The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law and Policy Studies at the Alliance School of Law (ASOL) is an advanced interdisciplinary doctoral programme research-intensive doctoral programme designed to develop high-impact researchers, academicians, and successful legal and policy experts. The programme emphasizes advanced theoretical foundations, experimental research, and real-world legal problem solving in cutting-edge areas of law and policy studies with the primary focus on generating original scholarship that advances understanding of legal systems, governance, and how laws shape and are shaped by public policy decisions
Since law research is multidimensional and interdisciplinary, the programme provides excellent academic support with experienced faculty that facilitates researchers in making significant contributions to their areas of research. The key emphasis of the program focuses on regulatory complexity, democratic accountability deficits, global governance gaps and technological disruption of legal systems.
Honors Specialization Courses
Business Law
Intellectual Property Law
Criminal Law
International Law
Constitutional Law
Sociology
Economics
Political Science
Mass Communication
Finance
Management
Major Specializations:-
Constitutional Law
Corporate Law
Crime and Forensics Law
Human Rights Law
Intellectual Property Law
IT and Data Protection Law
Law, Climate Change and Sustainability
Trade and Commercial Law
IT and Data Protection Law
Law, Climate Change and Sustainability
Human Rights Law
1. Graduates will demonstrate sound knowledge of substantive and procedural laws and their application to real-world legal problems.
2. Graduates will be equipped with strong research, drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills to thrive in legal, corporate, and regulatory environments.
3. Graduates will act as socially responsible legal professionals, promoting justice, fairness, and sustainable development.
4. Graduates will be adept in legal technology, data-driven decision-making, and cross-border legal practice.
5. Graduates will engage in ongoing professional development and be adaptable to evolving legal, societal, and technological landscapes.
For BA LLB (H):
• Demonstrate competence in applying law to socio-political problems using interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Engage in civic and policy-based legal work to advocate for marginalized communities and social transformation.
For BBA LLB (H):
• Integrate legal knowledge with managerial, economic, and corporate frameworks in commercial and compliance contexts.
• Formulate innovative solutions in the domains of fintech, corporate governance, and business regulation.
For LLB (3 Years):
• Transition into legal practice or judiciary with a strong foundation in advocacy, drafting, and research.
• Provide legal solutions to contemporary societal issues using legal tools, client-centric approaches, and policy insights.
UG Law Programmes (BA LLB (H) / BBA LLB (H) / LLB)
1. Demonstrate understanding of legal concepts, constitutional values, statutes, case laws, and international legal frameworks. (K1, K2)
2. Analyze and interpret legal problems using logical reasoning, doctrinal tools, and comparative frameworks. (K4, K5)
3. Employ doctrinal, empirical, and digital research methods to explore, interpret, and solve complex legal issues. (K3, K4, K5)
4. Communicate persuasively in legal contexts through structured arguments, reports, drafting, and oral advocacy. (K3, K6)
5. Utilize legal tech tools and digital platforms for research, compliance, advocacy, and practice management. (K3, K4)
6. Develop practical solutions to societal challenges using legal knowledge, ethics, and policy insights. (K5, K6)
7. Apply professional codes of conduct and demonstrate integrity, confidentiality, and accountability. (K2, K5)
8. Function effectively in diverse teams, understanding roles in adversarial and collaborative legal settings. (K2, K3)
9. Demonstrate initiative, vision, and leadership in legal, civic, and entrepreneurial contexts. (K5, K6)
10. Contribute to community legal empowerment, access to justice, and policy reforms. (K3, K5)
11. Integrate legal thinking with insights from business, technology, politics, and social sciences. (K4, K5)
12. Understand and respond to global legal developments, including cross-border practice and international human rights. (K2, K4)
Programme Outcomes – LLM
1. Demonstrate advanced legal knowledge and specialized understanding in chosen areas of law. (K2, K3)
2. Conduct independent and collaborative legal research using doctrinal, empirical, and critical methods. (K4, K5)
3. Formulate original arguments, scholarly critique, and policy alternatives on complex legal issues. (K5, K6)
4. Apply ethical and global perspectives to evaluate contemporary legal developments. (K3, K5)
5. Integrate academic learning with practice-based training through clinical, drafting, and advocacy modules. (K3, K6)
Programme Specific Outcomes – LLM
• Develop proficiency in using legal databases, AI tools, and regulatory frameworks in advanced legal analysis.
• Demonstrate expertise in thematic legal areas such as human rights, technology law, corporate regulation, or constitutional governance.
• Translate research into policy recommendations or community-oriented legal innovations.
• Prepare for careers in academia, think tanks, judiciary, international organizations, or legal consulting.
Activity Points
WHAT ARE ACTIVITY POINTS (AP)?
Mandatory, non-graded credits (MNG) that track your Co/Extra-curricular & community work. Collect 100 points every semester to stay degree-eligible and prove you're more than a GPA!
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
• Graduate on time: Deficits flag '?P Pending" on your marksheet.
