Certificate Course on Criminal Defence Practice by NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad (In-Person in Pune, 6 Months, Fee Rs 5,000)

The Certificate Course on Criminal Defence Practice is a continuing legal education (CLE) programme offered in Pune by The Square Circle Clinic at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. Its stated purpose is to bridge the gap between law school and the practical skills needed for criminal defence practice in trial courts.

The Programme has been conceptualised by the Clinic's Fair Trial team, drawing on over eight years of experience across more than 5,000 criminal cases, the release of over 1,500 undertrial prisoners and the training of early-career lawyers and social workers. The curriculum is further informed by the Clinic's experience in over 80 death penalty cases before the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.

The Programme is designed specifically for lawyers with 2 to 7 years of experience in criminal defence litigation before trial courts who are seeking structured learning and exposure to criminal litigation. NALSAR states that the Programme is intended for lawyers committed to building a career in criminal defence practice and is not designed as coaching for the judiciary, prosecution or other government job entrance examinations.

The Programme will accommodate only up to 40 course participants. Interested candidates must satisfy the following criteria:

• Between 2 and 7 years of experience in criminal defence litigation in a trial court within Pune district
• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Marathi and Hindi
• Familiarity with the use of MS Office, email and the internet
• Ability to read, write and speak English is desirable

• Immersive, practice-oriented learning
• Interdisciplinary engagement covering psychology, forensics, technology and electronic evidence
• Multilingual teaching in Marathi, Hindi and English
• Exposure to experienced practitioners, including criminal defence lawyers, senior advocates, retired judges and academics
• Mentoring on cases extending to six months after course completion
• Access to the e-library resources of NALSAR University of Law during the course
• Professional certification from NALSAR University of Law

The Programme integrates classroom teaching with workshops, drafting exercises, group discussions and mentored casework. Learning resources including course materials, case extracts, practice templates, recorded lectures and skill-based exercises are provided.

• Total duration: six months, November 2026 to April 2027
• In-person classes on weekends and public holidays in Pune, totalling 144 hours
• Additional hours of self-study are required; participants attend a maximum of four days of contact classes every month and spend around four hours per week on reading, preparation and assignments
• Attendance is mandatory
• There are no live online classes; self-paced materials and assignments are accessed online

• Introduction to criminal defence
• Substantive criminal law, including special laws
• Investigation, arrest, remand, bail and anticipatory bail
• Pre-trial procedure and preparation for trial
• Conducting a criminal trial and post-trial procedure

Participants may opt into a one-year mentoring programme that extends six months beyond completion of the core course, offering guided support on an ongoing trial. Participants may choose to work on a matter from their own practice or, where possible, a suitable case may be identified with the support of the Programme team.

The Programme runs a continuous assessment and regular feedback process. Evaluation is based on attendance, class participation, assignments, knowledge tests and oral advocacy exercises. A Course Certificate is awarded by NALSAR University of Law upon successful completion.

The course fee is INR 5,000, payable before the Programme commences. It is non-refundable and non-transferable. Fee waivers may be offered to candidates from marginalised communities, economically weaker sections, women, sexual minorities and persons with disabilities. Travel, accommodation and meals during the in-person classes are the participant's responsibility.

Applications must be submitted through the online application form by 5.00 p.m. on 15 September 2026. The form requires a resume and a three-minute video in which the applicant speaks about their motivation to apply for the course; the video may be in Marathi, Hindi or English. Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview, with interview dates communicated separately. The University reserves the right to add further rounds of selection or to modify the rounds described.