SVKM’S NMIMS

Kirit P. Mehta School of Law

and
NMIMS School of Law

Guidelines for B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) / B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.)

Dissertation Handbook

2023 – 2024

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 Index

Sr. No. List of contents Page no.

1 Guidelines for Preparation of Dissertation 3-8

2 Submission timelines 9

3 Role and responsibilities 9 - 12

4 Specimen copy of Dissertation 13

5 Specimen copy of statement by the candidate 14

6 Specimen copy of certificate 15

7 Annex – I (Synopsis of the dissertation) 16

8 Annex – II (Dissertation Progress Report) 17

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 Guidelines for Preparation of Dissertation

A standard format is prescribed for content of the dissertation, being submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements of the respective degree.

A. DISSERTATION: CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION

Dissertation will have a number of chapters. Each dissertation shall begin with Introduction and end
with summary and conclusion. Each chapter will have a title about the contents of the chapter. The
chapter can be subdivided into sections, sub-sections and sub-sub-sections so as to present the
content precisely and with due importance.

Acknowledgements

The acknowledgements by the candidate shall be to the point and not exaggerated.

1. Introduction

It shall justify and highlight the problem posed, define the topic and explain the aim and scope of
the work presented in the dissertation. It may also highlight the significant contributions from the
investigation. Any adopted figures, tables, information must have Ref. (No.) to avoid plagiarism.
a. Plagiarism
Plagiarism report has to be annexed to the synopsis as well as final dissertation submission duly
signed by the student. Plagiarism cannot be more than 10%.

2. Literature Review

It shall present a critical appraisal of previous work published in literature pertaining to the topic of
investigation. The extent and emphasis of this chapter shall depend on the nature of the
investigation.

3. Research envisaged and plan of work

Present status of the problem hypothesis, objectives, comprehensive plan.

4. Case Study

Work done / Investigations carried out shall be presented in one or more chapters with proper
chapter titles.

i. Case studies, materials and methods, procedures adopted and methodologies adopted will be
given importance.

ii. Extensive details in tabular and graphical forms may be presented in Appendices. However
representative data in table/s and figure/s may be included in appropriate chapters.

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 iii. Figure/s and table/s should be presented following their first mention in the text. Short
table/s and figure/s (say, less than half the writing area of the page) should be presented
within the text. Large table/s and figure/s may be presented on separate pages. Each table
and figure must be serially numbered.

iv. Separate lines with appropriate paragraph separation (above and below the equation line)
should be used for equations. All equations should be numbered, with the numbers flushed
to the right.

5. Discussions
Contributions from the study should be approximately emphasized. The discussion should follow a
logical flow leading to inferences and conclusions as well as scope for possible further future work.
6. Summary and Conclusion

This shall be the final chapter of the dissertation. The chapter shall consist of different parts:

i. The first part shall be a brief report of the entire work carried out.

ii. The subsequent parts shall be conclusions derived from the logical analysis presented in the
previous chapter. The conclusion will be enumerated and presented in a clear manner, each
point stated separately.

iii. The last part of the chapter will state the ‘scope for future research’ in a simple and logical
manner
7. Appendix
Detailed information, lengthy derivations, in separate appendices, which shall be numbered in
Roman Capitals (e.g. “Appendix IV”). Reference can be drawn to published / unpublished literature
in the appendices. This section should precede the “References” section.
8. References / Bibliography
This should follow the Appendices, if any, otherwise the Summary and Conclusions chapter. The
candidates shall follow the style of citation and style of listing (preferably Bluebook 20th Ed.) in one
of the standard journals in the subject area. The names of all the authors along with their initials and
the full title of the article / monogram / book etc. have to be given in addition to the journals /
publishers, volume, number, pages(s) and year of publication.
Citation from websites should include the names(s) of author(s) (including the initials), full title of
article, website reference and when last accessed. Reference to personal communications,
similarly, shall include the author, title of the communication (if any) and date of receipt.
9. Publications
Articles, technical notes etc. on the topic of the thesis published by the candidate may be separately
listed after the literature cited. This may be listed in the contents. The reprints of publications by
candidates may be included after the literature citation.

10. Number of Pages

The number of pages will be approximately 60-80.

