

BBA-LLB-HONS in Energy Environmental Law at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies


Dehradun, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Energy & Environmental Law at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun?
This Energy & Environmental Law specialization at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) focuses on the intricate legal frameworks governing energy resources, environmental protection, and sustainable development. It addresses the growing need for legal professionals equipped to handle complex issues arising from energy production, consumption, and their ecological impacts in India. The program differentiates itself by its industry-aligned curriculum and strong emphasis on practical applications within the Indian energy and environmental sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a keen interest in public policy, natural resource management, and environmental advocacy, seeking entry into specialized legal roles. It also suits working professionals, including engineers and business graduates, looking to transition into the legal aspects of the energy and environmental industries. Candidates with a strong analytical aptitude and a commitment to sustainable development will find this program particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in law firms specializing in infrastructure and energy, regulatory bodies like PNGRB or CERC, environmental consultancies, and corporate legal departments of energy companies (e.g., ONGC, NTPC). Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ LPA. Growth trajectories involve roles like legal counsel, policy analyst, or environmental compliance officer in both private and public sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Legal and Management Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on core subjects like Contract Law, Constitutional Law, and Principles of Management. These foundational courses are crucial for understanding the broader legal and business context for energy and environmental issues. Form study groups and actively participate in discussions to solidify concepts.
Tools & Resources
Bare Acts, Key commentaries and textbooks (e.g., Mulla on Contract, D.D. Basu on Constitution), Online legal databases like SCC Online (if institutional access available)
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals ensures you can connect specialized knowledge to general legal principles, which is vital for effective legal analysis and problem-solving in any legal career.
Develop Research and Writing Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Enroll in workshops or extra-curricular activities focused on legal research methodology and academic writing. Practice drafting short legal essays, case briefs, and statutory analyses. Seek feedback from professors on your writing style and clarity.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly (for basic checks), UPES library resources for legal journals, Legal writing guides
Career Connection
Proficiency in legal research and writing is non-negotiable for lawyers. It directly impacts your ability to prepare legal documents, opinions, and academic papers, essential for internships and future roles.
Engage with General Environmental Law Concepts- (Semester 1-4)
While specialization subjects appear later, start reading up on basic environmental statutes (EPA, Water Act, Air Act) and landmark environmental judgments in India. Attend introductory webinars or seminars on environmental issues to build general awareness.
Tools & Resources
Environmental law blogs and news portals, NCERT books on environment and ecology, Documentaries on climate change and conservation
Career Connection
Early exposure to environmental law helps in building a contextual understanding before delving into specialized energy and environmental legal frameworks, giving you a head start for advanced courses.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Internships in General Law Firms/NGOs- (Semester 3-5 (Summer breaks))
Seek short-term internships with general practice law firms, NGOs working on environmental issues, or even corporate legal departments. This exposes you to the practical application of law, courtroom procedures, and client interaction, irrespective of the specialization.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Internshala for application tracking
Career Connection
Practical experience enhances your resume, develops professional etiquette, and provides networking opportunities, which are critical for securing better internships in your specialized field later.
Deep Dive into Core Environmental Law- (Semester 4-6)
Pay close attention to the core Environmental Law subject. Supplement classroom learning with in-depth reading of Indian statutes, rules, and regulations related to environmental protection. Participate in debates or discussions on contemporary environmental challenges.
Tools & Resources
Key books on Indian Environmental Law (e.g., S.C. Shastri, P. Leelakrishnan), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) website for policies and notifications
Career Connection
A solid foundation in core environmental law is the prerequisite for understanding advanced concepts in energy and environmental jurisprudence and will be directly applicable to specialization electives.
Participate in Moot Court Competitions- (Semester 5-7)
Actively participate in intra and inter-college moot court competitions, especially those with environmental or corporate law themes. This hones your advocacy, research, and memorial drafting skills under pressure.
