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  • LLB vs LLM: Eligibility, Admission and Career Opportunities in 2025

LLB vs LLM: Eligibility, Admission and Career Opportunities in 2025

By upGrad

Updated on Dec 21, 2024 | 7 min read | 1.9k views

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Like many other industries, the legal industry in India is also evolving. The Indian Legal Services Market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.27%, with an estimated valuation of 3.18 billion US dollars by 2029.

So, are you too interested in becoming a lawyer and are confused by the terms LLB and LLM? Then, you are at the right place to get an answer to your queries. An LLB stands for a Bachelor of Laws whereas an LLM stands for Master of Laws. LLB is the foundational degree that can equip you with a broad understanding of the law. Whereas LLM is an advanced, specialized degree that deepens legal expertise. Although both LLB and LLM are law degree courses, they cater to different levels of degrees in India.

In this article, we shall discuss the key differences between LLB and LLM, shedding light on what each law degree entails. We shall be looking at the eligibility criteria, admission process, and what are your career options with various jobs after LLB and LLM in India.

Also read: How to Start Studying Law

LLB vs LLM: Key Differences

Many aspiring legal professionals find themselves at a crossroads between their suitability for an LLB or an LLM. Both degrees serve different purposes and cater to the distinct needs of a law aspirant. 

In this section, we will explore the key differences between these two programs in terms of aspects like course duration, eligibility, career opportunities as well as the top LLB and LLM colleges in India. Knowing these differences will help you understand which path is more 

suitable for your career goals.

Course Details

Let’s take a brief look at the basic information on the two main law degree courses in India before a further breakdown of LLB vs LLM

What is LLB?

  • An LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is an undergraduate level law degree in India
  • It is of 2 types: An integrated 5-year LLB and a regular 3-year LLB
  • You can directly pursue a 5-year integrated LLB program after graduating from school
  • For the 3-year LLB program, you need to have an undergraduate degree

What is LLM?

  • An LLM(Master of Laws) is a specialized law degree in India which allows legal professionals to specialize in different legal areas
  • You can pursue an LLM after completion of an LLB degree program
  • An LLM degree is internationally recognized and can open global employment opportunities

LLB vs LLM: Differences in terms of various factors

ASPECT

LLB

LLM

Degree Type Foundational Advanced
Duration 3 years/5 years 2 years
Syllabus: Core Subjects Taught
  • Constitutional Law
  • Family Law
  • Contract Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Consumer Protection Law
  • Legal Writing and Research
  • Law of Torts
  • Property Law

 

 

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Advanced Constitutional Law
  • International Trade Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Labour Law
  • Maritime Law

 

Ideal For Those seeking entry-level positions in the legal field

Those looking to specialize or enhance their credentials 

Popular Jobs Legal Advisor, Legal Assistant, Corporate Counsel Legal Consultant, International Law Expert, Researcher

Eligibility and Admission

LLB vs LLM: Different Eligibility Criteria 

CRITERIA LLB LLM
Marks required minimum of 45% - 50% in the qualifying exam (12th for 5-year LLB or Bachelor's for 3-year LLB). Marks may vary slightly by institution. Minimum 50% - 55% in LLB or equivalent law degree. (This can vary depending on the institution and entrance exam).
Education
  • For 5-year integrated LLB: Completion of 10+2 (12th grade) from a recognized board.
  • For 3-year LLB: A completed Bachelor's degree (any stream).
Requires a completed LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree from a recognized institution or equivalent law degree
Age Requirements There is generally no upper age limit for LLB, but some entrance exams may set limits (e.g., CLAT allows candidates up to 20-22 years of age). No specific age restrictions

LLB vs LLM: Entrance Exams for Admission 

CRITERIA LLB LLM
Entrance Exams
  • CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
  • LSAT India
  • AILET
  • DU LLB Entrance Exam
  • IPU CET
  • CLAT PG
  • AILET LLM
  • DU LLM Entrance Exam
  • IPU CET LLM
Conducting Body
  • CLAT: Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs)
  • LSAT India: Pearson VUE
  • AILET: National Law University, Delhi
  • DU LLB Entrance: University of Delhi
  • CLAT PG: Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs)
  • AILET LLM: National Law University, Delhi
  • DU LLM Entrance: University of Delhi
  • IPU CET LLM: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Key Assessment Areas English Language, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, Mathematical Ability  Constitutional Law, International Law, Legal Theory, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Research Aptitude, Analytical Skills

