Steps To Become A Law Teacher In India

Becoming a law teacher in India requires a specific set of qualifications, skills, and experience. Law professors play a vital role in educating future legal professionals, and the process of becoming one is challenging but rewarding. In this paragraph, we will explore the steps and requirements to become a law teacher in India, including the necessary academic qualifications, skills, and experience. We will also discuss the responsibilities and impact of law teachers in shaping the legal minds of tomorrow.

Complete a Bachelor's in Law

To become a law teacher in India, you must first complete your higher secondary education (10+2) from a recognised school board. The next step is to pursue a bachelor's degree in law. There are two routes you can take:

• Enrol in a five-year integrated Bachelor of Laws (LLB) course, such as a Bachelor of Arts LLB, Bachelor of Commerce LLB or Bachelor of Business Administration LLB.
• Enrol in a three-year LLB course after completing your graduation. This option is suitable for students of any stream, including arts, science and commerce.

During your time in college, it is beneficial to gain practical experience through internships with NGOs, home tuition, coaching institutions, and writing research papers. These activities will provide you with valuable skills and knowledge that will enhance your resume when applying for law teaching positions. Additionally, consider participating in moot courts, debate competitions, and seminars to improve your speaking and writing abilities.

After completing your bachelor's degree, you will be eligible to apply for an enrollment number and, if desired, take the All India Bar Examination.

Gain teaching experience

Gaining teaching experience is a crucial step in becoming a law teacher in India. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to help you achieve this:

Guest Lecturing and Part-Time Teaching：

Start by obtaining experience as a guest lecturer, part-time professor, or instructor in any law school. Many academic institutions have assistant instructors or professors who teach relevant law subjects. This will provide you with valuable exposure and enhance your resume when applying for permanent teaching positions. Reach out to law schools and express your interest in such opportunities.

Teaching Internships:

Consider applying for student teaching internship programs. These programs are designed to provide aspiring teachers with practical experience in a school setting. Typically, interns are employed as full-time teachers, receiving a salary and benefits, and are provided with a mentor teacher for guidance and evaluation. This is an excellent way to develop your teaching skills and gain confidence in the classroom.

Coaching Institutions and Home Tuition:

While building your experience, you can also start teaching at coaching institutions or offer home tuition. This will allow you to refine your teaching methods and gain experience in explaining complex legal concepts to students. It will also help you develop your communication and problem-solving skills.

Research and Writing:

Engage in research and writing by publishing articles and research papers in law-related journals. Collaborate with faculty members or academic peers to produce high-quality work. Present your research at different conferences to showcase your expertise and establish yourself as a knowledgeable professional in the field. This will not only enhance your resume but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the legal field.

Mentorship and Networking:

Seek out mentorship opportunities by connecting with established law teachers or professors. They can provide valuable guidance, insights, and advice on navigating the teaching profession. Attend legal conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet potential mentors and expand your professional network.

Continuous Learning:

Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the legal field. Attend seminars, webinars, and continuing education programs to enhance your knowledge and skills. Continuous learning demonstrates your dedication to professional growth and ensures that your teaching is informed by the most current legal advancements.

By following these steps and gaining diverse teaching experiences, you will be well on your way to establishing yourself as a law teacher in India. Remember that teaching is a rewarding profession that shapes the minds of future legal professionals, so strive for excellence and continuous improvement.

Publish articles and research papers

Publishing articles and research papers is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and impress potential employers. It is also a way to establish yourself as an authority in the legal field. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

Identify your area of interest and expertise

Before you begin writing, it is essential to identify your area of interest and expertise within the field of law. This could be a specific branch of law, such as criminal law, constitutional law, or international law, or a particular legal topic that you are passionate about. This will help you focus your research and writing efforts.

Conduct thorough research

Conduct in-depth research on your chosen topic. Utilise various resources, including legal databases, case studies, academic journals, and books, to gather information and develop a strong understanding of the subject matter. Ensure that your research is well-rounded and addresses multiple perspectives to make informed arguments and analysis.

