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A master’s degree in law, also known as an LLM, is a two-year postgraduate course in the field of law. LLM programmes are available to graduates who have completed a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and want to pursue specific specialisations in the field of law. The programme focuses on specific areas of law chosen by the candidates. The course is intended to educate students about trademarks and trademark law in India and around the world. These programmes also teach students about various international treaties, agreements, and conventions. Various aspects of the law are covered in the LLM programme, ranging from legal history to current legal constraints.
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Overview of LLM – Master of Law
In the table below, you can see the major highlights of the LLM programme:
| Particulars | Details |
| Short Name | LL.M |
| Full Name | Master of Law |
| Stream | Law |
| Level of Couse | Postgraduate |
| Degree Programme | Masters |
| Specialisation | As opted by the candidate |
| Duration of Course | 2 Years |
| Mode of Course | Regular/ Distance/ Part-Time |
| Minimum Qualification Required | Bachelor degree in Law |
| Process of Selection | Entrance Exam/ Merit-based |
| Internship | Mandatory |
| Average Course Fee | Rs. 1.5 to 5 lacs |
Eligibility Criteria for LLM
Candidates are eligible to apply for an LLM course if they have completed their law degree, that is, if they have obtained their LLB/ Bachelor of Law/ Five Year Integrated degree from a recognised university/college.
- Aside from that, some colleges impose a minimum percentage requirement for their LLM programmes.
- Candidates must obtain at least 55 percent aggregate marks at the graduation level in order to be eligible for admission to the LLM programme offered by such colleges, according to their eligibility criteria.
| Admissions Open for 2023 | |
| Karnavati University Admissions Open | Apply |
| Manipal University Admissions Open | Apply |
| Amrita University Admissions Open | Apply |
| NIIT University Admissions Open | Apply |
Admission Process for LLM
Candidates who wish to apply for admission to the LLM programme must first go through the college’s selection process. The following is a description of the commonly accepted admission process at most Indian law schools.
- Many colleges use national/state law entrance exams to narrow down applicants.
- For the admissions process, some colleges hold their own institute-level entrance exam.
- Some colleges offer merit-based admissions, in which candidates are chosen based on their overall score in the qualifying bachelor’s degree.
- At some institutes, additional rounds of Personal Interaction or Group Discussion may be held.
Skills Required for LLM
Aspirants must be willing to put in a lot of effort and be willing to work long, strenuous hours in order to complete the course. The following are some key skills that candidates should have in order to succeed in the LLM programme:
- Integrity
- Persuasiveness
- Clarity of Speech
- Interest in detail
- Objectivity
- Confidence
- Interest in Research
- Good presentation skills
- Mental and physical stamina
- Ability to argue on a topic
- Intellect
- Fluency in Language
Entrance Exams for LLM
All candidates must pass the entrance exams in order to be considered for admission to LLM programmes. Admissions are made based on the results of the entrance exam and interviews conducted by the law school. Some of the most popular exams for LLM admission are listed below:
| Admissions Open for 2023 | |
| Karnavati University Admissions Open | Apply |
| Manipal University Admissions Open | Apply |
| Amrita University Admissions Open | Apply |
| NIIT University Admissions Open | Apply |
Preparation Tips for LLM Entrance Exam
To enrol in an LLM degree programme, one must first prepare for the various Entrance exams offered by various universities and institutes. A few basic guidelines to follow in order to pass the LLM Entrance Exams with ease are discussed below.
- Start Early: Every student should know when to begin studying for the LLM Entrance exams, especially in light of recent changes in the LLM Entrance Exam Syllabus, which have made the course structure more lengthy and difficult. All LLM students who want to pursue this field should plan on studying for 6 months ahead of time.
- Subject Analysis: It is necessary to be able to analyse subjects in terms of their importance. Important subjects like Constitutional Law, Advanced Jurisprudence, and International Law, among others, should be given more time than less important subjects.
- Stay up to date: While studying for LLM Entrance Exams, it is important to keep up with current events. This way, they will be up to date on all current events and will be able to cover secondary subjects as well.
Syllabus for LLM
The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including corporate law, international trade law, and other topics. The table below outlines the subjects covered by the LLM course structure:
| Law and Social Transformation in India | Judicial Process | Legal Research and Methodology |
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | Constitutionalism | Human Rights and Humanitarian Law |
| International Trade Law | Intellectual Property Rights | Corporate Law |
The following are some of the most common topics covered in an LLM programme:
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Course |
Topics |
|---|---|
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LLM (Business Law) |
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LLM (Constitutional Law) |
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LLM (Criminal Law) |
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LLM (Family Law) |
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LLM (Human Rights) |
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LLM International Trade Law |
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Recommended Books for LLM
| Book Names | Authors |
| Responsibility of International Organizations | Professor Bimal N. Patel |
| Administrative Law | C K Thakker |
| Comparative Constitutional Law | Mahendra P. Singh |
| Due Process of Law | Abhinav Chandrachud |
| Law and Social Transformation | P. Ishwara Bhat |
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Specialization Subjects for LLM
LLM students must choose from the following specialisations in addition to the core subjects during their two-year programme. International Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Business Law, Labour Law, and other specialisations are further divided into individual subjects, each dealing with its own legal complexities.
