How to Become a Lawyer in India: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

February 21, 2025
how to become a lawyer
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • Detailed overview of the academic requirements to become a lawyer in India, including the necessary degrees (LL.B., LL.M.), entrance exams (CLAT, AILET), and top law schools to consider in 2025.
  • Professional Training and Licensing: Internships, apprenticeships, and bar council registration.
  • Career Opportunities and Specializations: Various legal career paths and tips for success.

Table of Contents

Have you ever wondered how to become a lawyer in India?

According to recent statistics, the legal profession in India is thriving, with over 1.4 million registered lawyers nationwide. If you have a passion for justice and a desire to advocate for others, the legal profession might be the perfect fit for you.

In this comprehensive guide, we will not only provide you with valuable information on how to become a lawyer in India, but also delve into the intricacies of pursuing an LLB after graduation, navigating law exams, and exploring the diverse career prospects that await you after completing your degree.

Join us as we navigate the fascinating world of the legal field and unveil the steps to embark on a successful legal career in India. Whether you’re seeking insights into the qualifications required, the top law colleges, or the various specializations available, we have all the answers you need to unleash your potential in the dynamic field of law.

Some Quick Facts About Becoming a Lawyer in India

Industry type

Law, Legal Profession

Eligibility Criteria

to enroll for College

10+2 (any stream) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks

Qualify law entrance exams

Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), and other state-level exams

Admission Process

Based on merit and performance in law entrance exams

Specializations

Civil, Criminal, Corporate, Tax, Intellectual Property, Family Law, Environmental Law, and more

Average Starting Salary

INR 4-6 lakhs per annum

Highest Salary

INR 80 lakhs to 1 crore per annum

Job Opportunities

Lawyer, Judge, Legal Advisor, Corporate Lawyer, Criminal Lawyer, Family Lawyer, and more

Who is a Lawyer?

Lawyers are legal professionals trained and licensed to provide advice and representation in legal matters. Beyond their courtroom appearances, lawyers play a vital role in upholding justice, protecting rights, and ensuring compliance with the law. They possess in-depth knowledge of legal principles and procedures, enabling them to guide clients through complex legal processes and provide expert advice.

Advocacy is a central aspect of a lawyer’s work. They act as champions for their clients, working tirelessly to protect their rights and ensure fair treatment under the law. Lawyers also contribute to the development of legal precedents and the interpretation of laws through their legal analysis and arguments.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, lawyers help resolve conflicts, provide legal guidance, and maintain the integrity of the legal system. Their expertise and dedication to justice make them indispensable in safeguarding the rights and liberties of individuals, organizations, and entities.

Also Read: Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Become a Lawyer

  • Academic Qualification: Pass the 12th exams with a minimum of 60% aggregate score or equivalent CGPA.
  • Law Entrance Exams: Clear national and university-level law entrance exams such as CLAT, LSAT, AILET, or other specified exams.
  • Pursue a Law Degree: Acquire an undergraduate or integrated law degree, such as LLB, BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, or BCom LLB, from a recognized institution.
  • Optional: Candidates who hold an LLM (Master of Laws) degree can also become lawyers.
how to become a lawyer

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Lawyer

To become a Lawyer, you need to fulfil the following requirements:

  1. You must have an LLB or equivalent law degree recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
  2. Your minimum educational qualification should be:
    • 10+2 or equivalent examination
    • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline (3-year course)
  3. You must be a citizen of India.
  4. You must be at least 21 years of age.
  5. It would be best if you enrolled as an advocate with the BCI within 6 months of completing your law degree in india.
  6. You must clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by the BCI within two years of enrolling.

Additionally, to practice law in the Supreme Court and certain High Courts, you may need to appear for an examination conducted by the respective courts.

