LLB Course

LLB full form stands for Legum Baccalaureus or Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Legislative Laws. LLB Course is a three-year or a five-year law course pursued by candidates who want to make a career in various law fields in India or abroad. This academic pursuit is open to individuals who have successfully completed their graduation studies or 10+2 in any field. This law course presents a promising career path for those with aspirations in legal proceedings or a desire to enter judicial services. Prospective law course students may hold a bachelor's or even a master's degree in any subject. After graduation, candidates can only pursue 3 year LLB. After 12th, students can choose to enroll in the 5-year LLB programme but not after graduating from college. Significantly, students who are from disciplines such as Chartered Accountancy (CA) or Company Secretaryship (CS) opt to continue with their education by doing LLB.

For LLB admission process, applicants usually must have finished 10+2/ graduation with at least 50 percent marks from a reputed board. Some of the reputed institutions imparting these law courses include Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Lucknow University and RGSOIPL. Moreover, several law course entrance tests like CLAT, AILET and LSAT India play a significant role during the process of admission for 5-year LLB courses in India. The LLB Syllabus for 3-year and 5-year is a little distinct as the latter incorporates subjects from streams such as sciences, arts, commerce etc. with core law subjects.

LLB jobs include legal practitioners, corporate lawyers, government legal roles as well as judiciary positions. LLB salary ranges as per role from Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 25,00,000 annually. The potential earnings depends on specializations, experience, and the nature of the employer.

LLB full form is Bachelor of Legislative Laws or Bachelor of Laws. LLB is a three-year or five-year undergraduate degree that is meant for students who want to either become a lawyer or advocate in India.

A three-year LLB degree can only be pursued if you have completed your graduation in any field from a recognised university. Mostly, three-year LLB courses are for those who want to step into the legal profession from another field of study. However, five-year integrated LLB courses combine the law field with other fields like arts, commerce, business, etc.

Five-year LLB courses can be pursued by candidates who want to go into the profession of law right after schooling. Therefore, candidates who have completed their class 12th from a recognised school board are eligible to opt for any of the five-year LLB courses.

A three-year LLB is more subjective and theory based as compared to a five-year LLB course, which is a good mix of theory and practical sessions in the form of moot courts and legal internships.

A quick overview of the Bachelor of Law (LLB), including the course outline, duration, required entrance tests, course fees, and top employers, are shown in the table below. The features of the LLB course are as follows:

LLB full form is Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Legislative Laws. In Latin, it's Legum Baccalaureus. It's an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study of law and legal systems. The specific requirements for LLB courses vary depending on the country and institution. However, they typically involve three to five years of full-time study and include courses in areas such as:

Contract law
Tort law
Property law
Business law
International law

The eligibility criteria for LLB courses (3-year LLB or five-year LLB) differ from one another and are as follows:

3-Year LLB

Candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any field.
The minimum aggregate marks needed in the qualifying examination differ from university to university, but it is approximately 45% -55%.
There is no upper age limit to do a three year LLB degree course but some institutes have an upper age limit, varying between 30 – 35 years.

5-Year LLB

Candidates should have passed their 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized board.
Applicants need to have attained 45% – 50% aggregate marks in the 12th
In general, there is no such age limit to apply for the five year LLB degree courses but if you have surety about making a career in law then it should be made soon after passing 12th class.

Always check LLB eligibility criteria on the official website of preferred college or university.

Skill Set Required for LLB

To excel in LLB and succeed in any profession you choose it's important to have the following abilities;

1. Analytical Skills; Being able to analyze issues, statutes and case laws.

2. Communication Skills; Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial, for arguments and documentation.

3. Research Proficiency; Having a grasp of research methods and utilizing legal databases for comprehensive case studies.

4. Critical Thinking; Being able to assess situations evaluate evidence and make legal judgments.

5. Attention to Detail; Paying attention to detail when reviewing documents, contracts and legal paperwork to avoid errors.

