BA LLB vs BA in Law - Eligibility, Admission Process, Fees, Career Options

BA LLB and BA in Law are both undergraduate degrees in the field of law. While both these degrees offer excellent scope in law, the motive and approach are different. BA LLB stands for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Legislative Law and is one of the most popular integrated dual degree programmes. It prepares the students to become qualified lawyers, students can choose their desired area of speciality and earn decent salary packages.

BA in Law or Bachelor of Arts in Law is another undergraduate degree programme in law. However, it is a relatively new programme in law and as of now, only a few institutes offer this course. The programme's approach is very different from that of BA LLB. To qualify for a law discipline, candidates must complete an LLB (Bachelor of Legislative Law) degree from a recognised board in India and comply with additional requirements.

The eligibility criteria for both BA LLB and BA in Law are very similar as both the degrees are offered as a specialisation of BA degree. To be eligible, candidates must have completed their 10+2 from a recognised board in India. They must also achieve an aggregate score of 50 per cent. For candidates belonging to the reserved categories, there may be some relaxation of 5-10 per cent.

BA LLB Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for BA LLB are more or less the same as other BA courses. Candidates must have completed their 10+2 from a recognised educational board in India to be eligible for the course. In the table below, we have provided the eligibility details of BA LLB as followed by most of the institutes.

BA in Law Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements for a BA in Law are very similar to a BA LLB or Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Legislative Law. Students can visit the official website of the provider or check the details on the programme brochure. In the table below, we have provided the eligibility details for a BA in Law.

Admission Procedure for BA LLB

After fulfilling the eligibility criteria, candidates can register for admission. Those interested in fulfilling the eligibility criteria can apply for the course. The admission procedure for BA LLB is listed below.

Step 1- Eligibility criteria

First and foremost, candidates should follow the eligibility criteria of the course.

Step 2- Fill out the online application form

Eligible students should fill out the online application form,

Step 3- Entrance Examinations

Students who have registered themselves for the course should appear for relevant entrance examinations. CLAT UG is a popular entrance examination for many law courses.

Step 4- Cutoff and Merit-score

After the declaration of examination results, the cutoff percentage will be released based on which a merit list will be prepared and students will be allotted colleges.

Step 5- Group Discussion and Personal Interview

Apart from the entrance examination, many colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussion sessions.

Step 6- Pay the course fees and submit relevant documents

Shortlisted candidates should pay the course fees and submit relevant documents to conclude the admission procedure.

Admission Procedure for BA in Law

The admission process for a BA in Law is somewhat similar to a BA LLB degree. However, CLAT UG is not required for the same. There are no major entrance examinations for a BA in Law, however, individual colleges may have their entrance tests. Listed below is the admission process for the BA in Law course.

Step 1- Eligibility Criteria

First and foremost, the candidates should satisfy a few prerequisites for admission. Only eligible students will be allowed admission. Candidates can check the eligibility details on the official website of the institute or by reviewing the eligibility criteria.

Step 2- Fill out the online application form

Eligible candidates can further register themselves at their preferred institute, by filling out the online application form available on the official website of the institute. Those who are unable to apply online, can also visit the admission department of the provider and get a physical application form.

Step 3- Merit-score

BA in Law admissions is based mainly on the performance of the candidate in their 10+2 or equivalent education. However, institutes may have their entrance tests.

Step 4- Group Discussion and Personal Interview

Apart from entrance examinations, many institutes also conduct personal interviews and group discussion sessions to filter the most deserving candidates.

Step 5- Pay the course fees and submit official documents

Shortlisted candidates should pay the specified course fees and submit the official documents as and when required by the institute.

BA LLB and BA in Law: A Comparison

Till now we have studied the eligibility and admission procedure of both the courses. However, it is essential to compare both these degrees to know the differences and similarities. In the table below, we have compared both of these degrees.

From the aforementioned table, it is very clear that while both of these degrees offer a great opportunity and decent salary packages, there are some differences. While a BA in Law offers excellent career opportunities, to become a lawyer, a candidate must hold an LLB or BA LLB degree from a recognised institute in India.

How to Become a Lawyer after BA LLB

After completing BA LLB, candidates are eligible to apply for law as a career. However, students need to follow some steps. Listed below are some of the important steps to start a career as a lawyer.

• Pursue an Internship - During the tenure of a BA LLB, candidates have to complete a 20-week internship for a five-year BA LLB course.
• AIBE Exam - After completing BA LLB, candidates need to register for the Bar Council of India and appear for the AIBE (All India Bar Examination) post receiving their degree.
• CoP (Certificate of Practice) - Once successfully clearing the AIBE exam, candidates will get CoP (Certificate of Practice) to officially practice law in India or establish their legal agency.

Conclusion

To conclude, both BA LLB and BA in Law are excellent courses for someone wishing to work in legal disciplines. However, the scope and approach vary for both of the degrees. BA in Law course does provide a lot of job opportunities in legal and in several other disciplines, however, to become a lawyer, candidates must choose BA LLB.