A government-authorised, university-recognised short-term programme providing a foundational understanding of human rights law — from constitutional protections and NHRC mechanisms to international treaties and UN frameworks.
The Certificate Course in Human Rights at ISBR Law College, Bengaluru is a government-authorised, university-recognised short-term programme designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of human rights law at both the national and international level. As societies grow increasingly aware of dignity, equality, and justice, professionals with expertise in human rights law are invaluable across government, civil society, international organisations, and the legal profession.
The programme covers the philosophical foundations of human rights, the Indian constitutional framework for rights protection, the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions, international covenants, UN treaty bodies and mechanisms, and the special protections available to vulnerable groups including women, children, minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and refugees.
Students engage with real case studies, landmark judgments, and simulation exercises — developing the analytical and advocacy skills needed to work effectively in this vital field.
To equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the historical foundations, philosophical principles, and universal standards of human rights as enshrined in the UDHR and international covenants.
To analyse the constitutional and statutory framework for the protection of human rights in India, including the role, jurisdiction, and powers of the National Human Rights Commission and State mechanisms.
To expose students to international human rights instruments, UN treaty bodies, Special Rapporteurs, and India's obligations under international human rights law — and how these interact with domestic law.
To develop practical skills in human rights documentation, advocacy, Public Interest Litigation drafting, and fact-finding — preparing students for field, court, and international organisation work.
Affiliated to Karnataka State Law University (KSLU), Hubballi — a premier statutory law university of Karnataka.
Approved by the Bar Council of India — the statutory body regulating legal education and the legal profession in India.
The single semester covers the complete landscape of human rights law — from philosophical origins and constitutional protections to international mechanisms and practical advocacy skills.
| Paper Code | Subject | Credits | Internal Assessment | University Examinations | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Foundations and Philosophy of Human Rights | 4 | 30 | 70 | 100 |
| 1.2 | Constitutional Framework for Human Rights in India | 4 | 30 | 70 | 100 |
| 1.3 | National Human Rights Commission and State Mechanisms | 4 | 30 | 70 | 100 |
| 1.4 | International Human Rights Law and UN Mechanisms | 4 | 30 | 70 | 100 |
| 1.5 | Rights of Vulnerable Groups – Women, Children, Minorities & Refugees | 4 | 30 | 70 | 100 |
| 1.6 | Emerging Human Rights Issues – LGBTQ+, Disability, Environment & Technology | 4 | 30 | 70 | 100 |
| 1.7 | Human Rights Advocacy, Documentation & PIL Drafting Skills | 2 | 30 | 70 | 100 |
| Total | 26 | 210 | 490 | 700 |
A certificate in Human Rights Law opens doors across legal advocacy, civil society, international organisations, civil services, policy research, and journalism — wherever protecting dignity and holding power accountable creates value.
Pursue PIL, constitutional remedies, and human rights litigation before High Courts and the Supreme Court.
Lead legal teams, document rights violations, and advocate for vulnerable communities at home and abroad.
Work with UNHCR, UNICEF, UN Women, and international human rights bodies on field and policy roles.
Build a strong foundation in human rights for UPSC, state PSC, and international organisation recruitment.
Work with think tanks, government ministries, and law reform commissions on rights-based policy drafting.
Report accurately on rights violations, court judgments, and human rights policy with legal literacy.
Transparent fee structure with scholarship opportunities for deserving and meritorious students.
| Fee Component | Amount (Day Scholar) | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee (One-time, non-refundable) | ₹10,000 | At time of admission |
| Programme Tuition Fee (6 Months) | ₹25,000 | Before commencement of programme |
| Total Programme Fee | ₹35,000 | Single payment |
Hostel fee is for one academic year or till 30 June, 2026, whichever is earlier, and should not be mistaken for a calendar year.
