The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy (Vidhi) has invited applications for the position of Research Fellow to work with its Crime & Punishment team in Delhi. The opportunity is suitable for law graduates interested in criminal justice, legal research, public policy and law reform.
About Vidhi
The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy is an independent think tank that undertakes legal research with the objective of improving laws and governance in the public interest. It works with Ministries of the Government of India, State Governments and other public institutions on research and drafting at different stages of the law-making process.
Vidhi also conducts independent research on areas of legal reform that are important to India’s future. The organisation states that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discriminatory behaviour.
About the Research Fellow Role
The selected Research Fellow will initially work with Vidhi’s Crime & Punishment team. The team focuses on improving the responsiveness and effectiveness of India’s criminal justice system through research covering criminalisation, criminal law, law enforcement and correctional institutions.
During the tenure, the Fellow will also be part of Vidhi’s institutional pool of researchers. This means that the researcher may work with other teams depending on organisational requirements and the individual’s skills and areas of expertise.
Responsibilities
The Research Fellow will be involved in legal, quantitative and qualitative research relating to criminal justice and law and policy reform.
The role will also involve engaging with government officials, civil society organisations, academics and other relevant stakeholders. Fellows may contribute to reports, legislative drafting and consultations connected with Vidhi’s research projects.
The selected candidate will also prepare research reports, research notes and presentations. The position involves disseminating research through articles, blogs and research papers, as well as explanatory videos and podcasts where required.
Fellows may also be expected to develop and execute new research projects, including communication and dissemination activities.
Eligibility
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in law.
Candidates should have 0 to 1 year of demonstrable work experience in criminal justice or a related research field. Strong research, writing and legal drafting skills are also required.
A postgraduate degree in law, criminology, public policy or a related discipline will be considered desirable.
Experience of interacting with government officials, civil society organisations and concerned communities may be an advantage. Candidates with experience in fieldwork, ethnographic research or empirical research may also be preferred.
Prior publications in academic journals or newspapers are another desirable qualification.
Location and Remuneration
This is a full-time position based in Delhi.
Vidhi has stated that the remuneration will be competitive and in line with the candidate’s experience and its existing organisational structure.
Documents Required
Candidates applying for the position are required to submit their application through Vidhi’s online portal along with the required documents.
The application should include a latest CV of not more than two A4 pages, a statement of motivation of up to 500 words, details of two professional references, and a writing sample of not more than 500 words.
The statement of motivation should explain why the candidate is interested in the Research Fellow position.
The application documents must be combined into a single PDF file and uploaded under the ‘Additional Documents’ section. The file should be titled in the prescribed format: “FirstName LastName_Application for Position Name”.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through Vidhi’s online application portal. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Candidates with queries may contact Vidhi at careers@vidhilegalpolicy.in with the subject line “Query – Research Fellow, Crime & Punishment”.
Apply through Vidhi’s official careers portal
Last Date to Apply
The deadline for submitting applications is 15 September 2026.
Vidhi has stated that incomplete applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.
Important Details
Organisation: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
Position: Research Fellow
Team: Crime & Punishment
Qualification: Undergraduate degree in Law
Experience: 0–1 year in criminal justice or related research
Location: Delhi
Nature of Work: Full-time
Remuneration: Competitive, based on experience and Vidhi’s existing structure
Application Mode: Online
Last Date: 15 September 2026
This opportunity may be particularly relevant for fresh law graduates and early-career legal researchers who want to work on criminal justice, legal reform and public policy research in an independent think tank environment.
