NALSAR Invites Applications for Criminal Justice Student Fellowship 2026–27; Stipend of ₹60,000

NALSAR University of Law has invited applications for the Criminal Justice Student Fellowship 2026–2027 under The Square Circle Clinic, offering law students an opportunity to gain practical experience in criminal justice litigation, legal research, mitigation, and human rights advocacy. The 12-month fellowship provides selected Fellows with hands-on exposure to defence-oriented legal work, independent research opportunities, and a stipend of ₹60,000 upon successful completion of the programme.

The fellowship is open to eligible law students interested in criminal justice reform, litigation, legal aid, and research.

About NALSAR

The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, is one of India's premier law universities. Established in 1998, the University is consistently ranked among the country's leading law schools and is renowned for its excellence in legal education, research, and public policy.

About The Square Circle Clinic

The Square Circle Clinic, established at NALSAR University of Law in April 2025, is a leading criminal justice and human rights initiative. Founded by the team that previously led Project 39A, the Clinic operates from Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, and Hyderabad.

The Clinic provides pro bono legal representation to death row and undertrial prisoners while conducting research on criminal justice issues, including mental health, forensic sciences, legal aid, and constitutional rights.

About the Fellowship

The Criminal Justice Student Fellowship 2026–2027 is a 12-month intensive programme designed to provide selected Fellows with meaningful exposure to the functioning of a defence-oriented criminal justice organisation.

Throughout the fellowship, participants will work closely with the Clinic's litigation, mitigation, research, and communications teams while also undertaking independent research projects under expert guidance.

The programme aims to equip students with practical legal skills alongside a deeper understanding of India's criminal justice system.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from:

• Students in the III, IV, or V year of a 5-year integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) programme during the academic year 2026–2027.
• Students in the II or III year of a 3-year LL.B. programme during the academic year 2026–2027.

Roles and Responsibilities

Selected Fellows will:

• Assist the Clinic's litigation, mitigation, research, and communications teams.
• Conduct research on criminal justice and human rights issues.
• Contribute to strategic legal and policy work.
• Undertake independent research projects under faculty supervision.
• Gain practical exposure to criminal defence litigation and legal aid work.

Number of Seats

03

Stipend

Selected Fellows will receive a stipend of ₹60,000 upon successful completion of the fellowship.

Duration

12 Months

Last Date to Apply

31 July 2026 (5:00 PM)

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official application form before the deadline.

Application Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnAQBWNPN1-Q68H_FA2wmSvtqNy4wB3EmDriL6ea5xWP4XUA/viewform

Law students interested in criminal justice, human rights, legal aid, litigation, and policy research are encouraged to apply for this prestigious fellowship before the deadline.

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