The application form is open all year round, and interested candidates can visit the official website — nludelhi.ac.in/acadinitiative.aspx — to apply.
The National Law University (NLU), Delhi, has recently launched an exciting new academic initiative called Eklavya – a ‘Research Affiliate’ program. This program is designed to bolster the university’s commitment to collaborating with external partners and tapping into their vast experiences and unique perspectives to foster the development of high-quality legal scholarship.
Unlike traditional programs, Eklavya is open to individuals who do not hold a conventional law degree. Instead, the program focuses on applicants who have a minimum of three years of demonstrable experience working on issues that have a significant connection to the law. Moreover, candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree at least three years prior to be eligible for this program.
It is worth noting that candidates who are currently employed, either on a full-time or part-time basis, with any organization, firm, company, law chambers, government department, or similar entities, will need to obtain approval from their respective employers to participate in this fellowship. On the other hand, self-employed individuals, freelancers, and independent consultants are required to provide a declaration confirming their professional status at the time of final selection.
The application process for the Eklavya program remains open throughout the year, providing interested candidates with ample opportunity to apply. Those interested can visit the official website at nludelhi.ac.in/acadinitiative.aspx to access the online application form and submit their comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) for consideration. Additionally, candidates must submit the following documents:
- A statement, limited to a maximum of 500 words, that highlights their past experiences in dealing with issues significantly related to the law. This statement should also explain the relevance of their experiences to their proposed research.
- A detailed statement, not exceeding 1000 words, outlining the proposed research project and the paper that the applicant intends to complete during the fellowship. This statement should clearly define the research question and establish the scope of the project, ensuring that it can be feasibly accomplished within a one-year timeframe.
- A feasibility statement, limited to a maximum of 500 words, that justifies the applicant’s ability to undertake the fellowship while simultaneously managing their existing commitments. This statement should provide specific and demonstrable evidence of feasibility rather than relying on generic justifications.
The introduction of the Eklavya program by NLU Delhi aims to create a dynamic platform for research affiliates to actively contribute to the development of legal scholarship. By embracing individuals without a traditional law degree, the program recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives and expertise in enriching the field of legal research.
Through this initiative, NLU Delhi seeks to foster an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration with external partners and benefits from the diverse experiences and insights of the research affiliates. By leveraging their extensive knowledge and expertise, the university aims to promote innovation and excellence in legal scholarship, further solidifying its position as a leading institution in the field.