How to Become a Lawyer in India: Stepwise Process

Becoming a lawyer in India is a rewarding career path that requires dedication, education, and practical experience. Here’s a stepwise process to guide you through the journey of becoming a lawyer in India:

Step 1: Complete Your Education

  1. Choose the Right Stream in School:
    • After completing your 10th grade, choose a stream that aligns with your interest in law. You can opt for the Humanities stream, which is beneficial for law aspirants.
  2. Complete 10+2:
    • Finish your higher secondary education (12th grade) with a minimum of 50% marks. While there is no specific subject requirement, subjects like Political Science, History, and English can be advantageous.
  3. Pursue a Law Degree:
    • You can choose between two main paths:
      • 5-Year Integrated LLB Program: After completing 12th grade, you can enroll in a 5-year integrated law program (BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB, etc.) offered by various law schools.
      • 3-Year LLB Program: If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, you can pursue a 3-year LLB program.

Step 2: Clear the Entrance Exam

  1. Prepare for Law Entrance Exams:
    • Most reputed law colleges in India require you to clear an entrance exam. Some of the prominent entrance exams include:
      • CLAT (Common Law Admission Test): For admission to National Law Universities (NLUs).
      • AILET (All India Law Entrance Test): For admission to National Law University, Delhi.
      • LSAT India (Law School Admission Test): For various law schools across India.
  2. Take the Exam:
    • Register for the entrance exam of your choice, prepare thoroughly, and take the exam. Ensure you meet the cut-off scores for the colleges you wish to apply to.

Step 3: Enroll in a Law School

  1. Apply to Law Colleges:
    • Based on your entrance exam scores, apply to law colleges that suit your preferences and career goals. Consider factors like faculty, infrastructure, placement records, and location.
  2. Complete Your Law Degree:
    • Attend classes, participate in moot courts, internships, and other extracurricular activities to gain practical knowledge and skills. A law degree typically takes 3 to 5 years to complete.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

  1. Internships:
    • During your law studies, seek internships with law firms, corporate legal departments, NGOs, or government agencies. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
  2. Moot Court Competitions:
    • Participate in moot court competitions and legal debates to enhance your advocacy skills and gain practical exposure to courtroom procedures.

Step 5: Clear the Bar Council Exam

  1. Enroll with the Bar Council:
    • After completing your law degree, enroll with the Bar Council of the state where you wish to practice. This is a mandatory step to become a licensed lawyer.
  2. Prepare for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE):
    • The AIBE is conducted by the Bar Council of India to assess the knowledge of law graduates. Prepare for the exam, which tests your understanding of various legal subjects.
  3. Take the AIBE:
    • Successfully clear the AIBE to obtain your Certificate of Practice, which allows you to practice law in India.

Step 6: Start Your Legal Career

  1. Choose Your Area of Practice:
    • Decide on the area of law you wish to specialize in, such as criminal law, corporate law, family law, intellectual property law, etc.
  2. Join a Law Firm or Start Your Practice:
    • You can either join a law firm, work as an associate, or start your own practice. Gaining experience under a senior lawyer can be beneficial as you build your career.
  3. Continue Learning:
    • Law is an ever-evolving field. Stay updated with the latest legal developments, attend workshops, and consider pursuing further studies or certifications to enhance your expertise.

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Lawyers apply their legal expertise to guide clients through various legal issues. Their responsibilities vary based on their specialization, but common duties include:

  • Drafting and filing legal documents with courts and authorities
  • Representing clients in trials, hearings, and legal proceedings
  • Working with law enforcement and investigators to build cases for trials and mediations
  • Analyzing cases and advising clients on their legal options
  • Presenting arguments and advocating for clients before a judge

Types of Law Specializations

Lawyers specialize in various fields based on their interests and expertise. While some focus on litigation, others opt for corporate or regulatory law. Here are some of the most popular law specializations:

  • Civil Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Tax Law
  • Family Law
  • Cyber Law
  • Animal Rights Law
  • Consumer Protection Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Labour Law
  • Human Rights Law

Qualifications to Become a Lawyer in India

To become a lawyer in India, several qualifications and educational pathways are available. Here are the Lawyer course:

Bachelor of Law (LLB)

  • LLB is the primary qualification for aspiring lawyers in India.
  • Duration: 3 years for graduates, 5 years after 12th grade.
  • LLB curriculum covers subjects like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, and Corporate Law.
  • Admission process: Entrance exams like CLAT, and state-level exams.
  • Eligibility criteria: Minimum educational qualification and age limit.