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B. DISSERTATION FORMAT
1. Paper:

i. Quality

The dissertation shall be printed / photocopied on white bond paper, whiteness 95% or
above, weight 70 gram or more per square meter.

ii. Size
The size of the paper shall be standard A 4 (height 297 mm, width 210 mm.)

iii. Type -Setting, Text Processing and Printing

Printer LaserJet or Inkjet printer. The text shall be processed using a standard text
processor.
Font Times New Roman of 12
Spacing 1.5 line spacing

iv. Page Format

The Printed Sheets shall have the following written area and margins:
Top Margin 15 mm
Bottom Margin 22 mm
Text Height 245 mm
Text Width 160 mm
Left and Right Margins

Single sided
Left Margin 30 mm
Right Margin 20 mm

v. Pagination & Logo

Page numbering in the text of the thesis shall be in Times New Roman numerals at the right
hand side of the footer.

For Mumbai - Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, Mumbai and year of submission – Left hand
side corner. (Footer)
For other campuses – NMIMS School of Law, (Campus) and year of submission – Left hand
side corner (Footer) – respective School name and Logo wherever applicable.

The subsequent chapters shall begin on a fresh page.

vi. Header

When the header style is chosen, the header can have the Chapter number and Chapter title
(e.g., Chapter 2).

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 Paragraph format

The first line of each paragraph should normally be indented by five characters or 12 mm. A
candidate may, however, choose not to indent if (s) he has provided sufficient paragraph
separation.
A paragraph should normally comprise more than one line. A single line of a paragraph shall
not be left at the top or bottom of a page (that is, no windows or orphans should be left)

The word at the right end of the first line of a page or paragraph should, as far as possible,
non-hyphenated.

2.
[
Chapter and Section Format
i. Chapter
Each chapter shall begin on a fresh page.

ii. Sections and Sub-sections

A chapter can be divided into Sections, Sub-sections and Sub-sub-Sections to present

different concepts separately. Sections and sub-sections can be numbered using decimal
points, e.g. 1.2 for the second section in Chapter 1 and 1.3.4 for the fourth Sub-section in
third Section of Chapter 1. Chapters, Sections and Sub-sections shall be included in the
contents with page numbers flushed to the right.
The Section and Sub-Section titles along with their numbers in 5 and 4 mm (16 and 14 pt)
fonts, respectively, in bold face shall be flushed to the left (not centered) with 15 mm space
above and below these lines.
In further subsections subdivisions title character size of 3 and 3.5 mm with bold face, small
caps, all caps and italics may be used for the titles flushed left or centered. These shall not
feature in the contents.

iii. Table / Figure Format

Tables and figures should be presented in portrait style. Small size table\s and figure\s (less
than half of writing area of a page) should be incorporated within the text, while larger ones
may be presented on separate pages. Table and figure shall be numbered chapter - wise. For
example, the fourth figure in chapter 5 will bear the number Figure 5.4 or Fig 5.4.

Table number and title will be placed above the table. Figure number and caption will be
located below the figure. Reference for Table and Figures reproduced from elsewhere shall
be cited in the last and separate line in the table and figure caption, e.g. (after McGregor
[12]).
C. Auxiliary Format

1. Binding

The evaluation copies of the dissertation should be hard-bound.

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 Format - Black Colour Binding with golden letters embossed on bound (side)
2. Front Covers

Format of front cover which should be taken on the paper is attached for reference.

3. Certificate
The first printed page of the dissertation will be the certificate. Format is attached.

4. Statement by the Candidate

A statement by the candidate of academic honesty and integrity is required to be included along
with every dissertation after the approval sheet. The format is enclosed.

5. Dedication Sheet (optional)

If the candidate so desires(s) he / she may dedicate his/her dissertation. The dedication statement
shall follow the certificate page.

6. Acknowledgement
Guide/HOD/Dean/University/Others – suppliers of reading materials.

7. Abbreviations, Notations and Nomenclature

A complete and comprehensive list of all abbreviations, notations and nomenclature including
Greek alphabets with subscripts and superscripts. (As far as possible, generally accepted symbols
and notation should be used).

8. Table of cases
All relevant case laws referred for the dissertation / thesis should be delineated here.
9. Contents
Contents page shall follow the Acknowledgement. It shall enlist the titles of the chapters, section
and sub-section using decimal notation, as in the text, with corresponding page number against
them, flushed to the right.

10. Main Text

The main thesis or dissertation matter will be incorporated after contents

11. List of Figures and Tables (if quantitative data is referred) Main Text

Two separate lists of Figure captions and Table titles along with their numbers and corresponding
page numbers against them shall follow the Contents. Similarly listing should also be done with
Maps.

12. Bibliography

13. Appendixes (optional)

Please Note:
Auxiliary page from dedication (if any) to abbreviations shall be numbered using Roman numeral
in lower case. The text starting from the Introduction shall be in Times New Roman. (The first

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pages in the both the cases shall not bear a page number).
Submission
(It should be submitted within the time frame declared by the school, failing which the student may
not be allowed to appear in the examination.)

