Master of Law (LLM)

  • course years 2 Years
  • type of course Post Graduate
  • course stream Law
  • course type Full Time

About LLM Full Form, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope 

The Master of Legislative Laws, or LLM, is a postgraduate law degree that lasts two years. By conducting in-depth research in a particular area of law, LLM helps students acquire a comprehensive understanding of that area. The Master of Laws program offers several specializations, including Criminal Law, International Law, Corporate Law, and Business Law.

Students must pass either a three-year LLB degree or a five-year BA LLB/BSc LLB/BBA LLB degree with 50 to 60 percent aggregate scores to be eligible for LLM. Performance on various law entrance exams, such as CLAT and LSAT, as well as university-level exams, such as IPU CET and DU LLM, are used to determine LLM Admission 2023. NLSIU Bangalore, National Law University Delhi, West Bengali National University of Juridical Science, and others are among the best LLM schools that offer LLM degrees.

Law school tuition typically costs between INR 1,00,000 and 2,50,000. The syllabus for a LLM includes topics like "Law and Social Transformation in India," "Constitutionalism," "Legal Research and Methodology," and "Judicial Process," among others. There are three types of LLM: online, distance, and part-time. In contrast to colleges in other countries, LLM Online is not available in India. In India, various colleges, including Acharya Nagarjuna College, Jamia Milia Islamia University, The W.B. National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), NLU Jodhpur, and National Law School of India University, offer part-time and distance Master of Legislative Laws programs.

The length of the LLM program varies from nation to nation. An LLM program typically lasts two years in India. However, the durations in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada are 2.5 years, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively.

Highlights - LLM Course Details

The highlights table provides a snapshot of course types, durations, fees, and entrance exams for pursuing a Master of Law degree. It serves as a quick reference for candidates to gauge the average salary post-completion and identify top recruiters for law graduates. Review key points regarding Master of Law courses in the table below:

Particulars Details
Full Form Master of Law (LLM)
LLM Course Type Postgraduation
LLM Course Eligibility Criteria Three-year or five-year degree in Law and entrance examination
LLM Course Duration 2 years
LLM Course - Mode of Study Full-Time LLM
  Distance LLM
  Executive LLM (3 years)
LLM Course Fees INR 50,000 to INR 1 lakh per annum
LLM Top Colleges NLSIU, Symbiosis Law School, NLU Delhi, NALSAR, NUJS
LLM Average Salary INR 5 lakh per annum
LLM Job Profiles Advocate, Assistant Professor, Consultant, Legal Advisor, Solicitor,
  Legal Manager, Law Officer
LLM Entrance Exam AILET, CLAT PG, LSAT, MHCET, AP LAWCET
LLM Top Recruiters Bar Council of India, Law Firms, Multinational Companies, Public Sector
  and Private Sector Banks, Government Departments, Legal Process
  Outsourcing

What is LLM Course?

The LLM program typically spans two years, divided into four semesters. Students are required to fulfill credit course requirements and submit dissertations by the end of the final semester. Additionally, an Executive mode of LLM is available, primarily designed for working professionals.

In Government universities or National Law Universities, the LLM course fees range from INR 6000 to 2.5 lakh per annum, while in private universities, it can vary from INR 1 lakh to 2.5 lakh per annum.

Furthermore, individuals holding a Master of Law degree aspiring for a career in litigation can opt for the All India Bar (AIB) Examination (AIBE). Successful completion of this exam leads to the awarding of the "Certificate of Practice," qualifying individuals to practice law in any Indian court. Candidates appearing for AIBE must be registered advocates with their respective State Bar Councils. The exam typically assesses knowledge of various legislations and regulations studied at the undergraduate level.

Why candidates should do LLM

To be eligible for pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM), candidates must have completed their Bachelor's degree in Law from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 60%. Additionally, they need to clear one of the law entrance exams such as CLAT, LSAT, AILET, etc.

Those aspiring to enter professions related to legal writing or academia, particularly at prestigious law schools, should consider enrolling in LLM or LLD programs post-graduation.

