EXAM SYLLABUS

The AILET syllabus for Ph.D. and PGIP–MA/LLM focuses on assessing a candidate’s legal knowledge, reasoning ability, and research aptitude. For Ph.D. aspirants, the emphasis is on legal research and methodology, including doctrinal and non-doctrinal research, research proposal writing, and legal citation. All candidates are tested on legal aptitude and reasoning, covering problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking.

The English section evaluates comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Current affairs and general knowledge include recent legal developments, landmark judgments, and amendments. For PGIP–MA/LLM candidates, specialized knowledge in insolvency law, including the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, key case laws, and regulatory frameworks, is also tested.

PHD Detailed Syllabus

Detailed Syllabus – PGIP–MA/LLM

Insolvency Law & Regulatory Framework

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016: provisions, sections, amendments

Case laws and judicial interpretations under IBC

Regulatory bodies: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

Corporate and personal insolvency procedures

Legal Aptitude & Reasoning

Legal reasoning: interpretation of statutes, case-based problem solving

Analytical reasoning: sequences, syllogisms, deductions

Critical thinking in insolvency and corporate law scenarios

English Language

Comprehension passages

Grammar: sentence correction, para jumbles

Vocabulary: idioms, phrases, synonyms, antonyms

Current Affairs & General Knowledge

Legal developments related to insolvency, corporate law, finance law

Recent judgments, amendments, and reports affecting insolvency practice

EXAM PATTERN

National Law University, Delhi has prescribed the exam pattern for AILET Ph.D. The exam pattern specifies the structure of the question paper, type of questions asked in the exam, marking scheme, and more. Also, it will help you get an idea of how the question paper will be framed.

1. The entrance test will be Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) based only.

2. The test paper will consist of 100 MCQs, with each question carrying 1 mark.

3. 50 MCQs will be from the subject of Research Methodology.

4. For Ph.D. in Law, the remaining 50 MCQs will be from different branches of Law.

5. The duration of the examination will be 120 minutes.

Mode of Examination

AILET Ph.D Examination will be held as an Offline Pen-Paper based Test. Questions will be Objective type Multiple choice in nature.

Medium of Examination

The exam paper for AILET Examination will be in English language.

Marking Scheme

There will be Negative Marking in AILET Ph.D. The criteria for negative marking will be based on the formula 0.25*4=1 that means per wrong answer 0.25 Marks will be deducted. Therefore, four wrong answers will lead to deduction of one (1) mark.

PGIP–MA/LLM (Insolvency) 

Exam Format

Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)

Duration: 2 hours

Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Total Marks: 150

Sections

Insolvency Law & Regulatory Framework – focus on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)

Legal Aptitude & Reasoning – analytical and legal problem-solving

English Language – comprehension, grammar, vocabulary

Current Legal Affairs & GK – recent legal developments and insolvency cases

Weightage (Approximate)

Insolvency Law & Regulatory Framework: 50–60 marks

Legal Reasoning & Aptitude: 35–40 marks

English Language: 25–30 marks

Current Affairs & GK: 20–25 marks

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

National Law University, Delhi sets the AILET Ph.D Eligibility for the exam. Candidates must check the AILET eligibility criteria in detail before filling the application form. It is important to check all the information about the eligibility to avoid the last stages of disqualification.

The candidate’s eligibility for AILET Ph.D Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions:-

1. Nationality

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

3. Educational Qualifications

Nationality

1. Candidate must be a citizen of Indian.

2.  All candidates, other than those applying under the Foreign Nationals category, should appear for the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) and selection shall be solely on that basis. The Foreign National and OCI/PIO Candidates are also required to apply online on the same portal.

Age Limit & Relaxations

There is no specific age limit mentioned to apply for AILET Exam.

Educational Qualification

1. A Master's degree in Law or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master’s degree in Law by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting, or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions.

Or

2. a. Obtained a degree in law and Master’s Degree in social sciences or humanities from any recognised educational institution, Indian or a foreign educational institution accredited as per UGC Regulations, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed).

b. Provided that candidates with qualifications in social sciences and humanities may be admitted to the programme if the research they wish to pursue interfaces with the discipline of law with a special focus on Public Policy or Law.

c. For the above two categories, a relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/ Differently-Abled/ Economically Weaker Section) candidates and other categories of candidates, as per the decisions of the UGC from time to time, or for those who had obtained their Master's degree prior to 19th September, 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and the relaxation of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures.

