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3-year LLB vs 5-year LLB: Difference between 3 & 5 Year LLB Courses
#L.L.B
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 the three year LLB and five-year LLB lies in the duration of these courses. A 3-year LLB is an undergraduate degree that can be studied after graduation and 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.
This Story also Contains
- 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB - Why different course durations
- Difference in Eligibility
- 3-year LLB vs 5-year LLB - Cost view
- 3-year LLB or 5-year LLB - Which is Best?
- Top Law colleges offering 5-year LLB courses
- Top Law colleges offering 3-year LLB courses
- 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 integrated 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.
Difference in Eligibility
Another reason why there is a difference between 3 year and 5 year llb 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 integrated LLB at Rs. 5,000-10,000 per semester.
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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: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Cross disciplinary learning due to combination of subjects from two diffferent streams. | Five years is sometimes considered far too long to study law after 12th, when other graduation streams can be completed in 3 years after 12th. |
| Two degrees in five years instead of usual 6 years it would take to complete two degrees. | Certain 5-year LLB courses such as B.Sc LLB are not open to all graduates. |
| Opens up opportunities for a good career in law | |
| A 5-year LLB makes one eligible for appearing in AIBE and practising law in India | |
| Early entry to study law immediately after 12th. | |
| All the top NLUs which are considerd the best law schools in the country provide the 5-year LLB programme |
3-year LLB Courses: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Open to graduates of any stream | Most top NLUs don't offer a 3-year LLB programme except NLSIU Bengaluru and NLU Odisha. |
| Exclusive focus on law subjects | The 3-year LLB programme does not support cross disciplinary learning. |
| Makes one eligible to appear for AIBE and obtain Ceritificate of Practice (CoP) needed to practise law in India. | One has to wait till the completion of one's graduation to enroll in a 3-year LLB course. |
| Opens the doors for a good career in law. |
Top Law colleges offering 5-year LLB courses
| Institute Name | 5-year LLB courses offered |
|---|---|
NLSIU Bangalore - National Law School of India University, Bangalore | BA LLB |
BA LLB, BBA LLB | |
BA LLB | |
BA LLB, BBA LLB | |
BA LLB | |
BA LLB | |
BA LLB, BCom LLB | |
GNLU Gandhinagar - Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar | BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, BBA LLB, BSW LLB |
BA LLB, BBA LLB | |
SLCU Bangalore - School of Law, Christ University, Bangalore | BA LLB |
BA LLB | |
B.A.LL.B., B.B.A.LL.B., and B.Sc.LL.B | |
JMI New Delhi - Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi | BA LLB |
NUJS Kolkata - The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata | BA LLB, BSc LLB |
BA LLB | |
School of Law, UPES Dehradun - School of Law, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun | BA LL.B (Hons.), BBA LL.B (Hons.), B.Com. LL.B (Hons. |
Faculty of Law DU - Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, Delhi | BA LLB, BBA LLB |
BA LLB, BBA LLB | |
BA LLB | |
BA LLB | |
Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi | BA LLB |
BBAU Lucknow - Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow | BBA LLB |
BA LLB |
Top Law colleges offering 3-year LLB courses
NLSIU Bengaluru | Jindal Global Law School |
Banaras Hindu University | Delhi University |
GLC Mumbai | |
Allahabad University | NLU Odisha |
Panjab University | |
SLS Pune |
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
| Entrance exam name | Purpose |
|---|---|
Admission to SLS Pune’s 3-year LLB | |
Admission to 3-year LLB course at NLSIU Bengaluru | |
Accepted by Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Allahabad University and many other colleges | |
Admission to Panjab University’s 3-year LLB programme | |
Accepted by Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat and many other such law schools | |
Admission to 3-year LLB courses offered by law colleges in Maharashtra including GLC Mumbai, and ILS Pune |
List of 5-Year LLB entrance exam
| Entrance exam name | Purpose |
|---|---|
Admission to 5-year LLB courses offered by 24 NLUs and 60+ affiliated colleges | |
Admission to NLU Delhi | |
LSAT India | Accepted by UPES Dehradun, JGLS and various other private law schools |
Accepted by Panjab University and its law centres | |
MH CET Law | GLC Mumbai, ILS Pune, Mumbai University and around 130 law colleges in Maharashtra accept MH CET scores |
Accepted by Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Allahabad University |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum qualification for 5-year LLB?