6.. Mediation; Having the skill to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation while promoting conflict resolution.

7. Ethical Judgment; Adhering to standards and having a sense of justice in your legal practice.

8. Time Management; allocating time for research case preparation and court appearances.

9. Interpersonal Skills; Being able to collaborate with clients, colleagues and stakeholders with empathy and professionalism.

10. Problem Solving Ability; Having the aptitude for identifying challenges and developing solutions.

The admission process for 3-year and 5-year LLB is a bit different and is as follows:

3-Year LLB Admission Process:

Here's how to apply for llb 3-year course:

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with 45% - 50% minimum marks.
Application: Apply for 3-year LLB entry exams like MH CET Law, TS LAWCET, etc. OR apply on merit basis (bachelor’s degree aggregate scores taken into consideration for admission and no entrance test is conducted.)
Result: Obtain required scores in the entrance test OR get shortlisted based on merit in your previous examination.
Counseling: Attend counseling based on entrance test rank or merit based ranking.
Confirm Seat: Get your seat confirmed by paying the admission fee.

5-Year LLB Admission Process:

Here's how to apply for five-year integrated LLB course:

Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum marks of 50%.
Application: Apply online for various law entrance tests through respective official websites.
Entrance Exam: Appear for entrance tests like CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, etc.
Result: Achieve the required scores to get selected for further admission process.
Counseling: Attend counseling based on entrance test rank. 

Seat Confirmation: Lock your seat during the seat allotment process, and pay the required admission fee.

There are two main types of law entrance tests in India for LLB courses: 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB.

3-Year LLB Entrance Exams

The 3-year law entrance tests are conducted by various universities and law colleges across India. Some of the popular 3-year LLB entrance tests include:

LSAT India
MH Law CET
AP LAWCET
TS LAWCET
CUET for 3-year LLB
KLEE, etc.

5-Year LLB Entrance Exams

The 5-year law entrance tests are conducted for admission to integrated law programs that combine undergraduate and postgraduate law studies. Some of the popular 5-year LLB entrance tests include:

Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)
National Law Aptitude Test (NLAT)
Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT)
Law School Admission Test for India (LSAT India)
SLAT
AMU Law Entrance test
LFAT, etc.

The eligibility criteria and exam patterns for 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB entrance tests vary depending on the conducting body. However, all exams typically assess the candidate's knowledge of English language, legal aptitude, reasoning ability, and general knowledge.

LLB Entrance Exam Schedule

Here’s the schedule for all the important 3-year and 5-year law entrance exams that will be conducted in 2024:

LLB Entrance Exams Syllabus 

The llb entrance exam syllabus for 3-year and 5-year LLB courses is as follows:

3-Year LLB Entrance Exams Syllabus:

Legal Aptitude: Legal principles, law of contracts, torts, and criminal law.
General Knowledge: Current affairs, general awareness, and socio-economic issues.
Reasoning: Analytical and logical reasoning skills.
English: Grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.

5-Year LLB Entrance Exams Syllabus:

English: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and language skills.
General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Current events, general awareness, and contemporary issues.
Mathematics: Basic mathematics concepts.
Legal Aptitude: Legal reasoning, principles, and contracts.
Logical Reasoning: Analytical and logical reasoning skills.
These subjects assess candidates' aptitude for legal studies and ensure a comprehensive evaluation for admission into 3-year and 5-year LLB courses.

Bachelor of law Quick Preparation Tips

Here are some quick preparation tips for law entrance tests:

Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam structure, marking scheme, and time allocation to plan your preparation accordingly.

Daily Reading Practice: Cultivate a habit of reading newspapers, legal articles, and current affairs to enhance your general knowledge and stay updated on relevant topics.

Legal Awareness: Stay informed about recent legal developments, landmark cases, and constitutional amendments. Regularly follow legal news and understand the implications.

Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Practice with mock tests and previous years' question papers to improve time management and identify weak areas for targeted study.

