The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for the NLSIU Litigation Fellowships. The Fellowships will be awarded to early-career lawyers already engaged in a litigation career and who demonstrate a commitment to advancing the rule of law and constitutional values.

About the Fellowship

There are several hindrances that young lawyers face as they begin their professional careers. First-generation lawyers, lawyers from marginalised communities, and women confront significant hurdles to earn a reasonable fee and receive adequate mentorship and guidance as they find their bearings in the profession and the courts. Continuous learning and developing professional skills are essential for further growth and these are currently lacking in early litigation careers. The NLSIU Litigation Fellowships will support a cohort of 30 early-career litigators with a monthly stipend of Rs. 30,000/-, professional mentorship and continuous learning opportunities for a period of two years.

The fellowships will foster a peer network that will act as a learning base. Initially, the project will support lawyers from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Eligibility criteria:

• Graduate of a three (3) or five (5) year law degree with a minimum of 55% or equivalent CGPA, who has enrolled in the State Bar Council, and passed the All India Bar Examination;
• Candidates who are in the final year of their law degree and scheduled to graduate in 2026 are eligible to apply. Prior to commencing the Fellowship, they should have graduated with a minimum of 55% or equivalent CGPA, enrolled in the State Bar Council and have passed the All India Bar Examination;
• Candidates must be 30 years of age or below on the last day of application and should not have completed more than 5 years from the date of graduation;
• Candidates will need to furnish proof that they have secured a position with a practising lawyer / law office and submit a statement of purpose articulating how their litigation careers will advance the rule of law and constitutional values.

Note:

Candidates who are first generation lawyers, and from marginalised groups will be preferred.

Women litigators are encouraged to apply. Women fellows will have opportunities to participate in the University’s broader efforts/programmes aimed at enhancing professional skills and networking opportunities for early-career women lawyers.

How to Apply

Please use the Google form here to apply.

For any queries, please write to

Deadline

The last date for submission of applications is April 15, 2026 (5 PM IST).