Difference Between Juris Doctor (JD) and LLB - Eligibility, Duration, Careers Options

Difference Between Juris Doctor (JD) and LLB - Eligibility, Duration, Careers Options

Edited By Mirza Farhan Baig | Updated on Apr 19, 2025 09:35 AM IST

The LLB (Bachelor of Laws) and the Juris Doctor (JD) are both professional law degrees, however, they differ in structure, level, and regional recognition. The LLB is commonly offered in countries that follow the British legal system, such as the UK, India, and Australia. While the JD is a standard law degree in North American countries like the USA and Canada, it is a postgraduate-level programme.

Difference Between Juris Doctor (JD) and LLB - Eligibility, Duration, Careers Options
Difference Between Juris Doctor (JD) and LLB - Eligibility, Duration, Careers Options

A significant difference between LLB and JD is the curriculum. The LLB syllabus tends to be more theoretical and focuses on legal principles and concepts, while JD programmes are inclined towards developing practical legal skills such as legal research, writing, advocacy, and negotiations.

What is LLB?

The LLB programme is offered in two formats: a three-year course for graduates and a five-year integrated course for students after high school. Candidates can choose either option based on their eligibility and academic background. The 3-year LLB is divided into six semesters and covers only fundamental legal subjects. Whereas, the five-year law course, such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, etc, are divided into ten semesters and include other subjects as well, along with the fundamental legal subjects.

What is JD?

The JD degree focuses on legal practice and provides students with practical skills and knowledge and is intended for students who want to become lawyers or work in the legal profession. JD programmes are typically three years in length and is much more modern courses compared to the LLB programme.

LLB vs JD: Overview

Particulars

LLB

JD

Full Name

Bachelor of Laws

Juris Doctor/Doctor of Jurisprudence

Level

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Eligibility

Graduation in any stream

Graduation in any stream

Duration

3-Year LLB (Three years)

OR
5-Year LLB (Five years)

Three years

Countries

India, UK, Australia

Mainly in the US and Canada

Careers

Advocate, legal advisor, corporate counsel.

Attorney, public defender, corporate lawyer, prosecutor.

LLB vs JD Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must know the eligibility criteria for each programme before applying:

Difference between LLB and JD Eligibility Criteria

Particulars

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Eligibility

Juris Doctor (JD) Eligibility

Educational Requirements

  • For a 3-year LLB: Bachelor's degree from a recognised institute in India with a 45-50% aggregate score.

  • For 5-Year LLB: Complete class 10+2 from a recognised board in India.

  • General candidates - 45%

  • SC/ST - 40%

  • Must have completed a bachelor's degree (of any field) from a recognised university

  • Should be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)

  • No fixed CGPA requirement, as it varies from law school to law school.


Age Limit

No upper age limit

No specific age limit

LLB vs JD Offering Countries

The tables below show some of the countries that offer LLB or JD as their primary law qualification.

List of LLB Accepting Countries

Countries offering LLB

India

Spain

South Africa

UK

Pakistan

Malaysia

Australia

Singapore

Portugal

Saudi Arabia

Ireland

Germany

List of JD Accepting Countries

Countries offering JD

USA

Canada

Hong Kong

Japan

South Korea

Philippines

New Zealand

UAE

LLB vs JD Entrance Exams

While a few colleges admit candidates based on merit, many law colleges/universities in India offer admission to students based on law entrance exams. Some of the popular law entrance exams are:

List of LLB: 3-Year Law and 5-Year Law Entrance Exams

Exam Name

Conducted by

Common Law Admission Test

Consortium of NLUs

All India Law Entrance Test

NLU Delhi

Symbiosis Law Admission Test

Symbiosis International (Deemed) University

Telangana Law Common Entrance Test

Telangana Council of Higher Education

Maharashtra Common Entrance Test Law

CET Cell Maharashtra

Entrance Exams for JD Admissions

To apply for a JD programme, candidates must have a bachelor's degree and a qualifying LSAT score, along with TOEFL scores for certain international applicants. It's also important to regularly check the university’s website for specific admission requirements.

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