Select a suitable journal or publication

When considering where to submit your article or research paper, look for reputable law-related journals and publications that align with your area of interest and expertise. Review their submission guidelines carefully, as each publication may have specific requirements for formatting, word count, and the scope of content they accept. Some publications to consider include:

• Legal Service India.com e-Journal
• Academike (Lawctopus' Law Journal)
• National Law University, Delhi (NLUD)
• GNLU Student Law Review
• NLIU Blog of Law and Gender Justice
• NLUJ Law Review
• National Law School of India Review (NLSIR)
• Journal on the Rights of the Child

Write and structure your article or paper effectively

Pay attention to the structure and organisation of your article or research paper. Ensure it has a clear introduction, well-supported arguments or analysis, and a concise conclusion. Use clear and concise language to present your ideas, and support your statements with relevant references and examples. Additionally, follow the specific formatting and editorial guidelines provided by your chosen journal or publication.

Collaborate with peers and mentors

Consider collaborating with peers and mentors in the legal field. They can provide valuable insights, feedback, and guidance throughout the writing process. Collaborating with others can also help expand your network and expose you to different perspectives, enhancing the quality of your work.

Handle feedback and rejection constructively

The publication process often involves receiving feedback and addressing reviewer comments. Stay open to constructive criticism and be prepared to revise your work accordingly. Additionally, rejection is a common part of the publication process, so don't get discouraged. Use it as an opportunity to improve your writing and continue seeking out other publication opportunities.

Master's degree and entrance exams

Masters Degree and Entrance Exams

To become a law teacher in India, you will need to obtain a master's degree, such as a Master of Laws (LLM), from a reputable institution. This will increase your chances of securing a job in a competitive market and provide you with advanced legal knowledge. A master's course typically takes two years to complete.

During your master's degree, it is beneficial to gain relevant teaching experience. Many academic institutions have assistant instructors or professors who can support law students. Obtaining experience as a guest lecturer, part-time professor, or instructor in any law school can enhance your CV and improve your chances of securing a permanent role.

To become a law professor, you will also need to pass certain entrance examinations. These include:

• University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET): This exam is conducted by the UGC for candidates seeking academic careers, such as professors or junior research fellows. Candidates with a postgraduate degree in law or related areas can apply.
• State-Level Eligibility Test (SLET): The UGC also conducts this exam for those seeking to become law professors at state-level colleges or universities.

Eligibility Criteria for Entrance Exams

The eligibility criteria for the UGC-NET examination are as follows:

• Candidates must be pursuing their master's degree, have appeared for their qualifying master's degree examination, or have experienced a delay in their qualifying examinations.
• Candidates must have passed their master's degree with at least 55% marks for assistant professor/JRF (50% marks for SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Third Gender).
• Candidates must complete their master's degree within two years of the NET result, achieving the required percentage of marks.
• There is no upper age limit for applying for the UGC-NET for an assistant professor position.

Other Requirements

In addition to obtaining a master's degree and passing the entrance examinations, there are other requirements to become a law teacher in India. These include:

• A strong academic record, with at least 55% marks in the LL.M. degree from a recognised Indian or foreign university.
• Teaching experience, with most positions requiring a minimum of one year of experience at a university or college level.
• Published works, demonstrating active engagement in research activities, with at least 5-10 publications as books, research papers, or policy papers.
• Contribution to educational innovation, including designing new curricula, courses, and teaching-learning processes.
• A minimum score in the Academic Performance Indicator (API) based Performance Based Appraisal System (PBAS).

PhD and teaching experience

To become a law teacher in India, you will need to obtain a PhD in Law. This is a mandatory qualification for promotion to Assistant Professor in colleges. Candidates with a PhD are also exempt from the requirement to pass the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

However, a PhD alone is not sufficient. To be appointed as a law teacher, you will also need to meet the teaching experience requirements. For an Assistant Professor position, you will need a minimum of one year of teaching or research experience at a university or college level. If you are aiming for an Associate Professor role, this requirement goes up to eight years of teaching or research experience in an academic position equivalent to that of an Assistant Professor.

For the position of a full Law Professor, the requirements are even more stringent. Candidates for this role must have at least 10 years of teaching experience in universities or colleges.

It is worth noting that there is no age limit for applying for the post of Assistant Professor in Law, so gaining experience before applying is common and can increase your chances of securing a job.

Frequently asked questions