NLSIU Announces Research Fellowships for Graduate, Postdoctoral, and University-Level Scholars – Apply by 30 June 2026 @Level Scholars – Apply by 30 June 2026

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has issued a call for applications for its Research Fellowships Programme, inviting scholars across multiple academic levels to apply for contract-based research positions. The opportunity includes Graduate Research Fellowships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, and University Research Fellowships, aimed at strengthening interdisciplinary research in law, social sciences, and public policy.

The fellowships are part of NLSIU’s broader commitment to advancing research aligned with its “Grand Challenges Model,” which addresses key global and national issues through academic inquiry and policy engagement.

Overview of Available Fellowship Positions

NLSIU is currently accepting applications for the following fellowship categories:

• 10 Graduate Research Fellowships
• 5 Postdoctoral Fellowships
• 5 University Research Fellowships

Additionally, two Graduate Research Fellowships will be supported by the JSW Centre for the Future of Law at NLSIU, with a separate application process.

These fellowships are designed to support researchers at different stages of their academic and professional journeys, ranging from early-career graduates to experienced postdoctoral scholars.

Research Focus Areas Under the Grand Challenges Model

The Research Fellowships Programme is anchored in NLSIU’s Grand Challenges Model of research, developed in 2020–21. The model identifies five major thematic areas guiding institutional research priorities:

• Climate Justice
• Labour and Work
• State Capacity and Reform
• Law and Technology
• Access to Justice and Legal Reform

Fellows will be expected to contribute original research within these thematic areas, supporting both academic output and policy-relevant knowledge creation.

Objectives of the Fellowship Programme

The fellowship initiative is designed to build a strong, interdisciplinary research ecosystem at NLSIU. Its core objectives include:

• Advancing research and policy solutions addressing major societal challenges
• Expanding interdisciplinary scholarship in law, social sciences, and public policy
• Building a collaborative research community involving faculty, fellows, and researchers
• Strengthening knowledge creation, dissemination, and academic leadership
• Enhancing global research collaboration and institutional visibility

Through these goals, NLSIU aims to position itself as a leading centre for legal and policy research in India and beyond.

Fellowship Experience and Academic Environment

Selected fellows will be integrated into NLSIU’s academic ecosystem, gaining access to its research infrastructure and intellectual community. Participants will benefit from:

• Participation in academic workshops and seminars
• Access to extensive library and digital research resources
• Opportunities to publish in NLSIU platforms, including blogs and peer-reviewed journals
• Engagement with faculty and fellow researchers across disciplines

The programme is structured to promote active academic engagement and the production of high-quality, policy-relevant research outputs.

Location and Work Expectations

Fellows are generally expected to be based on campus at NLSIU in Bengaluru for the duration of their appointment. However, the university may provide flexibility regarding physical presence on a case-by-case basis, depending on research requirements and institutional needs.

This hybrid flexibility allows for both immersive academic engagement and adaptive working arrangements where appropriate.

Remuneration and Contract Terms

The fellowship positions are offered on a contract basis, with remuneration structured according to the candidate’s academic qualifications, research experience, and professional background.

While specific salary figures are not disclosed, compensation is described as competitive and aligned with institutional standards for research appointments.

Application Process and Requirements

Interested candidates are required to apply through designated Google Forms corresponding to each fellowship category:

• Graduate Research Fellowship application form
• Postdoctoral Fellowship application form
• University Research Fellowship application form

Applicants must ensure that all required documentation and supporting materials are submitted accurately and within the stipulated timelines.

For queries related to applications, candidates may contact:

• recruitment@nls.ac.in
• researchfellowships@nls.ac.in

Application Deadlines and Review Timeline

The fellowship programme follows a rolling review process conducted in multiple rounds. The current application timeline is as follows:

• First round of applications: Completed
• Second round: Completed
• Third round deadline: June 30, 2026 (11:59 pm)

Applications submitted after the third-round deadline will not be considered. The review and selection process for this cycle will take place between May 16 and July 31, 2026.

About the National Law School of India University (NLSIU)

Established in 1987, NLSIU is widely recognised as a pioneer in legal education in India. Over the past three decades, the university has expanded its academic scope to include law, social sciences, humanities, and public policy.

NLSIU has consistently ranked among the top law universities in India under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), maintaining the number one position for several consecutive years. The institution continues to play a leading role in shaping legal scholarship and policy research in the region.

Conclusion

The NLSIU Research Fellowships Programme presents a significant opportunity for scholars at various academic levels to engage in advanced research within a leading legal education institution. By focusing on critical global challenges such as climate justice, technology governance, labour systems, and access to justice, the programme contributes to the development of impactful interdisciplinary research.

Applicants are encouraged to apply within the final deadline to be considered for this prestigious academic opportunity.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.