LLM - Master of Law: Syllabus, Courses, Scope, Fees, Online, Salary, Distance

A master’s degree in law, also known as an LLM, is a two-year postgraduate course in the field of law. LLM programmes are available to graduates who have completed a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and want to pursue specific specialisations in the field of law. The programme focuses on specific areas of law chosen by the candidates. The course is intended to educate students about trademarks and trademark law in India and around the world. These programmes also teach students about various international treaties, agreements, and conventions. Various aspects of the law are covered in the LLM programme, ranging from legal history to current legal constraints.

Overview of LLM – Master of Law

In the table below, you can see the major highlights of the LLM programme:

ParticularsDetails
Short NameLL.M
Full NameMaster of Law
StreamLaw
Level of CousePostgraduate
Degree ProgrammeMasters
SpecialisationAs opted by the candidate
Duration of Course2 Years
Mode of Course Regular/ Distance/ Part-Time
Minimum Qualification Required Bachelor degree in Law
Process of Selection Entrance Exam/ Merit-based
InternshipMandatory
Average Course FeeRs. 1.5 to 5 lacs
Relevant Links
Master Of Laws [L.L.M.] (human Rights) Master Of Laws [L.L.M.] (business Law) Post Graduate Diploma In Cyber Law
Master Of Laws [L.L.M.] (criminal Law) Master Of Laws [L.L.M.] (corporate Law) Master Of Laws [L.L.M.] (intellectual Property Rights)

Eligibility Criteria for LLM

Candidates are eligible to apply for an LLM course if they have completed their law degree, that is, if they have obtained their LLB/ Bachelor of Law/ Five Year Integrated degree from a recognised university/college.

  • Aside from that, some colleges impose a minimum percentage requirement for their LLM programmes.
  • Candidates must obtain at least 55 percent aggregate marks at the graduation level in order to be eligible for admission to the LLM programme offered by such colleges, according to their eligibility criteria.

Admission Process for LLM

Candidates who wish to apply for admission to the LLM programme must first go through the college’s selection process. The following is a description of the commonly accepted admission process at most Indian law schools.

  • Many colleges use national/state law entrance exams to narrow down applicants.
  • For the admissions process, some colleges hold their own institute-level entrance exam.
  • Some colleges offer merit-based admissions, in which candidates are chosen based on their overall score in the qualifying bachelor’s degree.
  • At some institutes, additional rounds of Personal Interaction or Group Discussion may be held.

Skills Required for LLM

Aspirants must be willing to put in a lot of effort and be willing to work long, strenuous hours in order to complete the course. The following are some key skills that candidates should have in order to succeed in the LLM programme:

  • Integrity
  • Persuasiveness
  • Clarity of Speech
  • Interest in detail
  • Objectivity
  • Confidence
  • Interest in Research
  • Good presentation skills
  • Mental and physical stamina
  • Ability to argue on a topic
  • Intellect
  • Fluency in Language

Entrance Exams for LLM

All candidates must pass the entrance exams in order to be considered for admission to LLM programmes. Admissions are made based on the results of the entrance exam and interviews conducted by the law school. Some of the most popular exams for LLM admission are listed below:

Preparation Tips for LLM Entrance Exam

To enrol in an LLM degree programme, one must first prepare for the various Entrance exams offered by various universities and institutes. A few basic guidelines to follow in order to pass the LLM Entrance Exams with ease are discussed below.

  • Start Early: Every student should know when to begin studying for the LLM Entrance exams, especially in light of recent changes in the LLM Entrance Exam Syllabus, which have made the course structure more lengthy and difficult. All LLM students who want to pursue this field should plan on studying for 6 months ahead of time.
  • Subject Analysis: It is necessary to be able to analyse subjects in terms of their importance. Important subjects like Constitutional Law, Advanced Jurisprudence, and International Law, among others, should be given more time than less important subjects.
  • Stay up to date: While studying for LLM Entrance Exams, it is important to keep up with current events. This way, they will be up to date on all current events and will be able to cover secondary subjects as well.