| Particulars | Breakfast Only Plan | All Meals Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Refundable Hostel Security Deposit (One Time) | ₹20,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Double Occupancy Breakfast Only Plan: Twin sharing accommodation, breakfast, transport and basic amenities. All Meals Plan: Twin sharing accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transport and basic amenities. |
₹1,50,000 | ₹2,02,000 |
| Single Occupancy Breakfast Only Plan: Single room accommodation, breakfast, transport and basic amenities. All Meals Plan: Single room accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transport and basic amenities. |
₹2,75,000 | ₹3,27,000 |
| Bank Name: Union Bank of India | |
|---|---|
| Account Name | ISBR |
| Account No. | 51034 10006 68920 |
| Branch | Electronic City |
| Account Type | Current |
| IFSC Code | UBIN 090 8371 |
| Branch Code | 08372 |
ISBR offers a variety of scholarships for meritorious and deserving candidates. Scholarships are offered to students in the form of tuition fee waivers.
| Scholarship Category | Academic Criterion (X & XII Performance) |
UGAT Score | CLAT Score | LSAT-India Score | ISBR Aptitude Test | Scholarship Offered | Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERIT | 9 CGPA & above or equivalent | 85 percentile & above | Score of 120 & above | 80 percentile & above | 85 percentile and above | 50% waiver in tuition fee | 9 |
| 8 CGPA & above or equivalent | 75 percentile & above | Score range between 110 to 119 | 70 percentile & above | 75 percentile & above | 25% waiver in tuition fee | 15 | |
| SPORTS (National Level Participation in Class XI / XII) |
7 CGPA & above or equivalent | 70 percentile & above | Score range between 100 to 109 | 65 percentile & above | 70 percentile & above | 20% waiver in tuition fee | 6 |
Hear from our Certificate in Human Rights graduates on how this course deepened their understanding and shaped their careers.
This course transformed my understanding of human rights from an abstract concept into a practical legal tool. I work at an NGO supporting trafficking survivors, and what I learned here — about NHRC complaints, PIL drafting, and international mechanisms — has directly helped our legal team pursue justice for our clients.
I enrolled as a fresh graduate unsure of my path. The Certificate in Human Rights made me realise this is exactly where I want to build a career. The international modules were particularly eye-opening — I had no idea about the depth of the UN treaty system until this course. I am now pursuing a master's in international law.
Preparing for the UPSC, I found most resources covering rights superficially. This programme goes much deeper — you don't just study provisions, you understand the judgments, the advocacy, and the gaps. My essay and GS II answers have become qualitatively different. Six months that completely shifted my perspective.
I work in corporate ESG and sustainability, where human rights due diligence has become a regulatory requirement under multiple international frameworks. This course gave me both the legal vocabulary and the substantive knowledge to lead our company's human rights impact assessments. It has made me significantly more effective in translating international standards into corporate practice.
After completing this programme, I applied for and secured a position with an international NGO working on refugee rights in South Asia. The coverage of UN mechanisms — UPR, treaty bodies, Special Rapporteurs — was exactly the preparation I needed. ISBR's faculty brought these abstract processes to life through real case studies and field simulations.
I run a legal aid clinic in a rural district of Karnataka, and human rights law is at the heart of every case we handle. Before this programme, I lacked the confidence to argue fundamental rights violations in higher courts. After completing this course, I have successfully filed three PIL petitions on behalf of marginalised communities. This programme genuinely changes lives.
Our faculty bring decades of expertise in human rights law, combining scholarly depth with practical advocacy and policy experience.
"Human rights law is where the universal meets the particular — where international norms must be made real for individual citizens. Understanding this interface is what transforms a practitioner into a true advocate for human dignity and justice."
"From the UDHR to the latest NHRC directives, human rights law demands both legal precision and moral clarity. We teach students to hold both with equal rigour — because this work demands no less than the full force of knowledge and conscience."
"Whether you intend to work with the courts, the UN, an NGO, or the government — a strong foundation in human rights law gives you the frameworks to protect the most vulnerable and hold power accountable in every arena."
Access all important documents related to the Certificate Course in Human Rights here.
Our admissions team is available to guide you through the enrolment process, answer your queries on eligibility, fees, and scholarships, and help you take the first step towards building a career in human rights law.
Enrol in the Certificate Course in Human Rights at ISBR Law College and build a career protecting what matters most — human dignity, equality, and justice.