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How to Do LLB in India: A step-by-step guide to start a Law Career in 2025

How to Do LLB in India: A step-by-step guide to start a Law Career in 2025

Updated on 21 December, 2024

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• 9 min read

Table of Contents

Steps to do LLB in India: A Complete Roadmap
What is the Eligibility Criteria for LLB
Top LLB institutions in India
How can upGrad help you?
Conclusion

An LLB or a Bachelor of Laws is an Indian undergraduate degree in law. An LLB in India can be through two routes, either directly after 10+2 or another route that allows you to pursue LLB after an undergraduate degree. So, depending on the type of LLB, the course duration of an LLB program may be 3 years or 5 years. LLB students study various legal components in their course curriculum, such as legal writing, criminal law, contract law, and constitutional law are among the topics covered in the course.

Did you know? The lawyer per capita number for India falls at 112.76 per 1 lakh. Although it may seem a decent number, upon a deeper study of the Indian population and legal proceeding status, we find that with the high demand in legal systems and pending cases, it is a fairly small number.

Hence, India certainly needs more lawyers. So if you are fresher and wondering how to do an LLB in India, you can be assured that the profession that you’re aiming for is quite an in-demand role.

We shall further take an in-depth look at what are the admission requirements for LLB. Read along to find out more information on LLB admissions and eligibility.

Also Read: How to Become a Lawyer in India

Steps to do LLB in India: A Complete Roadmap

In order to pursue LLB in India, you can follow this step-by-step tutorial:

STEP 1: First and foremost you need to complete your 10+2 education from a recognized board if going for a 5-year LLB program or a bachelor's degree for a 3-year LLB program
STEP 2: Then you need to choose the LLB program you wish to pursue, whether it is directly after school or after under graduation
STEP 3: If you wish to pursue an LLB or law degree directly after school, you will need to pursue an integrated 5-year integrated law course and if you want to first complete your UG studies and then pursue LLB, then you will be eligible for the 3 year LLB program
STEP 4: The next step is to start your preparation for law entrance exams in India. These entrance exams are conducted at different levels varying from university to university. Read further to find more about different law entrance exams like CLAT and LSAT
STEP 5: Then, you need to fill in the application forms for Apply for LLB admission to various law universities in a program of your choice
STEP 6: This will be a crucial step as you will be participating in the entrance exam and your performance in this examination will determine your admission status
STEP 7: Upon successful status and results in your entrance exams, you will be included in the merit list for admission to the specific law college or university. After this, you can attend the admission counseling session
STEP 8: This shall be the final step in your admission as enroll in the university and complete all document verifications as well as submit your course fees.
STEP 9: Now that you are successfully enrolled as an LLB student, you will be studying the LLB program wherein you can focus on developing foundational knowledge of law while pursuing practical experience and exposure.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for LLB

The eligibility criteria for an LLB course in India varies with the type of LLB you are pursuing, whether it is a 5-year integrated LLB degree or a 3-year LLB course.

Potential law students need to meet certain age requirements, qualify for entrance exams, and cater to specific academic prerequisites. To make sure you fulfill the prerequisites to pursue a profession in law, it is crucial to comprehend these factors.

Admission requirements for LLB

The eligibility and admission requirements for both kinds of LLB degrees in India are broken down below:

Criteria

5-Year Integrated LLB

3-Year LLB

Education

Must have completed 10+2 (higher secondary) from a recognized board with a minimum of 45-50% marks

Must have a bachelor’s degree in any stream (arts, science, commerce) from a recognized university, with at least 45-50% marks

Age Requirements

Age limit may apply, usually between 17-20 years (relaxed for reserve

No age limit in most institutions for this program.

Entrance exams for LLB

Your admission to LLB programs in India is majorly determined by how well you score in your law entrance exams. Several law entrance exams in India are conducted at the national and university levels. Let’s take a look at some of the main entrance exams for LLB in India:

1.CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

CLAT is the most widely recognized entrance exam for admission to 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) offering 5-year integrated LLB programs
It tests candidates on subjects like English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Mathematics. The exam is held annually and is considered highly competitive.

2. AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)

AILET is conducted by the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) for admission to its BA LLB program
It tests English, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Aptitude. AILET is one of the top law entrance exams and is considered more challenging due to its rigorous pattern.

3. LSAT India (Law School Admission Test)

LSAT India is an entrance exam organized by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for admission to various law schools in India
It evaluates candidates on reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. Many private law schools in India accept LSAT scores for admission.

4. DU LLB Entrance Exam

The University of Delhi conducts its own entrance exam for admission to its 3-year LLB program
DU LLB entrance exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on General Knowledge, Legal Awareness, Analytical Ability, and English Language skills. DU is one of India's top law schools, and its entrance exam is highly competitive.

5. IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)

IPU CET is conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) for admission to various law courses, including BA LLB and 3-year LLB
The exam assesses candidates on General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, English, and Legal Awareness.

