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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | Three years |
Countries | India, UK, Australia | Mainly in the US and Canada |
Careers | Advocate, legal advisor, corporate counsel. | Attorney, public defender, corporate lawyer, prosecutor. |
Candidates must know the eligibility criteria for each programme before applying:
Particulars | Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Eligibility | Juris Doctor (JD) Eligibility |
Educational Requirements |
|
|
Age Limit | No upper age limit | No specific age limit |
The tables below show some of the countries that offer LLB or JD as their primary law qualification.
Countries offering LLB | ||
India | Spain | South Africa |
UK | Pakistan | Malaysia |
Australia | Singapore | Portugal |
Saudi Arabia | Ireland | Germany |
Countries offering JD | |
USA | Canada |
Hong Kong | Japan |
South Korea | Philippines |
New Zealand | UAE |
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:
Exam Name | Conducted by |
Consortium of NLUs | |
NLU Delhi | |
Symbiosis International (Deemed) University | |
Telangana Council of Higher Education | |
CET Cell Maharashtra |
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.
700+ Campus placements at top national and global law firms, corporates and judiciaries
18 years of shaping legal professionals | In-house judicial coaching | Proven success in National Moot Court Competitions
NAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Ranked as India’s #1 Not for profit pvt. University by India Today.
North India's Largest Educational Group | NIRF Ranked 86 | NAAC A+ Grade | Highest Package 1.6 Cr |
Admissions open for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.B Program (3 Years)