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

LLB & LLM are two most commonly pursued law degrees. The scope as well as requirements vary for both these law courses. Candidates can find difference between LLB and LLM courses on this page. Compare these courses based on eligibility criteria, syllabus, etc. Get detailed information about LLM and LLB courses in India.

Law candidates always ask this question: LLB or LLM: Which one is a better course? Students who are new to law field should know that you can pursue both of them. One course is a bachelor-level course while the other is done at master level. The LLB builds your foundation. The LLM lets you specialise. LLB is compulsory if you want to practice law in India. You do not need to pursue an LLM.

Candidates study constitutional law, contracts, torts, and criminal law in LLB course. It qualifies you to become a lawyer. You can practice law as well as appear in court after this degree. LLB graduates can also start their legal career with just this degree. Lawyers often pursue an LLM to boost their expertise or switch specialisations. It is needed if you want to teach law at university level. Candidates can check complete details about both these exams on this page.

LLB vs LLM

LLB stands for Bachelor of Laws. It is the first degree in law. Students can join it after Class 12 as a five-year integrated course. Graduates can also join it as a three-year course. The course teaches the basic subjects of law. These subjects include constitutional law, contract law, and criminal law. A student must hold an LLB degree to practise as an advocate in India.

LLM stands for Master of Laws. It is a postgraduate degree in law. Only LLB graduates can take admission to it. The course usually lasts one year or two years. Students choose one area of law to study in depth. Common areas include corporate law, criminal law, and intellectual property law. The course focuses on research and advanced legal study.

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 recognised 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 organisations, media houses, banking and finance sectors, insurance sector, broadcasting sector, politics, etc.

Bachelor of Laws 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. Go through the following points to understand the difference between 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 an LLM. However, before they can actually commence practising law, the LLB holders must first complete a legal practice course.
• The duration of the LLB admission in India is generally three years and it comprises all the most useful and common fields of 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 minimum requirement one needs to meet before practising law. The BL degree is the equivalent of this.
• LLM (Latin Legum Magister) 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, IPR.

Candidates get more international opportunities after they complete LLM degree from a reputed law institution.

LLM vs LLB: Know the Comparison

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

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 fulfil to pursue either LLB or LLM:

Candidates need to fulfill eligibility requirements before they apply for LLB/ LLM courses.

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 eligibility rules for various LLM and LLB entrance examinations.

Candidates can appear for any of entrance exams mentioned above to score good marks.

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A strategic preparation plan is necessary if students want to score good marks in these exams.

LLB vs LLM: Syllabus

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

In short, an LLB starts your journey. LLM sharpens it.

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 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