6 Different Types of Law Degrees in India

6 Different Types of Law Degrees in India

Edited By Sumeet Sudarshan | Updated on Apr 21, 2025 10:22 AM IST | #L.L.B

There are differnt types of law degrees in India that provide formal law education. The study of law is important as it prepares legal professionals who enable the delivery of justice in society. Law degrees in India are very popular option among students. The career options available after studying law are diverse and continuously evolving as society moves toward progress and modernization. However, any law aspiring student in India has to complete some level of formal level education before starting a career in Law. Therefore, it is important to look out for the different types of law courses and LLB equivalent degree and explore them in depth before deciding to enrol for a program. In this article, we discuss the different types of Law degree courses which are required before entering into the legal profession.

This Story also Contains
  1. The law degrees at undergraduate level
  2. Different Types of Law Degrees - At postgraduate level
  3. Eligibility for pursuing LLM
6 Different Types of Law Degrees in India
6 Different Types of Law Degrees in India

Legal education in India is imparted at various stages such as undergraduate level, postgraduate level, PhD etc. There are different types of law at both UG and PG levels. The undergraduate law courses include law degrees such as BA LLB, B.Com LLB, BBA LLB etc. Similarly, post graduate law courses include various types of specialization in LLM programmes such as Cyber law, Criminal law, Business law, Taxation law, Intellectual Property Rights and others.

What is a Law Degree?

A law degree is graduation or post graduation degree in the study of law. There are two types of LLB law degrees in India. At the undergraduate level one can purse either a 5-year LLB after class 12 or a 3-year LLB after graduation in any stream. At post graduation level, one can pursue a 1-year, 2-year or even a 3-year LLM and specialise in one's legal area of choice.

Sanskriti University Law Admissions 2025

Best innovation and research-driven university of Uttar Pradesh

MAHE Law Admissions 2025

Internship Opportunities in leading Law Firms, Industry, Governmental Departments and NGOs

Is a Law Degree Hard or Easy?

Every year, thousands of students pass out with law degrees in India. It is not hard to obtain a law degree, but getting into top law colleges in India can be tough. The 5-year LLB syllabus consists of law subjects in addition to arts/commerce/management or science subjects. On the other hand, the 3-year LLB syllabus consists of law subjects. The syllabus of

The law degrees at undergraduate level

After completing the school education, one may appear for law education after completing which a Bachelor's degree is provided. Broadly, there are two types of law courses in India at undergraduate level, namely -

  • Five-year integrated law degree

  • Three-year LLB

Manav Rachna University Law Admissions 2025

Admissions open for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.B Program (3 Years)

Silver Oak University Law Admissions 2025

Approved by BCI | Moot Court Available

The five-year integrated LLB is more popular and has various forms. The law education in 5-year integrated law course is usually incorporated with other subjects or disciplines. The different types of law degrees under 5-year LLB are mentioned below.

Different Types of Law Degrees to pursue after class 12th

BA LLB

Law education is provided along with the subjects of BA, Arts

BBA LLB

LLB is incorporated with the study of business and corporate administration

BCA LLB

Law education is provided along with the study of computer applications and information technology

B.Com LLB

For students interested in both commerce and law education, B.Com LLB is provided

B.Tech LLB

The technical education is provided along with the study of law subjects

B.Sc LLB

Students who are interested in science and law may pursue BSc LLB

Eligibility for pursuing five-year LLB degree

Educational qualifications - In general, a candidate looking for admission to any of the 5-year LLB courses will be required to complete the school education with at least 45%. However, the minimum marks requirement may vary from college to college.

Further, if the candidate is looking for courses like B.Sc LLB, or B.tech LLB, he/she must have the background of science in class 12.

Different types of law degrees - Three-year LLB

Candidates looking the study of law after graduation in any other discipline may opt for a three-year LLB course which is also counted as an undergraduate law course. The three-year LLB course focuses solely on the study of law.

Difference between 3-year LLB and LLB (Hons.)

Both these courses are more or less similar in terms of duration. During the 3-year LLB course, the students are taught the law subjects in a generalized manner. However, during the 3-year LLB (Hons.), candidates have to undergo in-depth knowledge of the law subjects.

Eligibility for pursuing three-year LLB

In general, candidates looking for the study of 3-year LLB must have completed the graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

When it comes to minimum required marks is the qualifying exam, the standard set by different colleges may vary from college to college.

Different Types of Law Degrees - At postgraduate level

After completing graduation in law, candidates can pursue post-graduation in law. There are various LLM courses offered at this level and are meant to provide specialization in different fields. Candidates can seek admission to these courses depending on their interests. Some of the LLM courses are given below.