Top Career Opportunities

Below are the job opportunities after LLB in India:

JOB PROFILE AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY (INR)
Lawyer 6 lakhs
Public Prosecutor 4.2 lakhs
Legal Advisor 5.8 lakhs
Litigation Lawyer 5 lakhs
Corporate Lawyer 9.5 lakhs
Compliance Officer 7 lakhs
Legal Analyst 5 lakhs

Below are the job opportunities after LLM in India:

JOB PROFILE AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY (INR)
Legal Consultant 7.1 lakhs
Environmental Lawyer 5.4 lakhs
Human Right Lawyer 3.4 lakhs
Assistant Professor 4.5 lakhs
Intellectual Property Lawyer 12 lakhs 
Judge 11.1 lakhs
Legal Researcher 4.2 lakhs

Get more insights here: Top 10 Career Opportunities in Law in India

Top Institutions for Law in India

India has some eminent law schools and institutions to facilitate the learning and training development of potential law professionals. Below is a list of the top law institutes in India as per the latest NIRF ranking:

INSTITUTION NAME

LOCATION

NIRF RANKING 2024

National Law School of India University

Bengaluru

#1

National Law University

New Delhi

#2

Nalsar University of Law

Hyderabad

#3

The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences

Kolkata

#4

Symbiosis Law School

Pune

#5

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)

New Delhi

#6

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Kharagpur

#7

Gujarat National Law University

Gandhinagar

#8

Siksha `O` Anusandhan

Bhubaneswar

#9

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University

Lucknow

#10

Also Read: How to Start a Career in Law

Conclusion

Starting a career in law requires you to assess your interests and accordingly choose your academic path, whether it is LLB or LLM. Moreover, you should pay meticulous attention to the unique eligibility requirements for each program. We hope this article helped you get important information about the difference between LLB and LLM in terms of eligibility, admission process as well as career opportunities.

Other than studying your core curriculum, you can take an extra step towards your career advancement by undertaking extra courses and certifications to upskill your professional profile. At upGrad, we offer a series of law programs to assist you in your upscaling journey.

Not just that, we also have a range of free law courses for you to enroll in and start your learning journey. For instance, we have a free course on Intellectual Property Rights. Enroll now and gain a certificate of completion!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is better LLB vs LLM?

2. What is the future of law as a career in India?

3. Is it difficult to study LLB?

4. Can I work while studying LLB or LLM?

5. Should I pursue PhD in law?

6. What are the benefits of pursuing an LLM in India?

7. Can I pursue an LLM without an LLB?

8. Is it compulsory to do LLM after LLB?

9. Can I pursue an LLM after a non-law undergraduate degree?

10. What is the scope of LLM in India?

11. Which is the best LLM specialization in India?

References:

https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/india-legal-services-market 

https://www.uianet.org/en/actions/overview-legal-profession-india 

https://www.thelawyerportal.com/study-law/llb/llb-syllabus/

https://www.manhattanreview.com/lsat-india/

https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2025/ 

https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2025/ug-eligibility.html

https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2025/pg-eligibility.html

https://nationallawuniversitydelhi.in/ballb/eligibility.html

http://www.ipu.ac.in/Adm2024brs/adm24brPG310124.pdf

http://www.ipu.ac.in/Adm2024brs/adm24brUG310124.pdf 

https://www.nirfindia.org/Rankings/2024/LawRanking.html

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/judicial-officer-salary

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/legal-researcher-salary

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/intellectual-property-lawyer-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/lawyer-salary-SRCH_KO0,6.htm

https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/india-public-prosecutor-salary-SRCH_IL.0,5_IN115_KO6,23.htm

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/legal-advisor-salary

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/litigation-lawyer-salary

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/corporate-lawyer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/compliance-officer-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/legal-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/assistant-professor-of-law-salary

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/legal-consultant-salary

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/environmental-lawyer-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm

https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/human-rights-law-network-salaries/lawyer?campaign=CS_desig_table

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