What is the LL.M. Course Duration?
By upGrad
Updated on Jul 08, 2025 | 8 min read | 8.4K+ views
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By upGrad
Updated on Jul 08, 2025 | 8 min read | 8.4K+ views
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Latest News on LLM Degree: In June 2025, the Bar Council of India (BCI) announced that LLM degrees offered through online, distance, hybrid, or blended learning modes require prior approval from BCI to be deemed valid. |
An LLM master’s degree is a focused or concentrated post-graduate program that enables law students or professionals to gain a greater understanding of a specific topic or field, such as international law, corporate law, or human rights law. But before enrolling, one important question arises: how long is an LLM course?
The length of the LLM program is an important consideration because it can vary significantly. The 1-year and 2-year format for LLM also exists in India, while in abroad, the LLM programs are of 1-year full-time duration. In this guide will address all of your questions regarding the LLM degree duration.
Applying for an LLM program is an exciting move for your legal education and career options. If you want to transform your career by taking comprehensive law courses from top universities, look no further than upGrad law courses and start your journey today!
Keep reading the blog further to learn more about llm course duration.
If you're planning to pursue a LLM degree in India, it's important to know how long the course takes. In India, the duration of an LLM course is usually 1 or 2 years, depending on the program you choose. Some colleges offer a 1-year LLM that's fast-tracked and intense, while others stick to the more traditional 2-year LLM course with more in-depth study and research.
But before giving you an idea on LLM duration, just have a quick look at our advanced LLM Courses from the top Jindal Global Law School:
Below is a quick comparison of the LLM duration in India. Let's have a look at
Program Type |
How Long is an LLM? |
Ideal For |
1-Year LLM | 12 months | Professionals wanting quick upskilling |
2-Year LLM | 24 months | Students interested in deep legal research |
Part-Time/Executive | 2–3 years | Working professionals |
Also Read: Steps to Success - Your Roadmap to Becoming a Corporate Lawyer
Did You Know? Earlier, most LLM degrees in India were just 1 year long. In 2021, the Bar Council of India (BCI) decided to make the LLM course duration 2 years to match international standards from the 2022-23 academic year. However, since many colleges raised concerns, both 1-year and 2-year LLM programs are still offered in India today. |
However, if you want more information on LLM, check out this blog LLM Degree Course Structure, Admission, Duration & Careers.
Wondering how long an LLM program is if you're planning to study abroad? Here's a quick look at the typical LLM degree duration across some of the top study destinations. These durations may vary slightly depending on whether you choose a full-time, part-time, or hybrid LLM course.
Country |
Typical LLM Duration |
United States | Most LLM courses in the US are 1 year long (full-time). However, part-time or online LLM programs may stretch up to 2–3 years in some cases. |
United Kingdom | The standard LLM degree duration is 1 year full-time. Part-time LLM programs or research-based options can take up to 2.5 years. |
Canada | In Canada, the LLM course duration typically ranges between 1–2 years, depending on the university and course format. |
Australia | Most LLM programs in Australia last for 1 year full-time, though some extended or dual-specialization options may take longer. |
Germany | LLM degrees in Germany can be 1 or 2 years, based on the university and whether you pursue a research-oriented or coursework-based program. |
France | A regular LLM degree in France takes 1 year, while part-time options may go up to 2 years. |
Also Read: Top 10 Career Opportunities in Law in India: Salary, Skills
The table below helps clarify the difference between LLM 1-year and 2-year courses, aiding you in choosing the right format based on your goals.