Different types of LLM courses

LLM (Business Law)

LLM (Human rights and duties education)

LLM (Constitutional law and human rights)

LLM (Labour law and administrative law)

LLM (Intellectual property law)

LLM (Taxation law)

LLM (International law and organization)

LLM (Criminal law and criminal justice administration)

LLM (Environmental law and legal order)


Related: Online Law Courses & Certifications

Eligibility for pursuing LLM

For candidates looking for admission to LLM courses, the eligibility criteria is prescribed by the college or university. However, the educational qualification required for pursuing LLM course is a Bachelor’s degree in law.

The scope of formal law education spreads beyond LLM. Candidates who are interested in higher education may pursue a doctorate degree in law. The PhD in law revolves around research and an academic approach to the field. Students, in this stage, are more in research and development-related activities for the increasingly expanding scope of law. The following PhD courses one may look for after completing the LLM course.

Different types of law degrees - Popular PhD programs

PhDs Law Studies

PhD in International Law Studies

PhD in Interdisciplinary Law

PhDs Administrative Law

PhD in Dispute Resolution Studies

PhD in International Law

PhD Civil Law Studies

PhDs Canon Law

PhD in Jurisprudence

You may also check -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I get admissions to the top national law university of India?

You can appear in CLAT, the scores of which are accepted by the national law universities of India.

2. What entrance exam is conducted for BA LLB course offered by NLU Delhi?

There is an All India Law Entrance Test which is conducted by NLU Delhi for admissions to BA LLB course.

3. Can I pursue law along with B.tech?

Yes, you can pursue B.tech LLB which is a mix of B.tech and law.

4. What educational qualification is required for pursuing BBA LLB?

For the study of BBA LLB, a candidate must have completed class 12.

5. Which degree is best for law in India?

All LLB degrees offered in India are equivalent to each other. Students looking for a career in litigation, or criminal law should do a BA LLB. Whereas, those looking to become corporate lawyers should opt for BBA LLB or BCom LLB courses,

6. What is the duration of LLB degree in India?

The integrated LLB course except B.tech LLB has a duration of 5 years. B.tech LLB course duration is six years, Whereas, the solo LLB program duration is 3-years. 

7. Which is better 3 year LLB or 5 year LLB?

Both 3 and 5-year LLB courses are good. The suitability of such courses depends on the candidate's eligibility and qualifications. For example, candidates who have completed Class 12 can enrol for a 5-year LLB as they are not eligible for a 3-year LLB course. 

In comparison, graduate students can enrol for a 3-year LLB course. Studying BA LLB after graduation is not recommended due to its longer duration.  

8. How many types of law courses

Broadyly, there are five types of law courses, diploma courses in law, 5-year LLB programmes, 3-year LLB programmes, LLM programmes. and PhD in law.

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Israel State and Society
Via The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Study from Still Life
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Home Science-Extension and Communication Management Level-2
Via English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad
Economic History of India from 1857 to 1947
Via St Alberts College, Ernakulam
Global Ethics An Introduction
Via The Open University, Milton Keynes
Swayam
 161 courses
Edx
 128 courses
Futurelearn
 74 courses
NPTEL
 63 courses
Coursera
 52 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to L.L.B

Have a question related to L.L.B ?

To register for admission in a BA LLB course, you'll generally need to follow a process that involves several key steps. Keep in mind that the exact procedure might vary slightly depending on the specific university or college you are applying to. However, the general steps are outlined below:

First, you need to research and select the colleges that offer the BA LLB program you are interested in. Consider factors like the college's reputation, faculty, location, fees, and any specific specializations they might offer. Visit their official websites to gather detailed information about the course and the admission process.

Next, you need to check the eligibility criteria . Typically, for a BA LLB program, you'll need to have passed your 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with a minimum percentage of marks. This percentage can vary between institutions and might also have relaxations for reserved categories. Some colleges might also have specific subject requirements in your qualifying examination.

Many reputable law colleges and universities conduct entrance examinations for admission to their BA LLB programs. These can be national-level tests like the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) or the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), state-level entrance exams, or university-specific entrance tests. You will need to register for and appear in the relevant entrance exam and secure a valid score. Some colleges might also offer admission based on merit, i.e., your marks in the 10+2 examination.

