Creates invaluable opportunities for mentorship, potential internship referrals, and understanding the practical application of public law in the Indian legal system, paving the way for future collaborations.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Strategically Select Specialization Electives- (Semester 2)
Carefully choose three Public Law electives that align with your specific career goals (e.g., Human Rights, Environmental Law, National Security Law). Engage deeply with these subjects, focusing on practical applications, policy implications, and contemporary Indian legal challenges. This focused approach enhances expertise and marketability.
Tools & Resources
NLU Delhi Course Catalog, Faculty Advisors, Relevant Government Policy Documents, Legal Think Tank Reports
Career Connection
Builds specialized expertise, making you a strong candidate for targeted roles in government ministries, specialized legal firms, regulatory bodies, or NGOs focused on specific public law domains in India.
Undertake Intensive Dissertation Research- (Semester 2)
Dedicate substantial effort to your ''''Dissertation,'''' viewing it as a major contribution to legal scholarship. Select a pertinent public law topic with significant India-specific relevance, conduct rigorous original research, and present well-structured analysis under expert faculty supervision. This showcases independent academic capability.
Tools & Resources
NLU Delhi Library Databases, Academic Journals (JSTOR, HeinOnline), Research Methodology Guides, Thesis Writing Workshops
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and superior academic writing, crucial for pursuing academic positions, policy research, advocacy roles, or higher judicial services.
Secure Targeted Internships and Professional Exposure- (Semester 2)
Actively seek internships with High Court/Supreme Court judges, government ministries, constitutional bodies, public sector undertakings, or leading public interest law firms and NGOs during semester breaks or concurrently. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world public law cases and policy initiatives, gaining invaluable practical experience.
Tools & Resources
NLU Delhi Placement Cell, Legal Internship Portals (e.g., Lawctopus), Professional Networking Events
Career Connection
Provides critical practical experience, opens doors to potential employment opportunities, and allows for direct observation of the Indian public legal system in action, enhancing career readiness.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- LL.B. Degree or an equivalent law degree from a recognized University with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate (45% in case of SC/ST/PwBD candidates).
Duration: 1 year / 2 semesters
Credits: 30 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course No. 101 | Research Methods and Legal Writing | Core | 4 | Research Methods, Legal Research, Research Design, Hypotheses Formulation, Plagiarism and Research Ethics, Legal Writing and Citation Styles |
| Course No. 102 | Law and Justice in a Globalising World | Core | 4 | Globalization and Law, Global Justice Theories, International Law and Governance, Human Rights Discourses, Economic and Social Justice, Transnational Legal Processes |
| Course No. 103 | Comparative Public Law | Core | 4 | Comparative Law Methodologies, Constitutionalism and Rule of Law, Judicial Review in Different Systems, Federalism and Decentralization, Human Rights Protection Frameworks, Constitutional Adjudication |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course No. 201 | Dissertation | Project | 6 | Research Proposal Development, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Structure, Thesis Submission and Viva Voce |
| Course No. 202PL | Constitutional Governance and Democratic Process | Elective (Public Law Specialization) | 4 | Constitutionalism and Democracy, Democratic Theory and Practice, Electoral Law and Political Parties, Parliamentary Functioning and Executive Power, Judicial Role in Governance, Principles of Good Governance |
| Course No. 203PL | Public Policy and Administration | Elective (Public Law Specialization) | 4 | Public Policy Analysis, Policy Cycle and Implementation, Administrative Law Principles, Bureaucracy and Governance, Accountability and Transparency, Regulatory Governance and Reforms |
| Course No. 204PL | International Human Rights Law | Elective (Public Law Specialization) | 4 | Human Rights Concepts and Theories, UN Human Rights System, Regional Human Rights Regimes, Rights of Vulnerable Groups, International Criminal Law, International Humanitarian Law |
| Course No. 205PL | Environmental Law and Policy | Elective (Public Law Specialization) | 4 | Environmental Law Principles, International Environmental Law Regime, National Environmental Policy Frameworks, Pollution Control Mechanisms, Biodiversity Protection Laws, Climate Change Law and Policy |
| Course No. 206PL | Criminal Justice Administration | Elective (Public Law Specialization) | 4 | Criminal Law Principles, Criminology and Penology, Police Administration and Powers, Correctional Administration, Victimology and Restorative Justice, Fair Trial Rights and Due Process |
| Course No. 207PL | Law, Science and Technology | Elective (Public Law Specialization) | 4 | Technology Regulation Frameworks, Cyber Law and Digital Governance, Data Protection and Privacy Law, Biotechnology and Bioethics Law, Artificial Intelligence and Legal Challenges, Intellectual Property in Technology |
| Course No. 208PL | National Security Law | Elective (Public Law Specialization) | 4 | National Security Concepts, Internal Security Laws, Counter-terrorism Legislation, Intelligence Law and Surveillance, Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Emergency Powers and Constitutional Safeguards |