Integrated BA LLB

  • An integrated program combining undergraduate studies with legal education.
  • Duration: 5 years.
  • Offers a comprehensive understanding of law from the beginning.
  • Subjects include Political Science, Sociology, and Economics, alongside core legal subjects.
  • Admission process: Entrance exams.
  • Eligibility criteria: Specific requirements set by colleges.

Latin Legum Magister (LLM)

  • Postgraduate program for law graduates to specialize in a specific area of law.
  • Provides advanced legal knowledge and research skills.
  • Duration and admission process vary among universities.
  • Requires prior LLB degree from a recognized university.
  • Offers opportunities for career advancement in academia, law firms, or international organizations.

Recommended Read: All You Need to Know about LLM Course in India

By pursuing an LLB or integrated BA LLB program, individuals can acquire the foundational legal education required to become a lawyer in India. Those seeking specialization can pursue an LLM degree to deepen their expertise. Each qualification pathway has its own duration, admission process, and eligibility criteria. Choosing the right qualification depends on individual preferences and career goals.

Earn in Six-figures with chegg

Entrance Exams to Become a Lawyer in India

Common Law Admission Test (CLAT):

  • Sections: English, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Elementary Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.
  • Total Questions: Approximately 150-200 questions.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

All India Law Entrance Test (AILET):

  • Sections: English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Reasoning, and Elementary Mathematics (up to Class 10 level).
  • Total Questions: Around 150 questions.
  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT):

  • Sections: Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
  • Total Questions: 92-100 questions.
  • Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes.
  • Marking Scheme: There is no negative marking, and the test is scored on a scale of 120-180.

Note: It’s important to note that the sections, number of questions, duration, and marking scheme may be subject to change as per the respective exam conducting authorities. It is advisable to refer to the official websites and notifications of the exams for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Top Law Colleges in India

Law College

Fees (Approx.)

Duration

Rankings

Courses Offered

National Law School of India University

₹1,60,000/year

5 years

Rank 1 (NIRF)

BA LLB, LLM, PhD

National Law University, Delhi

₹2,15,000/year

5 years

Rank 2 (NIRF)

BA LLB, LLM, PhD

NALSAR University of Law

₹1,70,000/year

5 years

Rank 3 (NIRF)

BA LLB, LLM, PhD

Symbiosis Law School

₹2,25,000/year

5 years

Rank 8 (NIRF)

BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD

Jindal Global Law School

₹5,25,000/year

5 years

Rank 9 (NIRF)

BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD

Gujarat National Law University

₹2,75,000/year

5 years

Rank 12 (NIRF)

BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD

National Law Institute University, Bhopal

₹2,45,000/year

5 years

Rank 14 (NIRF)

BA LLB, LLM, PhD

West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences

₹1,80,000/year

5 years

Rank 15 (NIRF)

BA LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD

National Law University, Jodhpur

₹1,66,000/year

5 years

BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law

₹2,10,000/year

5 years

BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University

₹1,55,000/year

5 years

BA LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD

National University of Advanced Legal Studies

₹1,90,000/year

5 years

BA LLB, BCom LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD

National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam

₹1,20,000/year

5 years

BA LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD

Hidayatullah National Law University

₹2,30,000/year

5 years

BA LLB, LLM, PhD

National Law University, Odisha

₹2,20,000/year

5 years

BA LLB, LLM, PhD

Sourced from Universities official website

Note: Please note that the fees mentioned are approximate and subject to change. Rankings may vary depending on the publication or ranking system used. It’s always recommended to visit the official websites of the respective law colleges for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, duration, rankings, and courses offered.