• Stand-out transcript: Along with Transcripts (Detailed Marks Card and Degree certificate), get an activity point report, recruiters see leadership, creativity & social impact.
• Personal growth: Build skills, friends and memories beyond the classroom!
HOW DO I SCORE 100 EACH SEMESTER?
1. COMMUNITY & SERVICE
2. SPORTS & GAMES
3. PROFESSIONAL & INNOVATION
4. CULTURAL & LITERARY
5. LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
6. INNOVATION & STARTUPS
• Applicants holding a master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade in a point scale as prescribed by the UGC from time to time, wherever the grading system is followed.
• Applicants whose results of the final examination of a programme leading to a master’s degree are awaited may be granted provisional admission, subject to fulfilling all other admission requirements. Such candidates must submit proof of completion of the master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks within three months of admission, failing which the admission shall stand cancelled.
• Applicants holding foreign degrees equivalent to a master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade in a point scale as prescribed by the UGC may be admitted to the Ph.D. programme, subject to clearance by the Equivalence Committee of Alliance University.
• Applicants who have completed M.Phil. coursework with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in the UGC point scale, and those whose M.Phil. dissertation has been evaluated but whose viva-voce is pending, may also be admitted to the Ph.D. programme.
• Applicants possessing a degree approved as equivalent to the M.Phil. degree in India and obtained from a foreign educational institution accredited by the UGC may be admitted to the Ph.D. programme, subject to clearance by the Equivalence Committee of Alliance University.
• Admission of candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories shall be governed by the Karnataka State Rules and applicable regulations in force from time to time.
• Students from a four-year undergraduate programme (with Honors) may enroll directly in the Ph.D. programme if they have secured 75% marks or above, with a 5% relaxation for specified categories as per UGC regulations.
• Students from a four-year undergraduate programme who have secured between 55% and 75% marks may qualify after completing either a one-year master’s programme or a bridging programme of 36–40 credits. (Refer National Credit Framework (NCrF) 2024).
• For students from a three-year undergraduate programme, Ph.D. eligibility requires completion of a bridging programme of 36–40 credits along with the necessary coursework. (Refer National Credit Framework (NCrF) 2024).
| Entry Level | Program Duration |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | 3–6 years (Full-time) |
| Particulars | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | ₹50,000 | $600 |
| program Fee (Per Annum) | ₹1,00,000 | $1,400 |
| Comprehensive Exam Fee | ₹20,000 | |
| Thesis Submission Fee | ₹30,000 | |
| Doctoral Scroll Free | ₹5,000 | |
| Convocation Fee | ₹3,000 | |
| Alumni Association Fee | ₹3,000 |
| Category | Eligibility / Scope | Grant Amount / Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Fellowship | Full-time scholars | ₹35,000 per month |
| Contingency Grant | Full-time scholars | ₹25,000 per year |
| International Conference Funding | Case-by-case basis; once during the program | Up to ₹1,00,000 |
| National Workshop Funding | Scholars not receiving other funding support | ₹30,000 per year |
| Inclusion & Special Provisions | Women scholars and differently-abled scholars | Special provisions and relaxations; access to Centres of Excellence and entrepreneurial fund of ₹10 Crores |
| Policy | Conditions | Awards and funding are subject to review by the Scholarship / Research Committee; limited availability on a first-come-first-served basis |
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Submit online application |
| Step 2 | Pay Application Fee — ₹3,000 |
| Step 3 | Alliance Research Aptitude Test (ARAT) |
| Step 4 | Personal Interview |
| Step 5 | Evaluation of research synopsis on proposed dissertation |
| Step 6 | Consideration of scholastic record, work experience, and extracurricular achievements; final selection based on overall performance |
Comfort, safety, and community form the foundation of campus living. Our residential halls are thoughtfully designed to create a sense of belonging—offering a welcoming environment where students can study, unwind, and build lifelong friendships.
Separate hostels
for boys and girls
Student-friendly
common areas
Spacious rooms
(single, double, or triple occupancy)
Dedicated wardens
and support teams
My Journey with Alliance University as a research scholar was a fascinating one. The Ph.D. in Law helped me evolve not only as a Researcher but also individual as well. Beyond this, the library resources, where all the books related to my research were easily available. At the end of it, I can rightly say that decision of doing Ph.D. from Alliance was one of the best decisions I have made.
Embarking on the journey to earn a Ph.D. is not for the faint of heart. The long and challenging road requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for research. As a proud Ph.D. graduate of Alliance University, I can attest that the journey was well worth it. The program challenged me to think critically, conduct rigorous research, and develop effective communication skills, all of which have proven invaluable in my future endeavors. Thanks to the program’s emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking, I developed a unique perspective and approach to my research that has the potential to make a positive impact on society.
Obtaining a Doctorate can be a challenging journey, as it requires independent research. Therefore, it is crucial to have supportive mentors and peers to ensure professional success. As a full-time research scholar at Alliance School of Law, I am privileged to have access to top-notch facilities and a conducive research environment. Additionally, the knowledgeable professors at Alliance University have equipped me with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the doctoral programme.
