Difference Between 3 & 5-year LLB Courses: Which one to pursue?
A significant distinction is how long these courses are. An undergraduate degree that can be pursued after graduation is a three-year LLB. It focuses on the fundamental topics of law. Conversely, pupils can pursue a five-year LLB undergraduate degree following their class 12th. Read further to know difference between 3 yr and 5 yr LLB course, the colleges that offer, important entrance exam.
Difference Between 3 & 5-year LLB courses, How to select
Law is a popular course, and many students are interested in learning more. However choosing a degree is a difficult decision for legal students. In our legal system, which forms the cornerstone of our democracy, law is extremely vital.
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Bachelor of Legislative Law is known as LLB. An LLB can be completed in three or five years. A three-year LLB programme grants you a degree with a concentration in legal studies. However, a five-year LLB integrates law with commerce, science, engineering, humanities, and arts.
According to the information provided by you, you have some chances to get admission to LL.M. courses in a private law college in Hyderabad with a 1156 rank. However, because you are applying under the BC-B category, the number of seats available in this category will also determine whether you are admitted. You can submit an application for admission to the Mahatma Gandhi Law College in Hyderabad, the Padala Rama Reddi Law College, and the Adarsha Law College of Hanamkonda. Thereafter, the list of provisionally selected candidates for TS PGLCET will be released. You can refer to this list to ensure whether your are selected for the admission or not.
Non-locals or candidates who do not belong to Telangana can apply for AP PGLCET. However, they need to make sure to meet exam eligibility criteria. The criteria are mentioned below:
| AP PGLCET Eligibility Criteria | ||
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A significant distinction is how long these courses are. An undergraduate degree that can be pursued after graduation is a three-year LLB. It focuses on the fundamental topics of law. Conversely, pupils can pursue a five-year LLB undergraduate degree following their class 12th. The five-year LLB is a complete undergraduate degree that combines an LLB programme with a standard undergraduate programme, such as a BA. You will learn more about the distinctions between the 3- and 5-year LLB course curricula by reading this article.
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- 3-year LLB course and 5-year LLB course: Why duration differs
- List of law Colleges offering 5-year LLB courses with fees
- List of law colleges offering 3-years LLB course with fees
- Which is best 3-year LLB or 5-year LLB?
- Top Law Entrance Exams Dates 2025-2026
- 5-Year LLB Course: Advantages and Disadvantages
- 3-Year LLB Course: Advantages and Disadvantages
- Important FAQs on 3-year LLB vs 5-year LLB
3-year LLB course and 5-year LLB course: Why duration differs
The candidates need to understand the main difference between the two courses and the duration below. To help candidates to know which one to pursue, candidates must check all the points mentioned below.
3-year LLB Degree
For those who want to pursue careers in law, the Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) is a common option. The Bar Council of India regulates the 3-year LLB degree, which is a conventional legal programme provided by respectable Indian colleges and pursued after graduation. This is a summary of the three-year LLB programme:
This is an entrance test for admission to any of the almost 35 colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Interestingly this test is conducted for either of the three or five year law courses offered by the universities in Andhra Pradesh. Of course, syllabus for five years course is equivalent to 12th standard whereas one for the three year course is equivalent to graduation level. Out of the 120 questions spread over three subjects are to be answered in 90 minutes. With no negative marking, a student must attempt all questions. Indian nationals with 45% marks in qualifying exam and 40% for SC & ST candidates. The age for five year degree course is 20 to 22 years while for three year course us 30 to 35 years. Foreign nationals may apply if particular university allows it. In addition, domicile conditions are also to be met. Also, in the entrance exam, candidates are expected to score at least 42 marks ( for SC & ST candidates no such limit). These were the general conditions. But it's advisable for candidates to study these when ever exam dates are announced for 2018.
Yes, with a CLAT Rank of 1500, you have a very good chance of getting into several good NLUs. Some fo the NLU where your chances are high are NLIU Bhopal or NLU Jodhpur.
If the candidates is not satisfied with the CLAT seat allotment result, they can either accept or opt for upgradingt the college alloted. The Freeze option is used by candidates to confirm their choice of NLU. Apply for upgrade option is used when candidates want to change the allotted institute to his or her higher choice (upward shifting).
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Entrance Exams: Candidates can appear for various law entrance exams to pursue 3-year LLB courses. The most important law entrance exam is CLAT, PU LLB, MH CET Law, AILET and others. Candidates must note that the exam format for each exam is different.
