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Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
Master of Legislative Law or the LLM course is a two-year postgraduate program. This course allows the students to understand the law field in-depth. A student can pursue any specialization option for LLM. These specialization options are criminal law, intellectual property rights, human rights, etc.
Students can take many entrance exams to get into LLM admission. Many colleges, universities, and institutes conduct these exams. LLM course eligibility is straightforward. A candidate needs an LLB degree with at least a 50 per cent total grade in graduation. Those who have done five-year integrated courses are also eligible for entrance exams.
Individuals having LLM degrees become eligible for various job opportunities. They are also offered handsome salaries. One can become a lawyer, judge, Notary, legal consultant, or law professor if they have an LLM degree.
The LLM course is one of the most sought-after courses by students who have completed LLB. It’s a three-year master’s program for people with an LLB degree. One can also choose to study further and get the degree of MPhil or PhD in Law.
Related: How to Become a Lawyer?
Below are details of the key highlights of the LLM in India. This will help one understand more about it. The following are the LLM course details in India, fee structure, salary, and course eligibility.
| Particulars | Description |
| LLM full form | Latin Legum Magister |
| Degree Type | Master of Laws |
| LLM Course Duration | Two years |
| LLM Course fee | Fees range from Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 2,50.000 |
| Eligibility criteria | Advocate, Judge, Notary, Legal, Document Reviewer, Professor, Consultant |
| Specialization required | Advocate, Judge, Notary, Legal , Document Reviewer, Professor, Consultant |
| LLM admission | Cooperative law, Labour law, Human law, Criminal law, international law |
| Average salary after LLM | Starts from Rs 8 LPA to 15 LPA |
| Top colleges | The University of Delhi, Amity Law School, Indian Law Institute, etc. |
| Job profiles | Advocate, Judge, Notary, Legal, Document Reviewer, Professor, Consultant |
| Top recruiters | Platinum partners, Desai a Diwanji, Khaitan & Co, Trilegal India, etc. |
Admission to LLM programs in 2025 is primarily based on entrance exams like CLAT PG, AILET, and LSAT India. Candidates must follow a structured application process, meet eligibility criteria, and complete selection procedures. Below is a step-by-step guide to the admission process:
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Choose LLM Colleges | Research colleges based on faculty, rankings, placements, and available specializations. |
| Check Eligibility | Ensure you meet academic and entrance exam requirements. |
| Register for Exams | Sign up and prepare for entrance exams like CLAT PG, AILET, or LSAT India. |
| Submit Application | Fill out the application form online or offline within deadlines. |
| Upload Documents | Submit academic transcripts, entrance scores, personal statements, and recommendations (if needed). |
| Pay Application Fee | Complete the payment through online or offline modes. |
| Selection Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit-Based Admission | Entrance exam scores and academic records are considered. |
| Personal Interview | Some colleges conduct interviews to assess aptitude and motivation. |
| Final Admission | Selected candidates receive an admission offer, which they must accept and pay the admission fee. |
A well-planned approach to LLM admissions helps candidates secure seats in top law schools and advance their legal careers.
To pursue an LLM (Master of Laws) degree, candidates must meet certain educational qualifications. Below are the key eligibility requirements:
Meeting these criteria ensures eligibility for LLM programs in reputed institutions.
To complete the LLM Course, one must have the courage and potential to work hard. Aspirants must put much effort and time into understanding new concepts. They must also learn and gain new skills. Some of the skills a candidate needs to pass the LLM eligibility criteria are as follows.
LLM is a master’s subject and requires in-depth study. So if a person has a research interest, this course becomes easy.
After this course, one needs to engage in several fields that demand fluency in communication. Therefore, one should have good communication to excel in this course. Along with this, one needs to have clarity in their speech.
Related: Communication Skills You Need to Master Right Now
A student will require confidence to do well in mocks during the course. And for this, they need to have ample self-confidence.
One needs to develop some skills to persuade judges during a trial. Thus, it is one of the much-needed skills in an LLM course.
