3-year LLB vs 5-year LLB: Difference between 3 & 5 Year LLB Courses

The LLB degree programs offered in India are mainly of two types - LLB (Hons.) and integrated LLB. There students often face the 3-year LLB vs 5-year LLB dilemma when choosing the best law course. One major difference between 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB lies in the duration of these courses. A 3-year LLB is an undergraduate degree that can be studied after graduation. It concentrates on the core subjects of law. On the other hand, 5-year LLB is an undergraduate degree students can complete after their class 12. The 5-year LLB is a comprehensive undergraduate programme which is an integration of a regular undergraduate programme like a BA and a LLB programme.

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This Story also Contains

1. 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB - Why different course durations
2. Difference in Eligibility
3. 3-year LLB vs 5-year LLB - Cost view
4. 3-year LLB or 5-year LLB - Which is Best?
5. Top Law colleges offering 5-year LLB courses
6. Top Law colleges offering 3-year LLB courses
7. Popular entrance exams for LLB courses

In the case of B.tech LLB, the course duration extends to six years. Apart from duration, are there any other differences between a 3-year LLB and a 5-year LLB and which course is best? Questions like these require detailed discussion. While both 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB are equivalent to each other, there are significant differences in terms of curriculum, eligibility, cost and outcomes.

Students aspiring to become lawyers should have a complete understanding of these courses as it helps them choose the right one. This article brings all the relevant information you need in one place so you can choose the right path for your legal education. Let's get started!

3-year LLB and 5-year LLB - Why different course durations

First thing first, why there are two LLB degree programs with different course durations? The answer to this question lies in the academic curriculum of these courses. The 3-year LLB solely focuses on Law specific subjects whereas, an integrated LLB has to accommodate two programs — LLB and an undergraduate course like BA, BBA, BSc etc.

So, the 5-year LLB turns out to be a dual degree programme. Students who complete the course get two degrees at the end of their course. Whereas, an LLB (Hons.), course is a single Law degree course.

5-year LLB course is offered with different combinations. Some of the popular integrated programmes are mentioned below.

• BA LLB

• BBA LLB

• BCA LLB

• BCom LLB

• BTech LLB

• BSc LLB

Difference in Eligibility

Another reason why LLB (Hons.) and 5-year LLB degree programs are different is that the former can be pursued only by graduate candidates while the latter is an undergraduate program. LLB (Hons.) was traditionally offered in India, the 5-year LLB was introduced later for students looking to study law immediately after stepping out of their schools.

3-year LLB vs 5-year LLB - Cost view

If we compare these courses in terms of cost, the 3-year LLB course is mostly cheaper compared to the 5-year LLB due to its shorter duration. In some cases, 5-year LLB courses in public universities such as Jamia Millia Islamia, and Government Law College, Mumbai can also be economical.

But in private law schools, the total fee for a 5-year LLB starts from around 10 Lakh and can go up to 45 Lakh in top private law schools. Against this, the total 3-year LLB course fee could range from eight lakh to 20 lakh.

Talking about central universities, the 3-year LLB course fee at Delhi University is around Rs. 5,000 per semester the total fee works out to around Rs. 30,000 for three years. Other popular universities like BHU, and Allahabad University also have similar fee structures for regular seats offered in 3-year LLB.

However, for a five-year LLB, Delhi University (DU) charges around Rs. 1.9 Lakh per annum which is almost at par with many private universities or NLUs which are not funded by the central government. In comparison, the other central universities offer 5-year LLB at a much cheaper cost. Jamia Millia Islamia offers a 5-year LLB at around Rs. 5000 per semester, only a self-financed 5-year LLB from JMI University would cost around Rs. 40,000 per semester. BHU and Allahabad University also charge around 32,000 to 40,000 per annum tuition fees for BA LLB.

NLUs which are state universities also charge an average of Rs. 12 to 15 lakh for 5-year LLB courses. Among NLUs, only NLSIU Bengaluru and NLU Odisha offer a 3-year LLB. NLU Odisha's 3-year LLB course fee is around Rs. 7.4 Lakh, whereas, NLSIU offers a 3-year LLB for around Rs. 10.7 Lakh.

Other than NLUs, most other state universities offer 5-year LLB at Rs. 5,000-10,000 per semester.

You may also check -

• Full Form of LLB
• Full Form of LLM
• Full Form of BA LLB

3-year LLB or 5-year LLB - Which is Best?

While we have compared both courses in terms of their duration, eligibility and cost, it is now crucial to answer the main question — which course is best? While both courses are good and equally acceptable, their suitability for candidates may vary under different circumstances.

5-year LLB after Class 12

If the students aim to pursue law as a career from the time of schooling, then a 5-year LLB is the better option. It will immediately give them exposure to the world of legal education. And, being a dual degree program, students get to learn two courses at the same time.

The course duration for two degrees would be five years only, which usually takes six years to complete. So, a 5-year LLB also saves one year of your education.

LLB after graduation

Students who are not fully convinced to opt for law as a career option go for a graduation course of their choice. Subsequently, on completion of the graduation, they can apply for LLB at a prestigious university.

In this case, it is quite simple that a 3-year LLB is an easy and better option. There is not much benefit in giving an extra two years by opting for a 5-year LLB. This way, the students can also save some money as a 3-year LLB is a cheaper option.

The 3-year LLB course is also suitable for those who can not secure a 5-year LLB seat in a good university. The option to go for a bachelor’s program from any state university and then look for a 3-year LLB from a prestigious university is also worth considering.

5-year LLB Course: Pros and Cons

3-year LLB Courses: Pros and Cons

Top Law colleges offering 5-year LLB courses

Top Law colleges offering 3-year LLB courses

Popular entrance exams for LLB courses

Admissions to top law schools are offered through various entrance exams conducted at national, state and university levels. Candidates looking to study law are required to appear in these entrance exams upon meeting the eligibility criteria. Here are some of the popular law entrance exams that students can consider based on their eligibility and course requirements.

List of 3-year LLB entrance exams

List of 5-Year LLB entrance exam