- Qualifications: Candidates need to have graduated from an recognised university.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can work in law firms, government agencies, corporations, non-governmental organisations, or as consultants, analysts, assistants, attorneys, or researchers.
Also Read: How to clear CLAT 2026 in first attempt?
5-year LLB Course
When considering their options for a legal career, many students choose to pursue a Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB). The five-year LLB degree is an integrated programme that combines legal education with undergraduate coursework. It is provided by prestigious colleges all throughout India and is governed by the Bar Council of India (BCI). What you should know about the five-year LLB programme is as follows:
- Eligibility: Candidates must have earned a recognised board certification for their 10+2 coursework. The minimum scores needed can change.
- Curriculum: The five-year LLB programme consists of ten semesters of core law courses as well as undergraduate coursework.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can work for governmental organisations, PSUs, law firms, corporations, or non-governmental organisations as attorneys, legal advisors, consultants, analysts, or assistants.
- Fees: Depending on the college, expenses can vary from INR 1 lakh to INR 8 lakh. Like Delhi University (DU) charges about INR 1.9 Lakh each year for a five-year LLB, which is approximately the same as many private colleges or NLU fees that are not financed by the central government.
- Top Colleges: prestigious universities such as National Law School of India University, Bangalore; Faculty of Law, University of Delhi; Symbiosis Law School, Pune; and Indian Law Society's Law College, Pune are among those that provide the five-year LLB degree.
- Entrance Exam: The CLAT, AILET, LSAT, and SET are typical entrance exams. Exam schedules and curricula vary.
- Benefits: A thorough legal education, a wide range of employment choices, and a greater comprehension of basic subjects are all offered by the five-year LLB programme.
List of law Colleges offering 5-year LLB courses with fees
Candidates can check the list of colleges or universities offering 5 year LLB courses in the country below:
List of law colleges offering 3-years LLB course with fees
Candidates can check the complete list of colleges that are offering 3-year LLB courses:
| College/ University Name | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Delhi University | INR 6,80,000 |
| Banaras Hindu University | INR 11,400 |
| Jindal Global Law School | INR 31,03,000 |
| NLSIU Bengaluru | INR 2,07,000 |
| ILS Pune | INR 1,01,000 |
| GLC Mumbai | INR 20,600 |
| NLU Odisha | INR 70,000 |
| Allahabad University | INR 30,000 |
| SLS Pune | INR 8,03,000 |
| Panjab University | INR 6,02,000 |
| Osmania University | INR 1,01,000 |
| Tamil Nadu Ambedkar Law University | INR 1,03,000 |
Which is best 3-year LLB or 5-year LLB?
Even if the duration, eligibility, and fees of the two courses have been compared, it is now critical to address the primary query: which course is better? Although all courses are excellent and equally suitable, candidates' suitability for them may differ depending on the situation.
5-year LLB course after Class 12?
A five-year LLB is a preferable choice if the students want to practise law as a career from the beginning of their education. They will be introduced to the field of legal education right away. Additionally, because this is a dual degree programme, students can take two classes concurrently. Two degrees would only require five years of coursework, which typically takes six years to do. Hence, a five-year LLB also helps one year of your education.
Pursuing LLB after Graduation
Students who aren't quite sure they want to pursue a profession in law choose a graduate course of their choosing. After graduating, individuals can then apply to a prominent university to pursue an LLB. Giving an extra two years by choosing a five-year LLB has little advantage. The students will also be able to save money because a three-year LLB is a more affordable choice.
For individuals who are unable to obtain a 5-year LLB seat at a reputable university, the 3-year LLB programme is equally appropriate. It is also a possibility to pursue a bachelor's degree at any public university and then search for a three-year law degree at a top university.