Or

3. Degree in law and passed the Company Secretary examination conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and awarded the Associate Membership of the Institute shall be eligible for admission to the programme, if the research they wish to pursue interfaces with the discipline of law.

Or

4. Degree in law and passed the final examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India shall be eligible for admission to the programme, if the research they wish to pursue interfaces with the discipline of law.

Or

5. Judge of any State High Court in India with three years’ experience or Judge of Supreme Court of India.

Eligiblity criteria for admission of Foreign Nationals

Admission through Open Advertisement

1. Admission through Study in India: A foreign national may apply for enrolment in Ph.D. programme through Study in India Programme of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The candidates shall have sufficient proficiency in English language. Foreign nationals are exempted from the entrance examination conducted by NLUD for Ph.D. enrolment. All other requirements for admission which are applicable to Indian nationals shall be applicable to foreign nationals also. The number of seats available for foreign nationals will be decided by the university on year-to-year basis. In the event of non-availability of suitable candidates, NLUD reserves the right not to fill up the seats and if required, these seats shall be converted to any other categories of Ph.D. admission for foreign nationals. Candidate will be required to pay the fees applicable to foreign nationals under R. 4A.

2. Admission through ICCR: A foreign national may apply for enrolment in Ph.D. programme through ICCR Programme of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The candidates shall have sufficient proficiency in English language. Foreign nationals are exempted from the entrance examination conducted by NLUD for Ph.D. enrolment. All other requirements for admission which are applicable to Indian nationals shall be applicable to foreign nationals also. The number of seats available for foreign nationals will be decided by the university on year-to-year basis and will be within the seats fixed by the university for ICCR. In the event of non-availability of suitable candidates, NLUD reserves the right not to fill up the seats and if required, these seats may be converted to any other categories of Ph.D. admission for foreign nationals. Fee applicable to candidates under this category will be at par with Indian Ph.D. scholars.
For the purpose of this regulation, a foreign national shall mean a candidate who possesses citizenship of a country other than India and holds a valid passport.

3. For admissions under Study in India and ICCR category, the Vice- Chancellor reserves the right to provide extended time period for completing the admission procedure. Extension up to 2 years may be provided by the Vice- Chancellor on case-to-case basis.

Admission of candidates from foreign universities/ institutions having MoU with NLU Delhi

1. A foreign national, who is interested in enrolling for the Ph.D. programme at NLU Delhi, and is currently enrolled for Ph.D. programme at a foreign university/institution having MoU with NLU Delhi, may be allowed to be registered for Ph.D. programme at NLU Delhi subject to the condition that one supervisor will be from NLU Delhi and one from the parent foreign university/institution of the candidate. Such a candidate will be exempted from appearing in the entrance test, subject to the condition t

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

National Law University, Delhi sets the AILET Ph.D Eligibility for the exam. Candidates must check the AILET eligibility criteria in detail before filling the application form. It is important to check all the information about the eligibility to avoid the last stages of disqualification.

The candidate’s eligibility for AILET Ph.D Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions:-

1. Nationality

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

3. Educational Qualifications

Nationality

1. Candidate must be a citizen of Indian.

2.  All candidates, other than those applying under the Foreign Nationals category, should appear for the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) and selection shall be solely on that basis. The Foreign National and OCI/PIO Candidates are also required to apply online on the same portal.

Age Limit & Relaxations

There is no specific age limit mentioned to apply for AILET Exam.

Educational Qualification

1. A Master's degree in Law or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master’s degree in Law by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting, or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions.

Or

2. a. Obtained a degree in law and Master’s Degree in social sciences or humanities from any recognised educational institution, Indian or a foreign educational institution accredited as per UGC Regulations, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed).

b. Provided that candidates with qualifications in social sciences and humanities may be admitted to the programme if the research they wish to pursue interfaces with the discipline of law with a special focus on Public Policy or Law.

c. For the above two categories, a relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/ Differently-Abled/ Economically Weaker Section) candidates and other categories of candidates, as per the decisions of the UGC from time to time, or for those who had obtained their Master's degree prior to 19th September, 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and the relaxation of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures.