Below given an in-depth discussion of the specialisations and their branches.
LLM International Law
The study of the laws of various countries and organisations is the focus of an LLM in International Law. LLM in International Law is a popular specialisation in India because it provides students with opportunities to work in other countries.
The following are some of the topics covered in the LLM International Law programme:
- Comparative Law
- International Dispute Resolution Bodies etc.
- International Organizations
- International Law and International Relations: Developments and Trends
ILS Law College, one of India’s top law schools, offers an LLM in International Law specialisation.
| Average Fees | INR 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 8,00,000 |
LLM Corporate Law
The LLM in Corporate Law is a popular course that teaches students how to interact with stakeholders, directors, employers, and creditors. LLM Corporate law graduates can work in a variety of industries, including law enforcement and other legal firms.
The following are some of the topics covered in LLM Corporate Law specialisations:
- Financial Models and Derivatives in a Legal Context
- Banking and Finance Law
- European Law of Capital Markets
- Corporate Social Responsibilities and the Law
National Law University in Jodhpur and Mahatma Gandhi Law College in Hyderabad are two of the top colleges that offer LLM programmes in corporate law.
| Average Fees | INR 3,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 7,00,00 |
LLM Criminal Law
LLM Criminal Law is for students who find it interesting to enter the world of criminal law and other dimensions. LLM Criminal law provides an opportunity for the students to deal with actions of intentional harm to individuals, which is in larger sense a threat to humanity.
The subjects taught at LLM Criminal Law are:
- Code of Criminal Procedure
- Indian Penal Code
- Criminal Jurisprudence
The top colleges in this field are National Law University in Bhopal and Dr. Ambedkar Law University in Chennai.
| Average Fees | INR 3,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 10,00,000 |
Top Colleges for LLM in India
There are over 500 law colleges and universities in India, with both government and private law colleges. The majority of law schools are located in major metropolitan areas.
The table below gives us a quick overview of the top LLM Colleges in India’s major cities:
In Delhi
For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best colleges in Delhi that offer LLM programmes.
| Name of the Colleges | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| National Law University | 13,000 |
| Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia University | 10,400 |
| Indian Law Institute | 29,500 |
| Institute of Management Studies | 1,17,980 |
| Faculty of Law, university of Delhi | 5,428 |
In Pune
| Name of the Colleges | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Symbiosis Law School | 3,73,450 |
| ILS Law College | 40,515 |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth New Law College | 78,750 |
| Sinhgad Law College | 29,000 |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | — |
In Bangalore
The table below shows the best LLM colleges in Bangalore:
| Name of the Colleges | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| National Law School of India University | 2,13,975 |
| School of Law, Christ University | 1,95,000 |
| MS Ramaiah College of Law | |
| CMR University | 1,40,000 |
| University College of Law Bangalore University | 82,000 |
In Kolkata
Some of the best LLM colleges in Kolkata are listed below, along with their average fees:
| Name of the Colleges | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| University of Calcutta | 6,000 |
| National University of Juridical Sciences | 1,95,000 |
| Surendranath Law College | 40,000 |
| Amity Law School | 1,00,000 |
| Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College | 14,000 |
| Brainware University | 1,50,000 |
In Mumbai
Some of the best LLM colleges in Mumbai are listed below, along with their average fees:
| Name of the Colleges | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra National Law University | 60,000 |
| Kirit P Mehta School of Law | 1,26,500 |
| Thakur Ramnarayan College of Law | – |
| TISS | 68,500 |
| Amity Law School | 1,00,000 |
Top Colleges for LLM in Abroad
The eligibility criteria for LLM Abroad programmes vary by country. The minimum eligibility requirement for pursuing an LLM abroad is that students have completed a Bachelor of Laws or LLB degree and have passed one of the following entrance exams: TOEFL or IELTS.
In Canada
Canada is regarded as one of the most student-friendly countries, thanks to its high-quality education methods delivered at a low cost. International students can also take advantage of a variety of scholarships.
The following are the requirements for students wishing to pursue an LLM in Canada.
- A minimum of 70% or a first-class degree in LLB or a related field is required.
- A valid IELTS or TOEFL score of 7 or 100, depending on the college cutoffs, scores may differ.
- Relevant work experience is required by some colleges and universities.
- When it comes to getting into Canadian colleges, research skills and experience are extremely important.
The following is a list of some of the top law schools that offer LLM programmes.
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 10,00,000 |
| McGill University | 9,00,000 |
| University of British Columbia | 5,00,000 |
| York University | 15,00,000 |
In UK
When it comes to studying abroad, the United Kingdom is the second best option. Many reputable law schools and universities, such as Oxford and the LSE, offer a one-year LLM programme.
The following are the requirements for studying LLM in the United Kingdom:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a reputable university is required.
- Students who have received first or second place are eligible to apply to top LLM universities in the United Kingdom.
- A minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS score of 6.5 is required for admission.
