How to Study Law in India?
Studying Law in India is a popular choice among students who aspire to pursue a career in the legal field. The legal profession in India is highly respected and offers various opportunities for growth and development. However, studying Law requires dedication, hard work, and a strong passion. In this article, we will discuss the steps to study Law in India, the types of law courses available, and the career opportunities in the legal field.
Steps to Study Law in India:
Step 1: Choose your stream
The first step in studying Law in India is choosing the stream you want to pursue. Students can choose from three streams – science, commerce, and humanities. It is important to note that no specific stream is required for dating Law in India. Students who have studied humanities at their 10+2 level are better suited for Law as it helps develop their analytical skills, which are essential for studying Law.
Step 2: Pursue a degree in Law
After completing your 10+2 level, you can pursue a law degree. Various law courses are available in India, such as a 3-year LLB program, a 5-year integrated BA LLB program, or a 1-year LLM program. The 3-year LLB program is for students who have graduated in any stream, while the 5-year integrated BA LLB program is for students who have completed their 10+2 level. The LLM program is for students who have completed their LLB degree.
Step 3: Clear the Entrance Exam
To get admission to a law college in India, you must clear the entrance exam. The most popular entrance exams are the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). These exams test your knowledge of various subjects, including English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and Legal Aptitude.
Exam Pattern of CLAT
Here is the exam pattern of CLAT:
- The exam is conducted for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs offered by National Law Universities (NLUs).
- The exam consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
For UG programs, the exam contains MCQs from the following sections:
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode | Offline (pen and paper-based) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Number of Questions | CLAT UG- 150 Question
CLAT PG- 120 Question |
| Total Marks | UG CLAT- 150 Marks
PG CLAT- 120 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | For Correct Answer: +1
For Wrong Answer: -0.25 |
| Language | English |
| Sections | Total Question | Total Marks | Topic Wise Weightage |
| English Language | 28-32 | 28-32 | 20% |
| General Knowledge | 32-35 | 35-39 | 25% |
| Legal Reasoning | 35-39 | 35-39 | 25% |
| Logical Reasoning | 28-32 | 28-32 | 20% |
| Quantitative Techniques | 13-17 | 13-17 | 10% |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 100% |
Questions carry one mark each and 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
Step 4: Attend Law College
Upon passing the entrance exam, the next step towards embarking on a legal career is to enroll in a law college of your preference. There exists a wide range of law colleges in India, both privately and government-funded that offer top-notch legal education. Choosing a reputable college that offers many excellent educational opportunities to ensure one’s success in Law is of utmost importance.
Government Law Colleges For UG Courses:
- National Law School of India University, Bangalore
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
- National Law Institute University, Bhopal
- West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
- National Law University, Delhi
- Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
- Government Law College, Mumbai – One of the oldest law colleges in India
- Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab – Offers integrated 5-year LL.B program
- University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram – Renowned law school with a focus on humanities
Step 5: Internships and Practical Training
Acquiring practical experience is an essential part of studying Law, and one of the best ways to do that is by participating in internships and practical training. Doing so will give you valuable knowledge about the legal profession and its functional components. It will also help you to understand the practical application of the Law, which is crucial for a successful career in the legal field. Therefore, it is highly recommended that law students take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Types of Law Courses Available:
- LLB – Bachelor of Laws: A three-year undergraduate course can be pursued after graduation in any stream.
- BA LLB – Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws: It is a five-year integrated course that can be pursued after completing the 10+2 level.
- BBA LLB – Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws: It is a five-year integrated course combining Law and business.
- LLM – Master of Laws: A one-year postgraduate course can be pursued after completing the LLB degree.
Career Opportunities in the Legal Field:
- Litigation: As a lawyer, you can work in litigation and represent your clients in various courts.
- Corporate Law: Corporate Law is a lucrative career where you can work with companies and businesses to provide legal advice and support.
- Judiciary: You can also opt for a career in the court and become a judge after clearing the necessary exams.
- Legal Process Outsourcing: Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) is a growing field where you can work with legal firms to provide legal support and services.
Eligibility Criteria for the Common Law Admission Test
CLAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate law programs offered by the participating NLUs. The exam is usually held in May.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is conducted in online mode. The paper is divided into five sections – English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The total number of questions is 150, and the exam lasts 2 hours.
The CLAT score is accepted by 22 NLUs and over 50 private law colleges across India. The participating NLUs include the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore, National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, and others.
Apart from the eligibility criteria mentioned earlier, candidates must also satisfy other measures, such as minimum marks in the qualifying examination, as specified by the participating NLUs.
Candidates can apply for the CLAT exam online on the official website of the consortium. The application fee for General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI candidates is Rs. 4,000, and for SC/ST candidates, it is Rs. 3,500.
The eligibility criteria for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is as follows:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 level or its equivalent examination from a recognized board with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates).
- Age Limit: No upper age limit for appearing in the CLAT exam exists.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, or foreign nationals.
- Subject-wise Eligibility: Candidates must have studied English as a compulsory subject at the 10+2 level. For the undergraduate courses, candidates must have studied the following topics: Mathematics, Statistics, Sociology, Political Science, History, Geography, Economics, or Psychology.
FAQs:
Q. Is it necessary to study humanities in 10+2 to pursue Law in India?
No, it is not necessary to study humanities in 10+2 to pursue Law in India. Students from any stream can pursue a law degree.
Q. What is the duration of the LLB course in India?
The LLB course in India is a three-year undergraduate course.
Q. What is the difference between LLB and BA LLB?
LLB is a three-year course that can be pursued after graduation in any stream, while BA LLB is a five-year integrated course that can be sought after completing the 10+2 level.
Q. What are the career opportunities in the legal field in India?
Career opportunities in the legal field in India include litigation, corporate law, judiciary, and legal process outsourcing.
Conclusion:
Studying Law in India is a challenging but enriching experience. It requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for the subject. By following the steps mentioned above and choosing the right course and college, you can build a successful career in the legal field. The legal profession in India offers various opportunities for growth and development, and you can choose from multiple career options depending on your interests and skills.