Every university makes minor changes to the syllabus. Here is the list of some common subjects in LLM:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Constitutional Law Part 2 | Legal Theory Part 2 |
| Research Methodology | Law and Social Change |
| Legal Theory part 1 | Legal Theory Part 1 |
| Dissertation part 1 | Finance Law |
| Practical Training | Administrative Law |
| Semester 3 LLM course Syllabus And Subjects Based On Specialization | |
| Subject Specialization | Syllabus |
| Labour Law | Human Rights 1 Types of human rights Issues on human rights, Human Rights 2 Human rights in India Preventive laws |
| Criminal Law | Crime and Administration of Criminal Justice Judicial process Legislative process Penology, and treatment of offenders Punishment systems Legal concepts |
| Human Rights Law | Human Rights 1 Types of human rights Issues on human rights Human Rights 2 Human rights in India Preventive laws |
| Intellectual Property Rights | Intellectual Property Rights 1 International agencies European Patent Convention, 1973 Intellectual Property Rights 2 Trademarks Industrial Designs Act, 2001 |
| Semester 4 LLM Course Syllabus And Subjects Based On Specialization | |
| Subject Specialization | Syllabus |
| Labour Law | Labour law 1 Case studies Employee State Insurance Act, 1948 Labour law 2 Conditions & Rules Judicial review & writs |
| Criminal Law | Intellectual Property Rights 3 Agreement on agriculture Agreement on trade Intellectual Property Rights 4 Concept and protection under the Patent Act 1999 Biodiversity Act 1999 |
| Human Rights Law | Human Rights 3 Refugee Law Implementation mechanism Human Rights 4 Scientific and technological research Limitation on rights under IT law |
| Intellectual Property Rights | Intellectual Property Rights 3 Agreement on agriculture Agreement on trade Intellectual Property Rights 4 Concept and protection under the patent Act 1999 Biodiversity Act 1999 |
There are various entrance exams for an LLM Course in India. Candidates applying for this course can take these entrance exams. And can get admission to the best LLM colleges in India. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the exam accepted in all law colleges.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Exam Mode | Duration | Tentative Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) | Pen & Paper | 2 Hours (150 Questions) | December 1, 2024 |
| AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) | National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) | Pen & Paper | 90 Minutes | December 8, 2024 |
| AP PGLCET (Andhra Pradesh Post Graduate Law Common Entrance Test) | Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education | Online | 90 Minutes (120 Marks) | Third or Fourth Week of May 2025 |
| IPUCET (Indraprastha University Common Eligibility Test) | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi | Online & Offline | Varies | May 30 – June 15, 2025 |
| ILICAT (Indian Law Institute Common Admission Test) | Indian Law Institute, Delhi | Pen & Paper | 144 Questions (Total: 180 Marks) | May 5, 2025 |
| LSAT India (Law School Admission Test) | LSAC Global | Computer-Based | 80 Minutes | January 17, April 11, and June 6, 2025 |
Preparing for LLM Course entrance exams requires a strategic approach. Candidates should focus on strengthening their legal knowledge, practising regularly, and staying updated with legal developments. Below are essential preparation tips to help candidates succeed in exams like CLAT, LSAT-India, and other university-specific entrance tests.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Revise Core Legal Concepts | Review fundamental legal principles from your LL.B. studies to build a strong foundation. |
| Select the Right Exam | Choose the entrance test (CLAT, LSAT-India, or university-specific) based on the LLM programs you wish to apply for. |
| Practice with Mock Tests | Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve time management and familiarize yourself with the exam pattern. |
| Focus on Key Areas | Prioritize legal reasoning, analytical writing, comprehension, and subject-specific knowledge relevant to LLM entrance exams. |
| Use Coaching or Online Resources | Enroll in coaching programs or access online study materials for structured preparation and expert guidance. |
| Stay Updated with Legal Trends | Enrol in coaching programs or access online study materials for structured preparation and expert guidance. |
Many prestigious private and government institutions offer LLM courses in India, available as one-year or two-year programs. National Law Universities (NLUs) are among the most sought-after institutions, requiring candidates to clear competitive entrance exams for admission. Below is an overview of some of the best LLM colleges and their rankings.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 ranks law colleges based on factors such as academic excellence, faculty quality, research output, and placements. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore, has consistently maintained its top position in the law rankings for seven consecutive years.
| College Name | NIRF 2022 | NIRF 2023 | NIRF 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| NLU Delhi | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| NLU Kolkata (NUJS) | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Symbiosis Law School | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| IIT Kharagpur (Law Department) | 6 | 9 | 7 |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| SOA University | 9 | 8 | 9 |
| BBAU Lucknow | NA | 10 | 10 |
Many top government law colleges in India offer LLM courses at affordable tuition fees. Below is a list of some of the best government institutions along with the approximate LLM course fees.
| College Name | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | ₹400 – ₹5,810 |
| NLU Patiala (RGNUL – Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law) | ₹1 Lakh |
| GNLU Gandhinagar (NLU) | ₹1.2 Lakh |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai | ₹48,510 – ₹1.8 Lakh |
| NLU Lucknow (Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University) | ₹35,000 |
| HNLU Raipur (Hidayatullah National Law University) | ₹70,000 |
| National Law University, Delhi (NLUD) | ₹1.35 – ₹1.42 Lakh |
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore | ₹2.69 Lakh |
| Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad | ₹65,000 |
| NLU Kolkata (West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences – NUJS) | ₹34,000 |
Several universities and institutions offer scholarships to support students pursuing a degree in LLM Course. These scholarships are designed for meritorious students, economically weaker sections, differently-abled students, and those excelling in specific fields. Additionally, students can explore government portals, university websites, and scholarship databases for further opportunities. Some scholarships are also available for specific LLM Course specializations, such as Corporate Law, Environmental Law, or Intellectual Property Law.