Top Law Entrance Exams Dates 2025-2026
Generally, the law entrance exams in India are held once a year and this year, the exam authorities are conducting the upcoming exams as per the schedule below:
| 31-Oct-2025 | 07-Dec-2025 | |
| To be announced | To be announced | |
| 10-Nov-2025 | 14-Dec-2025 | |
| To be announced | To be announced | |
| To be announced |
To be announced | |
| 27-Mar-2025 (For 3-year LLB) 27-Mar-2025 (For 5-year LLB) |
02-May-2025 and 03-May-2025 (For 3-year LLB) 28-Apr-2025 (5-year LLB) |
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| Until 20-May-2025 | 13-Jun-2025 | |
| until 20-Apr-2025 |
11-May-2025 | |
| To be announced |
To be announced |
|
| 15-Mar-2025 | 20-Apr-2025 | |
| 09-Apr-2025 | 27-Apr-2025 | |
| Until 08-Jun-2025 | 29-Jun-2025 | |
| 26-Apr-2025 | 24-May-2025 | |
| 30-Apr-2025 | 13-Jun-2025 | |
| 27-Apr-2025 | 05-June-2025 | |
| 30-Apr-2025 | 06-June-2025 | |
| 27-Apr-2025 | 05-June-2025 | |
| 30-Apr-2025 | 06-June-2025 | |
| 15-May-2025 | 17-May-2025 | |
| 19-May-2025 | 01-June-2025 | |
| 29-May-2025 | 01-June-2025 |
5-Year LLB Course: Advantages and Disadvantages
To elaborate on the first choice open to students, the benefits and drawbacks of earning an integrated LLB degree are listed below:
- Since the degree is an integrated programme, students will get a consolidated "BA LLB" degree upon completing the course in five years rather than having to complete two graduation requirements—three years of graduating in any stream and another three years of law. The Bar Council of India (BCI) had set a 20-year age limit for pursuing a five-year LLB programme; however, in response to Supreme Court criticism, the age limit was first raised to 22 years and then eliminated.
- Three-year students are not able to select from the extensive selection of topic possibilities available to five-year students. As an illustration, consider the following: BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), BCom LLB (Hons), BSc LLB (Hons), etc.
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Because colleges incorporate research projects, mock trial courts, and moot courts into their curricula, students have early access to courtroom experience.
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Every semester, students further deepen their understanding of the practical applications of law by participating in internships with prestigious law firms, corporations, non-governmental organisations, and the like.
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Before deciding to apply for admission, students must select a university of their choosing that offers these courses and research the opportunities, rankings, placement, etc.
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In the past, this course's age restriction made it challenging for anyone older than 22 to enrol in it. This was one of its disadvantages. But the minimum age requirement for five-year legal programmes has been lifted.
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After just five years of study, students will receive an integrated BA LLB degree.
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The degree is combined into a BA LLB rather than being offered in two halves, BA and LLB.
- In this course, students study pertinent disciplines including political science, psychology, sociology, economics, legal history, and so on. This broadens their understanding of pertinent topics and encourages critical thinking.
3-Year LLB Course: Advantages and Disadvantages
Speaking further about the second choice open to students, the following are the benefits and drawbacks of obtaining a three-year LLB degree:
- After earning a graduation degree in any field, a student pursues a three-year course. To be qualified for a three-year course in law, the student must have completed graduation in any field. The Bar Council of India (BCI) had previously set a 30-year age limit for three-year law courses. However, in response to criticism from the Apex court, the BCI decided to raise the age limit to 45 years. Later, BCI also eliminated the 45-year age limit.
- Students enrolled in a three-year programme must complete two graduations: one in their field of study (BCom, BA, BSc, BTech, etc.)
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It takes longer to complete than the comprehensive five-year LLB programme. An example would be: 4 years of engineering plus 3 years of LLB equals 7 years; or 3 years of BCom, BSC, or BA plus 3 years of LLB equals 6 years.
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Despite being aware of the five-year course, the majority of students choose a three-year degree in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of each discipline.
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Students enrolled in a three-year LLB programme are required to study the official three-year syllabus as set by the university, without having the choice to select other courses.
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This course has the advantage that the university gets right into tough legal subjects right away because all of the students are recent graduates.
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In just a few months after enrolling in the course, students learn about the IPC, Crpc, CPC, family law, bare acts, labour law, company law, etc.
Important FAQs on 3-year LLB vs 5-year LLB
Is pursuing 3-year LLB good or bad?
NLUs offers a three-year LLB programme that is a wonderful option if you're seeking for a good education or a job as a lawyer.
Is CLAT necessary for LLB admission?
Candidates seeking LLB admission in some of the top National Law Universities (NLUs) in India need to mandatorily appear for CLAT. However, apart from CLAT candidates can also appear for some other state- and university/college-level law entrance exams such as:
- MH CET Law
- TS LAWCET
- AP LAWCET
- BHU UET
- DU LLB Entrance Exam
- AMU Entrance Exam
Which entrance exam is best for LLB admissions?
CLAT, AILET, LSAT-India are some of the top law entrance tests for LLB admissions.
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