Effective Time Management: Make a study timetable that gives each subject enough time. Based on your advantages and disadvantages, choose priorities.

Legal Reasoning Practice: Enhance your legal reasoning skills by solving case-based questions, understanding legal principles, and applying them to different scenarios.

English Language Skills: Brush up on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read diverse materials to improve your language skills.

Logical and Analytical Reasoning: Practice solving puzzles, analytical reasoning problems, and critical thinking exercises to sharpen your logical reasoning abilities.

Group Discussions: Engage in discussions with peers to gain different perspectives on legal issues and enhance your ability to articulate and defend your viewpoints.

Revision Strategy: Regularly revise your notes, especially focusing on key legal principles and important dates, to reinforce your memory.

A generalized LLB curriculum and subjects for 3-year and 5-year LLB are mentioned below:

3-Year LLB Syllabus and Subjects:

• First Year:
  • Law of Contract
  • Family Law I (Hindu Law)
  • Family Law II (Mohammedan Law)
  • Law of Tort and Consumer Protection
  • Constitutional Law I
• Second Year:
  • Law of Evidence
  • Law of Crimes (Indian Penal Code)
  • Property Law
  • Administrative Law
• Third Year:
  • Civil Procedure Code and Limitation Act
  • Company Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Labour and Industrial Law
  • Clinical Course I (Professional Ethics)

5-Year Integrated LLB Syllabus and Subjects:

• First Year:
  • Legal Method
  • Political Science I
  • Sociology I
  • Economics I
  • English
• Second Year:
  • History I
  • Political Science II
  • Sociology II
  • Economics II
  • Psychology
• Third Year:
  • History II
  • Political Science III
  • Sociology III
  • Law of Contract
  • Family Law I
• Fourth Year:
  • Family Law II
  • Law of Tort
  • Law of Crimes
• Fifth Year:
  • Environmental Law
  • Labour and Industrial Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Clinical Course I (Professional Ethics)

These are general subjects, and the exact syllabus may vary between universities. The curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of various legal aspects and is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for legal practice.

Securing the top position among private law colleges, SLS Pune has experienced a shift from third to sixth place in this year's rankings. According to the NIRF 2023 rankings, Siksha O Anusandhan is the second-best private law college, improving by one position to now hold the eighth spot nationally. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Christ University, and Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy also feature among the top 15 private law colleges.

In the NIRF law colleges ranking 2023, NLSIU Bangalore and NLU Delhi maintain their top positions, with NALSAR Hyderabad reclaiming the third spot. WBNUJS Kolkata secures the fourth position, while JMI University Delhi and GNLU Gujarat attain the fifth and seventh positions, respectively. IIT Kharagpur, previously the sixth best law college, now holds the ninth position. Notably, NLU Jodhpur, a consistent top 10 performer, did not participate in this year's ranking. A few of the top government law colleges in India are as follows:

Students have alternative pathways to gain entry into undergraduate law programs, bypassing national entrance exams like CLAT. Options include admission based on merit, where private colleges consider 10+2 exam scores. University-level entrance exams provide a direct entry route into specific colleges. Additionally, students can secure admission through the management quota in private and autonomous colleges, which allocate a percentage of seats through a unique process that may involve a separate 'donation' amount in addition to regular college fees.

Direct Merit-Based LLB Admissions

Several colleges admit students to their law programs based on merit and class 12/ graduation performance. Admission to courses like LLB, Integrated LLB, etc., in these institutions relies on class 12/ graduation marks. For students who choose not to take an entrance exam or did not qualify and wish to avoid a gap year, admission opportunities are available in the following colleges:

Direct LLB Admission through Management Quota

Aspiring students aiming for direct entry into law colleges without undergoing entrance exams can explore institutions featuring a management quota system. Private and autonomous colleges allocate a percentage of seats through this quota. To secure admission via the management quota, students are required to contribute a 'donation' amount in addition to standard college fees. The specific donation amount varies among colleges, with higher-ranking institutions typically having a higher management quota fee. Admission decisions under the management quota are entirely at the discretion of the college based on their selection criteria.