Tools & Resources
Moot proposition databases, Guidance from seniors and faculty mentors, Legal databases for case law research
Career Connection
Moot courts are excellent platforms for practical legal training, building confidence in public speaking, and demonstrating your legal acumen to potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Specialized Internships and Mentorship- (Semester 7-9 (Summer/Winter breaks and during studies))
Target internships specifically with law firms specializing in energy/environmental law, regulatory bodies (e.g., CERC, PNGRB), or in-house legal teams of energy companies. Seek mentorship from lawyers practicing in these fields to gain insights and guidance.
Tools & Resources
Professional networks (LinkedIn, alumni), UPES career services for industry contacts
Career Connection
Specialized internships are crucial for practical exposure to the field, making industry connections, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting your employability.
Undertake Dissertation/Research in Specialization- (Semester 8-10)
Choose a dissertation topic directly related to Energy & Environmental Law. This allows for in-depth research, showcasing your expertise, and contributing to academic discourse. It demonstrates your commitment and analytical skills to prospective employers.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, Advanced legal databases (Manupatra, Westlaw), Research paper writing guides
Career Connection
A well-researched dissertation can be a significant talking point in interviews, demonstrating your passion, research capabilities, and in-depth knowledge of a niche area within your specialization.
Network and Stay Updated with Industry Trends- (Semester 7-10 and beyond)
Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars on current energy and environmental law topics. Connect with professionals, follow industry publications, and engage in online forums. Stay informed about policy changes, technological advancements, and legal precedents.
Tools & Resources
Industry newsletters (e.g., Bar & Bench, Live Law energy/environment sections), Professional body memberships (e.g., Indian National Bar Association, ENERTIA Foundation), Industry events listed on UPES website or professional platforms
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship. Staying updated ensures you remain relevant and can articulate contemporary challenges, making you a more valuable asset to potential employers in a rapidly evolving sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% marks in 10th and 12th grade. Admission through UPES Law Studies Aptitude Test (ULSAT) or CLAT/LSAT-India scores.
Duration: 5 years (10 semesters)
Credits: Approximately 220 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL101 | Legal Method | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Law, Sources of Law, Legal Reasoning and Argumentation, Classification of Law, Introduction to Indian Legal System |
| BMAN101 | Principles of Management | Core | 3 | Introduction to Management, Planning and Decision Making, Organizing and Staffing, Directing and Controlling, Managerial Ethics and Social Responsibility |
| BBAL102 | Law of Contract I | Core | 4 | Formation of Contract, Offer and Acceptance, Consideration and Capacity, Free Consent, Void and Voidable Agreements |
| BHUM101 | General English | Core | 3 | Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Legal Terminology, Sentence Structure, Paragraph Writing |
| BECO101 | Economics I | Core | 3 | Microeconomics Principles, Demand and Supply, Market Structures, Theory of Production, National Income Accounting |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL201 | Law of Contract II | Core | 4 | Performance and Discharge of Contract, Remedies for Breach, Quasi-Contracts, Indemnity and Guarantee, Bailment and Pledge |
| BBAL202 | Indian Legal & Constitutional History | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Legal System, Mughal Legal System, Development of Common Law in India, Constitutional Developments (1773-1947), Making of the Indian Constitution |
| BMAN201 | Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | HR Planning and Recruitment, Training and Development, Performance Management, Compensation Management, Employee Relations |
| BACC201 | Accounting Principles | Core | 3 | Accounting Concepts and Conventions, Journal and Ledger, Trial Balance, Financial Statements (P&L, Balance Sheet), Ratio Analysis |
