BHU LLD 2026: Admission, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus & Career Opportunities

BHU's LLD (Doctor of Laws) is a 3-year doctoral program emphasizing original legal research, interdisciplinary studies, and contributions to jurisprudence, awarded to scholars with significant post-LLM expertise. Delivered offline on the Varanasi campus, it requires a thesis submission and viva voce, with admissions based on BHU-RET scores for 2026 intake.

What is LLD at BHU?

The LLD at Banaras Hindu University is a prestigious research-oriented doctorate in law, spanning 3 years, designed for legal experts to produce high-impact theses on topics like constitutional law, international law, or human rights. Unlike a PhD, it focuses on honorary recognition for established scholars, with coursework in research methodology and seminars. As per the official BHU website, the program integrates Varanasi's cultural heritage into legal studies, fostering ethical jurisprudence.

BHU LLD Fees 2026

BHU LLD fees for the 2026 session total INR 15,000 for the entire 3-year duration, covering tuition and examination costs, as listed on the official BHU admissions portal. This excludes additional charges like library deposits (INR 1,000 refundable) and thesis evaluation fees (INR 5,000 one-time).

Foreign nationals pay INR 50,000 annually, subject to SAARC exemptions. Fee waivers apply for SC/ST candidates up to 50% on tuition.

BHU LLD Admission 2026

For BHU LLD admission 2026, candidates must qualify BHU-RET (Research Entrance Test) with a minimum 50% score, followed by an interview. Applications open in January 2026 via bhuonline.in, with the test scheduled for April. Required documents include LLM marksheets, research proposal, and NOC from employer if applicable. Visit the official BHU site for the latest notification.

• Online registration fee: INR 1,000 (General/OBC), INR 500 (SC/ST/PwD).
• Shortlisted candidates attend a departmental interview assessing research aptitude.
• Reservation: 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC, 10% EWS as per UGC norms.

For detailed steps, check Banaras Hindu University.

BHU LLD Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for BHU LLD 2026 requires an LLM degree with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) from a UGC-recognized university, plus 5 years of post-LLM teaching or professional experience. Candidates must submit a 1,000-word research synopsis during application. Age limit is not specified, but full-time scholars need UGC-NET/JRF qualification for stipends.

• Foreign applicants need equivalent LLM and TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• Part-time option available for employed professionals with sponsor approval.

BHU LLD Cutoff 2026

BHU LLD cutoff 2026 is expected at 65 marks in BHU-RET for General category, based on 2025 trends where it was 62. SC/ST cutoffs hovered at 50 marks. The merit list factors 70% entrance score and 30% interview. Official cutoffs release post-exam on bhu.ac.in.

Explore more on BHU Cutoff.

BHU LLD Placements 2026

BHU LLD graduates in 2025 secured roles in academia, judiciary, and policy think tanks, with 80% placement rate. Median salary stood at INR 12 LPA, as per NIRF 2025 data. Top recruiters include Supreme Court Bar, NITI Aayog, and universities like NLSIU.

For comprehensive stats, refer to BHU Placements.

BHU LLD Duration and Structure

The BHU LLD spans 3 years minimum, extendable to 5 years, with semesters focused on research milestones: proposal defense in year 1, data collection in year 2, and thesis submission in year 3. Includes 6 credits of coursework in advanced legal theory.

BHU LLD Syllabus 2026

Core components include Research Methodology, Jurisprudential Theories, and Elective Seminars on Contemporary Legal Issues. Thesis (80,000 words) forms 70% evaluation, with publications in UGC-CARE journals mandatory for two papers.

BHU LLD Scholarships 2026

Merit-based scholarships for BHU LLD 2026 include UGC Senior Research Fellowship (INR 35,000/month) for JRF qualifiers and BHU Endowment Scholarship (INR 10,000/annum) for top RET rankers. SC/ST students access National Fellowship up to INR 31,000/month.

Details available on BHU Scholarships.

BHU LLD Facilities

LLD scholars access BHU's Central Library with 1.3 million legal volumes, Moot Court Hall for simulations, and dedicated research cubicles. Campus Wi-Fi and legal databases like Manupatra enhance studies.

Learn more about BHU Facilities.

BHU LLD Reviews 2026

Based on 2025 alumni feedback, BHU LLD scores 4.5/5 for research support, with praises for faculty mentorship and library resources. Common highlights include interdisciplinary seminars and publication opportunities.

Read student experiences on BHU Reviews.

BHU LLD vs PhD in Law

Unlike BHU's PhD in Law (research-focused for fresh LLM graduates), LLD targets seasoned professionals for honorary advancement, with emphasis on policy impact rather than broad academia.

Is LLD Worth It at BHU?

For legal scholars aiming for judicial roles or think tanks, BHU LLD provides unmatched archival access and networking, with 90% alumni in senior positions as per 2025 data.

BHU LLD Entrance Exam Pattern

BHU-RET for LLD comprises 100 MCQs (2 hours) on legal aptitude, research methods, and jurisprudence, with 1 mark each and no negative marking. Qualifying score: 50/100 for General.

BHU LLD Career Opportunities

Graduates pursue careers as High Court Judges, Legal Advisors in NGOs, or Professors, with starting salaries from INR 10 LPA in academia to INR 20 LPA in international law firms.

How to Apply for BHU LLD 2026?

Register on bhuonline.in from January 2026, upload LLM certificates and proposal, pay fee online, and appear for RET. Results declare in May for July intake.

BHU LLD Hostel and Campus Life

Doctoral hostels offer single rooms at INR 5,000/semester, with access to Vishwanath Temple and legal moot courts, fostering a scholarly environment.