6. BHU UET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test)

BHU UET is conducted by Banaras Hindu University for admission to its undergraduate law programs, including a 5-year BA LLB
The exam tests knowledge of General Studies, English, and Legal Aptitude

Also Read: Top Career Options for Lawyers

Top LLB institutions in India

India is home to a number of recognized law colleges and universities that provide high-quality legal education and turn out some of the best solicitors and legal professionals. LLB and integrated LLB courses are among the undergraduate and graduate legal programs offered by these universities.

These law schools are well-known for their coursework, top-notch faculty, and successful placements and certainly play a fundamental role in shaping the upcoming legal professionals.

Below is a list of the top 10 LLB schools in India which are reputed to producing esteemed legal professionals in the country:

INSTITUTION NAME	NIRF RANKING 2024
National Law School of India University Bengaluru	#1
National Law University Delhi	#2
Nalsar University of Law	#3
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences	#4
Symbiosis Law School	#5
Jamia Millia Islamia	#6
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	#7
Gujarat National Law University	#8
Siksha `O` Anusandhan	#9
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University	#10

How can upGrad help you?

Although the profession of a lawyer is highly sought after in India, there is still a lot of competition in the legal job market in India. So, how can you stand out as a valuable lawyer to the organization you are seeking to work in? The answer is to invest yourself in additional ventures outside your law books and classroom activities.

Explore, learn, and upskill for better job prospects. We at upGrad, provide you with opportunities to excel in your learning and career advancement journey. You can take a look at our law programs and explore options in short-term courses as well as higher study options.

Are you interested in a career in corporate law, then you must check out our Corporate Law Certificate course which will allow you to expedite your career progression.

We have more in store for you! Check out our free law courses and start your upskilling journey today, and even get a free certificate upon completion!

Conclusion

If you are looking to pursue an LLB, you need to know about the entire admission process in depth, ranging from eligibility criteria to best law schools, This will greatly help you to know your options and help you begin your law career journey.

Further, as an aspiring law student, you must carefully prepare by selecting the appropriate university, concentrating on entrance exam preparation, and obtaining real-world experience through internships. With an LLB, you get a chance to bag a variety of legal job roles, which may range from government roles, corporate law, practicing attorney, or even academia.

Interested in knowing more about your future career options? Get your hands on expert guidance by booking a free counseling session with upGrad now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is LLB a good career option in India?

LLB can prove to be quite a promising career option in India. The legal profession offers diverse opportunities in litigation, corporate law, public service, and teaching. With a growing economy and legal complexity, the demand for skilled lawyers is high.

2. Can I pursue an LLB after studying science in 12th?

Yes, you can pursue LLB after studying science in 12th in India. The eligibility for a 5-year integrated BA LLB or BBA LLB course doesn't require a specific stream in the 12th. You just need to meet the minimum marks criteria, and then clear entrance exams for law degrees.

3. What is the difference between LLB and BA LLB?

LLB is a 3-year law degree for graduates, while BA LLB is a 5-year integrated undergraduate program that combines a law degree with a Bachelor of Arts. BA LLB is more comprehensive, offering a wider knowledge base from the start.

4. What subjects are taught in LLB?

The LLB syllabus includes subjects like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Family Law, Administrative Law, International Law, Labour Law, Jurisprudence, and Legal Writing, among others. The subjects vary slightly by the university or college.

5. What is the difference between LLB and LLM?

LLB is an undergraduate law degree, while LLM (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate law degree. LLB provides foundational legal knowledge, whereas LLM allows specialization in fields like criminal law, intellectual property, or international law.

6. What is the importance of legal internships during LLB?

Legal internships are vital for LLB students as they provide practical exposure to the legal field. Internships help students understand court procedures, develop research skills, and build professional networks, which are crucial for starting a successful legal career.

7. What are my career options after LLB?

After LLB, you can become a lawyer, join corporate law firms, work as a legal advisor, become a judge, or pursue fields like legal research, teaching, or even go into politics, depending on your interests and skills.

8. How can I become a corporate lawyer in India?

To become a corporate lawyer in India, you need to first complete an LLB or BA LLB. After this, gaining experience through internships at corporate law firms is crucial. You may also choose to specialize in corporate law and business regulations.

9. How can I become a judge after LLB in India?

To become a judge after LLB in India, one must first practice law for a few years, then clear judicial exams conducted by the respective state or the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Judgeship is a prestigious and competitive career option, so you be dedicated to preparing for the entire process of examination and tests.

10. What is the role of a legal advisor?

A legal advisor provides legal guidance and opinions to clients or organizations on various matters such as contracts, disputes, corporate governance, and compliance. They ensure that their client’s actions comply with applicable laws and regulations.

11. How can I prepare for CLAT?

To prepare for CLAT, you should focus on subjects like English, General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Mathematics. Regular mock tests, practice papers, and time management are crucial. You can also enroll in coaching institutes and take the help of online resources.

References:
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/lawyers-per-capita-by-country
https://www.barcouncilofindia.org/info/educationa-de7va7
https://www.nirfindia.org/Rankings/2024/LawRanking.html

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