Master of Laws [L.L.M] + Ph.D.

The Master of Laws (L.L.M) + Ph.D. is a 5-year full-time integrated doctoral programme offered at Saveetha School of Law, a constituent school of SIMATS (Saveetha Institute of Medical And Technical Sciences), Chennai. The programme combines advanced postgraduate legal education (LLM) with doctoral research (Ph.D.), making it an ideal pathway for law graduates who aspire to careers in academia, legal research, or senior legal advisory roles. The course is approved by the Bar Council of India and is conducted on the Saveetha School of Law campus in Poonamallee, Chennai. The total fees for the 5-year programme amount to Rs. 4,00,000 (Years 1 and 2 at Rs. 1,25,000 per year, and Years 3 to 5 at Rs. 50,000 per year). The programme is popular among law graduates who wish to fast-track their academic and research careers without pursuing a standalone LLM and Ph.D. separately.

Admissions for the 2026-27 cycle are expected to open around December 2026, based on the previous year's pattern (2025-26 applications were open from December 16 to December 26, 2025). Admission is based on performance in the Saveetha Law Admission Test (SLAT), followed by a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). The current admission season for 2025-26 is likely in its final stages or closed as of April 2026.

Key Points

• 5-year full-time integrated programme combining LLM coursework (Years 1-2) with Ph.D. research (Years 3-5)
• Approved by the Bar Council of India (vide Notification # BCI:D:1018/2009(LE) Dated 2/7/2009)
• Unique studyFLEX system: choose from 90 faculty members and 183 courses every semester during the LLM phase
• Access to over 290 Ph.D. faculty across SIMATS for interdisciplinary research guidance
• Curriculum includes practical training through Moot Court, Client Counselling, Mock Trials, and Seminars during the LLM phase
• Ph.D. coursework can be completed in the first semester; field research can be conducted at collaborative centres
• Final Synopsis and Thesis submissions are as per UGC guidelines
• Transferable credit opportunities with partner institutions like Queen Mary University and Dundee University, UK during the LLM phase
• Cost-effective compared to pursuing LLM and Ph.D. separately

SIMATS LLM + Ph.D. Fees

The LLM + Ph.D. integrated programme at Saveetha School of Law is structured with a higher fee in the first two years (LLM phase) and a significantly reduced fee from Year 3 onwards (Ph.D. research phase). The total cost for the entire 5-year programme is Rs. 4,00,000, making it a cost-effective option for students aiming for a combined postgraduate and doctoral qualification in law. Hostel accommodation is available separately and is not mandatory.

Fee Structure

• Fees are refundable as per the institution's refund policy (available at saveethalaw.com/admissions).
• NRI fee for Year 1 is USD 3,600; subsequent years are at Indian rates.
• Hostel fees are not mandatory and vary based on room type (single/shared) and gender.
• Male hostel: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,15,000 per year; Female hostel: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 90,000 per year.
• An admission fee of Rs. 15,000 may be applicable at the time of joining (as per the fee structure document).
• Educational loans are available from banks; students are advised to check with their respective banks for law programme loan eligibility.

SIMATS LLM + Ph.D. Admission 2026

Admissions to the LLM + Ph.D. integrated programme at Saveetha School of Law are conducted annually alongside other law programmes. The selection process involves performance in the Saveetha Law Admission Test (SLAT), followed by a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The 2025-26 application window was open from December 16 to December 26, 2025. For the 2026-27 cycle, applications are expected to open around December 2026 based on the previous year's pattern.

Saveetha School of Law LLM + Ph.D. Admission Dates

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates (SLAT 2025-26)

Note: SLAT here refers to the Saveetha Law Admission Test, which is an institution-specific test conducted by Saveetha School of Law. It is distinct from the Symbiosis Law Admission Test (also abbreviated SLAT).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must have completed a 5-year integrated LLB programme after 10+2, or a 3-year LLB subsequent to a bachelor's degree
• Minimum 50% marks in the qualifying LLB degree
• The candidate should be medically fit to undergo the course of study
• Admission is based on SLAT score, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview

Admission Process:

