Cameron Miranda
Becoming a law professor in India is a demanding yet rewarding career path that requires academic excellence, practical experience, and a passion for teaching. Law professors are responsible for teaching legal matters, ethics, the philosophy of law, and legal practices to students. To become a law professor in India, individuals must complete certain educational requirements, gain relevant experience, and develop a set of key skills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | A bachelor's degree in law (LLB) or a master's degree in law (LLM) with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade |
| Doctoral degrees (PhD) are often required, with some institutions making this compulsory | |
| Candidates with a postgraduate degree can apply for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) | |
| Experience | A minimum of 4-10 years of teaching experience in a university or college, with some sources stating that this must be at a "reputed" or "renowned" institution |
| Experience in research at a university and national level, including directing and guiding students at a doctoral level | |
| Experience in legal practice, such as working as a clerk in court or serving as a legal advisor | |
| Skills | Strong communication skills, both oral and written |
| Logical thinking | |
| Attention to detail | |
| Passion for education | |
| Other | Published works, such as books, research or policy papers |
| Evidence of contributing to educational innovation, such as designing new curricula | |
| Passing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is highly recommended |
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What You'll Learn
- Educational requirements: A bachelor's degree in law, master's degree, and PhD are often needed
- Entrance exams: Pass the UGC National Eligibility Test or State-Level Eligibility Test
- Experience: Gain teaching experience through visiting lecturer roles and research fellowships
- Publications: Publish high-quality research in law-related journals and present at conferences
- Application: Tailor your resume and applications to each institution's specific requirements
Educational requirements: A bachelor's degree in law, master's degree, and PhD are often needed
To become a law professor in India, you must first complete your higher secondary education (10+2) from a recognised school board. Following this, you can pursue a bachelor's degree in law. If you wish to pursue a law degree immediately after your 10+2, you can enrol in a five-year integrated Bachelor of Laws (LLB) course, such as a Bachelor of Arts LLB, Bachelor of Commerce LLB, or Bachelor of Business Administration LLB. Alternatively, if you want to pursue a law degree after graduation, you can enrol in a three-year LLB course.
While a bachelor's degree in law is the minimum requirement to teach at some institutions, pursuing an advanced degree, such as a Master of Laws (LLM), from a reputable institute will significantly increase your chances of securing a job in this competitive field. Candidates with a master's degree in law with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade from an Indian University or a top foreign university are well-positioned to pursue a career as a law professor.
In addition to a master's degree, individuals aspiring to become law professors in India are increasingly expected to hold a doctoral degree (PhD). A PhD has become mandatory for promotions to 'Assistant Professor' positions in colleges since July 1, 2021. Candidates with a PhD degree are also exempted from the prerequisite of clearing the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) or State-Level Eligibility Test (SLET) conducted for candidates aspiring to become professors.
While pursuing your master's and doctoral degrees, it is crucial to gain relevant teaching and research experience. Many academic institutions offer positions such as assistant instructors or professors to teach relevant law subjects, and obtaining experience as a guest lecturer or part-time professor can enhance your applications for permanent roles. Additionally, contributing to legal publications or assisting in drafting policies can provide valuable practical legal experience.
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Entrance exams: Pass the UGC National Eligibility Test or State-Level Eligibility Test
To become a law professor in India, you must pass certain entrance examinations. The University Grants Commission (UGC) conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET) for candidates who want to pursue academic careers, such as becoming a professor or junior research fellow. Candidates with a postgraduate degree in law or related fields can apply for the UGC NET law examination. The minimum eligibility criteria for the UGC NET law exam is a Master of Law (LLM) with at least 55% of the marks. Additionally, there is an age limit of 30 years for the UGC NET Junior Research Fellow (JRF) exam, with a 5-year relaxation for candidates from reserved categories such as OBC, ST, and SC. There is no upper age limit for applying for the assistant professor position, and candidates with research experience can receive a maximum age relaxation of 5 years.
The UGC also conducts the State-Level Eligibility Test (SLET), which you can take if you want to become a law professor at a state-level college or university in India. Passing the UGC NET or SLET examinations is a crucial step towards becoming a law professor in India, as it demonstrates your expertise and qualifies you for academic positions in universities and colleges.
While the UGC NET and SLET are the most common entrance examinations for law professors in India, there may be additional exams or requirements set by specific universities or states. It is important to check with the institution or state where you intend to pursue your career for any specific additional requirements.
In addition to passing the entrance examinations, gaining relevant teaching experience is essential. Many academic institutions offer positions as assistant instructors or guest lecturers, which can provide valuable experience and enhance your credentials when applying for permanent law professor roles.
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Experience: Gain teaching experience through visiting lecturer roles and research fellowships
To become a law professor in India, you must gain relevant teaching experience while pursuing your education. Aspiring law professors should aim to obtain experience as a guest lecturer, visiting assistant professor, part-time professor, or instructor in any law school. This will help strengthen your applications for permanent roles.
Many academic institutions have assistant instructors or professors who teach relevant law subjects. You can explore opportunities to work as an assistant instructor or professor at a university or college. This will allow you to gain valuable experience in teaching law subjects while also refining your academic skills.
In addition to teaching, you can also gain experience through research fellowships. Consider pursuing a PhD degree, which will provide you with extensive research experience and the opportunity to publish your work. Publishing articles in reputed legal journals and presenting papers at national and international conferences will not only enhance your academic credentials but also establish your authority in the legal field.
You can also explore research fellowships or assistantships at universities or research institutions. These positions will allow you to gain experience in research work at the university level and contribute to educational innovation. Additionally, you can gain experience in directing and guiding students at the doctoral level, which is a valuable asset for a law professor.
