Pursuing an online LLM (Master of Law) degree in India is a pivotal step for law graduates looking to advance their academic credentials, while gaining hands-on experience by practicing law. This online mode of education not only accommodates the schedules of busy professionals but also bridges geographical barriers, offering access to specialized legal training from the comfort of one's home.
With a plethora of online LLM programs tailored to diverse legal interests—from corporate law to intellectual property—choosing the right course can significantly impact one’s professional trajectory. In this blog, we have jotted down the top 10 online LLM programs available for Indian law graduates as well as broken down the steps to help you navigate acquiring an LLM degree online.
Go through this blog to find a roadmap to selecting the best program that aligns with your career goals and aspirations & ensure making a well-informed decision that amplifies your legal acumen in the global framework.
Online LLM Degrees
Online LLM (Master of Laws) programs provide legal professionals with an opportunity to specialize in specific areas of law without the need to attend on-campus classes. These degrees are ideal for practicing lawyers, recent law graduates, and international lawyers seeking advanced legal education. Online LLM programs leverage digital platforms to deliver lectures, interactive sessions, and assessments, making it feasible for professionals to balance their studies with ongoing careers in law.
Who Should Pursue an Online LLM Degree?
Online LLM degrees are designed for individuals looking to expand their legal expertise or pivot their career focus. An online LLM is ideal for working professionals who find it difficult to devote full time for an on-campus program. It is also suitable for fresh law graduates who want to enhance their career prospects before joining full-time employment. Moreover, an online LLM gives international exposure to students and allows them to learn from global law curriculums while residing in India. If you fall in one of the following categories, you can consider an online LLM –
Working professionals with 3-5 years of experience
Fresh LLB graduates planning to join top law firms or corporate legal departments
Candidates interested in foreign and international laws
Non-resident Indians working abroad
Practicing lawyers can deepen their understanding of a particular legal field, such as international law or corporate law.
Professionals in related fields like business or international relations who need legal expertise may also benefit from an online LLM.
Also read – How to Become a Corporate Lawyer in India?
Top 10 Online LLM Degree Programs for Indian Students
Indian students have multiple choices when it comes to selecting an online LLM program. With the growing popularity of online education in India, several top national and global law schools have recently introduced online LLM degree courses with flexible formats. Some of the best Online LLM Programs for Indian students are –
O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India
The O.P Jindal Global University Faculty of Law offers high-quality online LL.M. programs focusing on specialized areas including Business Laws, International Trade Laws and Intellectual Property Rights laws. The courses feature live interactive sessions, collaborative projects and internships.
National Law University, Delhi, India
National Law University Delhi provides online LL.M. courses in Constitutional Law, IPR, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. The program involves digital content delivery, webinars, MOOCs and assessments. Students get guidance from experienced law faculty and judges.
Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad, India
Nalsar's one-year online LL.M. program in Business Laws and Commercial Policy is taught by scholar-teachers. It includes essential subjects like Corporate Law, Cyber Laws and Financial Regulations. Assessments comprise case studies, projects and moot courts.
WB National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
NUJS Kolkata offers a flexible online LL.M. in International Trade and Investment Laws featuring collaborative coursework, symposiums and foreign placements. Students gain expertise in WTO regulations, cross-border transactions and global commercial policies.
Tamil Nadu National Law University, Tiruchirapalli
NLU in Tamil Nadu offers online LL.M. programs in six specializations with a choice to study core law subjects virtually or visiting campus periodically. The course incorporates digital tools like online libraries, forums and video conferencing for networking.
Symbiosis Law School, Pune
SLS Pune provides online LL.M. with specializations in Financial Regulations, IPR and Cyber Laws. Students benefit from live sessions by practitioner-teachers and global externships on emerging legal areas.
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
GNLU Gandhinagar offers specialist online LL.M. degrees covering Constitutional Law, Environmental Laws and Criminal Justice system with overseas internship opportunities.
Chanakya National Law University, Patna
CNLU Patna's flexible online LL.M. focuses on subjects like Banking Regulations, Taxation Policies and International Commercial Arbitration assisting career prospects.
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab
RGNUL Punjab provides industry-oriented online LL.M. programs in areas such as Food & Agriculture laws, Law & Criminology and Energy & Infrastructure laws through virtual classrooms.
Amity Law School, Noida
ALS Noida's specialist online LL.M. programs covers contemporary branches including IPR, Fintech laws and alternate dispute resolution mechanisms.
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Top 10 Foreign Universities Offering Online LLM Programs
Foreign universities have embraced the digital age by offering sophisticated online LLM programs tailored to global legal standards. These Online LLM programs and specializations provide flexibility and specialized knowledge, allowing students worldwide to access top-tier education in law without the need to relocate.