how to become a lawyer

Diverse Career Prospects for Lawyers in India

Career Prospects

Job Roles and Responsibilities

Average Annual Salary (in INR)

Corporate Lawyer

Legal advice, contracts, mergers and acquisitions

6-10 lakhs

Litigation Lawyer

Representing clients in courts, legal research

3-8 lakhs

Criminal Lawyer

Defending accused, investigations, trial representation

4-9 lakhs

Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer

IP advice, filings, infringement cases

5-12 lakhs

Family Lawyer

Family legal matters, divorce, child custody

3-7 lakhs

Please note that the lawyer salary ranges provided are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and organization. Read more about the Salary of Corporate Lawyers in India.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide has shed light on the process of becoming a lawyer in India. It has covered the essential steps, including eligibility criteria, clearing entrance exams, pursuing a law degree, gaining practical experience, and enrolling with the Bar Council. By following this step-by-step approach, individuals can embark on a successful legal career.

Additionally, the guide has highlighted the diverse career in law field, including roles such as corporate lawyer, litigation lawyer, criminal lawyer, intellectual property lawyer, and family lawyer. With dedication and continuous learning, aspiring lawyers can make a positive impact in the legal profession and society as a whole.

Unleash your legal career potential with our comprehensive Career Advice section, thoughtfully curated to provide valuable insights and guidance for aspiring lawyers in India.

Exploring the Different Types of Lawyers in India
by Prashant Kumar
Exploring the Different Types of Lawy…
by Prashant Kumar
Salary of a Corporate Lawyer in India: Exciting 2025 Update
by Kundanika
Salary of a Corporate Lawyer in India…
by Kundanika
Key Differences Between Lawyer and Advocate You Should Know in 2025
by Nikita
Key Differences Between Lawyer and Ad…
by Nikita

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q1. How many years does it take to become a lawyer?

Ans. Becoming a lawyer typically takes 5-7 years:

1. 5 years if you pursue a BA LLB, BBA LLB, or BCom LLB after 12th.
2. 7 years if you complete a 3-year LLB after a bachelor’s degree.

Additional time may be required for internships, bar exams, and specialization.

Q2. What should I do after 12th to become a lawyer?

Ans. To become a lawyer after 12th:

1. Choose a Law Course – Enroll in a 5-year BA LLB, BBA LLB, or BCom LLB program.
2. Clear Entrance Exams – Appear for CLAT, AILET, or LSAT India.
3. Complete Your Degree – Study legal subjects and gain internships.
4. Pass the Bar Exam – Clear the AIBE to practice law in India.
5. Start Practicing – Join a law firm, work under a senior lawyer, or enter corporate law.

Q3. How fast can you become a lawyer?

Ans. The fastest way to become a lawyer is by completing a 5-year integrated law course (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB) right after 12th. After graduation, you must clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to start practicing.
In total, it takes 5-6 years, including internships, to become a lawyer in India.

Q4. What is the lawyer’s salary in India?

Ans. A lawyer’s salary in India varies based on experience, specialization, and location.
1. Freshers: ₹3-5 LPA
2. Mid-level (5-10 years): ₹6-15 LPA
3. Senior Lawyers: ₹20 LPA+
4. Top Corporate Lawyers: ₹50 LPA+
5. Independent Advocates: Earnings depend on cases and reputation.

High-profile lawyers and those working in top law firms can earn crores annually.

Q5. Who is eligible for lawyer?

Ans. To become a lawyer in India, complete 10+2, clear entrance exams like CLAT, and pursue either a 5-year integrated LLB after 12th or a 3-year LLB after graduation. Then, register with the State Bar Council and pass the AIBE to practice law.

To read more related articles, click here.

Got a question on this topic?

Related Articles