We offer unique blend of tailor-made Honours courses based on market forces, says Assistant Professor

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Assistant Professor-Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Dr Shyamtanu Pal talks about the pre-planned semesters and schedule that helps students prepare well in advance for assessments and submissions. Also he mentions that school facilitates internship opportunities in NGO, civil societies, trial courts, high courts and Supreme Court.

Read the excerpts of the interview below:

Q: What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

A: The semesters are well planned here at Chettinad School of Law. There is an academic calendar for every programme and semester which is published in the beginning of the semester. By this, the students get the exact schedule regarding their internal submissions, midterms, and presentations for respective subjects. It also helps them to start preparing up for the internal assessment well in advance and also gives them the final dates of the submission of their assessments, viva, mid-term, end-term, etc. The manner of assessment is different for various subjects and is made by keeping in mind the needs and demands of the subject concerned. 

Apart from this, Chettinad School of Law believes in overall development hence it encourages into Experiential Learning, regular field visits contribute to the holistic rendition of the Justice Education curriculum. Clinical classes in the form of mooting classes, mock parliaments and debate competitions are conducted systematically throughout the semester.

This pre-planned curriculum, including both curriculum educations and co-curricular activities makes this unique from the other law schools. Moreover, the curriculum and the activities are approved by a panel of experts which validates that Chettinad School of Law is distinctive from the other law schools.

Q: How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

A: Chettinad School of Law follows a rigorous internship schedule by offering mandatory summer and winter internships every year. The Institute has a dedicated Internship Protocol, which the students have to follow right from their first semester onward. These internships are documented with the help of an Internship Diary given to the students on the first day of the academic year. The University Internship Cell dedicatedly works for providing internships ranging from NGOs, civil societies, trial courts, high courts, Supreme Court, reputed law firms and MNCs.  Hence, regular internships at a different level after every semester make them ready to face the industry.

Q: What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A: The applicant must have the zeal to make career in law. They must be good in logical reasoning. And most importantly, right aptitude. This not only enhances the chances of selection but also improves their understanding towards the curriculum.

Q: How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

A: The course curriculum is as per the norms mentioned by the Bar Council of India. It is also approved by the Board of Studies (comprised of a panel of external experts form industry and academia) at the departmental level followed by the approval by the Academic Council. These changes are done in order to meet up the industry requirements so that they are always kept updated.

Moreover, Chettinad School of Law offers a unique blend of tailor-made Honours courses (both at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level) catering to the needs of the students keeping in mind the market forces.