A doctoral program designed for interdisciplinary and advanced legal research, preparing scholars for academia, judiciary, policy, and global legal practice.
ADR, Climate Change and Sustainability, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Corporate & Commercial Law, Criminal & Security Law, Cyber & Technology Law, Intellectual Property, LGBTQ Rights, SDGs, Tech & AI Policy, Viksit Bharat 2047, Women & Child Rights
Master’s degree with ?55%; M.Phil., foreign degree holders, Honors graduates, and bridging course candidates are eligible per UGC/NCrF norms
Typically 3–6 years full-time
Fellowships, contingency grants, conference/workshop funding, entrepreneurial support, and inclusion provisions
ARAT entrance, personal interview, research proposal evaluation, academic profile, work experience, extracurriculars
AU-STIC facility, Centres of Excellence, global databases (IEEE, Scopus, Harvard Case Studies, etc.), ?10 Crore entrepreneurial fund
Yes, subject to Equivalence Committee clearance
Yes, governed by Karnataka State and UGC regulations
Yes, subject to approval
Research methodology, publication ethics, legal writing, specialization papers, and research practicum
Faculty: Law
| Course Type | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Core | Research and Publication Ethics | 2 |
| University Core | Academic Writing and Communication | 1 |
| University Core | Learning and Development | 1 |
| Department Core | Research Methodology | 3 |
| Department Core | Core Law (Recent Trends in Law) | 3 |
| Department Core | Directed Course – Research Oriented Area of Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 13 |
Graduates of the programme will be able to:
Demonstrate proficiency in applying advanced research methodologies, analytical techniques, and experimental designs to produce quality research
Uphold ethical research practices, ensuring compliance with academic integrity, plagiarism standards, and responsible data management
Demonstrate proficiency in academic writing, presentation, and public discourse
Align research with societal needs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to policy, industry, and community-driven advancements
Commit to continuous learning and professional growth by staying updated with emerging trends, theories, and best practices in the field
• UGC-Compliant Ph.D. Programme – Structured doctoral programme with coursework aligned to UGC regulations and research standards.
• Theoretical and Societal Focus – Strong emphasis on theoretical depth, legal challenges, public policy, and social transformation.
• Research Mentorship – Guidance from experienced faculty members with significant Scopus and SCI-indexed research publications.
• Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities – Scope for collaborative research across Law, Social Sciences, and Public Policy Studies.
• Advanced Research Resources – Access to advanced legal databases, research tools, and academic resources.
• Industry Collaboration and Consultancy – Opportunities to engage in industry partnerships, consultancy assignments, and funded research projects.
• Research Excellence and Innovation – Emphasis on high-quality journal publications, patents, intellectual property creation, and technology transfer.
• Flexible Study Options – Availability of both full-time and part-time Ph.D. pathways as per university norms.
• Research Fellowship Support – Research fellowship of Rs.35,000 per month and a contingency grant of Rs.25,000 per year for full-time scholars.
• International Conference Funding – Rs.1 lakh funding support on a case-by-case basis, once during the programme, for attending international conferences and seminars.
• National Workshop Support – Rs.30,000 per year funding support for attending national workshops if the scholar is not availing funding from any other agency.
• Global Academic Mentorship – Extensive interaction and guidance from distinguished academicians, including 40+ Ivy League supervisors and faculty ranked among the top 2% scientists globally.
• Research Scholar Mobility – Facility for transfer of research scholars between Alliance University and other universities or research institutions.
• Inclusive Research Environment – Special provisions and relaxations for women research scholars and specially-abled persons.
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Access to a Rs.10 Crores revolving fund supporting entrepreneurial and innovation-driven initiatives.
• Centres of Excellence – Dedicated Centres of Excellence fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge research.
• Funded Research Opportunities – Research projects worth 75+ Crores sponsored by government and non-government agencies.
• Comprehensive Research Resources – Access to leading databases including IEEE, Scopus, SciVal, EBSCO, Derwent, The Case Centre, and Harvard Case Studies.
• Advanced Research Infrastructure – Access to the Central Instrumentation Facility (AU-STIC), providing state-of-the-art scientific equipment and research facilities.
• Strong Research Impact – 1,772 SCOPUS-indexed publications, 7,832 citations, an H-index of 41, average 4.2 citations per paper, 65% of publications in Quartile 1 and 2 journals, 60% cited by top 10% journals, a field-weighted citation impact of 1.93, and 34% of publications produced through international collaboration.
Scholars may pursue research in (but not limited to):
Interdisciplinary research proposals involving Law and Public Policy, Social Sciences, sustainable development, ESG are strongly encouraged.
Artificial intelligence/ Machine Learning (ASOL)
Intellectual Property Laws
Emphasize the intersection of intellectual property and data privacy laws, especially as concerns grow over the protection of personal data and its use in AI, big data analytics, and machine learning.
Air and Space Law
Climate Change and Sustainable Development to include corporate sustainability (offered through CoE)
