| Applications Open | January 2026 Intake |
| Application Close | 15 December 2025 |
| Programme Commencement | 20 January 2026 |
| Total Seats | 10 |
| Tuition Fees | ₹3,50,000 (inclusive of international research tour) |
About the Programme
As the world advances toward net-zero goals, sustainability and climate accountability have become central to corporate strategy, investment, and global policymaking. The LL.M. in ESG, Carbon Markets & Sustainability at Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law is India’s first-of-its-kind postgraduate law programme designed to bridge the gap between law, policy, and practice in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, sustainable finance, and carbon markets.
Developed in collaboration with global experts, policymakers, and industry practitioners, this one-year, practice-oriented programme equips participants with the legal and regulatory expertise needed to lead India’s transition toward a sustainable and climate-resilient economy.
Why Choose This Programme
- India’s first LL.M. (and Masters programme) specialising in ESG and Carbon Markets built to meet global sustainability mandates.
- International research tour (1–2 weeks) to leading ESG and climate institutions, which is included in tuition fees.
- Expert faculty and industry mentors from top law firms, financial institutions, and international organisations.
- Hands-on curriculum combining legal frameworks, sustainable finance, carbon trading, and climate governance.
- Career-focused learning through apprenticeships, case studies, and policy-making simulations.
- Selective cohort of 10 candidates, ensuring personalised mentoring and peer learning.
Programme Structure
The LL.M. is a one-year, trimester-based residential programme that blends rigorous academic study with practical application and international exposure.
Trimester I
- Research Methodology
- The Origins and Evolution of ESG
- ESG Policymaking & Sustainability Reporting
- Materiality Assessment and Sustainable Finance
Trimester II
- Law and Justice in a Globalised World
- Climate Finance & Green Taxonomies
- Carbon Markets and Emission Trading Systems
- Legal Risk Management in Carbon Transactions
- Green Fraud and Greenwashing
Trimester III
- Comparative Public Law
- Dissertation / Capstone Project
- International Research Tour
- Optional apprenticeships with ESG firms, carbon developers, or think tanks
Global Research Tour
A defining feature of the programme is the International Research Tour, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with the world’s leading ESG, carbon market, and sustainability ecosystems.
Participants will visit global universities, policy institutions, and international organisations to gain exposure to comparative ESG frameworks, carbon credit mechanisms, and climate governance practices across jurisdictions.
Career Pathways
Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse roles in law, policy, and sustainability, including:
- ESG & Sustainability Legal Counsel
- Carbon Markets & Climate Policy Specialist
- Sustainable Finance & Investment Advisor
- Corporate ESG & Compliance Manager
- Consultant for International Organisations & Think Tanks
- Academic, Policy, or Advocacy Expert
Faculty & Experts
The programme is led by a distinguished faculty and global experts, including:
Prof. (Dr.) Avinash Dadhich
Founding Director,
Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law
Dr. Manuj Bhardwaj
Founding Faculty Member & Associate Professor of Law,
Dhirubhai Ambani University- School of Law, Gandhinagar
Dr. Shashi Singh
Research Fellow, Department of Geography,
University of Cambridge
Non-Resident Professor of Practice,
Dhirubhai Ambani University School of Law
Mr. Madhur Jain
Co-founder & CEO, Varaha
Mr. Dhaneshwar Gupta
Head of Finance, Legal and Compliance at Varaha
Mr. Ashish Srivastav
Non-Resident Fellow,
Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law
Vice President & Zonal Head – CSR (North & East), HDFC Bank
Mr. Anurag Chauhan
Director, General Counsel & Company Secretary,
Head of CSR & ESG,
Axis Max Life Insurance Limited
Mr. Amber Gupta
Senior Vice President and Head of Legal.
National Stock Exchange of India Limited
Ms. Vidhi Thukral
Chief Manager – ESG,
Axis Max Life Insurance
Mr. Tarun Ahuja
Vice President – ESG, HSBC
Honorary Professor of Law,
Dhirubhai Ambani University- School of Law, Gandhinagar
Mr. Sanjay Notani
Senior Partner – Economic Laws Practice
Senior Non-Resident Fellow,
Dhirubhai Ambani University- School of Law, Gandhinagar
Dr. Sonal Verma
Partner – ESG & Global Strategy,
Dhir & Dhir Associates
Prof. William J. Snape III
Director, Program on Environmental & Energy Law, American University
Dr. Vini Singh
Associate Professor of Law,
Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law, Gandhinagar
Dr. Niteesh Kumar Upadhyay
Associate Professor of Law,
Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law, Gandhinagar
Mr. Aatman Shukla
Assistant Professor of Law,
Dhirubhai Ambani University- School of Law, Gandhinagar
Mr. Sivadath Madhu Menon
Assistant Professor of Law,
Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law, Gandhinaga
Ms. Alisha Mehta
Assistant Professor of Law,
Dhirubhai Ambani University- School of Law, Gandhinagar
Connect With Us
Programme Enquiries:
Dr. Manuj Bhardwaj
Vertical Head – ESG, Carbon Markets & Sustainability
manuj_bhardwaj@dau.ac.in
Admissions:
Mr. Shesh Shukla – Head of Admissions
shesh_shukla@dau.ac.in
Ready to Shape the Future of Sustainable Law?
Apply now to be part of India’s first LL.M. shaping the legal architecture of ESG, Carbon Markets, and Sustainable Finance.
Note:
The LL.M. Programme offered by the Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law is fully compliant with Bar Council of India (BCI) guidelines. The programme fees include a mandatory 1–2 week International Research Tour to leading regulatory bodies, legal institutions, and technology hubs abroad.
All classes are conducted on-site at the Gandhinagar campus, and the programme is non-residential; hostel and mess facilities are not included in the fees, and students may make their own accommodation arrangements.