| College Name | Scholarship Name & Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | – Blind Students Scholarship (for visually impaired students) – Pyare Lal – Prem Vati Memorial Scholarship (for deserving candidates) – Financial Aid for Economically Weaker Students |
| GNLU Gandhinagar (NLU) | – GNLU Academic Star Scholarship (for academic excellence) – Scholarship for International Internships – GNLU Best Research Award Scholarships |
| University of Mumbai | – Financial Assistance for Backward Classes – Book Bank Scheme (providing study materials) – Government-Aided Scholarships (various categories) |
| ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad | – Merit-Based Scholarships (for top scorers) – Scholarships Based on Semester Performance |
| School of Law, Christ University | – Scholarships for Sports Excellence – Scholarships for National, State, and Regional-Level Competition Winners (including inter-university and inter-collegiate competitions) |
These scholarships help students by reducing financial burdens and encouraging academic excellence, research, and extracurricular achievements.
Indian students who wish to pursue an LLM Course abroad must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and clear English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the country’s requirements. When selecting a university, students should consider tuition fees, university ranking, job placement opportunities, and living expenses.
The cost of pursuing an LLM abroad can range between INR 20 lakh to 40 lakh. Some of the most popular destinations for LLM studies include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand.
| Country | Top Universities for LLM |
|---|---|
| USA | Harvard University, Yale University, New York University |
| UK | University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
| Canada | University of Toronto, The University of British Columbia, University of Alberta |
| Germany | Humboldt University of Berlin, Free University of Berlin, University of Hamburg |
| Australia | The University of Sydney, Deakin University, The University of Melbourne |
To get admission, students must secure at least 50% marks in graduation (or equivalent) from a recognized university. Choosing the right university can provide better career opportunities and global exposure in the legal field.
A Master of Laws (LLM) degree offers a wide range of career opportunities in legal practice, academia, corporate law, government, and international organizations. With specialized knowledge in areas like Corporate Law, Intellectual Property, and International Law, LLM graduates can work as advocates, judges, legal consultants, and professors, among other roles. Salaries vary depending on experience, expertise, and job sector.
| Job Role | Job Description | Salary Range (INR LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Advocate | Represents clients in court, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents | 8 – 15 |
| Judge | Presides over legal cases, ensures justice, and interprets laws | 10.8 – 30 (per annum) |
| Notary | Verifies, authenticates, and certifies legal documents | 2 – 6 |
| Legal Document Reviewer | Reviews legal case documents, ensures accuracy, and manages case files | 14 – 41 |
| Professor | Teaches law students, conducts research, and publishes academic papers | 3.6 – 12.7 |
| Legal Consultant | Provides specialized legal advice to organizations and law firms | 2 – 18 |
| General Counsel | Oversees the legal department in a corporation | 25 – 80 |
| Chief Compliance Officer | Ensures regulatory and legal compliance in corporate organizations | 20 – 50 |
| Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer | Specializes in corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions | 20 – 60 |
| International Law Specialist | Provides legal advice to organizations like the UN and World Bank | 25 – 80 |
| Diplomatic and Foreign Affairs Lawyer | Offers legal support in international relations and diplomacy | 20 – 50 |
| Multinational Legal Advisor | Assists multinational corporations with cross-border legal matters | 20 – 60 |
Apart from these roles, LLM graduates can also work as Chegg Q&A experts, answering legal queries for students globally and earning additional income.
With experience and specialization, professionals in this field can secure higher-paying positions and expand their career prospects in the legal domain.
Choosing the right profession is a crucial decision, evaluate all the career options with us.
LLM stands for Latin Legum Magister. In India, it is commonly referred to as the Master of Legislative Laws.
Yes, the LLM course duration in India is mostly two years, but some universities offer one-year courses too.
No, one cannot do an LLM course without obtaining an LLB degree. One can opt for this master’s degree only if they have fulfilled the eligibility criteria.
LLB stands for Bachelor of Law, while LLM stands for Master of Law. LLB is an undergraduate-level course, whereas LLM is a postgraduate course. The duration for the LLB course is three years, and for the LLM course, it is two years.
Here are 5 best universities for LLM programmes with excellent placement records:
National Law University, Delhi.
K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram Sohna Road.
NALSAR University Of Law, Hyderabad.
Symbiosis Law School, Pune.
Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
