Difference Between LLB and LLM - Eligibility, Exams, Career Opportunities, Placement

The path to becoming a lawyer winds its way through a plethora of LLB courses that are on offer at law colleges spread across the country. However, legal education need not stop with an LLB. One can go on to pursue LLM as well. It is in this context that understanding the difference between LLB and LLM becomes important. Is LLM or LLB better? This article looks at some of the important differences between LLB and LLM in India, in terms of eligibility, course details, and entrance exams to enable aspirants make the right choice .

This Story also Contains

1. LLB vs LLM: Full Form
2. Difference Between LLB and LLB: Eligibility Criteria
3. LLB Vs LLM: Course Details
4. LLM vs LLB: Entrance Exams
5. Difference Between LLB and LLM: Career Opportunities
6. LLB Vs LLM Placements

LLB vs LLM: Full Form

LLB stands for Bachelor of Legislative Law and LLM full form stands for Master of Legislative Law. As is clear from the name, the primary LLB and LLM difference lies in the course level. LLB is an undergraduate programme, whereas LLM is a post graduate programme. An LLB can take the form of either a 5-year integrated law programme or a 3-year law programme. Whereas an LLM can be offered as a one-year or a two-year programme.

Difference Between LLB and LLB: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria prescribed for 3-year LLB, 5-year LLB and LLM programmes is different in terms of the minimum qualifications required.

There could be further differences in terms of the minimum passing marks and age limit as per the eligibility criteria prescribed by individual colleges. In general, there is no age limit for either LLB or LLM programmes at law colleges in India. The minimum passing marks required is usually between 40-45% for LLB and 50% for LLM. Reserved category candidates get certain relaxations in terms of the minimum marks required.

LLB Vs LLM: Eligibility Criteria

LLB Vs LLM: Course Details

Another difference between LLB and LLM lies in the course content. Given below are the details.

3-year LLB

A 3-year LLB programme aims to provide students a solid grounding on different laws. The 3-year LLB syllabus includes different law subjects such as corporate law, constitutional law, taxation law, family law, criminal law and others.

5-year LLB

A 5-year integrated LLB programme is a combination of law subjects and also subjects from other disciplines, depending on the type of 5-year LLB course being offered.

Types of 5-year LLB courses

The integrated LLB programmes are usually offered by combining law subjects with either arts, commerce, management or science subjects depending on the type of 5-year LLB course. The 5-year LLB programmes include:

• BA LLB

• B.Com LLB

• BBA LLB

• B.Sc LLB

• BSW LLB

The syllabus for both 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB is the same as far as the law part is concerned. But, unlike a three-year LLB where students only study law, a five-year LLB provides students a sound understanding of other related disciplines as well.

LLM

An LLM programme, on the other hand, is a postgraduate programme that can be of a one year or two-year duration. The LLM course enables law students to specialise in particular areas of law. LLM specialisations that are commonly available include:

• Criminal Law

• Intellectual Property

• Corporate Law

• Constitutional Law

• Administrative Law

• Environmental Law

• Human Rights

• Jurisprudence

• Taxation Law

• Labour Law

• International Law

• Law, Science and Technology

LLM vs LLB: Entrance Exams

The difference between LLB and LLM also lies in the law entrance exams which aspiring candidates have to appear for and the colleges they would be admitted into.

Generally, law colleges in India conduct separate exams for admissions into 3-year LLB, 5-year LLB and LLM programmes. Most NLUs offer only 5-year LLB and LLM programmes. While a few such as NLSIU Bengaluru and NLUO offer 3-year LLB as well. There are several state level entrance exams for admission into law programmes in colleges across different states.

Top Law Entrance Exams

LLB Vs LLM Fees

A general comparison of law programmes brings into focus a sharp difference between LLB and LLM in terms of fees. The fees for LLM is usually lower than an LLB course. This difference can be attributed to the shorter overall duration of the LLM programme as compared to the LLB programme. However, even on a per annum basis, the LLM fees are relatively lower than LLB fees.

A comparison of NLUs fees structure shows the average LLB fees is around 2.6 lakh p.a whereas the average LLM fees is around 2 lakh p.a.

It must be further noted that fees for LLB and LLM would be relatively much higher in well known private law colleges than government colleges.

Also check - Difference Between LLB and BA LLB

Difference Between LLB and LLM: Career Opportunities

Anyone who wants to pursue LLM has to complete an LLB first. It is obvious then, that an LLM would give students a distinct advantage and subsequently more opportunities.

By doing an LLB, one becomes a lawyer. The career opportunities include the following

• Legal associate at law firms

• Corporate legal team

• Law officer

• Private practice

However, doing an LLM enables a lawyer gain specialised expertise in their chosen area of law. The expert knowledge allows them to command higher salaries as well. Additionally, an LLM is often a necessary condition if one wants to build a career in academics and research. With an LLM degree students can go on to pursue teaching and doing PhD.

LLB Vs LLM Placements

The table given below describes the median salary offered at the top 10 law colleges in the NIRF law rankings 2023 for their UG and PG law programmes. These figures would help one understand the difference between LLB and LLM in terms of their placement prospects.

Top Law College Placements

NLU Placements Details

The following table gives figures for some of the top and tier 2 NLUs in terms of their median salary for UG and PG programmes. It’s important to have a good understanding of the salary difference between LLB and LLM at NLUs as these institutions are one of the most popular choices to pursue law.

NLU Median Salary Comparison

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