For individuals aiming for a career in law with specialization, pursuing an LLM course is advisable.

LLM Distance Education is a viable option for practicing lawyers and professionals already engaged in the field of law.

LLM Course Specialisations

In the LLM (Master of Laws) course, candidates have the opportunity to specialize in various areas of law according to their career aspirations. Some of the common specializations available in LLM programs include:

  1. International Law: Focuses on legal principles and frameworks governing relations between nations, international organizations, and individuals across borders.

  2. Corporate Law: Covers laws and regulations related to corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, securities, and other aspects of business entities.

  3. Intellectual Property Law: Deals with legal principles concerning patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property protection.

  4. Environmental Law: Addresses legal issues related to environmental protection, conservation, sustainability, and natural resource management.

  5. Human Rights Law: Examines international and domestic laws about the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

  6. Criminal Law: Focuses on laws governing criminal offenses, procedures, and punishments within a particular jurisdiction.

  7. Tax Law: Covers legal principles and regulations concerning taxation, including income tax, corporate tax, and international tax laws.

  8. Constitutional Law: Explores the legal framework and principles underlying the organization and functioning of governmental institutions and the protection of individual rights.

  9. Family Law: Addresses legal issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and other familial relationships.

  10. Health Law: Deals with legal aspects of healthcare delivery, medical ethics, patient rights, and healthcare policy.

LLM Admission Process 2024

LLM admission at top law schools typically necessitates entrance exam scores from CLAT, AILET, or LSAT India; here's a concise guide to the process.

  1. Choose LLM Colleges: Begin by researching and selecting LLM colleges based on factors such as reputation, specializations offered, faculty expertise, and placement records.

  2. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria specified by each LLM college you're interested in applying to.

  3. Register for Entrance Exam: If required by your chosen colleges, register for and prepare for entrance exams such as CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), or LSAT India.

  4. Fill LLM Application Forms: Complete the application forms for the LLM programs of your choice, either online or offline, adhering to the specified deadlines.

  5. Submit Documents: Attach necessary documents along with your application, which typically include academic transcripts, entrance exam scorecards, a personal statement or essay, and letters of recommendation if required.

  6. Pay Application Fee: Submit the application fee through the designated payment methods, either online or offline.

LLM Selection Process:

  1. Merit-Based: LLM colleges primarily consider entrance exam scores and academic performance for selection into their programs.

  2. Interviews: Some institutes may conduct personal interviews to further evaluate candidates' aptitude and motivation for pursuing LLM studies.

LLM Admission Final Step:

  1. Admission Offers: Selected candidates will receive admission offers via email or post from the respective colleges.

  2. Acceptance and Payment: Upon receiving an admission offer, candidates must accept it and pay the admission fee to secure their seats in the LLM program.

Additional Considerations:

  1. Specializations: Explore the various specializations offered within LLM programs (such as Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property Rights, etc.) and choose one that aligns with your career aspirations.

  2. Scholarships: Research and apply for scholarships offered by LLM colleges or external organizations to help alleviate the financial burdens associated with pursuing the degree.

LLM Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aiming for a career in law must first obtain a Master of Law degree. The eligibility requirements for LLM (Master of Law) admission are outlined below:

  1. Candidates are eligible to apply for LLM admission if they have completed their undergraduate studies in law. This means that aspirants who have obtained their LLB/Bachelor of Law/Five-Year Integrated LLM course from a recognized university or college are eligible.

  2. Some colleges require candidates to have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate marks at the undergraduate level to be eligible for admission to their LLM program.

LLM Entrance Exams 2024

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

LLM Entrance Exams Exam Dates Exam Schedule
SLS AIAT 2024 June '24 (Tentative) SLS AIAT Schedule
CLAT 2024 3 Dec '23 CLAT Schedule
LSAT India 20 Jan '24 - 21 Jan '24 LSAT India Schedule
AILET 2024 10 Dec '23 AILET 2024 Schedule
AIBE 18 26 Nov '23 AIBE 18 Schedule

LLM Entrance Exam Preparation

Preparing for LLM entrance exams requires a structured approach to ensure success. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

  1. Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance, ideally at least six months before the exam. The syllabus for LLM entrance exams has become more extensive and challenging, so adequate time is essential for thorough preparation.

