Postgraduate Diploma inChild Rights Law(PGDCRL)
Overview
The PGDCRL draws from the rich decade-long insights gained by NLSIU’s Centre for Child and the Law. The pioneering research generated through its multidisciplinary integrated approach is reflected in its engagement in direct field action, lobbying, advocacy, policy research and teaching in the area of child rights law over the years.
This programme is the only one of its kind in India, and will help build knowledge and a critical understanding of the child rights discourse and its implications in the Indian context. It has been provided continuously since 2008.
Programme Highlights:
- Blends a theoretical awareness of international and domestic legislation and treaties governing child rights with practical applications and examples from the field.
- Equips candidates with the skills required for advocacy and lobbying roles to promote access to justice, equality before the law, and the protection of the human rights of children.
- Offers immense value to professionals engaged in Government Departments concerning children, NGOs, legal aid organisations, educational and research institutions, and others working with children and their interface with the law.
- The programme is spread across one year and gives learners the flexibility to design their own learning pathway.
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: Child Rights, Policy and Law: International and National Framework
This paper consists of the following modules:
Module I: Demographic profile of children in India
Module II: Understanding Child Rights – Best Interest Principle, Child Participation
Module III: International Law pertaining to Child Rights
Module IV: United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Module V: Constitutional Law in India
Module VI: National Policies and Plans of Action
Module VII: National and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights
Module VIII: Rights Based Approach
Module IX: Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Course 3: Survival and Development Rights of Children
This paper consists of the following modules:
Module I: Policies, Programmes and Legislations related to Food and Nutrition
Module II: Policies, Programmes and Legislations related to Health
Module III: Policies, Programmes and Legislations related to Basic Education
Course 4: Rights of children to care and protection
This paper consists of the following modules:
Module I: Introduction to care and protection framework
Module II: Children in need of care and protection and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015 & the Juvenile Justice Model Rules, 2016
Module III: Legislative framework related to Child Abuse
Module IV: Laws relating to child trafficking
Module V: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and recent developments
Module VI: Child Labour- Act, State Policy and Action Plan
Module VII: Children in conflict with the law
Faculty
Visiting Faculty, NLSIU
Programme Coordinator – FLE course
Head of Centre for Child and the Law (CCL), NLSIU
Research Fellow
Anuroopa Giliyal
Fee
For Indian Nationals
| Regular Fees | |
| Application fees | Rs. 1,500 |
| Admission fees | Rs. 2,500 |
| Course fees | Rs. 16,000 |
| Total fees | Rs. 20,000 |
| Other fees | |
| Admission late fee | Rs. 500 |
| Examination fee | Rs. 200+200+300 per paper |
| Examination late fee | Rs. 300 per application |
| Continuation fee | Rs. 2,500 per year |
| Extension fee | Rs. 5,000 per year |
| Re-evaluation fees | Rs. 800 per paper |
For Foreign Nationals
| Regular fees | |
| Application fees | Rs. 1,500 |
| Admission fees | Rs. 2,500 |
| Course fees | Rs. 56,000 |
| Total fees | Rs. 60,000 |
| Postage of printed study materials to address outside India | |
| Courier Charges | Rs. 5,000 (For previous batch students) |
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.
Application Timeline
Applications shall open from April 2023. The mode of application is online & offline.
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?
Students of the Diploma programmes can complete their programme in up to five years from the year of their enrolment.
Students are required to pay the prescribed fee at the time of admission. If a student has to continue the programme beyond one academic year because of non-fulfilment of the prescribed requirements for the award of the diploma, they will be permitted to continue for the subsequent two academic years by paying a continuation fee as prescribed for each year.
After a period of 3 years if the student is unable to clear the programme they may be given an extension of another 2 years by paying Rs. 5000 per year for the subsequent two years as extension fee, provided they have cleared 2 out of the 4 courses in a Diploma programme. At the end of the fifth academic year, if the student is unable to complete the requirements for the award of the diploma, the admission stands automatically cancelled.
What if the candidate does not complete the course in 3 years?
If the candidate does not pass or complete the course, his enrollment ceases. He will have to register afresh by following the usual procedures prescribed for first admission. His performance at the earlier exams is not carried forward. He will have to redo the entire academic exercise prescribed, in the 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. Please note the following details regarding the upcoming assessments: Assessment Details:
| Sl. No | Assessment Type | Assessment Pattern | Marks Allotment | Mode | Enrollment Fee |
| 1. | Formative I | MCQs | 20 Marks | Online | INR. 200/- |
| 2. | Formative II | MCQs | 30 Marks | Online | INR. 200/- |
| 3. | Summative | Subjective | 50 Marks | In-person | INR. 300/- |
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. 20,000
Course Fee (Foreign Nationals)
Rs. 60,000