NLSIU Research Fellowships 2025–2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
If you are an aspiring scholar, policy thinker, or legal researcher passionate about addressing pressing global challenges, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru invites you to apply for its prestigious Research Fellowships for the academic year 2025–2026. This expanded programme builds on the success of NLSIU’s Academic Fellowship model and supports interdisciplinary research in law, social sciences, public policy, and allied disciplines. The fellowships target five “Grand Challenges” for the 21st century: Climate Justice, Labour & Work, State Capacity & Reform, Law & Technology, and Access to Justice & Legal Reform.
With opportunities for graduates, doctoral candidates, post-doctoral researchers, senior academics, and distinguished professionals, the fellowships provide an exceptional platform to create impactful research and contribute to NLSIU’s vibrant intellectual community. Here's everything you need to know!
🎓 NLSIU Fellowship Summary
Location: NLSIU Campus, Bengaluru (with limited remote options in exceptional cases)
Host Institution: National Law School of India University (NLSIU)
Level: Graduate, Doctoral, Post-Doctoral, University Research, Distinguished Fellowships
Target Group: Early-career scholars, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, senior academics, and eminent professionals
Fields of Research: Law, social sciences, public policy, and allied disciplines aligned with the five Grand Challenges
Value & Coverage:
Graduate Research Fellowship: ₹55,000–₹65,000 per month
Post-Doctoral Fellowship: ₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000 per month
University Research Fellowship: ₹1,70,000–₹2,00,000 per month
Doctoral Fellowship: As per NLSIU PhD policy (with 10% annual increment for satisfactory progress)
Duration:
Graduate: 3–6 months (short-term) or 1–2 years (long-term)
Doctoral: 3 years
Post-Doctoral: Up to 2 years
University Research: 3 months–2 years
Distinguished University: 1 month–2 years
Application Deadline: Rolling applications with three review cycles:
First Review: Deadline – 15 September 2025 | Start – 1 Dec 2025 to 1 Aug 2026
Second Review: Deadline – 15 January 2026 | Start – 1 Apr 2026 to 1 Dec 2026
Third Review: Deadline – 15 May 2026 | Start – 1 Aug 2026 to 1 Apr 2027
Start Date: Flexible—within nine months of offer issuance
Eligible To Apply: Based on fellowship category (Graduate, Doctoral, Post-Doctoral, Senior Academic, or Eminent Professional)
🌍 Fellowship Overview
1. Graduate Research Fellowship (10 positions)
Short-term (3–6 months):
Publish 1–3 short-form pieces (blogs, policy briefs)
Submit abstract for research article (for fellowships ≥5 months)
Present at seminars or colloquia
Assist in projects (≤20% of time)
Long-term (1–2 years):
Publish 1 peer-reviewed article annually
Publish 4–6 short-form pieces
Teach one elective course per year (subject to approval)
Participate in research presentations and collaborations
Special JSW Centre Fellowships: Two positions focus on topics such as AI & law, data governance, biotech ethics, risk regulation, climate justice, and legal system reform.
2. Doctoral Fellowships (8 positions)
Open to full-time NLSIU PhD candidates
Duration: 3 years with annual 10% stipend increment for satisfactory progress
Commitment: ~10 hours/week on university academic duties and research support
Continuation based on research quality and institutional contributions
3. Post-Doctoral Fellowships (5 positions)
For scholars awarded a PhD in the past three years (no prior post-doc)
Duration: Up to 2 years
Expected outputs: Draft book manuscript, 1 peer-reviewed article/year, 2+ short pieces/year
Teach one elective annually; engage in collaborative teaching and research
Eligible for 10% stipend increase in Year 2 upon satisfactory performance
4. University Research Fellowships (5 positions)
For senior academics with a PhD and at least 10 years of experience
Duration: 3 months–2 years
Deliverables: 1 peer-reviewed article/year, 1–6 short-form pieces, teaching responsibilities, and leadership in research programme design
Actively foster collaborations and strengthen NLSIU’s academic network
5. Distinguished University Fellowships (5 positions)
Invitation-only for eminent scholars and professionals
Duration: 1 month–2 years
Focus on scholarly projects, mentorship, and public engagement through seminars and forums
🎁 Benefits
Competitive monthly stipends according to fellowship type
Immersion in NLSIU’s research culture and access to library, archives, and digital resources
Opportunities for teaching, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Publication avenues via NLSIU’s journals, blogs, and repository
Flexible start dates and structured academic support from NLSIU faculty
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Graduate: Graduate degree in law OR postgraduate in social sciences/public policy/allied fields
Doctoral: Current NLSIU PhD enrolment
Post-Doctoral: PhD in relevant field (awarded within the past 3 years) and no prior post-doc
University Research: PhD with significant professional/academic experience (≥10 years) and a strong publication record
Distinguished: Eminent standing in relevant academic or professional field (invitation only)
📝 Application Procedure
1. Open Call Fellowships (Graduate, Post-Doctoral, University Research)
Submit application through NLSIU’s official portal
Shortlisting based on academic merit, research proposal, and relevant experience
Final selection through interviews by the Dean (Research) and/or Vice Chancellor
2. Invitation Fellowships (University Research, Distinguished University)
Nominations by NLSIU faculty/research staff
Review and recommendation by the Dean and Vice Deans (Research)
Approval by Vice Chancellor
📂 Required Documents
Updated CV/resume
Detailed research proposal or statement of interest
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Writing samples/publications
Letters of recommendation
Teaching statement (if applicable)
Any other documents specified in the application form
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
