Cecily Zamora
The Indian legal industry is worth around $1.3 billion and is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Becoming a lawyer in India is a rewarding career choice that requires dedication, hard work, and a solid educational foundation. Students can enter this field after completing the 12th grade or graduating by pursuing law degrees at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctorate levels. The process of becoming a lawyer in India involves qualifying multiple exams, including entrance tests for admission to UG and PG courses and the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), a compulsory post-enrolment test for law graduates wishing to practise in India. Popular entrance exams include the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET). After qualifying, students can choose between a 3-year LLB programme or a 5-year integrated programme, which combines a bachelor's degree with a law degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Entrance exams | Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), Symbiosis Law Aptitude Test (SLAT), University-specific exams |
| Degree types | Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB), Master of Law (LLM), 5-Year Integrated Law Programme |
| Degree durations | 3-year LLB, 2-year LLM, 5-year Integrated Law Programme |
| Degree specialisations | Business law, criminal law, cyber law, civil law, international law |
| Career options | Lawyer, solicitor, corporate lawyer, judge, legal adviser, human rights worker, policy analyst, researcher, teacher |
| Accreditation body | Bar Council of India (BCI) |
| Regulatory body | Advocates Act, 1961 |
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What You'll Learn
Law entrance exams
Aspiring lawyers in India have a variety of law entrance exams to choose from. These include the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), which is the most popular, with about 60,000 candidates signing up in 2022. The CLAT is accepted for admission into the 14 National Law Universities across India and assesses candidates on English, logical reasoning, legal aptitude, elementary mathematics, and general awareness.
Other entrance exams include the Law School Admission Test India (LSAT India), the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), and the Symbiosis Law Aptitude Test (SLAT). There are also other institute and state-specific entrance exams. These exams are typically required for admission to law colleges and universities, and candidates should consider factors such as the reputation of the institution and their own career goals when deciding where to apply.
In addition to entrance exams, students interested in pursuing a law degree in India may need to meet certain eligibility criteria. For example, students applying for a five-year integrated LLB course must have completed their 12th-grade exams and scored well, with a minimum of 50% marks in their bachelor's degree. Similarly, students applying for a three-year LLB programme must have completed a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of 50% marks.
After completing a law degree, individuals who wish to practice law in India must also pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), a compulsory post-enrolment test for law graduates. They must also enroll with the State Bar Council and register with the Bar Council of India, the legal body that represents and regulates the Indian Bar.
Overall, pursuing a career in law in India requires dedication, hard work, and a solid educational foundation. With a variety of entrance exams and law programmes available, aspiring lawyers can choose the path that best suits their interests and goals.
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Law school applications
Aspiring lawyers in India have a variety of law degree options to choose from, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. The Bar Council of India (BCI) regulates these programmes.
Undergraduate Programmes
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme, which is typically a three-year course. However, there are also integrated five-year LLB programmes that combine a bachelor's degree in another field with a law degree. These integrated programmes are ideal for students who want to start their law career early and can be pursued right after completing the 12th-grade examinations.
Postgraduate Programmes
For those seeking specialised knowledge and expertise in law, there are postgraduate programmes such as the Latin Legum Magister (LLM). This is typically a two-year course that focuses on a particular specialisation within the field of law.
Doctoral Programmes
Doctoral programmes, such as a Ph.D. in Law, enable individuals to engage in advanced research, study, and practice of law in India.
Entrance Examinations
Regardless of the programme level, aspiring law students in India must pass competitive entrance examinations. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most popular entrance exams and is accepted by the 14 National Law Universities across India. Other popular entrance exams include the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), and the Symbiosis Law Aptitude Test (SLAT).
Application Process
After qualifying for the law entrance exam, students can start applying to law schools. When applying, students need to provide official documents, exam results, letters of recommendation, and any other relevant information. It is important to consider the reputation of the institute and other factors when deciding where to apply.
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Law degree options
There are several law degree options available in India, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. The type of programme chosen will depend on the student's prior qualifications and their career goals.
Undergraduate programmes
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme, which is typically a three-year course. To be eligible, students must have completed a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of 50% marks. The LLB curriculum covers a range of legal topics, including criminal law, constitutional law, property law, contract law, and public international law.