Here is a list of the top 10 foreign universities offering online LLM programs, along with the specific courses they provide –
Queen Mary University of London
Courses Offered – Intellectual Property Law, International Dispute Resolution
University of Southern California
Courses Offered – Entertainment Law, Business Law
Georgetown University
Courses Offered – Securities & Financial Regulation, Taxation
King's College London
Courses Offered – International Business Law, International Financial Law
University of Edinburgh
Courses Offered – Medical Law and Ethics, International Commercial Law and Practice
New York University
Courses Offered – Corporation Law, Competition, Innovation, and Information Law
University of London
Courses Offered – Professional Advocacy, Law and New Technologies
University of California, Berkeley
Courses Offered – Law of Energy & Environment, Business Law
Harvard University
Courses Offered – Online LLM degree course and reading groups across a range of topics
University of Sydney
Courses Offered – Global Business Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Eligibility to Pursue an Online LLM
The eligibility criteria for pursuing an online LLM vary by institution but generally requires students to be an LLB graduate as well as possess other academic qualifications and professional experience. These programs are designed for law graduates and practicing lawyers who want to further specialize in their field. Here are the common eligibility
requirements for an online LLM –
Core Subjects Taught in Online LLM Courses
The curriculum of an online LLM program is meticulously designed to provide thorough legal knowledge, focusing on both foundational and specialized subjects. These programs offer a blend of theoretical understanding and practical skills to address contemporary legal challenges. The core subjects are tailored to various specializations within law, ranging from international and corporate law to intellectual property and human rights. Typically, students will study the following subjects as part of their online LLM course –
Advantages of Pursuing an Online LLM
Pursuing an online LLM degree offers numerous benefits for students looking for flexible ways to advance their academics. An online LLM program is tailored to the evolving needs of modern legal professionals, providing them with a flexible, accessible path to advanced legal education, and catering especially to those who need to balance their studies with professional commitments.
The following is why an online LLM is the right choice for you –
It is flexible. Students can access course materials and complete assignments on their own schedule, making it easier to balance work and personal life.
It is cost effective. Generally, online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts due to reduced transportation and accommodation costs.
It offers global networking opportunities. Online programs often attract students from around the world, providing opportunities to connect with a diverse network of peers and professionals.
It is tailored for specialized knowledge. An online LLM allows for specialization in niche areas of law that may not be available locally, enhancing career prospects and expertise.
It provides access to resources. Students have access to vast digital resources and libraries, along with virtual support from faculty and advisors.
Duration of Online LLM Degrees
The duration of online LLM degrees varies depending on the university and the student's choice of full-time or part-time enrollment. Typically, a full-time online LLM program can be completed in one to two years. Part-time programs offer additional flexibility, extending the completion time to three or four years, which is beneficial for working professionals. Some universities also offer accelerated programs that allow students to finish in as little as one year. This flexibility enables students to tailor their studies to their own pace and schedule, making higher education in law more accessible than ever before.
Also read – Highest Degree in Law
Scope of an Online LLM Degree
The scope of an online LLM degree extends across various legal and non-legal sectors, significantly enhancing a graduate’s professional trajectory. Designed for those looking to deepen their legal expertise or branch into new legal fields, an online LLM degree offers a strategic advantage in an increasingly globalized and specialized marketplace.
Graduates with an online LLM are equipped to take on high-level responsibilities in multinational corporations, law firms, and governmental organizations, where specialized legal knowledge is crucial.
For example, an LLM in international law can open doors to careers in international organizations like the UN or NGOs dealing with global issues.
Similarly, a specialization in intellectual property law can lead to opportunities in industries reliant on innovation, such as tech and entertainment.
Moreover, the analytical, research, and legal drafting skills refined during an LLM program are highly valued in academia and research institutions.
Those inclined towards teaching and scholarship can leverage their advanced qualifications for positions in educational institutions.
The expanding online education sphere has created more roles for legal professionals with specialized knowledge to create content and teach in virtual formats, further broadening the scope and applicability of the LLM degree.
Online LLM Degree FAQs
What is an online LLM degree?
An online LLM (Master of Laws) allows one to earn a postgraduate law degree through online learning, rather than attending classes in-person.
What are the eligibility criteria to pursue an online LLM degree?
Common criteria include having a recognised undergraduate law degree and meeting the university's English language proficiency requirements. Scores in admissions tests may also be needed.
How long do online LLM programs take?
Most full-time online LLM programs take 1-2 years to complete if studying full-time. Part-time options are also available and may take 2-3 years.
What are the tuition costs for pursuing an online LLM?
Tuition fees for online LLM programs from top foreign universities range from $30,000-60,000 USD. Indian university programs charge ₹1-3 lakhs annually.
Are online LLM degrees recognized?
Degrees from highly-ranked foreign universities are globally recognised. However, the Bar Council of India currently does not recognise online-only LLM degrees.
Is online LLM recognised by UGC?
No, the UGC does not explicitly recognise online-only LLM degrees awarded by foreign universities.
Is 1 year LLM valid?
A 1-year LLM degree may not be valid for the purpose of teaching law in India. The BCI and UGC require a 2-year, full-time LLM for law lecturers.
Is online law degree valid in India?
No, online-only law degrees are currently not recognised by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The degree must be full-time and involve in-person learning.
Is a one year LLM valid for PhD?
As per revised UGC norms, a candidate with a 1-year LLM degree is eligible to pursue a PhD in law. However, they may require 2 years of teaching/research experience too.
Is online law degree valid in India?
No, as per the Bar Council of India (BCI), online-only law degrees awarded without regular classes & practical training are not recognised to practice law in India.
