JSW Centre for the Future of Law Visiting Fellowships 2026 and NLSIU, Bengaluru (March 01, 2026)

The JSW Centre for the Future of Law Visiting Fellowships offer a prestigious short-term research opportunity at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. Established in 2024 with the support of the JSW Foundation, the Centre serves as a premier hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of law, technology, and policy. Consequently, fellows are invited to join a pioneering intellectual community dedicated to re-imagining legal institutions in the face of emerging technological and ecological challenges.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	JSW Centre for the Future of Law Visiting Fellowships
Organizing Institution	NLSIU, Bengaluru
Duration	3 Months (March 1 – May 30, 2026)
Monthly Salary	₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000
Location	NLSIU Campus, Bengaluru (Full-time)
Application Deadline	February 3, 2026 (5 PM IST)

Program Overview

The JSW Centre for the Future of Law Visiting Fellowships are designed to support scholars in producing critical, policy-relevant scholarship while in residence at India’s top-ranked law university. The fellowship coincides with NLSIU’s March–May trimester. During this period, the fellow will pursue an independent research project that aligns with the Centre’s core themes. Furthermore, the program emphasizes active participation in the university’s academic life, including student mentorship and collaborative strategy meetings.

Thematic Priority Areas

Applicants must propose research that falls within one of the following six domains:

• Law and Artificial Intelligence: Regulating algorithms and AI-driven systems.
• Data Governance and Regulation: Policy frameworks for privacy and data infrastructure.
• Health, Biotechnology, and Ethics: The legal interface of medical innovation.
• Risk Regulation and Regulatory Design: Modern approaches to systemic risks.
• Climate, Biodiversity, and Ecological Justice: Legal reforms for environmental protection.
• Technology and Legal System Reform: The future of the legal profession and education.

Roles and Responsibilities

The selected fellow is expected to be a full-time contributor to the Centre’s output. Key obligations include:

• Research Output: Execution of a specific research project leading to at least one working paper and/or two short-form pieces (blog posts, policy briefs, or media commentaries).
• Academic Engagement: Presenting work-in-progress at a faculty seminar or research colloquium.
• Educational Contribution: Delivering guest lectures in their specific field of expertise within existing NLSIU courses.
• Strategic Input: Providing feedback and evaluation for the Centre’s ongoing research activities and strategy.

Qualifications and Experience

To be eligible for the JSW Centre for the Future of Law Visiting Fellowships, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Essential

• A PhD degree in Law, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or allied disciplines, OR ten years of significant experience in academic or research roles.
• Demonstrated professional expertise in at least one of the Centre’s thematic areas.
• A proven track record of research activity and publications.

Desirable

• 1–3 years of post-doctoral research experience.
• Excellent writing skills across diverse formats (academic, policy, and public-facing).
• Strong analytical, collation, and time-management skills.

Compensation and Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive compensation package:

• Salary: A monthly stipend ranging from ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000, commensurate with the candidate’s experience.
• Resources: Access to NLSIU’s extensive physical library and comprehensive digital research databases.
• Networking: Integration into a network of faculty, regulators, civil society leaders, and industry partners.

Application Procedure

Candidates must apply via the official Google Form by the February deadline. The following documents are mandatory:

1. Updated CV: Detailing academic and professional history.
2. Statement of Purpose (SoP): A short text or a 3-minute YouTube video outlining suitability.
3. Research Proposal: A maximum of 1,000 words explaining the scope, methods, and timeline.
4. Writing Sample: Preferably a solo-authored published academic piece.
5. No-Objection Letter: Required only if currently employed elsewhere.
6. Referee Contacts: Details of two academic or professional referees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this a residential fellowship?
Yes, the fellow is expected to work full-time from the NLSIU campus in Bengaluru for the duration of the three-month period.

What is the last date to apply for the 2026 cycle?
The deadline for submission is February 3, 2026, by 5:00 PM IST.

Can non-lawyers apply for the JSW Centre for the Future of Law Visiting Fellowships?
Yes, scholars from Social Sciences, Public Policy, and allied disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided their work aligns with the Centre’s themes.

What is the expected research output?
The fellow must produce at least one working paper or two shorter policy/media pieces during their tenure.

Is there an age limit for applicants?
There is no specific age limit, but candidates must meet the PhD or ten-year research experience requirement.