Syllabus for LLM

The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including corporate law, international trade law, and other topics. The table below outlines the subjects covered by the LLM course structure:

Law and Social Transformation in IndiaJudicial ProcessLegal Research and Methodology
Alternative Dispute ResolutionConstitutionalismHuman Rights and Humanitarian Law
International Trade LawIntellectual Property RightsCorporate Law

The following are some of the most common topics covered in an LLM programme:

Course

Topics

LLM (Business Law)

  • Law and Social Transformation in India
  • Indian Constitutional Law: The New Challenges
  • Judicial Process
  • Legal Education and Research Methodology
  • Law of Industrial and Intellectual Property
  • Environmental Law
  • International Trade Law
  • Business Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Legal Regulation of Economic Enterprises
  • Law Relating to Regulatory Authorities
  • Commercial Arbitration
  • Alternate Dispute Resolution & Securities Law

LLM (Constitutional Law)

  • Law and Social Transformation in India
  • Constitutionalism: Pluralism & Federalism
  • Indian Constitutional Law- The New Challenges
  • National Security, Public Order and Rule of Law
  • Judicial Process
  • Mass Media Law
  • Research Methodology
  • Human Rights
  • Dissertation
  • Administrative Law
  • Administrative Process and Judicial Control

LLM (Criminal Law)

  • Theories of Law
  • Research Methodology
  • Banking Law
  • Corporate Jurisprudence
  • Legal Concepts
  • Legislative Process
  • Corporate Law
  • Life and Fire Insurance
  • Judicial Process
  • Law of Intellectual Property
  • Competition Law
  • Consumer Law

LLM (Family Law)

  • Family Law I – System Scope Sources and Schools
  • Family Law II – Marriage and Matrimonial Remedies
  • Comparative Public Law
  • Law and Justice in Globalizing World
  • Legal English and Research Methodology
  • Foreign Business Language
  • Family Law III – Nuclear and Extended Family Rights 
  • Family Law IV – Penal Laws on Family Affairs
  • Family Law V – Family Property and Succession
  • Family Law VI – Family Disputes Resolution
  • Foreign Business Language

LLM (Human Rights)

  • Concept & Classification of Rights
  • Concept of Human Rights
  • Concept of Human Duties
  • Dialectics of Human Rights
  • Emerging Concept of Human Rights
  • Human Duties, Responsibilities & its Effectuation
  • International Obligation
  • Human Rights & Criminal Justice
  • Jurisprudence & Human Rights: Lego Philosophical perspectives
  • Constitutional Governance of Human Rights in India
  • Refugee Law
  • Human Rights and International & Regional Perspectives: Implementation Mechanism
  • International Humanitarian Law
  • People’s Rights to Self-determination
  • Dissertation Research

LLM International Trade Law

  • Introduction International Trade Law
  • Law and Practice in International Banking and Commercial Payments
  • World Trade Law
  • Marine Insurance
  • Charter Parties: Law and Practice
  • e-Commerce
  • International Litigation and Arbitration

Recommended Books for LLM

Book NamesAuthors
Responsibility of International OrganizationsProfessor Bimal N. Patel
Administrative LawC K Thakker
Comparative Constitutional LawMahendra P. Singh
Due Process of LawAbhinav Chandrachud
Law and Social TransformationP. Ishwara Bhat

Specialization Subjects for LLM

LLM students must choose from the following specialisations in addition to the core subjects during their two-year programme. International Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Business Law, Labour Law, and other specialisations are further divided into individual subjects, each dealing with its own legal complexities.

Below given an in-depth discussion of the specialisations and their branches.

LLM International Law

The study of the laws of various countries and organisations is the focus of an LLM in International Law. LLM in International Law is a popular specialisation in India because it provides students with opportunities to work in other countries.

The following are some of the topics covered in the LLM International Law programme:

  • Comparative Law
  • International Dispute Resolution Bodies etc.
  • International Organizations
  • International Law and International Relations: Developments and Trends

ILS Law College, one of India’s top law schools, offers an LLM in International Law specialisation.

Average Fees INR 2,00,000
Average SalaryINR 8,00,000

LLM Corporate Law

The LLM in Corporate Law is a popular course that teaches students how to interact with stakeholders, directors, employers, and creditors. LLM Corporate law graduates can work in a variety of industries, including law enforcement and other legal firms.

The following are some of the topics covered in LLM Corporate Law specialisations:

  • Financial Models and Derivatives in a Legal Context
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • European Law of Capital Markets
  • Corporate Social Responsibilities and the Law

National Law University in Jodhpur and Mahatma Gandhi Law College in Hyderabad are two of the top colleges that offer LLM programmes in corporate law.

Average FeesINR 3,00,000
Average SalaryINR 7,00,00

LLM Criminal Law

LLM Criminal Law is for students who find it interesting to enter the world of criminal law and other dimensions. LLM Criminal law provides an opportunity for the students to deal with actions of intentional harm to individuals, which is in larger sense a threat to humanity.