LLB fees in India vary widely based on the institution, whether it's a government or private college, and the region. On average, for a 3-year LLB course, fees can range from around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per year in government colleges. Private institutions may charge significantly higher fees, ranging from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 per year or more.

For 5-year integrated LLB courses, the fees in government colleges can be between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 per year. Private colleges might charge higher, ranging from Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 per year.

These figures are approximate and can significantly differ based on the reputation, infrastructure, faculty, and location of the law college. Additionally, fees are subject to change, so it's advisable to verify with specific institutions for accurate and updated fee structures.

In India, there are primarily three types of LLB courses:

3-Year LLB Course:

Duration: 3 years.
Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline.
Common choice for those seeking a foundational legal education after completing their bachelor's degree.

5-Year Integrated LLB Course:

Duration: 5 years.
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent.
Designed for students right after their higher secondary education, combining undergraduate and legal studies.

Dual Degree (BA LLB, B Com LLB, etc.):

Duration: 5 years.
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent.
Offers a combined curriculum, integrating legal studies with subjects like arts, commerce, or science.

Check out the table below outlining key differences between a 3 year LLB and a 5 year LLB course:

Students should consider their career goals, educational background, and personal preferences before choosing between the two courses.

A few of the top LLB specializations in India are as follows:

1. Criminal Law: Specializing in this involves studying laws related to crimes, criminal procedures, and justice systems. Criminal attorneys may work as defense attorneys, prosecutors, or legal consultants.

2. Corporate Law: Focusing on corporate law includes studying business regulations, contracts, mergers, and acquisitions. Corporate lawyers advise businesses on legal matters, compliance, and corporate governance.

3. Constitutional Law: Constitutional law specialization delves into the study of the constitution, its interpretation, and legal principles related to constitutional issues. Lawyers in this field may engage in constitutional litigation or work with governmental bodies.

4. Family Law: Specialists of this subject deal with legal matters related to family relationships, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and inheritance. They may work as family court lawyers or legal consultants.

5. Intellectual Property Law: Intellectual property law involves the protection of intellectual creations, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Lawyers in this field advise clients on intellectual property rights and handle legal disputes.

6. Environmental Law: Specializing in environmental law focuses on regulations related to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development. Environmental lawyers may work with government agencies, NGOs, or private firms.

7. International Law: International law specialization involves studying laws governing relations between countries, international organizations, and individuals across borders. International lawyers may work for diplomatic missions, international courts, or NGOs.

8. Tax Law: Tax law specialists deal with regulations related to taxation. They provide advice on tax planning, compliance, and may represent clients in tax disputes.

9. Human Rights Law: Human rights law specialization involves advocating for and protecting human rights. Lawyers in this field may work with human rights organizations, international bodies, or legal aid groups.

10. Real Estate Law: Real estate law focuses on legal aspects of property transactions, land use, and zoning. Real estate lawyers may work with developers, property owners, or government agencies.

These specializations offer diverse career paths, allowing law graduates to choose areas aligned with their interests and passion.

Besides LLB degree, taking extra courses helps to improve career growth and may leads to better income earnings.Here are some top courses to consider:

Master of Laws (LLM): Alternatively, focusing on a particular field of law increases the depth of knowledge which in turn opens new opportunities to better paying legal positions.

MBA in Law or Business Law: Legal knowledge with business intelligence is beneficial for positions in corporate law, compliance and business management.

Diploma in Intellectual Property Law: Concentrating on intellectual property law can be useful for people who want to study patent, copyright and trademark law.

Diploma in Cyber Law: The growing importance of cybersecurity makes the specialization in cyber law relevant for legal professionals.

Certification in Human Rights Law: Improving knowledge regarding human rights law is beneficial for people who are passionate about advocacy and international laws.

