National Law School of India University confers degrees upon 1,557 graduates; one secures Rhodes Scholarship

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru today celebrated its 33rd convocation, conferred UG degrees to 1,557 students, including 287 from on-campus programmes, and 1,270 from off-campus courses. In a first, 43 students graduated from 3-year LLB (Hons), and one student secured Rhodes Scholarship 2025, the university said in an official statement.

The law school also announced that it will establish two new academic buildings to set new design standards for academic spaces for the academic year 2026-27.

“We trust that education at the National Law School does more than prepare our graduates for a successful academic and professional life. Our graduates renew our national purpose and become global citizens who engage and refresh our shared values. Our Chief Guest at this Convocation has described our current national crisis as a ‘Meiji’ moment,” Sudhir Krishnaswamy, vice-chancellor of the NLSUI said.

In addition, the law university will also launch new residential facilities for students, faculty and staff on the existing campus. “In the process, we will fundamentally reshape the public university education experience in India,” the university said.

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NLSUI's rank in NIRF India 2025 rankings

According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) India 2025 rankings, the NLSUI secured rank 1 in the law category for the 8th consecutive time. Notably, in 2020, the university reduced its faculty teaching load and institutionalised a 6-hour teaching week and 3 courses per year for every member of the faculty.

TN Ninan, chairperson, business standard and chief guest of the event, said: “You have not just completed your education—you have earned your place among the finest legal minds this country has to offer. Your parents beam with pride today, your faculty celebrate your achievements, and the profession welcomes you with open arms. This moment belongs to you—savor it, for you have truly earned it.”

The law school has also introduced a research policy to articulate minimum research obligations for all faculty and an annual appraisal process to reaffirm these obligations, the vice-chancellor said. In 2022, the school created a new dean of research position and made conference funding available to faculty as well as seed grants to centres and chairs.

“In 2023, we put in place a faculty incentive policy to galvanize research grant fund raising and granted trimester leave to faculty to pursue their individual research. In 2024, we reorganized journal publication on a new open access digital platform with renewed emphasis on a rigorous double blind peer review process,” Krishnaswamy added.