By gaining experience through teaching and research, you will be able to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful law professor in India.
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Publications: Publish high-quality research in law-related journals and present at conferences
Publishing high-quality research in law-related journals and presenting at conferences are crucial steps in becoming a law professor in India. These activities enhance your visibility and credibility within the legal academic community and demonstrate your expertise and knowledge. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you navigate the process:
Publishing in Law-Related Journals:
- Reputable Journals in India: Aim to publish in well-known journals that are widely recognised within the legal academic community. Examples include the Indian Journal of Law and Legal Research (IJLLR), which is indexed in reputable databases such as Google Scholar and HeinOnline. The International Journal of Human Rights Law Review (IJHRLR) is another respected journal that upholds high standards of academic excellence.
- Submission Requirements: Familiarise yourself with the submission requirements of your chosen journal. Most journals require original, unpublished manuscripts that adhere to specific formatting guidelines, word limits, and citation styles. Lawctopus, for instance, accepts research papers on any law subject and provides a platform for legal scholars to showcase their insights.
- Quality and Integrity: Ensure your research meets the highest standards of academic integrity and excellence. This includes proper citation of sources, avoiding plagiarism, and adhering to ethical guidelines. The IJHRLR, for instance, is known for its rigorous peer-review process that ensures the publication of only original, plagiarism-free, and high-quality research.
- Timelines: Consider the review and publication timelines of the journal. Some journals, such as the IJHRLR, offer a quick turnaround, with publication possible within 72 hours of submission. Others, like Lawctopus, provide a self-paced workshop to help improve your manuscript before submission.
- Certificates and Perks: Look for journals that offer additional perks, such as certificates of publication, certificates of excellence, and internship opportunities. These can enhance your CV and provide further career benefits.
Presenting at Conferences:
- Identify Relevant Conferences: Look for conferences that align with your legal research interests and specialisation. Conferences can be a great opportunity to network with other legal scholars, present your research, and stay updated on the latest developments in your field.
- Submission Process: Each conference will have its own submission guidelines and requirements. Pay attention to deadlines, presentation formats (oral or poster presentations), and any specific themes or topics that the conference organisers are seeking.
- Practice and Prepare: Once your submission is accepted, prepare your presentation carefully. Practice your delivery, ensure your visuals are clear and concise, and be prepared to engage in discussions and answer questions about your research.
- Network and Collaborate: Conferences provide excellent networking opportunities. Engage with other attendees, exchange ideas, and seek feedback on your research. These interactions can lead to potential collaborations, mentorship, and future research partnerships.
By following these guidelines and actively pursuing publication and presentation opportunities, you will enhance your reputation as a legal scholar and significantly improve your chances of securing a position as a law professor in India.
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Application: Tailor your resume and applications to each institution's specific requirements
To become a law professor in India, you must have a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and a passion for education. Here are some tips for tailoring your resume and applications to meet the specific requirements of the institution you are applying to:
- Understand the Institution's Requirements: Before applying to any law school, thoroughly review the job description and the institution's website to understand the specific qualifications, skills, and experience they are seeking in candidates. Look for any unique aspects of their law program or areas of specialisation that you can tailor your application towards.
- Highlight Relevant Academic Achievements: Ensure your resume showcases your legal expertise and academic credentials. Highlight your law degree(s), including your Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and any advanced degrees such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or a PhD. Mention the university where you obtained your degrees, especially if it is a well-known institution or one recognised by the hiring institution.
- Emphasise Teaching Experience: Law professor positions highly value teaching experience. If you have prior experience as an assistant instructor, guest lecturer, or part-time professor, highlight this on your resume. If you are just starting, consider gaining teaching experience through visiting faculty roles or student teaching internship programs to strengthen your application.
- Demonstrate Research Capabilities: Law professors are expected to engage in advanced research and publish their findings. Showcase any research experience you have, including fellowships or contributions to legal publications. Highlight the number and quality of your published works, such as books, research papers, or policy papers, as this is a critical aspect of a law professor's role.
- Customise Your Skills: Review the job description to identify the specific skills the institution seeks in candidates. Ensure your resume highlights relevant skills, such as mentorship, critical thinking, legal research, and writing abilities. You can also mention any other skills valued by law schools, such as logical thinking, precision, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Showcase Your Passion: In your application, convey your passion for teaching and interest in the legal field. Discuss why you want to become a law professor and how your experience and expertise will contribute to the institution's academic goals and the development of legal education.
Remember, each institution may have unique requirements and areas of focus, so tailoring your resume and application to highlight how you meet their specific needs is essential.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a bachelor's degree in law, such as a Bachelor of Arts LLB, a master's degree in law, and a PhD in law. You will also need to pass certain entrance examinations, such as the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET).
You will need to pass the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) or the State-Level Eligibility Test (SLET). The UGC NET is for candidates who want to pursue academic careers, while the SLET is for those who want to become law professors at state-level colleges or universities.
You will need at least 8-10 years of teaching or research experience in universities or recognised institutions. You should also have experience in research work at the university and national level, as well as experience in directing and guiding students in research at the doctoral level.
In addition to strong academic qualifications, you should have excellent research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to innovate in education by designing new courses and curricula. Strong communication and mentorship skills are also beneficial.
After completing your law degree, gain experience by working as a legal clerk or interning with law firms, corporate legal teams, or NGOs. Engage in legal research and publish your findings in reputed journals to build your expertise. Consider completing a judicial clerkship and pursuing an LLM or PhD to further enhance your credentials.
