LLB (Bachelor of Legislative Law) - Courses, Admissions, Eligibility, Exams

What is LLB?

LLB, aslo known as Bachelor of Legislative Law, is an undergraduate law programme of 3 years duration that can be pursued after graduation. The Bachelor of Legislative Law is a foundational course in law that teaches students about legal procedures followed in the profession. The course helps the student develop a logical, analytical and critical understanding of legal affairs and teaches him/her how to use these skills for resolving social, legal issues of the society.

The course is offered by colleges that are approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI). Also note that to pursue law in India, the LLB degree holder also has to qualify in the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by the BCI.

The 3-year Bachelor of Legislative Law typically is divided into six semesters, and students start with the basics of law before gradually moving into the other subjects like constitutional law, family law, jurisprudence, IPC, CrPC, law of contracts, etc. As part of the course, students also have to undertake internships and training programmes at law firms, corporate organisations and courts to further their knowledge and gain real-life experience of the legal profession.

Types of LLB

Before the advent of the 5-year integrated law programme, the 3-year LLB was the default option for law aspirants. Also, with the 5-year course gaining in popularity the Bachelor of Legislative Law course has lost some shine.

Speaking of types of LLB, a law course after graduation, there is the typical 3-year LLB programme which is almost ubiquitous, as it is offered by most of the prominent and not-so prominent universities. That being said, the course in recent times is getting competition from the 5-year integrated programme, which is fast gaining acceptance.

A 4-year LLB programmes also exist, like the ones offered by some colleges in the UK. In this case, the LLB course is combined with other subjects and takes one additional year to complete. The subject combination could include law and politics, or law and human rights

But note that the 4-year LLB programme is not common in India.

LLB Eligibility

The eligibility criteria of Bachelor of Legislative Law may vary across colleges, especially those related to minimum marks; refer the points below for full details. It is important that the candidate knows the eligibility criteria beforehand because otherwise one's candidature can be nullified at any stage of the admission process.

Eligibility criteria of LLB programme

1. Qualifying exam: Since 3-year LLB is a law course offered after graduation, candidates aspiring for a law degree must have passed graduation from a recognized institute in any discipline.

2. Minimum marks in qualifying exam: The minimum marks may vary, as some colleges demand 50%, while others require only 45%. Further, in the case of public law colleges, there is relaxation in minimum marks for reserved category candidates.

3. Age limit: There is no upper age limit for the course

4. Other cases: Such candidates who are appearing in the final year/semester exam of their graduation course may also apply for the law degree, but they need to meet the other eligibility requirements postulated by the college which the candidate is seeking admission to.

LLB Admissions

One can take admission to LLB law degree course after graduation. Admission to LLB courses can be done through two channels: 1) based on scores of entrance exams like PU LLB, DU LLB, and MH CET Law, and 2) based on scores of qualifying exams.

The candidate can choose an entrance exam based on the college they want to get admission to; for example for admission to Delhi University, one has to qualify DU LLB 2020 entrance exam. Before applying for an exam, make it a point to go through the prescribed eligibility criteria. Based on marks scored by candidates in the exam, merit lists will be prepared for counselling and seat allotment.

Direct admission based on qualifying exam marks is also a common admission route, with KSLU admission being a good example. In this case, there is no entrance exam, and the candidate is only expected to fulfil eligibility requirements like qualifying exam passed, minimum marks, and also nativity requirements. The merit list, in this case, is prepared considering marks of qualifying (graduate) exam.

Note that the National Law Universities (NLSs) do not offer the 3-year Bachelor of Legislative Law degree programme. They only have 5 year integrated programmes at the undergraduate level.

Top LLB Exams

Entrance exams for admission to the 3-year LLB law degree programme can be categorized under various heads - national level ( DU LLB), university-level ( BVP CET law), and state-level ( MH CET law). The national level exams can be taken by any candidate, but state-level exams are typically meant for natives of that state only, leave or take a few seats which may be available for other state candidates.

However, the entrance exams for admission to private colleges can be taken by any candidate, provided he or she is an Indian national.

Top exam for admission to 3-year LLB programme

LLB Specializations

There is generally no such thing as specialisation in a Bachelor of Legislative Law programme. That being said, the candidate has the flexibility to pick some subject combinations which help them to specialize in certain subjects in their LLM degree.

The undergraduate degree usually covers core modules like Criminal Law, Tort Law, Contract Law, Constitutional/Administrative Law, Equity and Trusts, Land Law, and European Law.

At the postgraduate level, the candidate can do specialization in a chosen subject, which may be:

1. Constitutional Law.

2. Labour Law.

3. Family Law.

4. Intellectual Property Law.

5. Taxation Law.

6. Corporate Law and Governance (including International Business)

7. Criminal Law.

8. Environmental Law.

9. Human Rights.

10. Insurance Laws.

LLB Courses

The candidate pursuing an LLB degree will study subjects like labour law, intellectual property rights, corporate law, family law, criminal law, human rights, and international law, etc. The duration of the course is 3 years, with most colleges these days dividing these three years into six semesters.

The syllabus for the program is fundamentally the same but may offer different optional subjects, like in the case of Delhi University. The student, in this case, has the choice to pick from the pool of such optional papers.

During the Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) program, the candidate will be required to participate in moot courts and do internships. Delhi University, for example, has a Moot Court Society, where students can improve their mooting skills. Then many law colleges, especially the good ones, also have Legal Aid Societies for undertaking pro bono activities in favour of the weaker sections of the society. The student can learn many important lessons by being a member of these societies.

LLB Syllabus

The syllabus for the DU LLB programme will vary across colleges. Knowing the syllabus will help the candidate make an informed decision as to whether the course is in tune with career goals and matches one’s abilities and interests.

Syllabus of LLB degree

Source: DU LLB exam

MH CET Law Syllabus for 3-year LLB

LLB Salary

The salary of an LLB degree holder depends on the professional chosen by the individual, the level of experience, designation, and the individual’s skill level. For example, if you choose to become an Attorney or Lawyer, your salary would be determined by your negotiation skills, knowledge of the legal affairs, etc. Also, some roles like Legal Document Review, Client Interaction, Litigation Case Management and Legal Research, pay less than the market rate.

LLB degree salary for various professionals

Disclaimer: The salary figures are for reference purposes only. Actual salaries may vary upon the location of work, employer and the interview.

Scope of LLB

Many candidates decide to do LLB after graduation because it is considered a safe career option. If the candidate completes LLB, he or she may go on to become advocates and work in legal cases. The LLB degree holder has the option of working both as a private lawyer or work for the government. To work in the government sector, the candidate generally needs to qualify in an entrance exam conducted by the Public Service Commission.

Then some may also decide to go for higher studies and pursue LLM and even PhD. At the master's level, one may opt for specialisation, which can give more muscle to one’s resume and job prospects. Again, some may decide to become teachers, a profession which is getting more attention in recent times.

Careers Opportunities after LLB

There is no limit as to what level one can reach after completing an LLB degree. Because if we look at social personalities dominating the public, starting from the late Arun Jaitley and Ram Jethmalani, to present luminaries like Harish Salve and Aryama Sundaram, to the former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, the sky's the limit.

After completing the LLB degree, one may work in a variety of roles - corporate lawyer, judge, legal advisor, legal manager.

How far one goes, however, depends on factors like skills levels, profession chosen, and experience, etc.

Some individuals again become social activists and fight for the legal rights of marginal sections of society. The role can be unglamorous and require a lot of sacrifices and standing up to powerful people, but the job satisfaction can be immense.