A:
The minimum educational qualification required for 5-year LLB is 10+2 or equivalent.
Q: What is the minimum qualification required for 3-year LLB?
A:
The minimum educational qualification required for a 3-year LLB is graduation in any stream.
Q: What are law entrance exams for 5-year LLB?
A:
To enrol into a 5-year LLB programme, candidate has to appear in law entrance exams such as CLAT, AILET, and SLAT
Q: Which is better 3 year LLB or 5 year LLB?
A:
If candidates have already completed an undergraduate degree, the 3-year LLB might be the better alternative. However, if a student is certain about a career in law early on, the 5-year program could be more beneficial.
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Questions related to L.L.B
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to L.L.B ?
Hello aspirant,
The CUET BA LLB process is registering online during the application window on the CUET website, completing forms with necessary subjects and personal/academic information, uploading supporting documentation, paying costs, and finally taking the test. Following exam results and answer keys, NTA provides university-specific counseling and merit lists where you can select courses and attend verification for final admission.
For more information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://law.careers360.com/articles/cuet-ba-llb
Thank you
Hello,
The total fees for a 3-year LLB course varies from college to college. In government law colleges, the total fee for three years is usually lower and can be affordable. In private law colleges, the total fee is usually higher. Many colleges also divide the fee by semester, so you pay a tuition fee each semester instead of all at once.
Total 3-year costs can be Rs.60k-Rs1.8L (Govt) or Rs.2.4L-Rs.7.5L (Private), plus potential hostel/other charges. To get more details about the fees structure, Kindly check the below link.
https://law.careers360.com/articles/llb-course-fees
I hope this helps you.
Hello aspirant ,
With a CLAT 2026 rank around 1000 in the general category , you have good chances of getting admission into several mid-tier NLUs for the BA LLB course . Possible options include NLU Jodhpur ,NLU Gandhinagar , NLU Bhopal ,NLU Patiala , NLU Odisha and NLU Ranchi , depending on cutoff trends and counselling rounds . Final allotment varies each year , so preference filling is important.
FOR REFERENCE : https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-cutoff
Hope the details will help you.
THANK YOU
Hello Avni,
In order to apply for the Ba LLB program at Jodhpur National University(2026-27), you need to follow a process which includes academic eligibility and an entrance exam. Before applying you must meet these listed requirements:
1. Educational Qualification: must have passed the (10+2) senior secondary examination from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 45% to 50% for General Category and 40% to 45% for SC\ST Category.
2. Entrance exam requirements: In order to get into the University one must take the CLAT( Common Law Admission Test) and should clear the exam. For the 2026-27 session, the CLAT exam usually held in December.
3. Application steps for 2026-27:
* One must visit their official website: jodhpurnationaluniversity.co (//jodhpurnationaluniversity.co) .in.
* Click on "Apply Online" or "Admission" tab and create a profile with your email and phone number.
* Enter your information like personal details, academic scores, and entrance exam details.
*You need to upload scanned copies of the following documents like
1. 10th and 12th Marksheet
2.Transfer\Migration Certificate
3. Passport-size photographs
4.Entrance exam scorecard if available
4. Pay the application fees.
5. After getting shortlisted you will be called for document verification and fee payment in order to confirm your seat.
This is the entire process to apply for Jodhpur National University. I hope it helped you.
Thankyou.
Hello Rohit,
As per the recent trends from 2024 and 2025, a rank of 1000 falls after the "Top7" but within "Top12" NLUs. Therefore securing a rank of 1000 is an achievement. Your rank gives you an excellent chance of getting into several established National Law Universities. The listed NLUs are a high chance for you to get in:
1. NLU Odisha
2. HNLU Raipur
3. RMLNLU Lucknow
4. RGNUL Patiala
5. NUALS Kochi
6. CNLU Patna
7. MNLU Mumbai
You can aim for any of these listed above with your scores. i hope the information is helpful.
Thankyou.
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