The subjects taught at LLM Criminal Law are:

  • Code of Criminal Procedure
  • Indian Penal Code
  • Criminal Jurisprudence

The top colleges in this field are National Law University in Bhopal and Dr. Ambedkar Law University in Chennai.

Average FeesINR 3,00,000
Average SalaryINR 10,00,000

Top Colleges for LLM in India

There are over 500 law colleges and universities in India, with both government and private law colleges. The majority of law schools are located in major metropolitan areas.

The table below gives us a quick overview of the top LLM Colleges in India’s major cities:

In Delhi

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best colleges in Delhi that offer LLM programmes.

Name of the CollegesAverage Fees (INR)
National Law University13,000
Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia University10,400
Indian Law Institute29,500
Institute of Management Studies1,17,980
Faculty of Law, university of Delhi5,428

In Pune

Name of the CollegesAverage Fees (INR)
Symbiosis Law School3,73,450
ILS Law College40,515
Bharati Vidyapeeth New Law College78,750
Sinhgad Law College29,000
Savitribai Phule Pune University

In Bangalore 

The table below shows the best LLM colleges in Bangalore:

Name of the CollegesAverage Fees (INR)
National Law School of India University2,13,975
School of Law, Christ University1,95,000
MS Ramaiah College of Law
CMR University1,40,000
University College of Law Bangalore University82,000

In Kolkata

Some of the best LLM colleges in Kolkata are listed below, along with their average fees:

Name of the CollegesAverage Fees (INR)
University of Calcutta6,000
National University of Juridical Sciences1,95,000
Surendranath Law College40,000
Amity Law School1,00,000
Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College14,000
Brainware University1,50,000

In Mumbai

Some of the best LLM colleges in Mumbai are listed below, along with their average fees:

Name of the CollegesAverage Fees (INR)
Maharashtra National Law University60,000
Kirit P Mehta School of Law1,26,500
Thakur Ramnarayan College of Law
TISS68,500
Amity Law School1,00,000

Top Colleges for LLM in Abroad

The eligibility criteria for LLM Abroad programmes vary by country. The minimum eligibility requirement for pursuing an LLM abroad is that students have completed a Bachelor of Laws or LLB degree and have passed one of the following entrance exams: TOEFL or IELTS.

In Canada

Canada is regarded as one of the most student-friendly countries, thanks to its high-quality education methods delivered at a low cost. International students can also take advantage of a variety of scholarships.

The following are the requirements for students wishing to pursue an LLM in Canada.

  • A minimum of 70% or a first-class degree in LLB or a related field is required.
  • A valid IELTS or TOEFL score of 7 or 100, depending on the college cutoffs, scores may differ.
  • Relevant work experience is required by some colleges and universities.
  • When it comes to getting into Canadian colleges, research skills and experience are extremely important.

The following is a list of some of the top law schools that offer LLM programmes.

Name of the CollegeAverage Fees (INR)
University of Toronto10,00,000
McGill University9,00,000
University of British Columbia5,00,000
York University15,00,000

In UK

When it comes to studying abroad, the United Kingdom is the second best option. Many reputable law schools and universities, such as Oxford and the LSE, offer a one-year LLM programme.

The following are the requirements for studying LLM in the United Kingdom:

  • A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a reputable university is required.
  • Students who have received first or second place are eligible to apply to top LLM universities in the United Kingdom.
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS score of 6.5 is required for admission.

The following are some of the best universities in the UK that offer LLM programmes:

Name of the CollegeAverage Fees (INR)
University of Oxford22,00,000
London School of Economics23,00,000
King’s College London26,00,000
University of Edinburgh22,00,000
Queen Mary University of London23,00,000

In USA

Thousands of people migrate to the United States each year in search of work or further education. When it comes to studying abroad, Indian students consider the United States to be the best option. Several prestigious law schools, such as Harvard University and the University of Chicago, are located in the United States.

The following are the requirements for pursuing an LLM in the United States:

  • A bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) with a minimum GPA of 3 out of 4 is required.
  • A score of 80 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS is required.
  • Depending on the college, relevant work experience is required.