  2. Subject Analysis: Analyze the subjects included in the syllabus and prioritize them based on their importance. Core subjects such as Constitutional Law, Advanced Jurisprudence, and International Law should be given more focus and study time compared to less significant subjects.

  3. Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and recent developments in the legal field. This will not only help you in answering questions related to contemporary issues but also ensure a comprehensive understanding of secondary subjects.

LLM Subjects

The list of subjects that are taught regarding the various specializations is tabulated below for your reference,

LLM International Law

Comparative Public Law International Law and International Relations: Development and Trends
International Organizations Law and Justice in an Internationalized World
Law of Sea, Air, and Space International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
International Courts and Tribunals International Dispute Resolution Bodies

LLM Corporate Law

Financial Models and Derivatives in a Legal Context Banking and Finance Law
Corporate Social Responsibilities and the Law European Law of Capital Markets
European Procurement Law Principles of International Tax Law

LLM Taxation Law

General Principles of Taxation Direct Tax Laws
Tax Litigation Indirect Tax laws
International Taxation Corporate Tax

LLM Human Rights

Concept of Human Rights & Human Duties Human Rights & Criminal Justice
Constitutional Governance of Human Rights in India International Humanitarian Law
Refugee Law People’s Rights to Self-determination

LLM Constitutional Law

Law and Social Transformation in India Constitutionalism: Pluralism & Federalism
Indian Constitutional Law- The New Challenges Judicial Process
Mass Media Law Administrative Process and Judicial Control

LLM Environmental Law

International Law and Environmental Protection Nature and Scope of Environmental Law
Environmental Protection and General Civil and Criminal Laws Protection of Environment under the Indian Constitution
Protection of Water, Air, and Environment in India Emerging Issues in Environmental Law

LLM: Skills Required 

Some of the top skill sets that need to be inculcated for a bright future post completing LLM courses are tabulated below,

Professional Skills Research and Analytical Skills English Language and Development
Excellent Communication Skills Networking Skills Time Management Skills

Top LLM Colleges in india

There are numerous prestigious private and government colleges offering LLM courses, which can be either one or two years in duration. Among the most coveted programs are those provided by National Law Universities. To gain admission to these esteemed institutions, candidates must undergo competitive entrance exams. The colleges listed in the table are arranged alphabetically and do not reflect any ranking hierarchy.

LLM Government Colleges

The top LLM government colleges, which include NLUs as well as Law Departments established across popular central and state-level universities such as the Faculty of Law, Delhi University. The table below provides information on these colleges along with their respective LLM course fees:

Top LLM Government Colleges City Tuition Fees (INR)
Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi Rs.400 - 5,810
NLU Patiala (RGNUL) - Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Patiala Rs.1 Lakh
GNLU Gandhinagar (NLU) Gandhinagar Rs.1.2 Lakh
Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai Mumbai Rs.48,510 - 1.8 Lakh
NLU Lucknow Lucknow Rs.35,000
HNLU Raipur - Hidayatullah National Law University Raipur Rs.70,000
National Law University, Delhi (NLUD) Delhi Rs.1.35 Lakh - 1.42 Lakh
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore Bangalore Rs.2.69 Lakh
Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad Hyderabad Rs.65,000
NLU Kolkata Kolkata Rs.34,000

LLM Top Private Colleges

Top private colleges offering LLM programs, typically as one-year courses. These institutions boast excellent infrastructure and often have strong connections with the legal industry. Below is a table listing these colleges along with their respective LLM course fees:

Top Private LLM Colleges City Tuition Fees (INR)
Alliance School of Law Bangalore 2.5 Lakh
Amity University, Noida Noida 1.3 Lakh - 1.37 Lakh
ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad Hyderabad 1.2 Lakh
ICFAI University, Dehradun Dehradun 90,000
Institute of Law, Nirma University Ahmedabad 1.3 Lakh
KIIT School of Law Bhubaneswar 2 Lakh
Lovely Professional University Phagwara 2.4 Lakh
Shoolini University Solan 2.1 Lakh
Siksha O Anusandhan (SOA) University Bhubaneswar 1.5 Lakh
Symbiosis Law School Pune 1.65 Lakh
Uttaranchal University Dehradun 1.9 Lakh

Which are the best LLM colleges in India?