Alternatively, students can opt for a five-year integrated LLB programme, which combines a bachelor's degree in any stream (arts, commerce, or science) with a law degree. This option is ideal for those who want to start their law career early and obtain a law degree right after high school. Popular courses include Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Legislative Law (BA LLB), Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Legislative Law (BBA LLB), and Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Legislative Law (BCom LLB).
Postgraduate programmes
For those seeking to specialise in a specific area of law or pursue an academic career, a Latin Legum Magister (LLM) programme is an excellent option. This is a two-year postgraduate course that can be pursued after completing a three-year graduation course.
Doctoral programmes
Doctorate programmes, such as a Ph.D. in Law, enable individuals to research, study, and practice law in India. These programmes are suitable for those interested in academia or specialised legal research.
Entrance examinations
It is important to note that admission to law programmes in India is often based on competitive entrance examinations. Popular exams include the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), Law School Admission Test India (LSAT India), and the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET). These exams assess candidates on a range of skills, including English, logical reasoning, legal aptitude, elementary mathematics, and general awareness.
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Legal career paths
The Indian legal industry is a rapidly growing sector with a wide range of career opportunities. Here are some of the legal career paths one can pursue after completing a law degree in India:
Lawyer or Solicitor
Becoming a lawyer or solicitor is one of the most common career paths for law graduates in India. To practice law as a lawyer or solicitor in India, one must complete a law degree, such as the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and enroll with the Bar Council of India. The LLB course is offered as both a 3-year program for graduates and a 5-year integrated program after class 12. After completing their law degree, individuals can choose to specialise in various fields, including business law, criminal law, cyber law, civil law, and others.
Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers work in the corporate sector, providing legal expertise to businesses and organisations. They often deal with business-related legal work, such as mergers and acquisitions, contract law, and intellectual property. Corporate lawyers are in high demand and tend to earn higher salaries, especially those working in top law firms or large corporations.
Academia
Law graduates can also pursue a career in academia by obtaining a postgraduate law degree, such as a Master of Laws (LLM), and subsequently a Doctor of Laws (LLD). They can then work as professors or researchers at law schools and universities, contributing to the advancement of legal knowledge and education.
Judicial System
Individuals with a law degree can also aspire to enter the Indian Judiciary System. They can prepare for judicial exams to be recruited as judges, legal advisors, or legal managers in Public Sector Companies. This career path involves interpreting and applying the law, resolving disputes, and ensuring justice is served.
Legal Research
Law graduates can also pursue a career in legal research, contributing to the development and understanding of the law. They can work with organisations or independently to conduct research, analyse legal issues, and provide insights that inform legal policies and strategies.
Government Agencies and Administrative Services
Law graduates can also find employment in various government agencies and administrative services. They can work as legal advisors, policymakers, or administrators, utilising their legal knowledge to shape and implement laws and policies that govern the country.
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Law internships
In India, there are various avenues to secure internships in the legal domain. Many universities, such as Symbiosis International (Deemed University), offer internships as part of their law programmes. These internships are often designed to provide a global perspective on the legal profession and prepare students for international law careers or work with multinational organisations. Additionally, universities may offer extracurricular internships, moot court competitions, seminars, and workshops to enhance students' practical skills and legal knowledge.
Law students can also seek internships independently through various platforms, such as Internshala, which offers a range of law internship opportunities. These internships may be with law firms, legal agencies, or corporate organisations, providing diverse experiences in different areas of law. For example, internships may involve assisting in governance and compliance activities, supporting documentation and filings, aiding in advisory and secretarial functions, and collaborating on client assignments and audits.
It is important to note that internships in India are not limited to male candidates or traditional office settings. Initiatives like "Internships and Jobs for Women" aim to empower women to restart their careers after a break. These programmes offer flexible options, including work-from-home and part-time internships, enabling women to balance professional and personal responsibilities while gaining valuable experience in the legal field.
Pursuing law internships in India can provide a strong foundation for a legal career and help develop critical skills such as logical thinking, analytical abilities, and critical thinking. They offer a chance to explore different areas of law, gain exposure to the legal industry, and build a professional network, ultimately enhancing one's employability and opening doors to various career paths in the legal domain.
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