It should be submitted to the guide who will collectively submit all the theses within the time frame
along with the list of defaulters, if any to the HOD, who in turn will collectively submit all the
dissertations to the Dean on or before the last day of submission. Dissertation duly signed by the
HOD and the Dean will be submitted by the student to the course coordinator who will then forward
it to the examination department acknowledging the same.

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 Submission timelines, role and responsibilities

1. Submission Timelines
Submission Details Timelines
Topic submission 25th December 2023
Guide allocation 5th January 2024
Abstract Submission (to guide) 15th January 2024
Literature Review (to guide) 8th February 2024
Annex II submission – 1st Report (to guide) 20th February 2024
Annex II submission – 2nd Report (to guide) 1st March 2024
Synopsis and Plagiarism Report submission( 10th March 2024
to guide )
Final Submission (to Guide ) 20th March 2024
Final submission after guide’s approval (to 30th March 2024
academic office )
Final Viva 5th April – 10th April 2024

2. Role and Accountability of Students

a. Students will work at KPMSoL for dissertation. Once the supervision is allocated to students
it cannot be changed. The dissertation content and further details must be discussed in
consultation with the guide.
b. Students must prepare their dissertation components and undertake timely approvals for
each component as per the submission timelines. The student must consult their guide to
ensure the adequacy of the dissertation to qualify for B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) / B.B.A., LL.B.
(Hons.) program, to justify the time spent in the school.
c. There will be written document submission as per timelines: Annex I – synopsis submission,
and Annex II - Dissertation Progress Report encompassing total plan of work with timelines.
Annex formats are appended towards the end of the handbook.
d. Student must have to ensure that the area selected is relevant to the branch of their
specialization. The topic must not be similar to other final year dissertation students.
e. Research project has to be patent non-infringing in the nature and non-violating the
copyright issue. Adequate library work / literature search and patent search is very much
desirable with supportive documents to provide evidence of patent non-infringing research
work.

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3. Report / Intimation of Progress on the dissertation

a. Students will report to the guide at least 8 – 10 times in person (face-to-face) / E-mail /
Video-conference / Telephonic providing progress or information on dissertation.
b. Plan of work, nature of visit and dissertation timelines should be clearly consulted and
approved by the guide. Students of B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) / B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) should
timely submit to the guide Dissertation Progress Reports (Annex II) as per the timelines.
c. Regularity/Attendance
i. It is the responsibility of students and the guide to submit an attendance certificate at
the time of dissertation submission.
ii. Students who fail to submit the same, will not be permitted to submit the
dissertation and appear for the final viva voce.
iii. In the event of any medical emergency, the student will inform guide and submit the
medical certificate to that effect to the institution immediately.
iv. As per the rules of the university, attendance is required to qualify for appearing in
the examination (internal presentation and final viva) except for the consideration of
medical leave as per the university rules.
d. The student will be responsible for the conduct, attendance, dissertation quality and general
behavior in the school. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated by the guide in case
of any violation.
e. Students working in the school for dissertation should strictly adhere to the following:
f. Basic discipline must be observed while working in the library. Ensure complete
documentation, in the given format, of day to day work duly signed by the guide.
g. Prior permission must be taken from authorities for extended working hours, Sundays and
holidays in library.
h. Students will be responsible for submitting a draft dissertation to the guide for checking at
least fifteen days before the final submission date of the dissertation. In the event of any
violation in date of submission of dissertation, one mark will be deducted per day post
final submission deadline, unless prior permission / approval is obtained from the
authorities.

4. Submission of Synopsis

Students working in school for Dissertation should ensure that hard copy of the Synopsis
should be submitted on or before 10th March, 2024 duly signed by the guide, to the Dean

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 through the Co-coordinator. Guide / HOD should ensure timely submission.

5. Submission of Final Dissertation

Students working in school for Dissertation should ensure that one hard-bound copy of
the Final Dissertation along with a CD should be submitted on or before 30th March,
2024 duly signed by the guide, to the Dean through the Co-coordinator. Guide / HOD should
ensure the timely submission.