| BPOL201 | Political Science I | Core | 3 | Basic Political Concepts, Forms of Government, Political Ideologies, Theories of State, Indian Political System |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL301 | Constitutional Law I | Core | 4 | Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Preamble and Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties |
| BBAL302 | Law of Torts & Consumer Protection | Core | 4 | General Principles of Tortious Liability, Specific Torts (Negligence, Defamation), Defenses to Tortious Actions, Consumer Protection Act, Consumer Rights and Fora |
| BMAN301 | Business Environment | Core | 3 | Components of Business Environment, Economic and Political Environment, Socio-Cultural and Technological Environment, Legal and Regulatory Framework, Impact on Business Decisions |
| BFIN301 | Financial Management | Core | 3 | Goals of Financial Management, Capital Budgeting, Working Capital Management, Cost of Capital, Leverage Analysis |
| BBAL303 | Public International Law | Core | 4 | Nature and Sources of International Law, States as Subjects of International Law, Recognition and Succession, Law of Treaties, International Human Rights Law |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL401 | Constitutional Law II | Core | 4 | Union and State Judiciary, Panchayats and Municipalities, Emergency Provisions, Amendment of the Constitution, Relationship between Union and States |
| BBAL402 | Criminal Law I (Indian Penal Code) | Core | 4 | Nature and Elements of Crime, General Explanations and Exceptions, Offences against Body, Offences against Property, Abetment and Criminal Conspiracy |
| BBAL403 | Company Law I | Core | 4 | Nature and Kinds of Companies, Incorporation of Company, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Prospectus, Shares and Share Capital |
| BMRK401 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing Mix, Consumer Behavior, Market Segmentation, Product and Pricing Strategies, Promotion and Distribution Channels |
| BBAL404 | Environmental Law | Core | 4 | Concept of Environment and Pollution, Constitutional Provisions on Environment, Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, Environmental Protection Act |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL501 | Criminal Law II (Criminal Procedure Code) | Core | 4 | Constitution of Criminal Courts, Arrest, Search and Seizure, Information to the Police and FIR, Trial Procedures, Bail and Anticipatory Bail |
| BBAL502 | Company Law II | Core | 4 | Management and Administration, Directors and Key Managerial Personnel, Meetings and Resolutions, Corporate Social Responsibility, Winding Up of Companies |
| BBAL503 | Administrative Law | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Administrative Law, Rule of Law and Separation of Powers, Delegated Legislation, Administrative Discretion, Judicial Review of Administrative Actions |
| BBAL504 | Property Law | Core | 4 | Concept of Property (Movable and Immovable), Transfer of Property Act, 1882, Sales, Mortgages and Leases, Gifts and Exchanges, Easements |
| BBAL505 | Intellectual Property Rights Law | Core | 4 | Introduction to IPR, Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law, Geographical Indications and Designs |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL601 | Civil Procedure Code I | Core | 4 | Jurisdiction of Civil Courts, Res Judicata and Res Sub Judice, Pleadings (Plaint and Written Statement), Summons and Appearance of Parties, Interim Orders and Injunctions |
| BBAL602 | Law of Evidence | Core | 4 | Relevancy of Facts, Admissibility of Evidence, Documentary Evidence, Oral Evidence, Burden of Proof and Estoppel |
| BBAL603 | Taxation Law I (Direct Taxes) | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Income Tax, Residential Status and Tax Incidence, Heads of Income (Salary, House Property), Profits and Gains of Business/Profession, Capital Gains and Other Sources |
| BBAL604 | Arbitration, Conciliation & ADR | Core | 3 | Concept and Types of ADR, Arbitration Agreement and Procedure, Conciliation and Mediation, Lok Adalats, Enforcement of Arbitral Awards |
| BBAL605 | Competition Law | Core | 3 | Anti-Competitive Agreements, Abuse of Dominant Position, Combinations (Mergers & Acquisitions), Competition Commission of India, Competition Advocacy |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL701 | Civil Procedure Code II | Core | 4 | Execution of Decrees and Orders, Appeals, Reference and Review, Suits by or against Government, Interpleader Suits, Law of Limitation |
| BBAL702 | Professional Ethics & Accounting System | Core | 3 | Advocates Act, 1961, Professional Misconduct, Bar Council of India Rules, Accountancy for Lawyers, Client Management |