The following are some of the best LLM colleges in the United States:

Name of the CollegeAverage Fees (INR)
Harvard University52,00,000
Yale University50,00,000
University of Chicago50,00,000
University of Pennsylvania49,00,000

Job Profiles and Career Opportunities in LLM

Law is one of the recession-proof professions, with opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Numerous positions for lawyers and LL.M graduates are available from the Government of India and various state governments. Entrance exams are used to hire candidates for these lucrative job profiles in various government departments. Because legal affairs are a part of almost every organisation, corporate firms hire lawyers and LL.M graduates to handle the organization’s legal tasks and requirements.

The job profiles for students who have completed the Master of Legislative Laws are listed below:

Job ProfilesJob Description
AdvocateAn Advocate typically works for himself and takes on cases for people seeking legal assistance for any of their problems or grievances that they believe they are unable to fight for.
JudgeBeing a judge is one of the most prestigious and well-known jobs in India. A judge sits at the pinnacle of the judicial system, and it is his responsibility to render judgement in any trials or cases that come under his jurisdiction.
NotaryA notary’s primary function is to serve as a witness to the signing of various legal documents in order to lend legal credibility.
Legal Document ReviewerThe job of a Legal Document Reviewer/Derivative is to negotiate and review various types of legal documents as well as draught responses, ancillary documents, and so on.
ProfessorA professor teaches all of the subjects taught at various law schools and colleges.
ConsultantA Legal Consultant/Associate helps with contract summarization, contract management, legal research, drafting, litigation, and research projects.

Top Recruiters: LLM

The following are some of the top recruiters who hire recent Master of Legislative Laws graduates:

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.DSK LegalPhoenix Legal
Trilegal IndiaAZB & PartnersDesai & Dewanji
Khaitan & Co.Anand & AnandJ Sagar And Associates
Sagar AssociatesS & R AssociatesVaish Associates

Salary Trends for LLM in India

The salary of an LLM graduate varies depending on the job that he or she holds. An LLM graduate’s average salary ranges between INR 4 and 12 LPA.

The table below discusses the salary of various positions for a Master of Legislative Laws Graduate.

Job ProfilesAverage Salary (INR)
Advocate4.5 – 8 LPA
Judge12 – 18 LPA
Notary3 – 5 LPA
Professor5 – 10 LPA
Consultant6 – 9 LPA

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What are the top universities in India that offer one-year LLM programmes?

Ans. Some of the top law colleges and universities in India that offer a one-year LLM programme are listed below:
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai – LLM in Access to Justice
National Law Schools/Universities of Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Raipur, Gandhinagar, etc.
Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
Azim Premji University, Bangalore – LLM in Law & Development
TERI University, New Delhi – LLM in Environment & Natural Resources Law
Indian Law Institute, Delhi

Ques. Which is better for lawyers: an MBA or an LLM?

Ans. LLM is only pursued by students who want to learn more about a specific law subject, such as Family Law, Maritime Law, Taxation Law, Human Rights, and so on. It also provides more job opportunities in the private sector.
An MBA degree, on the other hand, is designed specifically for students interested in management and business administration. Although not many people pursue an MBA after completing their LLB, students can still pursue this career path if they want to pursue a career in the management industry rather than the legal industry.

Ques. Which is more valuable: a one-year LLM degree or a two-year LLM degree?

Ans. Both degrees are well recognised by UGC and governed by the Bar Council of India. As a result, it is entirely dependent on an individual’s point of view.
A one-year LLM will save you time and one academic year, but a two-year LMM will provide you with much more knowledge.
If you only want to get a degree and a higher qualification, a one-year LLM is ideal, but if you want to gain deeper insight and knowledge for your own interests and career, a two-year LLM is the way to go.
In terms of jobs, both degrees provide the same career prospects and salary scale because the type of jobs largely depends on socialisation, student industry experience, and his/her capabilities rather than course duration.

Ques. Is an LLM required if you want to practise law?

Ans. In India, someone who has completed an LLB degree, either three years after graduation or five years after class twelve, is qualified to practise law. Those who want to learn more about a particular field pursue an LLM degree. However, in both cases, they must take an AIBE administered by BCI in order to obtain a ‘Certificate of Practice.’

Ques. What are the best career options after earning a LLM degree?

Ans. After completing an LLM, candidates have numerous opportunities in Consultancies, Courthouses, FMCG, Finance, Corporate, Law Firms, NGO, Media and Publishing Houses, Real Estate, and International Organizations such as the UN or UNICEF. Legal Consultant or Legal Associate, Advocate, A Magistrate or Judge, Legal Document Reviewer, Notary, Trustee, Oath Commissioner, Private Practice, and other job profiles are available to applicants.

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