Bachelor’s Degree in Law: Beginner’s Ultimate Guide to LLB Course, Colleges & Entrance Exams
A Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) is an undergraduate program for students interested in pursuing a career in legal studies. Typically lasting for 3 years, an LLB course is your gateway to the world of justice, influence, and critical thinking. This Bachelor’s degree in Law not only paves the way for a career in courts or corporate legal departments but also equips you with skills to tackle complex legal and ethical issues in everyday life. Law graduates emerge as thinkers, negotiators, and leaders.
Have you ever wondered how landmark court decisions are made or what legal frameworks protect consumer rights? An LLB offers you the answers through rigorous coursework and practical experiences. Across the globe, prestigious institutions like Harvard Law School in the USA, the London School of Economics in the UK and top NLUs in India are beacons for aspiring legal professionals, offering top-tier training in the field of Law. Students need to crack tough competitive exams like LSAT or CLAT that rigorously test students’ analytical abilities as a first step towards pursuing a Law Degree.
Imagine understanding the gears that run the vast machinery of legal systems and getting the tools and the know-how to change them. Why choose law, you might ask? A Bachelor’s degree in Law is more than just courtroom drama; it is about becoming a crucial part of justice, advocacy, and change. Pursuing an LLB might just be your first step towards making that difference.
What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Law or LLB Course?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Law, commonly known as the LLB (Legum Baccalaureus) course, is the foundational step for anyone aspiring to enter the legal profession. It equips students with the knowledge and understanding of the law and its various branches. LLB Course or a Bachelor’s degree in Law is an undergraduate program that typically spans three to five years, depending on the country and educational structure, focusing on core subjects like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, and Property Law, among others. LLB provides a blend of theoretical education and practical experience through moot courts, internships, and interaction with seasoned legal professionals.
Bachelor’s Degree in Law – Highlights
The typical duration of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) course in India is three years. However, some universities offer integrated LLB programs that combine a law degree with another bachelor's degree, such as a BA, B.Sc., BBA, or B.Com. These integrated programs can be completed in five years.
To pursue an LLB course, you generally need to have completed a bachelor's degree in any field. However, some universities may have specific requirements, such as a minimum percentage or specific subjects studied.
Many universities conduct entrance exams to select candidates for their LLB programs. Some of the popular entrance exams include the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), and university-specific entrance exams.
An LLB curriculum typically covers a wide range of legal subjects, including – Constitutional law, Contract law, Criminal law, Property law, Tort law, etc.
A Bachelor of Laws degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the legal field. Some of the popular career paths include – Advocate, Corporate Lawyer, Legal advisor, Judge, Prosecutor
After completing an LLB, many graduates choose to specialize in a particular area of law. Some popular specializations include – Corporate law, Intellectual property law, Tax law, Criminal law, Environmental law, etc.
LLB Course vs. LLM
LLB (Bachelor of Laws) and LLM (Master of Laws) are two distinct law degrees offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels respectively. LLB is an undergraduate program that provides a foundational understanding of law and prepares students for legal practice. On the other hand, LLM is a postgraduate program designed for law graduates seeking specialization in a particular area of law, offering advanced knowledge and expertise. Look at the following table highlighting the key differences between LLB and LLM –
Types of Bachelor’s Degree in Law
There are primarily two types of Bachelor’s Degree in Law available – the 3-year LLB and the integrated 5-year LLB course. The 3-year course is designed for graduates who have already completed an undergraduate degree in another discipline and wish to pursue law thereafter. The 5-year integrated program on the other hand is for students right out of high school, combining a Bachelor’s degree with the LLB, saving a year and providing an extensive curriculum that includes interdisciplinary study combining law with arts, science, or commerce. Let us find out about the various types of Bachelor’s Law Degree below –
3 year LLB
The traditional 3-year LLB programme focuses on building a solid foundation in core legal subjects like constitutional law, contract law, family law, etc. Examples include 3-year LLB from Delhi University and 3-year BA LLB from Alliance University.
