The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is calling researchers, academics, and policy innovators to join its Research Fellowships Programme for the academic year 2025–26. This is more than a fellowship — it’s a chance to address the grand challenges of the 21st century while shaping impactful, interdisciplinary research.
The Big Picture – What This Fellowship Stands For
NLSIU’s Grand Challenges Model identifies five urgent, globally relevant themes:
- Climate Justice
- Labour and Work
- State Capacity and Reform
- Law and Technology
- Access to Justice and Legal Reform
The Research Fellowships programme builds on the success of the Academic Fellowship (AF) initiative, which has already placed graduates in prestigious PhD programs and academic positions worldwide.
Why Apply? – The Programme’s Aim & Promise
The fellowship is designed to:
- Respond to and institutionalise policy interventions for pressing global issues.
- Expand interdisciplinary research in law, social sciences, and public policy.
- Build a vibrant research community of faculty, fellows, and global collaborators.
- Position NLSIU as a leader in knowledge creation and dissemination.
Available Fellowships & Who They’re For
This programme accommodates researchers at different career stages:
1# Graduate Research Fellowships
- Short-term (3–6 months) – Ideal for fresh graduates/postgraduates with up to 3 years’ experience.
- Long-term (1–2 years) – For candidates with 2–3 years’ professional experience.
- Expected Output: Short-form pieces, seminar presentations, and research assistance for ongoing projects.
2# NLSIU Doctoral Fellowships
- Duration: 3 years (as per PhD Regulations 2023).
- Designed for doctoral candidates aiming to produce world-class research.
3# NLSIU Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Duration: 1–2 years.
- For those with a PhD awarded within the last 3 years.
- Output: Draft book manuscript, peer-reviewed articles, and public engagement.
4# University Research Fellowships
- Duration: 1–2 years.
- For senior scholars with a PhD and 10+ years of teaching/professional experience.
5# Distinguished University Fellowships
- Duration: 1 month–2 years.
- Invitation-only positions for eminent scholars and professionals to lead projects, mentor, and shape research strategy.
Application Pathways
1# Open Call for Applications
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- Available for Graduate, Postdoctoral, and University Research Fellowships.
- Selection involves shortlisting and an interview with a committee led by the Dean (Research).
2# By Invitation
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- University Research Fellowships may also be by invitation.
- Distinguished University Fellowships are exclusively invitation-based.
Rolling Application Timeline
Applications are open year-round, but reviewed three times annually:
1# First Review:
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- Applications Open: August 11, 2025
- Deadline: September 15, 2025 (5 PM GMT)
- Fellowship Start: Dec 1, 2025 – Aug 1, 2026
2# Second Review:
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- Applications Open: September 16, 2025
- Deadline: January 15, 2026 (5 PM GMT)
- Fellowship Start: Apr 1, 2026 – Dec 1, 2026
3# Third Review:
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- Applications Open: January 16, 2026
- Deadline: May 15, 2026 (5 PM GMT)
- Fellowship Start: Aug 1, 2026 – Apr 1, 2027.
The selection process takes about two (2) months, and fellows may start anytime within nine months of selection.
Apply: https://www.nls.ac.in/research/nlsiu-research-fellowships/.