Once you have your entrance exam scores (if applicable) and have shortlisted your preferred colleges, the next step is to fill out the application form for each institution you wish to apply to. These forms are usually available online on the respective college websites. You will need to provide your personal details, educational qualifications, entrance exam scores, and upload any required documents like mark sheets, identity proof, and photographs. Ensure you fill in all the details accurately and pay the application fee within the stipulated deadline.

After the application process, colleges will typically release a shortlist of candidates based on their entrance exam scores or merit. If you are shortlisted, you will likely be called for a counseling session or a personal interview, depending on the college's admission procedure. During counseling, you will have the opportunity to choose your preferred college and course based on your rank and the availability of seats.

Finally, once you have been allotted a seat, you will need to complete the admission formalities by submitting the required original documents for verification and paying the admission fee within the given timeframe to secure your seat in the BA LLB program. It's crucial to keep track of all important dates and deadlines announced by the colleges throughout the admission process.

Admission to B.Com LLB is possible if you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include a minimum of 50% marks in 12th grade (varies by institution). Entrance exams like CLAT or university-specific tests are often required for admission.

By entrance test, BA LLB 2025 applicants differ:  CUET UG (for BA LLB) commences on March 1, 2025; Delhi University publishes forms in April 2025; and CLAT 2025 registration opens on July 15, 2024.  Applications for Calcutta University are due in July 2025.  The three-year NLSAT-LLB program ended in March 2025, however courses for five years adhere to CLAT/CUET schedules.  Check the websites of individual colleges for precise dates.

If the deadline for selecting the LLB course in SAAT has passed, I suggest contacting the SAAT administration or the respective department directly to inquire about any possible late application options or exceptions. They may offer a solution based on individual circumstances.

View All
Lawyer

A lawyer is a professional who practises law. An Individual in the lawyer career path defends his or her client's cases and makes arguments on his or her behalf in both criminal and civil proceedings. A lawyer may advise and assist clients on how they should handle their legal issues. An individual as a career in law in India is considered one of the most sought-after careers.

A lawyer's job requires inhibiting skills. It involves practical applications of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specialised individual problems or to facilitate the interests of those who hire a lawyer to perform legal services. Here, in this article, we will discuss how to become a lawyer after 10th, is lawyer a good career in India, and how to become a lawyer in India.

4 Jobs Available
Civil Lawyer

Are you searching for a civil lawyer job description? A civil lawyer is a law professional who deals with disputes that come under civil law. Civil law is applicable to issues related t property and business disputes, family disputes, and torts. A tort can be defined as a civil wrong that causes the other person harm or injury. A Civil lawyer handles disputes regarding personal injury, family relationships, real estate, and employment. A career as a civil lawyer requires working with government entities and business institutions. 

3 Jobs Available
Human Rights Lawyer

Individuals in the human rights lawyer career path are legal professionals responsible for advocating for people whose inherent dignity has been violated and who have suffered a lot of injustice. They take cases to defend the human rights of minorities, vulnerable populations, the LGBTQI community, indigenous people and others. 

2 Jobs Available
Criminal Lawyer

A criminal lawyer is a lawyer who specialises in the field of crimes and punishments. Individuals who have been accused of committing a crime are guided by a criminal lawyer. Bail bond hearings, plea bargains, trials, dismissal hearings, appeals, and post-conviction procedures are all part of his or her work. Criminal law is the body of law that describes criminal acts, governs the arrest, prosecution, and trial of offenders, and defines the sentences and correctional options that are available to criminals.

2 Jobs Available
Family Lawyer

Family lawyers are required to assist a client in resolving any family-related problem. In general, family lawyers operate as mediators between family members when conflicts arise. Individuals who opt for a career as Family Lawyer is charged with drafting prenuptial agreements to protect someone's financial interests prior to marriage, consulting on grounds for impeachment or civil union separation, and drafting separation agreements.

2 Jobs Available
Cyber Lawyer

Cyber law careers deal with cyber law job opportunities concerning cybercrimes of all aspects such as cyberbullying, cyber frauds, cyber stalking, sharing personal information without consent, intellectual property and intellectual property, transactions, and freedom of speech.

2 Jobs Available
Immigration Lawyer

An immigration lawyer is responsible for representing the individuals (clients) involved in the immigration process that includes legal, and illegal citizens and refugees who want to reside in the country, start a business or get employment. 

2 Jobs Available
Government Lawyer

A career as Government Lawyer is a professional who deals with law and requires to work for the government. He or she is required to work for either the state government or central government and is also known as Advocate General of the state and attorney general. A career as Government Lawyer requires one to work on behalf of government ministers and administrative staff. He or she gives legal advice and provides legal services in the public interest.

2 Jobs Available
Back to top