Postgraduate Diploma inArbitration Law(PGDAL)

Overview

The introduction of the Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Arbitration Law (PGDAL) aims to equip students with a deep understanding of arbitration law and practice, which is increasingly important to addressing the evolving complexities of the legal industry and in resolving commercial disputes globally. This programme underscores the importance of specialized legal training in today’s fast-paced and intricate legal environment, empowering professionals with the expertise needed to navigate and excel in the field of arbitration law.

The programme aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field of domestic, international, and investment arbitration.

Programme Highlights:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of arbitration.
  • Comprehend the arbitration process and the legal framework governing it.
  • Evaluate judicial oversight of arbitration.
  • Analyze arbitration agreements.
  • Examine jurisdictional issues.
  • Attract motivated individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in arbitration.

Courses

Course 1: Introduction to Law & Legal Systems

This paper introduces the student to legal thinking and reasoning, and to legal systems, with a particular focus on Indian law and the Indian legal system. Those students who are from a non-law background would find this course particularly helpful.

Course 2: Law and Practice of Arbitration in India

This paper consists of the following modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Arbitration: Fundamentals and Key Concepts
Module 2: Appointment of Arbitrators: Procedures and Judicial Role
Module 3: Arbitration Tribunal: Composition, Powers, and Procedures
Module 4: Court Supervision in Arbitration: Reference to arbitration and Interim
Module 5: Arbitral Awards: Status, Challenges, and Judicial Recourse

 

Course 3: International Commercial Arbitration

This paper consists of the following modules:

Module 1: Overview of International Commercial Arbitration
Module 2: International Arbitration Agreements
Module 3: International Arbitration Proceedings
Module 4: Judicial Review of Arbitral Awards

Course 4: Methods and Principles of Investor State Arbitration

This paper consists of the following modules:

Module 1: Introductory Framework to Investment Treaty Dispute Settlement
Module 2: Substantive Protections in Investment Treaty Law
Module 3: Enforcement of Investment Awards and the Future of ISDS

Faculty

Dr. Harisankar K Sathyapalan

Dr. Harisankar K Sathyapalan

Associate Professor of Law

Sharada R Shinde

Sharada R Shinde

Assistant Professor of Law

Sahana Ramesh

Sahana Ramesh

Assistant Professor of Law

Fee

For Indian Nationals

Regular Fees 
Application Fee Rs. 2,000
Course Fee Rs. 58,000
Total fees Rs. 60,000

 

For Foreign Nationals

Regular Fees
Application Fee Rs. 2,000
Course Fee Rs. 70,800
Total fees Rs. 72,800

 

Other fees

 

Admission late fee Rs. 500
Continuation fee Rs. 5,000 per year
Extension fee Rs. 7,500 per year
Exam Fee Supplementary Rs. 800 per paper
Late Exam Fee (on the whole) Rs. 500
Re-evaluation fees Rs. 1,000 per paper
Provisional Degree Certificate (PDC) Rs. 750
Convocation Fee (In-absentia) Rs.2,000

 

Apply

Please note the following information regarding eligibility and the mode of applying for this programme.

Eligibility

The minimum eligibility for applying for this programme is a graduate degree (in law or other fields) from a recognized university.

Students with a degree certificate or its equivalent from any UGC-recognized university, Association of Indian Universities, CA, CS, ICWA, Open University/distance learning can apply. There shall be no restriction as to age, nationality, gender or employment status.

Important Dates

Admission Closed
Classes are slated to begin by September 2025.

For admission-related queries, please write to admissions.pace@nls.ac.in

Read-the-Instructions-before-applying

FAQs

These are some commonly asked questions about this programme. For general questions about the NLSIU Distance Progamme, please visit the General FAQs page.

How many years does a student have to complete a programme?

The duration of the course shall be one academic year.

For the Post Graduate Diploma programme, every candidate admitted shall pay the prescribed fees at the time of admission. In the event that a candidate is unable to fulfil the prescribed requirements for the award of the degree within the stipulated one academic year, he/she may be permitted to continue for an additional period of up to two subsequent academic years, or until all requirements are duly completed, whichever is earlier. Such continuation shall be subject to payment of the prescribed continuation fee for each year (currently ₹5,000/-, subject to revision).

At the conclusion of the third academic year, if the candidate has not fulfilled all requirements for the award of the degree, the admission shall stand automatically cancelled.

What if the candidate does not complete the course in 3 years?

At the conclusion of the third academic year, if a candidate fails to fulfill all requirements prescribed for the award of the degree, the admission shall stand automatically cancelled. The performance in earlier examinations will not be carried forward. The candidate will be required to seek fresh admission and undertake the entire academic programme as per the prescribed syllabus.

What is the scheme of Assessment?

Every course shall have a combination of formative and summative assessments. This will aid in regular learning and understanding concepts better. (subject to change)

What is Grading Mechanism?

To successfully complete a programme, a student must take all three assessments (Formative I + Formative II + Summative) and obtain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of three and above out of seven. An aggregate of your performance will count towards the final grade in each course.

Grade Grade Description Grade Point Percentage of Marks
O Meets the highest standards for the assignment or course 7 70% and above
A+ Meets very high standards for the assignment of course 6 65% to 69%
A Meets high standards for the assignment or course 5 60% to 64%
B+ Meets most of standards for the assignment or course 4 55% to 59%
B Meets basic standards for the assignment or course 3 50% to 54%
C+ While acceptable, falls short of meeting basic standards in several ways 2 45% to 49%
C Lowest passing grade 1 40% to 44%
F Failing, very poor performance 0 Less than 40%

Admission Status

CLOSED

Duration

1 Year

Number of Courses

4

Course Fee (Indian Nationals)

Rs. 60,000/-

Course Fee (Foreign Nationals)

Rs. 73,000/-