PhD in Juridical Science (Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science)

PhD in Juridical Science Course Details

A Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is a research-focused, postgraduate degree in law. It is the highest degree that one can earn in the field of law and is often considered equivalent to a PhD in other academic disciplines.

The S.J.D. is designed for individuals who have already earned a law degree and who wish to pursue advanced research and scholarship in a specific area of law. Typically, S.J.D. candidates have already completed a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent degree, and have also completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program or its equivalent.

The S.J.D. degree is awarded upon completion of a dissertation, which is a significant piece of original research that contributes to the field of law. The dissertation must demonstrate a high level of scholarship, originality, and competence in the field of law, and must make a significant contribution to legal scholarship.

S.J.D. programs are highly competitive and typically require a high level of academic achievement and professional experience in the field of law. The programs are generally highly specialized, and students work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a dissertation topic and complete their research.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Course Details

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Highlights

Some highlights of pursuing a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree include:

Advanced research skills: The S.J.D. program is designed to develop advanced research skills in the field of law. Students learn to conduct original research, analyze legal issues, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.

Specialization: S.J.D. programs are highly specialized, allowing students to focus on a specific area of law in great depth. This can help students develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field and become experts in their area of research.

Prestige: The S.J.D. degree is the highest degree that one can earn in the field of law, and is highly respected in academic and professional circles. Graduates of S.J.D. programs are often highly sought after for their expertise and knowledge.

Career opportunities: S.J.D. graduates typically pursue careers in academia, government, or the private sector, and are highly sought after for their expertise in a particular area of law. The degree can also open up opportunities for leadership roles within legal organizations and institutions.

Networking: S.J.D. programs often offer opportunities for students to network with other legal scholars and professionals in their field. This can help students develop relationships and collaborations that can benefit them throughout their careers.

International perspective: S.J.D. programs often attract students from around the world, allowing for the exchange of ideas and perspectives from different legal systems and cultures. This can provide a unique and valuable perspective on legal issues.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Entrance Exam

There is no specific entrance exam for Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) programs. However, admission to S.J.D. programs is highly competitive and often requires a high level of academic achievement and professional experience in the field of law. Admissions committees typically consider a range of factors, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, research proposals, and work experience.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Admission and Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an S.J.D. program, candidates must have already completed a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent degree, and have also completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program or its equivalent. Admissions committees also consider a range of factors, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, research proposals, and work experience.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Course Duration

The duration of an S.J.D. program can vary, but typically takes between 3 to 5 years to complete. This includes the time required to complete a significant piece of original research, which is the core requirement of the program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Selection Criteria:

Admissions committees for S.J.D. programs typically consider a range of factors when selecting candidates, including:

Academic transcripts: Admissions committees typically look for candidates with a strong academic record in law.

Research proposal: Candidates are typically required to submit a research proposal outlining their proposed research topic and the methodology they plan to use.

Letters of recommendation: Candidates are typically required to submit letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or other professionals who can attest to their academic and professional achievements.

Work experience: Admissions committees may also consider work experience in the legal field as a factor in the selection process.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science How to Apply:

Each S.J.D. program may have its own application process, so it is important to check the specific requirements for each program. Generally, applicants will need to submit an application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a research proposal, and other supporting documents as required by the program. Some programs may also require an interview or additional tests, such as the TOEFL, for non-native English speakers.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Application Form and Process

The application form and process for Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) programs may vary depending on the institution. Typically, applicants will need to submit an online application form, along with supporting documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a research proposal, and a resume or CV. Some programs may also require an application fee.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Fee Structure

The fee for S.J.D. programs can vary depending on the institution and the duration of the program. In general, S.J.D. programs are more expensive than other postgraduate law programs such as the LL.M. However, many programs offer scholarships, fellowships, or other forms of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition and living expenses.

Syllabus of PhD in Juridical Science

The syllabus for S.J.D. programs varies depending on the institution and the area of research. However, most programs are research-focused and require students to complete a significant piece of original research in their chosen area of law. Students may also be required to take courses or seminars in research methodology, legal theory, or other relevant areas.

Job Role After Completed Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science

Graduates of S.J.D. programs typically pursue careers in academia, government, or the private sector. In academia, S.J.D. graduates may pursue careers as professors or researchers, while in government or the private sector, they may work as legal advisors or consultants. Salaries for S.J.D. graduates can vary widely depending on the type of position and location, but generally, they can expect to earn a higher salary than those with a J.D. or LL.M. degree.

Academic Researcher/Professor: You could work in academia conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and teaching courses related to Juridical Science.

Legal Consultant/Advisor: Provide legal expertise and advice to organizations, government agencies, or law firms on complex legal matters.

Policy Analyst/Advisor: Analyze legal policies, draft policy briefs, and provide recommendations to policymakers and government agencies.

Corporate Counsel: Worked as an in-house legal counsel for corporations, advising on legal issues, contracts, and compliance matters.

Judicial Clerkship: Pursue a clerkship with a judge, gaining experience in legal research, writing opinions, and court procedures.

Government Legal Counsel: Work for government agencies or departments as a legal counsel, advising on regulatory matters, legislation, and legal compliance.

Nonprofit/NGO Legal Officer: Provide legal support to nonprofit organizations and NGOs, including advocacy, compliance, and legal strategy.

Legal Researcher/Writer: Work for legal publishing companies think tanks, or research institutions conducting legal research and writing reports, articles, or books.

Mediator/Arbitrator: Specialize in alternative dispute resolution by mediating conflicts or serving as an arbitrator in legal disputes.

Legal Entrepreneur: Start your own legal consulting firm, legal tech startup, or advocacy organization focusing on specific legal issues or services.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Career Opportunities:

S.J.D. graduates have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. Some potential career paths include:

Academia: Many S.J.D. graduates pursue careers as professors or researchers in law schools or research institutions.

Government: S.J.D. graduates may work as legal advisors or consultants in government agencies, such as the Department of Justice or other regulatory bodies.

Private sector: S.J.D. graduates may work in private law firms as legal advisors or consultants, or in other industries that require legal expertise.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Top Colleges in India:

Some of the top colleges in India offering S.J.D. programs include:

• Jindal Global Law School
• National Law School of India University, Bangalore
• Symbiosis Law School, Pune
• Indian Law Institute, Delhi
• Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
• Amity Law School, Delhi NCR
• Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
• Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Admission Procedure

• Application for the entrance exam 
• Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre-Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by the University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by the University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Documents Checklist For Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Doctor of Philosophy in Juridical Science Program

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.