| BBAL703 | Labour Law I | Core | 4 | Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Trade Unions Act, 1926, Standing Orders Act, 1946, Collective Bargaining, Settlement of Industrial Disputes |
| BBAL704 | Energy Law and Policy | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Global and Indian Energy Scenario, Energy Policy Frameworks, Electricity Act, 2003, Regulatory Bodies in Energy Sector, Energy Security and Sustainability |
| BBAL705 | Environmental Policy & Governance | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Principles of Environmental Policy, National Environmental Policy (India), Role of Government in Environmental Governance, Public Participation in Environmental Decision Making, International Environmental Conventions |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL801 | Labour Law II | Core | 4 | Factories Act, 1948, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Payment of Wages Act, 1936, Employees'''' Compensation Act, 1923, Employees'''' Provident Funds Act, 1952 |
| BBAL802 | Interpretation of Statutes | Core | 3 | Rules of Interpretation (Literal, Mischief), Internal and External Aids to Interpretation, Presumptions in Statutory Interpretation, Harmonious Construction, Effect of Repeal |
| BBAL803 | Moot Court Practice I (Clinical Course) | Core (Clinical) | 2 | Moot Court Structure and Etiquette, Researching for Moot Court, Drafting Memorials, Oral Advocacy Skills, Courtroom Demeanor |
| BBAL804 | Law of Renewable Energy | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Legal Framework for Solar Energy, Wind Energy Regulations, Hydroelectric Power Laws, Biomass and Geothermal Energy Policies, Incentives and Subsidies for Renewables |
| BBAL805 | Oil and Gas Law | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Upstream, Midstream, Downstream Sectors, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, Production Sharing Contracts, Pipeline Regulations, Environmental Impact of Oil and Gas Operations |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL901 | Drafting, Pleading and Conveyancing (Clinical Course) | Core (Clinical) | 4 | General Principles of Drafting, Drafting of Plaint and Written Statement, Drafting of Petitions and Applications, Conveyancing (Sale Deed, Lease Deed), Will Drafting |
| BBAL902 | Environmental Impact Assessment Law | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Concept and Principles of EIA, Legal Framework for EIA in India, EIA Notification 2006 (and amendments), Public Hearing and Consultation, Role of Expert Appraisal Committees |
| BBAL903 | Climate Change Law and Policy | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | International Climate Regimes (UNFCCC, Kyoto, Paris Agreement), National Action Plan on Climate Change (India), Carbon Trading and Mechanisms, Climate Finance, Legal Aspects of Climate Change Adaptation |
| BBAL904 | Nuclear Energy Law | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Atomic Energy Act, 1962, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL), Nuclear Liability and Compensation, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Nuclear Safety and Security Regulations |
| BBAL905 | Dissertation/Research Project I | Project | 6 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing, Legal Research Ethics |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBAL001 | Internship/Clinical Legal Education | Clinical | 6 | Practical Legal Training, Court Visits and Observation, Client Counseling, Legal Aid Activities, Professional Networking |
| BBAL002 | International Environmental Law | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Principles of International Environmental Law, Key International Environmental Conventions, Role of UN and other International Organizations, Transboundary Pollution, Dispute Settlement in Environmental Matters |
| BBAL003 | Law of Infrastructure and Utilities | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Infrastructure Development and Regulation, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Telecom and IT Law, Water and Sanitation Utilities, Urban Development Laws |
| BBAL004 | Sustainable Development Law | Elective (Energy & Environmental Law) | 4 | Concept of Sustainable Development, Legal Instruments for Sustainable Development, Green Economy and Circular Economy, Corporate Environmental Responsibility, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Principles |
| BBAL005 | Dissertation/Research Project II | Project | 6 | Advanced Research Methodology, Empirical Legal Research, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Publication, Defense of Dissertation |