6. Role and Responsibilities of the Guide

a. The guide should guide the student regarding clarity in the title of the dissertation and
relevance of topic to the field of study.
b. Regular monitoring of the work should be done to ensure timelines are observed by students.
Students must meet the guide at least 8-10 times during the course of their dissertation.
c. Non-communication or poor communication from student’s end should be immediately
intimated to Program Chair and Dean’s office by the guide so that appropriate measures
could be taken against such students. Guide should communicate with the students
accordingly.
d. The guide should ensure that there is no repetition of the project previously carried out by
other/earlier students.
e. In dissertation, not more than one student should be allocated to work on the same
topic.
f. A log-book will be provided to the guide to maintain record keeping/documentation which
should cover -

i. All presentations covering plan of work, timelines vs. the actual work carried out.
ii. Meeting and progress report records of the work carried out by the students
should duly be signed by the guide and the student.

i. The guide will ensure authenticity of the data provided in the dissertation submitted by
the student through close monitoring.
j. Once the dissertation is approved, no change in the dissertation / content can be made by
student / the guide. If any change is to be effected, for any good reason, it must be discussed
and a separate approval through a request letter to the dean must be obtained before
submitting the revised dissertation.
k. The guide will ensure that the student works on the approved dissertation only as per plan of

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 work and timeline submitted.
l. The guide should thoroughly check the copy of the presentation / dissertation, so that there
should not be any major / minor errors including typographical mistakes.
m. In case of dissertation carried out, if there is any change in title, the same has to be informed
to the Dean / Director Research / coordinator for approval of the same within 2 weeks of
initiating the work. This is a mandatory requirement.
n. The guide will monitor the conduct, attendance, project quality and general behavior in the
University. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated by the guide, in case of any
violation.
o. The guide should preview the presentation of the students, with thorough understanding
of the subject.
p. The guide should ensure that the student is adequately and thorough prepared for the Viva
voce examination as they have to face external examiners from all over the country and
abroad. They should not make elaborate presentations with frivolous details. They should
concentrate more on the work done, results obtained, discussion and conclusions.
q. Students are instructed to adhere to the deadline as no extension will be granted in any case
and also not to book their tickets until their Viva Voce examination is completed.

In all cases, time management is of prime importance.

Approved by the Dean

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 SPECIMEN COPY

Title of Dissertation

Dissertation submitted to
SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
in partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the degree of
B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) / B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.)

By

(Name of Candidate)

Under the Guidance of

(Name of guide)

(Name of the School)

(Location)

Year

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 SPECIMEN COPY

Statement by the Candidate

This is to submit that this written submission in my dissertation entitled “……………..” represents
my ideas in my own words and where others’ ideas or words have been included, I have adequately
cited and referenced the original sources. I also declare that I have abided by all the principles of
academic honesty and integrity and have not misrepresented or fabricated or falsified any idea/ data/
fact/ source in my submission. I understand that any violation of the above will be cause for
disciplinary action by the School and can also evoke penal action from the sources which have thus
not been properly cited or from whom proper permission has not been taken when needed.

This dissertation encompasses the information generated by me based on work carried out in the
School. I assure and hold full responsibility for its genuineness.

Mr. / Ms. __________________________

Forwarded Through

Academic Guide (s)

1 Name of the Guide :

Designation :
Department of _________________,
Kirit P. Mehta School of Law,
SVKM’s NMIMS,
Vile Parle (W),
Mumbai – 400056

2 Co – Guide (If applicable):

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 SPECIMEN COPY

Certificate

The work described in this dissertation entitled “……………..” has been carried out by Mr. /

Ms…..…………………. under my supervision. I certify that this is his/her bonafide work. The

work described in this dissertation is original and has not been submitted for any degree to this or

any other university.

Date: Guide:

Place: ________________

Asst. Prof. / Asso. Prof. / Professor (As applicable)

Head,

Department of _____________

________________________

Dean, KPMSoL

(Name of the School)

(Location)

Year

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 Annex-I

SYNOPSIS

(To be submitted by the student pursuing the dissertation in University to Coordinator through the
Guide)

Name of the student:

Roll No:

Programme & Specialization:

Name of the Academic Guide:

Place:

Title of the Project:

Introduction (in brief):

Objective/s & Rationale of the work:

Proposed Plan of work:

References:

Signature of the student Signature of the Guide

Name: Name:

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 Annex-II

Initials of the Guide- Project Number/ Total Number of Projects

SVKM’S NMIMS
(Name of the School & Location)
Dissertation Progress Report
[To be submitted by the guide to Academic Office]

DISSERTATION - B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) / B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.)

Academic Year- (____________)
Name of the Student:
Programme and Specialization: B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) / B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.)
Name of the Guide:

Title:
Introduction:

Objective/s:
Plan of Work:
Time Line of the Project:
Sr. Nature of work Duration in weeks
No.
1. Abstract
2. Literature Review
3. Introduction
4. Chapter
5. Chapter
6. Chapter
7. Chapter
8. Conclusion / Suggestion
10. Dissertation submission
Total (in weeks)

Name and signature of the student Name and signature of the guide

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