Or

3. Degree in law and passed the Company Secretary examination conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and awarded the Associate Membership of the Institute shall be eligible for admission to the programme, if the research they wish to pursue interfaces with the discipline of law.

Or

4. Degree in law and passed the final examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India shall be eligible for admission to the programme, if the research they wish to pursue interfaces with the discipline of law.

Or

5. Judge of any State High Court in India with three years’ experience or Judge of Supreme Court of India.

Eligiblity criteria for admission of Foreign Nationals

Admission through Open Advertisement

1. Admission through Study in India: A foreign national may apply for enrolment in Ph.D. programme through Study in India Programme of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The candidates shall have sufficient proficiency in English language. Foreign nationals are exempted from the entrance examination conducted by NLUD for Ph.D. enrolment. All other requirements for admission which are applicable to Indian nationals shall be applicable to foreign nationals also. The number of seats available for foreign nationals will be decided by the university on year-to-year basis. In the event of non-availability of suitable candidates, NLUD reserves the right not to fill up the seats and if required, these seats shall be converted to any other categories of Ph.D. admission for foreign nationals. Candidate will be required to pay the fees applicable to foreign nationals under R. 4A.

2. Admission through ICCR: A foreign national may apply for enrolment in Ph.D. programme through ICCR Programme of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The candidates shall have sufficient proficiency in English language. Foreign nationals are exempted from the entrance examination conducted by NLUD for Ph.D. enrolment. All other requirements for admission which are applicable to Indian nationals shall be applicable to foreign nationals also. The number of seats available for foreign nationals will be decided by the university on year-to-year basis and will be within the seats fixed by the university for ICCR. In the event of non-availability of suitable candidates, NLUD reserves the right not to fill up the seats and if required, these seats may be converted to any other categories of Ph.D. admission for foreign nationals. Fee applicable to candidates under this category will be at par with Indian Ph.D. scholars.
For the purpose of this regulation, a foreign national shall mean a candidate who possesses citizenship of a country other than India and holds a valid passport.

3. For admissions under Study in India and ICCR category, the Vice- Chancellor reserves the right to provide extended time period for completing the admission procedure. Extension up to 2 years may be provided by the Vice- Chancellor on case-to-case basis.

Admission of candidates from foreign universities/ institutions having MoU with NLU Delhi

1. A foreign national, who is interested in enrolling for the Ph.D. programme at NLU Delhi, and is currently enrolled for Ph.D. programme at a foreign university/institution having MoU with NLU Delhi, may be allowed to be registered for Ph.D. programme at NLU Delhi subject to the condition that one supervisor will be from NLU Delhi and one from the parent foreign university/institution of the candidate. Such a candidate will be exempted from appearing in the entrance test, subject to the condition that the candidate fulfils the other minimum eligibility conditions.

2. The Vice-Chancellor will be the competent authority to allow registration of such candidates on case-to-case basis, on the recommendations of the Doctoral Committee.

3. The candidate will be required to visit NLU Delhi for Viva-Voce to defend the thesis as per NLU Delhi Ph.D. Regulations.

4. The fee for the programme shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MoU between NLU Delhi and the concerned foreign university/ institute.

5. No separate Ph.D. degree of NLU Delhi will be awarded in such cases. A joint degree may be awarded, if required under the MOU.

For the purpose of this regulation, a foreign national shall mean a candidate who possess citizenship of a country other than India and holds a valid passport of Foreign Country.

IMPORTANT DATES

Exact dates are released officially by National Law University Delhi on their official website. These are based on previous years’ patterns and are subject to change.

Release of Official Notification / Advertisement: March 2026 (tentative)

Start of Online Application Form: March 2026

Last Date to Submit Application Form: Mid-April 2026

Admit Card Release: Last week of April 2026

Exam Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Answer Key / Preliminary Response Sheet: Mid-May 2026 (if released)

Result Declaration: Late May 2026

Interview / Viva-Voce (for shortlisted candidates): June 2026

Final Admission List / Seat Allotment: June – July 2026

Start of Academic Session: July – August 2026

EXAM ANALYSIS

The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) 2025 was held on Sunday, 8 December 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Difficulty Level

Overall difficulty was easy to moderate compared to prior years.

There were no unexpected surprises, making it smoother for aspirants than AILET 2024.