Aspect |
1-Year LLM |
2-Year LLM |
Duration | 1 academic year | 2 academic years |
Recognition | Accepted in the UK, Australia, and some Indian private institutes | Approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) in 2021, it has come into force since the academic year 2022-23. |
Course Load | Intensive, compact learning | More balanced pace with deeper exploration |
Research/Thesis Time | Limited time for an in-depth thesis | More time for dissertation and academic research |
Specializations Available | International Law, Corporate Law, Human Rights, Intellectual Property Law | Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Business Law, Taxation Law, Environmental Law |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) | Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) |
Internship/Practical Exposure | Limited internship opportunities | More room for internships, moot courts, and fieldwork |
Global Acceptance | Recognized globally (especially in the UK, EU, and Australia) | Increasing international recognition, especially in academic/legal fields |
Fee Structure | Generally lower due to shorter duration | Higher due to extended curriculum and time |
Best Suited For | Working professionals, students looking for quick upskilling | Fresh graduates, judiciary aspirants, research-focused students |
Common Countries Offering | UK, Australia, Singapore, select Indian private universities | India (as per BCI mandate), Germany, France, Canada |
Note: If you are aiming to work in India’s legal system, a 2-year LLM is the safer bet post-BCI’s guidelines. However, if you plan to work abroad or in multinational legal teams, a 1-year LLM may still serve your goals well. |
Further Read: LLM Subjects List and Syllabus 2025: A Complete Guide
There are a few different ways the LLM program duration can be affected based on where, what, and how you decide to study. Here's what determines the length of an LLM program:
Since candidates cannot legally practice with a part-time course (more than two years) in India, it is better to rule out that option first.
Most countries prefer to keep the LLM postgraduate degree within a year. They believe that since the LLM course aims to provide an opportunity to focus on a particular area of law, extending its time will defeat the purpose.
However, BCI thinks otherwise and believes a year might be too little for candidates to completely grasp or master the concentration they are picking. Therefore, the two-year course is being prioritized in India.
This discussion has been going on since 2013. In 2022, LLM candidates received the freedom to choose their course duration. However, the confusion did not end there. As mentioned above in the blog, BCI announced the abolition of the one-year LLM program from the academic year 2022-23, leaving an uncertain future for the program.
Hence, if you plan to pursue an LLM to practice legally in India, opting for a two-year course will ensure your degree stays relevant. But ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preference. Additionally, if you want to pursue online, hybrid, or distance LLM programs, keep in mind that the program you opt for must have approval from BCI.
With more than 10 million learners, upGrad is one of the preferred online learning platforms for individuals looking for specialized education to jumpstart their careers. Its blended LLM courses are practice-oriented and designed to teach you the skills you need to take on real-life legal challenges.
Practical learning is the shining feature of upGrad LLM courses. upGrad law courses include case studies, industry projects, and learning directly from the legal experts, adding value to both knowledge and practical application.
Here are a few of them,
Program | Institution |
LL.M. in AI and Emerging Technologies (Blended Learning Program) | Offered by Jindal Global Law School |
LL.M. in Dispute Resolution (Blended Learning Program)
|
Offered by Jindal Global Law School |
LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law (Blended Learning Program)
|
Offered by Jindal Global Law School |
LL.M. in Dispute Resolution (Blended Learning Program)
|
Offered by Jindal Global Law School |
Contract Law Certificate Course - Bootcamp | Offered by upGrad |
Free Certificate Course in Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights
|
Offered by upGrad |
Free Certificate Course in Law and Justice in a Globalizing World
|
Offered by upGrad |
Free Certificate Course in Merger and Control Rights
|
Offered by upGrad |
Free Certificate Course in Soft Skills for Lawyers | Offered by upGrad |
Are you looking to choose the right LLM degree duration for your career growth? You can take some time and book a free career counseling session with our counselors. For more information, you can visit your nearest upGrad center!
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References:
https://www.thehindu.com/education/online-or-hybrid-llm-degrees-without-bci-approval-deemed-invalid/article69755396.ece
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/rules-abolishing-one-year-llm-to-come-into-effect-from-2022-23-bci-to-sc/articleshow/80858436.cms
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bci-rules-against-one-year-llm-course-to-operate-from-2022-23-sc-told-950007.html
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/llm-salary-SRCH_KO0,3.htm
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