Infrastructure and Academic Expansion at NLSIU
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru is undergoing a significant infrastructural revamp to support its academic growth. Over the past few years, the university has expanded its student intake, increasing the total number from 550 in 2019 to 1,734 currently. This expansion has necessitated improvements to the campus, which spans 23 acres. Two academic blocks are set for an upgrade, and the university plans to develop an additional 7-acre parcel recently granted by the Karnataka government. A budget of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the redevelopment of these two academic blocks over the next two years.
Prof. Dr Sudhir Krishnaswamy, the Vice-Chancellor of NLSIU, emphasizes that the combination of people and infrastructure is crucial to maintaining the university's status as India’s top law institution. He highlights that this mix is supported by rigorous teaching and learning practices. The comprehensive redevelopment of the campus will be a key focus in the coming years, with the aim of enhancing both academic and student experiences.
Academic Milestones and Program Developments
In May 2025, NLSIU celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of the first batch of students from its three-year LLB course, launched in 2022. Among the graduates was Vibha Swaminathan, a Rhodes Scholar and one of five recipients in India for the year 2025. This achievement underscores the university’s commitment to excellence and attracting high-caliber students.
Another significant development is the interdisciplinary Master's in Public Policy (MPP) program, which marked its 10th anniversary in 2024. Introduced in 2014, the MPP program has played a pivotal role in NLSIU's evolution into a multidisciplinary university. It has provided a foundation for hiring faculty members in policy studies and social sciences. To date, the program has produced approximately 500 alumni.
For the current academic year, NLSIU is focusing on strengthening its research initiatives by introducing a new fellowship program for researchers at various stages of their academic and professional careers. The goal is to foster original knowledge creation in law, social sciences, public policy, and related disciplines while building a strong research community.
PhD Program Reforms and Research Opportunities
Over the past three years, NLSIU has transformed its PhD programs. The PhD (Law), PhD (Public Policy), and PhD (Interdisciplinary) have been restructured around four core disciplines: Law, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy. This realignment aims to increase academic rigor and improve professional opportunities for students. In 2025, the university saw a 70% increase in PhD applications compared to 2024, with offers extended to students from diverse backgrounds, including historians, economists, sociologists, and lawyers.
In addition, NLSIU introduced doctoral fellowships in 2025 for all full-time PhD scholars. These fellowships start at Rs 50,000 per month in the first year and include annual increments. The stipend is higher than what is offered at many other Indian universities.
In 2024, NLSIU celebrated the 10th anniversary of its MPP program. A curriculum review process involving academics, government officials, civil society, and professionals led to enhancements that provide students with more exposure to public policy through internships, client-led projects, and capstone projects. The university has also improved its student intake through a rigorous admission process and enhanced placement opportunities.
In 2025, NLSIU will launch a research fellowships program, offering opportunities for top scholars from India and abroad to spend between six months and two years conducting high-quality research on critical issues. These researchers will tackle challenges such as Labour and Work, Climate Justice, State Capacity and Reform, Law, Technology and Society, and Access to Justice and Legal System Reform. At least 15 research fellowship positions will be open for applications in July.
Student Perspectives and Campus Life
Omya Joshi, a postgraduate law student pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy, shares her experience at NLSIU. She was drawn to the MPP program not only because it is one of the oldest in the country but also due to the quality of its faculty. Many professors are accomplished policy practitioners and activists, enriching the learning experience by connecting classroom theories with real-world problems.
Joshi also highlights the mandatory rural immersion internship, which allowed her to engage with development realities on the ground. The MPP program is known for its rigor, with a heavy workload involving reading, assignments, and discussions. The diverse cohort of students provides varied perspectives, enhancing the learning environment.
Beyond academics, NLSIU offers a vibrant campus life with regular conferences and guest lectures featuring leading scholars. While Master’s students may not always have time for campus events, Omya participated in activities like the Uni Week singing competition, creating memorable experiences with her peers.