Section wise Insight

English Language

Easy to moderate difficulty, passages were readable and questions doable.

Current Affairs & General Knowledge

Balanced mix of static GK and recent current affairs topics.

Logical Reasoning

Easy to moderate; mix of legal reasoning, critical reasoning, and analytical questions.

Good Attempts & Cut-off Expectation

Estimated good attempts were around 135+ out of 150.

Because the paper was easier, the cut?off was expected to be higher than the previous year.

AILET 2024 Exam Analysis (Trend for Change)

Overall Difficulty

The paper was moderate to difficult and longer than the previous years, especially in Reasoning.

Notable Trends

AILET 2024 had more passage based and context intensive questions.

The logical reasoning section was particularly challenging and lengthy.

Expected cutoff was around 78–83 marks (General category) despite the higher difficulty.

What This Means for AILET 2026

Pattern Consistency

Sections remain English, Logical Reasoning, and Current Affairs/GK, with similar weightage.

Difficulty Trends

AILET difficulty fluctuates year to year:

2025 was easier/moderate

2024 was moderate/difficult

For 2026, expect a balanced paper, but be ready for passage heavy reasoning and GK mix.

Cut off Implication

If 2026 is mostly moderate like 2025, higher cut-offs are likely. If it swings back to tougher reasoning like 2024, cut-offs could fall slightly.

Exam Prep Insights Based on These Patterns

Strengthen reading speed and comprehension (passage based questions are significant).

Practice mixed logical reasoning (legal reasoning often appears inside reasoning section).

Stay updated with current affairs + static GK (both important).

Consistent mock tests help you gauge time management under the 2 hour format.

STUDY TIPS

Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Ph.D.: Legal research methodology, legal reasoning, current affairs, specialized law area

PGIP: Insolvency law, legal aptitude, reasoning, current legal developments

Time Management

Study in blocks of 1–2 hours with short breaks

Focus more on weak areas but maintain practice of strong areas

Practice Past Papers & Mock Tests

Helps identify question patterns and improve speed

Time yourself strictly for 2 hours

Keep Updated with Current Legal Affairs

Follow NLU newsletters, legal journals, and recent Supreme Court/High Court judgments

Make Short Notes

For quick revision, especially key provisions, laws, and research methodology points

Revision & Self-Testing

Regularly revise what you study every week

Solve MCQs, case summaries, and sample questions

STUDY PLANS

6 Month Study Plan

Month 1 – Foundation & Syllabus Familiarization

Thoroughly understand the exam pattern and syllabus.

Begin legal research methodology: concepts of doctrinal and non-doctrinal research, research proposal structures, data collection, and citation styles.

Start basic legal aptitude: reasoning puzzles, logical reasoning, and comprehension exercises.

Make short notes for easy revision later.

Month 2 – Subject Specialization & Core Concepts

Focus on your Ph.D. research area or, for PGIP, insolvency law.

Study key statutes, amendments, and landmark judgments.

Build a strong foundation in analytical thinking and case law interpretation.

Continue practicing legal reasoning MCQs.

Month 3 – Current Legal Affairs & Applied Knowledge

Begin tracking recent judgments, legal developments, and law commission reports.

Read journals, news, and updates in insolvency and general law.

Start solving previous years’ AILET questions.

Revise research methodology concepts, focusing on areas relevant to your Ph.D. topic.

Month 4 – Mock Tests & Time Management

Begin full-length mock tests under timed conditions.

Analyze performance: identify weak areas and patterns of mistakes.

Strengthen time management skills during the 2-hour exam.

Continue revising core concepts, laws, and judgments.

Month 5 – Advanced Revision & Practice

Focus on problematic topics and weak areas identified from mock tests.

Practice analytical case studies and legal reasoning questions daily.

Refine your research proposal for Ph.D. applications.

Begin interview preparation: practice explaining your research area and answering common questions.

Month 6 – Final Revision & Exam Readiness

Conduct rapid revision of all notes, key laws, judgments, and research methodology concepts.

Take 2–3 final mock tests to simulate exam conditions.

Focus on presentation skills for the interview, including verbal articulation of your research proposal.

Maintain a healthy routine, sleep well, and stay stress-free.

6 Week Study Plan

Week 1 – Legal Research & Methodology

Focus on the basics of research methods, study research proposal structures, understand types of research (doctrinal and non-doctrinal), and practice note-taking.

