From young graduates to senior researchers, opportunities span law, social sciences and public policy, with monthly remuneration reaching ₹2 lakh
New Delhi. Aspiring researchers and experienced academics looking to deepen their work in law, social sciences and public policy have a fresh opportunity at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
The university has opened applications for its January 2027 intake, inviting candidates for a total of 20 research fellowship positions across three categories. The programme is designed to accommodate researchers at different stages of their academic and professional journeys, from recent graduates to scholars with substantial research and teaching experience.
Applications must be submitted by October 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm IST.
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Three Fellowship Tracks, 20 Positions
The current recruitment drive covers:
- Graduate Research Fellowship — 10 positions
- NLSIU Postdoctoral Fellowship — 5 positions
- University Research Fellowship — 5 positions
NLSIU says the programme is intended to encourage original and high-impact research, including work that develops new theoretical perspectives, generates empirical evidence and connects academic scholarship with policy and institutional reform. Both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research proposals are welcomed.
Monthly Remuneration Goes Up to ₹2 Lakh
The university has announced the following starting monthly remuneration:
| Fellowship | Positions | Starting Monthly Remuneration |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Research Fellowship | 10 | ₹50,000 |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | 5 | ₹1,20,000 |
| University Research Fellowship | 5 | ₹2,00,000 |
NLSIU has clarified that the actual remuneration will be determined with reference to the candidate’s educational background, qualifications, relevant experience and overall suitability for the fellowship.
Opportunity for Young Researchers
The Graduate Research Fellowship is aimed at recent graduates and young scholars interested in developing their research capabilities.
Candidates can apply with a graduate degree in law or a postgraduate degree in social sciences, public policy or allied disciplines. According to NLSIU’s fellowship framework, post-qualification work experience is not mandatory for this category. Candidates currently enrolled in a qualifying programme may also apply, subject to completing their degree before joining.
The fellowship offers exposure to academic research, literature reviews, research projects, workshops, seminars and other intellectual activities, along with opportunities for mentorship and independent research development.
Postdoctoral Route for Recent PhD Scholars
The NLSIU Postdoctoral Fellowship is intended for researchers who have completed a PhD in law, social sciences, public policy or an allied discipline within the specified recent period.
The university’s current fellowship information states that the postdoctoral category is for scholars whose PhD was obtained within the past three years, while the detailed programme framework also provides for candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis by the relevant notification date.
Selected postdoctoral fellows are expected to develop substantial scholarly work, including a book manuscript, peer-reviewed research and shorter academic contributions.
Senior Scholars Can Apply for the University Research Fellowship
The University Research Fellowship is designed for established researchers and professionals with a substantial academic record.
Applicants are required to have a recognised PhD, at least 10 years of teaching or relevant professional experience, and a demonstrable publication record. NLSIU describes this fellowship as an opportunity for leading experts to expand their research, produce scholarship, build collaborations and contribute to the university’s broader research programmes.
This category carries the highest starting remuneration in the current call—₹2 lakh per month.
More Than a Fellowship
NLSIU’s research fellowship programme is structured not simply as financial support but as an academic engagement with the university’s research ecosystem.
Fellows may work with faculty members, research centres and ongoing projects, participate in seminars and workshops, use the university’s academic resources and contribute to research publications and policy-oriented work. The programme places particular emphasis on connecting scholarship with real-world institutional and policy questions.
Campus-Based Research in Bengaluru
The fellowships are primarily based at the NLSIU campus in Bengaluru. The university’s current call states that fellows are expected to be on campus during their fellowship period, although flexibility may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For researchers seeking sustained engagement with faculty, academic networks and interdisciplinary scholarship, the campus component forms an important part of the programme.
October 30 Is the Application Deadline
The current call is specifically for the January 2027 intake. Interested candidates must submit their applications by 5 pm IST on October 30, 2026. NLSIU has provided separate application routes for each of the three fellowship categories.
For applicants, the key consideration is not simply the fellowship amount but selecting the category that matches their academic qualifications, research experience and career stage.
The latest announcement reflects NLSIU’s broader effort to build an interdisciplinary research community spanning law, social sciences and public policy, while giving researchers dedicated time and institutional support to develop meaningful scholarly work.
(SDNA)