• Visit the official website at saveethalaw.com and click on "Apply Now" or visit simatsadmissions.saveetha.com
• Fill in the online application form with required personal and academic details
• Appear for the Saveetha Law Admission Test (SLAT)
• Shortlisted candidates are called for Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI)
• Final admission is confirmed after document verification and payment of admission fees
• Documents required: Mark lists of qualifying degree, DOB proof, Transfer Certificate, Conduct Certificate, Community Certificate, Nativity Certificate, Migration Certificate (if applicable), passport-size photographs, and ID/address proof

SIMATS LLM + Ph.D. Scholarships 2026

Saveetha School of Law offers merit-based scholarships and students can also avail government scholarship schemes. The institution provides scholarships to students who rank among the top performers of their batch. National scholarship schemes are also available for eligible students. The NSP (PM-USP) Yojana and UGC National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies are the primary government-funded scholarships available to students in the LLM phase of this integrated programme.

Scholarship Details

• Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and are subject to availability.
• Government scholarships must be applied for through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
• Sports scholarships are also available for students with state or national-level sports achievements.
• UGC/CSIR NET or JRF qualified candidates may be eligible for additional fellowship support during the Ph.D. phase.
• Students are advised to check the latest scholarship notifications on the official website and NSP portal.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, SIMATS Chennai ranks 40 out of 102 colleges in India and 2 in state Tamil Nadu for its L.L.M + Ph.D program.

• 19 out of 40 under NIRF Law Ranking 2025.

Read more on SIMATS Chennai Rankings here

SIMATS LLM + Ph.D. FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the 4-year and 5-year LLM + Ph.D. programme at Saveetha School of Law?

Ans. Saveetha School of Law offers two variants of the integrated LLM + Ph.D. programme. The 4-year variant (1-year LLM + 3-year Ph.D.) has a total fee of Rs. 2,75,000 (Year 1: Rs. 1,25,000; Years 2-4: Rs. 50,000 per year). The 5-year variant (2-year LLM + 3-year Ph.D.) has a total fee of Rs. 4,00,000 (Years 1-2: Rs. 1,25,000 per year; Years 3-5: Rs. 50,000 per year). The 5-year variant provides a more comprehensive LLM training before transitioning into doctoral research.

Ques. Is the Ph.D. awarded through this programme recognized by UGC?

Ans. Yes, the Ph.D. awarded by SIMATS (Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences) is a UGC-recognized doctoral degree. The final Synopsis and Thesis submissions are as per UGC guidelines. SIMATS is a Deemed University recognized by the UGC and the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Ques. Can I pursue the Ph.D. research phase from outside Chennai?

Ans. Yes, the Ph.D. research phase is flexible. Coursework is completed in the first semester, and field research can be conducted at any of SIMATS's collaborative centres. This makes the programme accessible to working professionals or those who cannot be physically present in Chennai throughout the research phase.

Ques. What career paths are available after completing the LLM + Ph.D. from Saveetha School of Law?

Ans. Graduates of the LLM + Ph.D. programme are well-positioned for careers in academia (as law faculty in universities and law schools), legal research institutions, senior legal advisory roles in government and corporate sectors, judicial services, and international legal organizations. The dual qualification of LLM and Ph.D. significantly enhances employability in research and teaching roles.

Ques. Is there any entrance exam waiver for the Ph.D. phase of this programme?

Ans. For the standalone Ph.D. programme at Saveetha School of Law, candidates who have qualified UGC NET, UGC CSIR NET (including JRF), SLET, GATE, or are teacher fellowship holders are waived from appearing for the Ph.D. entrance test. However, for the integrated LLM + Ph.D. programme, admission is primarily based on the SLAT, GD, and PI. Students are advised to confirm the specific waiver policy with the institution directly.

Ques. How does the studyFLEX system work during the LLM phase of the integrated programme?

Ans. During the LLM phase (first 1-2 years) of the integrated programme, students benefit from Saveetha School of Law's innovative studyFLEX system, which allows them to choose from 90 faculty members and 183 courses every semester. This flexibility enables students to tailor their coursework to their intended Ph.D. research area, building a strong academic foundation before transitioning into full-time doctoral research in Years 3-5.