5-year Integrated LLB
The 5-year integrated law course combines graduation and law studies into a single programme. Students study general paper in the first three years and legal subjects in the last two years. For example, the 5-year BA LLB from NALSAR University.
BBA LLB
This programme combines business administration and law studies. Students learn the application of legal principles in business domains. The GNLU offers a 5-year BBA LLB course specialized in corporate and business laws.
BA LLB
The BA LLB integrates law with arts/humanities. Courses provide an interdisciplinary learning approach with law coupled with subjects like history, economics, etc. An example is the 5-year BA LLB from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University.
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Top 10 Colleges to Pursue LLB Course in India
There are a variety of institutions and top colleges in India offer a wide array of prestigious institutions for pursuing an LLB course, catering to aspiring legal professionals who seek quality education and a successful career in law. These colleges are renowned for their comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and excellent infrastructure. Many of these institutions have produced some of the country's finest legal minds, contributing significantly to the legal fraternity. Below is a list of the top 10 colleges in India to pursue an LLB course –
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
Established in 1987, NLSIU is India's premier law university, known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished alumni. It has an illustrious faculty and offers extensive internship opportunities to nurture analytical thinking through a diverse curriculum.
National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
NALSAR, established in 1998, is famous for its dynamic approach to legal education and a vibrant campus life. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure including a technology-driven library and hosts numerous national and international conferences and seminars.
National Law University (NLU), Delhi
One of the top-ranked NLUs, NLU Delhi offers excellent opportunities for legal research and moot court competitions. It has an impressive placement record with students securing PPOs from top law firms in India and corporations.
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
WBNUJS, known for its academic excellence, is a hub for legal scholars and practitioners. It has notable alumni pursuing successful careers in judiciary, corporate law firms and academics.
National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
NLU Jodhpur stands out for its strong focus on corporate law and intellectual property law. It collaborates with leading industry bodies and law firms to provide students industry exposure and internship opportunities.
Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
GNLU offers a wide range of specializations and is known for its extensive library and research facilities. It has well-equipped labs and hostels and organizes national mooting competitions.
Symbiosis Law School, Pune
Part of Symbiosis International University, this law school is recognized for its holistic approach to legal education. It emphasizes extra-curricular activities, sports and cultural events in addition to rigorous academics.
Jamia Millia Islamia, Faculty of Law, New Delhi
Jamia's Faculty of Law is known for its experienced faculty and emphasis on social justice in legal education. It has illustrious alumni pursuing successful careers in the legal profession and judiciary.
Indian Law Society's Law College (ILS), Pune
ILS Law College, one of the oldest in India, is reputed for its strong academic tradition and legal heritage. It has full-time faculty drawn from legal luminaries and ex-judges guiding students.
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
A top choice for law aspirants, Delhi University's Faculty of Law has a legacy of producing eminent lawyers and judges. It offers a diversified curriculum along with international collaborative programs.
Top 11 Entrance Exams for Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Law
Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Law in India involves taking various entrance exams designed to assess a range of skills relevant to pursue the LLB course. The following is the list of the top entrance exams for pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Law –
Bachelor’s Degree in Law FAQs
What qualifications are needed to apply for an LLB course?
Applicants must have completed their higher secondary education (12th grade) with a minimum percentage, typically around 50%, and pass a law entrance exam like CLAT or LSAT India.
Can I pursue LLB after completing a non-law bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you can pursue a 3-year LLB program after obtaining any bachelor's degree, as the LLB is open to graduates from all disciplines.
What career options are available after completing an LLB?
Graduates can work as advocates, legal advisors, or corporate lawyers. Opportunities also exist in sectors like public administration, policy-making, and legal consultancy.
Can I do a 3-year LLB after 12th?
No, the 3-year LLB program is specifically designed for graduates who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. Students completing the 12th standard can opt for a 5-year integrated LLB course instead.
Is CLAT compulsory for pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Law?
CLAT is not compulsory for all law schools, but it is the primary entrance exam for many top law universities in India. Some universities may accept other exams like the LSAT India or conduct their own tests.
