The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) was established by Act 27 of 2005 of the Kerala State Legislature. By the same Act, the National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) established by the Bar Council of Kerala Trust in 2002 merged with the NUALS. In 2008, an amendment streamlined the powers and functions of the authorities of the University and ensured the active involvement of the Government of Kerala.The University is recognized by the University Grants Commission under section 2(f) and section 12B of the UGC Act.It is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

PhD Specializations

• Law

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates seeking registration to the Ph.D. programme shall hold a Master’s Degree in Law from a recognized University with at least 55% marks in aggregate; or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed); or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions.
• A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) / Differently-Abled. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and the relaxation of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures.

How to Apply

• Candidates eligible to seek registration to the doctoral programme leading to Ph.D. shall do so by submitting their application in the prescribed form in response to the notification in this respect issued, generally, once a year by the University. Application for admission shall be submitted to the University in the prescribed form along with the payment of the required fees.

PhD Application Fee- Rs. 500/-

Admission Procedure

• Candidates seeking registration shall have passed the entrance test viz. Departmental Admission Test (DAT) and/or attended the interview. Candidates who have qualified UGC-JRF/NET Lecturership examination are exempted from DAT. Foreign candidates, who have been sponsored under a scholarship scheme by the Government of India for undergoing Ph.D. programme in India, are also exempted from DAT.

Departmental Admission Test (DAT) Pattern

• The Departmental Admission Test (DAT) shall be conducted at the University. The DAT will have the qualifying marks as 50%. The syllabus of the DAT shall be 50% from research methodology and 50% from law. The DAT shall have two parts - Written test and Interview. Candidates who have scored a minimum of 50% marks in the written examination will be eligible to be called for the interview.