LLM Course Details: Highlights

The below-given highlights table below gives a quick information about the course types, duration, course fees, and entrance exams for pursuing Master of Law degree. Candidates can check this table for an idea about the average salary offered after completing this course as well as the top recruiters for law graduates. Check key points related to courses related to Master of Law in the table below:

Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

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What is LLM Course?

• LLM is a full-time course of 2 years spread across four semesters. Students need to complete the required number of credit courses and also submit dissertations at the end of the final semester. LLM is also offered in Executive mode, which is generally offered only to working professionals.
• The LLM course fees in Government universities or National Law Universities range from INR 6000- 2.5 Lakh per annum whereas in private universities, it can range from INR 1 lakh to INR 2.5 lakh per annum.
• Moreover, candidates who have completed a Master of Law degree and wish to make a career in the field of litigation can appear for AIBE which is also known as All India Bar Examination. After clearing this examination, candidates will be awarded the “Certificate of Practice” rendering one eligible to practice in any court of law in India.
• To appear for AIBE, candidates must also be registered with their respective State Bar Councils as an Advocate. The pattern of AIBE Exam generally consists of questions based on the various legislations and regulations studied at the undergraduate level.
• Moreover, Professionals can pursue this course to cater to the market demands of specialised legal consultancy services. 

Who Can Pursue LLM Course?

Those candidates who have completed either three-year or five-year LLB programme can apply for LLM. Before pursuing this course, they must do research on the various colleges and the specialisations the colleges have to offer. Those who wish to pursue a career in academics must compulsorily pursue LLM. 

What is the Scope of the LLM Course?

Here’s a breakdown of the scope of LLM courses in India:

• Career Advancement:

  • An LLM opens doors to specialized positions in corporate legal departments, law firms, consultancies, or research institutions.
  • It can also qualify you for teaching opportunities in law schools or pursuing a Ph.D. in law.

• Enhanced Skills:

  • LLM programs develop advanced research, writing, and analytical skills crucial for complex legal analysis and problem-solving.
  • These skills are highly valued by employers seeking top legal talent.

• Increased Earning Potential:

  • Lawyers with specialized skills often command higher salaries compared to those with just an LLB degree.
  • This is particularly true for in-demand specializations and senior positions.

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LLM Course Specialisations

In the LLM course, candidates need to select the law specialisation in which they want to make their future. Thus, candidates can pursue their LLM degrees in specialisations such as –

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LLM Admission Process

For LLM admission, most top law schools require scores from entrance exams like CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), or LSAT India. Here’s a guide to the LLM admission process:

LLM Course Application Process:

1. Choose LLM Colleges: Research and select LLM colleges based on reputation, specializations, faculty, and placement records.
2. Check Eligibility: Verify your eligibility for each LLM college’s specific admission criteria.
3. Register for Entrance Exam: If required, register and prepare for the relevant entrance exam for LLM courses.
4. Fill LLM Application Forms: Complete online or offline LLM application forms within specified deadlines.
5. Submit Documents: Attach required documents, often including:
   • Academic transcripts
   • Entrance exam scorecard
   • Personal statement or essay
   • Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
6. Pay Application Fee: Remit the application fee through online or offline modes.

LLM Selection Process:

• Merit-Based: Most LLM colleges primarily rely on entrance exam scores and academic performance for selection.
• Interviews: Some institutes conduct personal interviews to assess aptitude and motivation.

LLM Admission Final Step:

• Selected candidates receive admission offers via email or post.
• Accept the offer and pay the admission fee to secure your seat.

Additional Considerations:

• Specializations: Explore available specializations in LLM programs (e.g., Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, IPR, etc.) and choose one aligning with your career goals.
• Scholarships: Research and apply for scholarships to ease financial burdens.

LLM Eligibility Criteria 

Candidates who are looking forward to pursuing a career in law first need to gain a Master of Law degree. Requirements for LLM (Master of Law) admission are mentioned below:

• Candidates are eligible to apply for LLM admission if they have completed their graduation in law, that is, if the aspirant has secured his/ her LLB/ Bachelor of Law/ Five Year Integrated LLM course from a recognized university/ college.
• As part of the eligibility criteria shared by some colleges, candidates need secure at least 55% aggregate marks at the graduation level in order to be eligible to secure admission in the LLM course offered by them.

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Top LLM Entrance Exams 2024

Most universities and law schools in India require candidates to qualify for an entrance exam for admission to their LLM programs. These exams assess your legal aptitude, reasoning skills, and knowledge of specific legal areas (sometimes). The weightage given to entrance exam scores can vary depending on the university and program.

Below are some popular LLM entrance exams in India for admission to Master of Law courses: 

Popular LLM Entrance Exams 2024:

Candidates who want to pursue the LLM course have to appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) or the admission test accepted by law schools. The popular entrance examinations are:

• AILET LLM: AILET LLM is conducted by National Law University, Delhi for admissions into LLM course. Candidates must have completed their three-year/five-year LLB degree or appearing for final-year/semester examination. The exam pattern consists of Section A comprising of MCQs from various branches of law and Section B comprising of Descriptive questions.

• CLAT PG: The Common Law Admission Test (PG) is conducted for admission to one-year LLM (PG) courses. The examination is conducted for admission across 21 NLUs for their PG courses. CLAT PG score is also considered by various PSUs such as ONGC, BHEL for recruitment purposes.

• LSAT India LLM: LSAT India is conducted for admissions to one-year LLM course and candidates who have completed LLB degree or awaiting results for final year can apply for LSAT LLM entrance examination. 

