Law as an academic discipline

A law degree in India is designed to provide a foundational framework for efficiently understanding and navigating the country's judicial structure. Legal education is more than a course; it shapes the way a person analyses things around them, evaluates information, and objectively and critically assesses situations while keeping aside emotions!

In India, the foundational course begins with the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), an undergraduate degree that lays a robust groundwork in the essential and basic principles of law and the legal system.

Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate course generally taken up after completing LLB or an equivalent course, as part of advanced studies/specialisation in advanced areas of law and legal research.

Eligibility, Duration, and Fees

LLB

This course is available in two formats –

• As a 3-year program for graduates from any discipline, including arts, science or commerce, with a cut-off of 45-55% marks.
• As a 5-year integrated program for 10+2 students from any background. This program combines an undergraduate degree, such as a BA, BCom, or BBA.
• There are several university entrance exams for the course, with the top ones being CLAT for National Law Universities (NLUs), SLAT for Symbiosis, LSAT India, and ALIET (for NLU Delhi).
• The fees range between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 1.50,000 per annum in government colleges, Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 3.75,000 per annum in private institutions, and the fees can go up to Rs. 5 lakhs in National Law Universities. An integrated 5-year program can cost between Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs (for the entire course), depending on the institution.

LLM

This is a two-years master’s program that mandates candidates to have completed LLB or an equivalent approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI). However, some institutes allow final year students to apply. There are also options with a few institutions for an accelerated 1-year program.

The top entrance exam for LLM includes CLAT PG for National Law Universities (NLUs) and university-specific tests.  

Fees in general government and private colleges can range between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 5 lakhs (for the entire course), and around Rs. 5,50,000 per annum in top National Law Universities.

Curriculum

LLB

The course covers foundational and core subjects about the Indian law system, including Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Law of Torts, Family Law, and Property Law. Students are also trained in professional ethics and understanding legal philosophy. Both 3-year and 5-year courses integrate practical sessions such as participation in moot courts, internships under established advocates and legal firms, drafting legal documents, etc.

LLM

This advanced course focuses on specialisation in advanced areas such as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Corporate Law, Law & Technology, International Law, Cyber Law, Environmental & Climate Law, Public Law & Human Rights, and Arbitration. The coursework focuses on research, critical and objective thinking, and advanced legal topics through seminars, workshops, and thesis submission. The program aims to develop critical analysis and legal research skills with an emphasis on specialisation.

Career Opportunities and Salary

LLB and LLM graduates can work in a myriad of sectors, including IT firms, pharma, FMCG, as independent practitioners, legal researchers/analysts, academic sector, tech-legal sector, offer judicial services, take on the roles of compliance officers, company secretary, specialised legal consultant, and work in national and international law firms.

The salary depends on the size of the law firm, specialisations, experience of the candidate, and location of the company (e.g. metropolitan cities offer higher pay scales).

For LLB graduates, private firms offer salaries between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 per month; in government sector, they can expect Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000 per month along with perks and allowances; top law firms offer a package of Rs.12 lakhs to Rs.18 lakhs LPA, whereas in corporate roles, they can expect Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 as a monthly salary. The pay scale increases with experience and specialisations.

For LLM graduates, the general entry-level salary is between Rs. 6 lakhs and Rs. 20 lakhs per annum; academic or research roles offer Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs LPA; top-tier firms offer Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 18 lakhs as the entry-level salary per annum, which increases with experience. Corporate roles can go up to Rs. 20 LPA or more.

Conclusion

While understanding the difference between the two is essential to plan the educational journey, these programs together help aspiring legal professionals to not just build a rewarding career but also contribute meaningfully to society by resolving disputes, upholding rights, and shaping better laws for social order.

Disclaimer

The blog is curated by referring to various credible sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of QS I-GAUGE. The information provided is for general informational purposes only, readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions.