LLB vs LLM: Key Differences, Eligibility, Admission, Jobs, Salary

Find out the difference between LLB and LLM courses. Compare the courses on the basis of the eligibility criteria, syllabus, top colleges. Get detailed information about LLM and LLB courses in India.  

LLB or LLM: Which one is a better course? At present, these two courses cannot be compared at par as these are UG and PG level law degrees. However, candidates can find out if they should pursue LLM after completing their LLB or not. It is because students often get confused while pursuing a Law career, whether doing an LLB is enough or if they should go for an LLM. Comparing a Bachelor of Law (LLB Full Form) with a Master of Law (LLM Full Form) in terms of the levels of education, the two are different in this aspect of their meanings.

LLB is an undergraduate degree, whereas LLM is a postgraduate degree option. LLB may be pursued in the form of an integrated 5-year program or a 3-year program, while LLM may be offered for one academic year or two academic years.

Also Read: Know All About LLB Admission

LLB vs LLM: Highlights

LLB requires a high school diploma and potentially an entrance exam for prestigious institutions. For LLM, an LLB from a recognized Indian university (BCI-approved) is your license to practice in court. Some LLMs might ask for extra experience or a specific legal area of focus in your LLB. Refer to the table below:

Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Also Read: How to Become a Judge in India - A Complete Guide

LLB vs LLM: Key Differences

LLB (Bachelor of Laws) and LLM (Master of Laws) degrees are the two most popular degree programs in a critical and ever-demanding field of study, Law in India or any other country. The jobs available with these degrees are not very specific and provide options in both the government and private sectors. Some of the most common employment areas for graduate and postgraduate lawyers are the following: District and High courts, companies and corporate houses, law firms, government departments, judicial, schools and universities, Non-governmental organizations, media houses, banking and finance sectors, insurance sector, broadcasting sector, politics, etc.

Bachelor of Law is offered across various law colleges in India as well as top private and government universities recognised by the Bar Council of India. As per the guidelines of the Bar Council of India, LLB is offered in full-time mode and any form of correspondence or part-time LLB course is not recognised by BCI. LLB is a course that can be pursued by candidates to establish a career in the field of judicial functioning, advocacy or establish independent practice. Go through the following points to understant the difference betweene LLB and LLM:

• LLB (Latin Legum Baccalaureus) is a UG law degree held in high esteem and commonly referred to as the first stage towards obtaining the qualification of a lawyer or a barrister. On completing the course of LLB they can afford to begin practice in the legal field and also prefer the advanced course of LLM. However, before they can actually commence practicing law, the LLB holders must first complete a legal practice course.
• The duration of the LLB admission in India is generally of three years and it comprises all the most useful and common fields of the law which are known as the general profile or the seven core subjects that are advantageous to a number of professions. Thus, the LLB degree is not enough to practice law but it is the slightest requirement one needs to meet before practicing law. The BL degree is the equivalent of this.
• LLM (Latin Legum Magister) which is a PG degree in legal sector. It means that this postgraduate course in law affords knowledge and erudition in particular wanted areas/segments including Civil Law, Criminal Law, Business/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property Law, etc. Thus, the LLM degree is not a requirement to attain professional attorney status; nonetheless, it proves highly useful in the relevant sphere of the legal industry.
• LLM program might also be completed in only one year in India. They encompass all areas of knowledge, concerns, and any policy associated with a particular aspect of the law; for example, the IPR.

LLM vs LLB: Know the Comparison

Check out the description of the courses individually, along with the exams, duration and fees accepted:

What is LLB?

LLB is a three-year undergraduate program of Law pursued by candidates who complete their graduation from a recognised university. The popular LLB entrance exams are MHCET Law, APLAWCET, DU LLB, AILET, etc. 

What is LLM?

Master of Laws is a one-year/ two-year postgraduate programme that is pursued by candidates who are graduates in the field of Law. Various colleges offer a one-year degree, whereas most of the government universities offer a two-year LLM course.

LLB vs LLM: Eligibility Criteria

It is important to be aware of the eligibility criteria of both courses before you proceed to fill out the application form for the entrance exam. Read the requirements that candidates should fulfill to pursue either LLB or LLM: 

 LLB vs LLM: Top Entrance Exams

Some of the top Law colleges and other central and state universities accept the scores of various top Law entrance exams conducted by central-level agencies such as the National Testing Agency and other state-level entrance conducting bodies. Many private colleges conduct their own entrance examinations for LLB and LLM courses. Students can visit the specific examination pages of the following entrance examinations and check the eligibility criteria for the various LLM and LLB entrance examinations.

Also Read:

LLB vs LLM: Syllabus 

The syllabus for LLB courses varies across various specialisations and candidates are generally offered similar subjects especially during the first year of the course. Candidates can choose elective papers as per their specialisation. On the other hand, the syllabus of LLM consists of few core papers such as Research Methodology, Law and Justice in Globalising world etc and other elective papers related to specialisation.

 Also Read:

• LLB Syllabus
• LLM Syllabus

LLB vs LLM: Top Colleges

Students can pursue LLB from various top law colleges, which include National Law Universities and other government and private universities and law colleges. Amongst these colleges, many also offer LLM courses to graduates of law.

Top LLB Colleges

There are more than 1100 colleges in India that offer LLB courses. Candidates can choose among the top private and government colleges to pursue LLB in different specialisations. Some of the top colleges with their fees are:

NOTE: This information is sourced from official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Also Read: Key Differences and Syllabus Pattern for CLAT, AILET

Top LLM Colleges

Find out all about the top LLM colleges as listed below: 

NOTE: This information is sourced from official website/ counselling body and may vary.

LLB Job Profiles and Average Salary

The highest package offered to LLB graduates in various recruitment drives ranges from INR 10- 12 LPA, generally offered by top law firms. The top job profiles for LLB graduates and their salaries are given as below:

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

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Career in Law

Popular Colleges for LLM