India has a wide range of excellent LLM (Master of Laws) colleges, each with its strengths and specializations. Here are some of the best LLM colleges in the country:

  1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore: NLSIU consistently ranks among the top law schools in India. It offers various specializations such as corporate law, international law, intellectual property law, and constitutional law.

  2. National Law University (NLU), Delhi: NLU Delhi is highly regarded for its academic rigor and practical approach. It offers specializations including tax law, environmental law, and cyber law.

  3. Symbiosis Law School, Pune: Symbiosis Law School is a renowned private institution known for its LLM programs. It offers specializations in business law, human rights law, and international humanitarian law.

  4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata: NUJS is recognized for its innovative teaching methods and focus on contemporary legal issues. It provides specializations in areas like 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. It offers rigorous coursework and specializations in civil law, criminal law, and family law, among others.

LLM Scholarships

Below is a table outlining some of the top LLM scholarships available. You can also explore government portals, university websites, and scholarship databases, and seek guidance from educational consultants to find relevant scholarships. Certain scholarships are tailored to specific LLM specializations such as environmental law, corporate law, or intellectual property.

College Name LLM Scholarships
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Scholarship for blind students
  Pyare Lal - Prem Vati Memorial Scholarship for economically
  disadvantaged students
GNLU Gandhinagar (NLU) GNLU Academic Star Scholarship
  Scholarship for international internships
  GNLU Best Research Award Scholarships
University of Mumbai Financial assistance for students from backward classes
  Book Bank Scheme
  Government-aided Scholarships
ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad Merit Scholarships
  Merit Scholarships based on Semester-wise Performance
School of Law, Christ University Scholarships for sports excellence
  Scholarships for winning competitions at National, State, or
  Regional levels

What After Completing LLM Career and Scope?

After completing an LLM program, individuals have several options for their career path and scope. They can choose to further their studies by pursuing an MPhil or PhD in Law. Alternatively, those seeking careers in the legal field can explore various job profiles. It's important to note that in India, individuals aiming to practice law must successfully pass the All India Bar Exam (AIBE).

LLM Jobs and Salary

Job Profile Job Description Salary (in INR)
Advocate In this role, individuals conduct extensive research to gather factual data and physical evidence to support legal claims. 4 LPA
Solicitor Solicitors specialize in specific areas of law such as tax, litigation, family, or property, providing legal advice to private and commercial clients. 4 LPA
Judge Judges ensure the administration of justice and safeguard the legal rights of all involved parties. 10 LPA
Legal Advisor Legal advisors, often hired by governments and large organizations, specialize in specific fields of law and provide expert legal counsel. 6 LPA
Notary Notaries are appointed by the central government to perform duties for the entire country or specific regions. 4 LPA
Oath Commissioner Oath commissioners are authorized to verify affidavits. 4.5 LPA

LLM Top Recruiters

Top recruiters for LLM provide excellent career opportunities to candidates through pre-placement programs and placement drives conducted in leading law colleges. Additionally, candidates can pursue academic positions in prestigious law colleges to establish a career in academia. It's important to note that law graduates and postgraduates must qualify for the AIBE exam to practice in Indian courts of law. Here are some of the top legal firms and companies in India known to hire law graduates:

Top Recruiters for LLM

  1. Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co.

  2. S&R Associates.

  3. AZB & Partners.

  4. Economic Laws Practice.

  5. Khaitan & Co.

  6. Desai & Diwanji.

  7. J Sagar Associates.

  8. Trilegal.

  9. Luthra & Luthra Law Offices.

  10. Talwar Thakore & Associates.

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