Week 2 – Legal Aptitude & Reasoning

Solve reasoning puzzles, legal reasoning MCQs, and analytical case studies. Begin practicing previous AILET papers for pattern familiarity.

Week 3 – Subject Specialization

Concentrate on your Ph.D. research area or, for PGIP, insolvency law. Make detailed notes on key case laws, provisions, and amendments.

Week 4 – Current Legal Affairs & Case Law

Study recent judgments, law commission reports, and updates in insolvency law. Create short notes and timelines to retain information.

Week 5 – Mock Tests & Revision

Attempt full-length mock tests, analyze weak areas, revise legal terms, research methodology concepts, and important laws.

Week 6 – Final Revision & Interview Preparation

Quickly revise all notes, practice presenting your research proposal verbally, rehearse potential interview questions, and refine writing skills.

Extra Tips

Follow a daily schedule of 4–6 hours of focused study.

Use flowcharts or bullet points for complex topics.

Discuss difficult topics with peers or mentors.

Maintain a healthy routine and rest well in the final week.

OVERVIEW

All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is conducted by National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) for admission undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and doctorate (PhD) level law courses. This is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission in law programmes at NLU Delhi only. 

After completing your AILET Ph.D, you can pursue a variety of careers in the legal field. Some of the most popular job options include:

Advocate

Legal Researcher

Public Prosecutor

Judge

Corporate Lawyer

Tax lawyer

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Environmental Lawyer

International Lawyer

Legal Journalist

Law Professor

Policy Analyst

Legal Consultant

Legal Entrepreneur

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for Ph.D. and PGIP–MA/LLM programs is designed to evaluate academic knowledge, research aptitude, and legal understanding.

Eligibility Screening

Ph.D. Programs:

LLB/LLM or equivalent degree with minimum marks as per university norms

Submission of research proposal (topic, objectives, methodology)

PGIP–MA/LLM in Insolvency:

LLB or equivalent degree with qualifying marks

Written Entrance Test (AIET-Ph.D / PGIP)

Duration: 2 hours

Mode: Offline, pen-and-paper

Syllabus:

Legal aptitude and reasoning

Research methodology (for Ph.D.)

Current legal developments and insolvency law (for PGIP)

Analytical and critical thinking

Shortlisting

Candidates are shortlisted based on entrance test scores

Minimum qualifying marks are as per university regulations

Interview / Viva-Voce

Shortlisted candidates appear for personal interview

Assessment criteria:

Understanding of research area (Ph.D.)

Subject knowledge and problem-solving

Motivation and suitability for program

Final Selection

OVERVIEW

All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is conducted by National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) for admission undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and doctorate (PhD) level law courses. This is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission in law programmes at NLU Delhi only. 

After completing your AILET Ph.D, you can pursue a variety of careers in the legal field. Some of the most popular job options include:

Advocate

Legal Researcher

Public Prosecutor

Judge

Corporate Lawyer

Tax lawyer

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Environmental Lawyer

International Lawyer

Legal Journalist

Law Professor

Policy Analyst

Legal Consultant

Legal Entrepreneur

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for Ph.D. and PGIP–MA/LLM programs is designed to evaluate academic knowledge, research aptitude, and legal understanding.

Eligibility Screening

Ph.D. Programs:

LLB/LLM or equivalent degree with minimum marks as per university norms

Submission of research proposal (topic, objectives, methodology)

PGIP–MA/LLM in Insolvency:

LLB or equivalent degree with qualifying marks

Written Entrance Test (AIET-Ph.D / PGIP)

Duration: 2 hours

Mode: Offline, pen-and-paper

Syllabus:

Legal aptitude and reasoning

Research methodology (for Ph.D.)

Current legal developments and insolvency law (for PGIP)

Analytical and critical thinking

Shortlisting

Candidates are shortlisted based on entrance test scores

Minimum qualifying marks are as per university regulations

Interview / Viva-Voce

Shortlisted candidates appear for personal interview

Assessment criteria:

Understanding of research area (Ph.D.)

Subject knowledge and problem-solving

Motivation and suitability for program

Final Selection

Merit list is prepared based on:

Entrance test score (major weightage)

Interview performance

Academic record

Offer of Admission: Issued to selected candidates only