The following are some of the best universities in the UK that offer LLM programmes:
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 22,00,000 |
| London School of Economics | 23,00,000 |
| King’s College London | 26,00,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | 22,00,000 |
| Queen Mary University of London | 23,00,000 |
In USA
Thousands of people migrate to the United States each year in search of work or further education. When it comes to studying abroad, Indian students consider the United States to be the best option. Several prestigious law schools, such as Harvard University and the University of Chicago, are located in the United States.
The following are the requirements for pursuing an LLM in the United States:
- A bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) with a minimum GPA of 3 out of 4 is required.
- A score of 80 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS is required.
- Depending on the college, relevant work experience is required.
The following are some of the best LLM colleges in the United States:
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 52,00,000 |
| Yale University | 50,00,000 |
| University of Chicago | 50,00,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 49,00,000 |
Job Profiles and Career Opportunities in LLM
Law is one of the recession-proof professions, with opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Numerous positions for lawyers and LL.M graduates are available from the Government of India and various state governments. Entrance exams are used to hire candidates for these lucrative job profiles in various government departments. Because legal affairs are a part of almost every organisation, corporate firms hire lawyers and LL.M graduates to handle the organization’s legal tasks and requirements.
The job profiles for students who have completed the Master of Legislative Laws are listed below:
| Job Profiles | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Advocate | An Advocate typically works for himself and takes on cases for people seeking legal assistance for any of their problems or grievances that they believe they are unable to fight for. |
| Judge | Being a judge is one of the most prestigious and well-known jobs in India. A judge sits at the pinnacle of the judicial system, and it is his responsibility to render judgement in any trials or cases that come under his jurisdiction. |
| Notary | A notary’s primary function is to serve as a witness to the signing of various legal documents in order to lend legal credibility. |
| Legal Document Reviewer | The job of a Legal Document Reviewer/Derivative is to negotiate and review various types of legal documents as well as draught responses, ancillary documents, and so on. |
| Professor | A professor teaches all of the subjects taught at various law schools and colleges. |
| Consultant | A Legal Consultant/Associate helps with contract summarization, contract management, legal research, drafting, litigation, and research projects. |
Top Recruiters: LLM
The following are some of the top recruiters who hire recent Master of Legislative Laws graduates:
| Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. | DSK Legal | Phoenix Legal |
| Trilegal India | AZB & Partners | Desai & Dewanji |
| Khaitan & Co. | Anand & Anand | J Sagar And Associates |
| Sagar Associates | S & R Associates | Vaish Associates |
| Admissions Open for 2023 | |
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| Manipal University Admissions Open | Apply |
| Amrita University Admissions Open | Apply |
| NIIT University Admissions Open | Apply |
Salary Trends for LLM in India
The salary of an LLM graduate varies depending on the job that he or she holds. An LLM graduate’s average salary ranges between INR 4 and 12 LPA.
The table below discusses the salary of various positions for a Master of Legislative Laws Graduate.
| Job Profiles | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Advocate | 4.5 – 8 LPA |
| Judge | 12 – 18 LPA |
| Notary | 3 – 5 LPA |
| Professor | 5 – 10 LPA |
| Consultant | 6 – 9 LPA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. Some of the top law colleges and universities in India that offer a one-year LLM programme are listed below:
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai – LLM in Access to Justice
National Law Schools/Universities of Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Raipur, Gandhinagar, etc.
Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
Azim Premji University, Bangalore – LLM in Law & Development
TERI University, New Delhi – LLM in Environment & Natural Resources Law
Indian Law Institute, Delhi
Ans. LLM is only pursued by students who want to learn more about a specific law subject, such as Family Law, Maritime Law, Taxation Law, Human Rights, and so on. It also provides more job opportunities in the private sector.
An MBA degree, on the other hand, is designed specifically for students interested in management and business administration. Although not many people pursue an MBA after completing their LLB, students can still pursue this career path if they want to pursue a career in the management industry rather than the legal industry.
Ans. Both degrees are well recognised by UGC and governed by the Bar Council of India. As a result, it is entirely dependent on an individual’s point of view.
A one-year LLM will save you time and one academic year, but a two-year LMM will provide you with much more knowledge.
If you only want to get a degree and a higher qualification, a one-year LLM is ideal, but if you want to gain deeper insight and knowledge for your own interests and career, a two-year LLM is the way to go.
In terms of jobs, both degrees provide the same career prospects and salary scale because the type of jobs largely depends on socialisation, student industry experience, and his/her capabilities rather than course duration.
Ans. In India, someone who has completed an LLB degree, either three years after graduation or five years after class twelve, is qualified to practise law. Those who want to learn more about a particular field pursue an LLM degree. However, in both cases, they must take an AIBE administered by BCI in order to obtain a ‘Certificate of Practice.’
Ans. After completing an LLM, candidates have numerous opportunities in Consultancies, Courthouses, FMCG, Finance, Corporate, Law Firms, NGO, Media and Publishing Houses, Real Estate, and International Organizations such as the UN or UNICEF. Legal Consultant or Legal Associate, Advocate, A Magistrate or Judge, Legal Document Reviewer, Notary, Trustee, Oath Commissioner, Private Practice, and other job profiles are available to applicants.