Relevant Links for Master of Law Courses: LLM Entrance Exams

How to Prepare for Legal Aptitude and Reasoning?

Legal Aptitude or Legal Reasoning stands as a pivotal section in law entrance examinations, carrying significant weightage and necessitating candidates to possess a strong grasp of foundational principles. This segment serves as a means for exam authorities to evaluate candidates’ legal awareness, analytical skills, and problem-solving capabilities.

The preparation for the Legal Reasoning and Legal Aptitude sections of law entrance exams is a formidable task. Among these, the Legal Reasoning section in CLAT is widely acknowledged as the most challenging, featuring passage-based questions that require candidates to independently discern facts and principles. To excel in Legal Reasoning and Aptitude, candidates must adopt a systematic approach and commit to a dedicated study schedule of at least six months.

LLM Subjects and Syllabus  

The LLM (Master of Laws) degree allows you to delve deeper into a specific legal field, equipping you with specialized knowledge and advanced skills. The syllabus taught as part of a Master of Law degree, varies from college to college. Some common topics that are taught in an LLM courses are listed below:

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Top LLM Colleges

There are many top private and government colleges offering LLM Courses either as a one-year course or two-year course. The most sought-after courses are the ones offered by National Law Universities. Candidates have to appear in competitive entrance exams in order to secure admission to these popular colleges. The colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy.

Top LLM Government Colleges 

Some of the top LLM government colleges include NLUs, as well as Law Departments, established across popular central and state-level universities such as the Faculty of Law, Delhi University. Some of these colleges are mentioned in the table below with their LLM course fees:

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Top LLM Private Colleges 

Some of the top private colleges offering LLM courses offer it as one-year programme. They provide excellent infrastructure facilities as well as linkages with the legal industry. Some of these colleges are mentioned in the table below with their LLM course fees:

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Which are the best LLM (Master of Laws) colleges in India?

India has a wide range of good LLM colleges, with varying specializations and strengths. Here are some of the top-ranked and well-regarded LLM colleges in India:

1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore: NLSIU is consistently ranked among the top law schools in India, and its LLM programs are no exception. The school offers a variety of specializations, including corporate law, international law, intellectual property law, and constitutional law.

2. National Law University (NLU), Delhi: NLU Delhi is another highly respected law school in India, and its LLM programs are known for their academic rigor and practical relevance. The school offers a wide range of specializations, including tax law, environmental law, and cyber law.

3. Symbiosis Law School, Pune: Symbiosis Law School is a private law school with a strong reputation for its LLM programs. The school offers a variety of specializations, including business law, human rights law, and international humanitarian law.

4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata: NUJS is a leading law school in India, and its LLM programs are known for their innovative teaching methods and focus on contemporary legal issues. The school offers a variety of specializations, including environmental law, intellectual property law, and dispute resolution.

5. University of Mumbai – Department of Law: The University of Mumbai’s Department of Law is one of the oldest and most respected law schools in India. The department’s LLM programs are known for their rigorous coursework and focus on traditional areas of law, such as civil law, criminal law, and family law.

These are just a few of the many excellent LLM programs offered in India. When choosing a program, it is important to consider your own interests and career goals. You should also carefully research the program’s faculty, curriculum, and placement record.

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LLM Scholarships

The table given below covers the top LLM scholarships. Additionally, you can utilise government portals, university websites, scholarship databases, and educational consultants to identify relevant scholarships. Some scholarships cater to specific LLM specializations like environmental law, corporate law, or intellectual property. 

Note- You can find detailed information about the scholarships on the main websites of the providers.

What after LLM: Career and Scope?

After pursuing an LLM course, candidates can opt for further studies wherein they pursue either MPhil or PhD in Law. However, if candidates want to pursue a career in the field of law then he/ she can go through the below-mentioned job profiles. Aspirants are informed that in order to practice law in India they need to clear the All India Bar Exam (AIBE).

LLM Jobs and Salary

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

LLM Top Recruiters 

The top recruiters for LLM offer amazing career opportunities to candidates either through Pre-Placement opportunities or through placement drives conducted across top law colleges. Apart from these companies, candidates can also apply for academic positions across top law colleges in order to establish a career in academia. Law graduates and postgraduates must qualify AIBE exam to practice in a court of law in India. Know the top law companies in India here. The top legal firms and companies that are known to hire law graduates are listed below:

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LLM Abroad for Indian Students

Students who wish to pursue LLM from abroad must complete Bachelor’s degree from recognised university and also clear English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL depending on the country. They must keep in view various factors such as tuition costs, university ranking, placement opportunities, living expenses etc. There are many popular nations for pursuing LLM such as Germany, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. 

To pursue LLM abroad, candidates must ensure that they have qualified language proficiency tests such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for LLM abroad admission. Academic qualification for LLM abroad is same as that of domestic programmes, i.e. 50 per cent aggregate in graduation or equivalent from a recognised university.

Pursuing LLM abroad can be costly. The total cost of pursuing LLM from foreign universities can cost somewhere around INR 20 lakh to 40 lakh. Most popular countries for LLM abroad are UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and New Zealand.

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Scholarships to study LLM abroad:

Candidates interseted in pursuing LLM abroad can get good financial help through LLM scholarships. There are many international universities and colleges that offer LLM Scholarships for Indian students to help them accomplish their dream of studying Law abroad. A few of popular LLM scholarships to study abroad are:

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