Certification in Arbitration and Mediation: The opportunity for arbitration and mediation is introduced by the development of skills in alternative dispute resolution.

Diploma in Corporate Governance: For professionals in corporate law, governance promotes an understanding of regulatory compliance.

Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO): Considering the development of legal outsourcing, a diploma in LPO can be useful for positions that work in companies specializing in legal process outsourcing.

Certification in Data Protection and Privacy Laws: As data privacy is becoming a more significant issue, specializing in this field is relevant for legal personnel.

Diploma in Environmental Law: Environmental law is also important to those concerned with sustainability and regulatory compliance.

The courses not only stimulate professional growth but also make people more specialized in certain areas of law which means better income prospects.

Upon completing LLB in India, graduates can pursue diverse career paths. Traditional roles include advocacy, solicitation, and legal advisory positions. Opportunities extend to the public sector, with roles in government legal departments, the judiciary, and public prosecution. Corporate positions as legal counsels, specializing in areas like criminal or intellectual property law, are common.

Alternatives include legal research, academia, policy advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Further education, such as an LLM or judicial service exams, allows for specialization and career advancement. Law in India offers graduates a multitude of impactful and fulfilling professional avenues.

Jobs After LLB

After obtaining an LLB degree in India, individuals can explore various job opportunities in the legal sector. Some common career paths include:

Legal Practitioner/ Advocate: Represent clients in courts, provide legal advice, and handle legal matters.

Corporate Lawyer: Work for companies, handling legal aspects of contracts, mergers, and compliance.

Government Lawyer: Serve in government legal departments, offering legal counsel and representing the government in legal matters.

Judicial Services: Qualify for judicial service exams to become a judge in the lower or higher judiciary.

Legal Advisor/ Consultant: Provide legal guidance to individuals or businesses, either independently or within legal firms.

Legal Researcher: Engage in legal research for law organisations, think tanks, or academic institutions.

Corporate Legal Counsel: Work within corporations, handling legal issues related to business operations.

Public Prosecutor: Represent the state in criminal cases, ensuring proper legal proceedings.

Legal Analyst: Analyze and interpret laws, providing insights into legal implications for businesses or organizations.

Law Professor/ Academician: Teach law in universities or colleges, contributing to legal education and research.

These roles cater to various interests and specialties within the legal field, offering a wide range of opportunities for LLB graduates in India.

LLB Salary in India

LLB salaries based on top Bachelor of Laws job profiles are mentioned below:

Top LLB Recruiters

A few of the top LLB recruiters in India and abroad are as follows:

Top LLB Recruiters in India:

Law Companies: Prominent law agencies like Amarchand Mangaldas, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and Khaitan & Co.

Corporate Sector: Corporations such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Reliance Industries Limited.

Government Departments: Recruitment by government legal departments at the central and state levels.

Judiciary: Opportunities within the judiciary, including positions as judges and legal officers.

NGOs and Advocacy Groups: Non-governmental organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Companies: Companies specializing in legal outsourcing services, such as QuisLex and Pangea3.

Multinational Companies (MNCs): MNCs operating in India, such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM.

Academic Institutions: Universities and colleges hiring law professors and legal researchers.

Top LLB Recruiters Abroad:

International Law Firms: Renowned global law organisations such as Baker McKenzie, Allen & Overy, and Clifford Chance.

United Nations (UN): Opportunities within various UN agencies for legal professionals.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Employment in legal departments of multinational companies operating globally.

International NGOs: Positions with international NGOs working on legal and human rights issues.

Diplomatic Services: Roles within diplomatic services, representing the country's legal interests abroad.

International Courts and Tribunals: Opportunities in institutions like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

European Union (EU): Legal positions within the legal structures of the European Union.

Law Consultancies: Employment with international legal consultancies offering services worldwide.

These recruiters offer diverse opportunities for LLB graduates in India and abroad across various sectors and specializations.