What is Civil Law?: Course Fees 2026, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions
Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Civil Law is a Law specialization that deals with cases concerned with private rights rather than crimes. Civil Law is also referred to as "Non-Criminal Law," covering aspects related to divorce, family clashes, property rights, etc. It provides a brief understanding of legal principles governing private matters, that includes Contract, Property, Tort, and Family Law.
Civil Law courses are mainly offered at LLM, PG Diploma, and PhD levels. There are many top Law colleges in India, including NLUs, providing Civil Law courses in various specializations like Contract Law, IPR Law, Family Law, etc. The average Civil Law study fees in India range from INR 1 Lakh to INR 4 Lakh.
After a Civil Law program, you can become an Advocate, Transactional Lawyer, Family Lawyer, Assistant Professor, and more. If interested, you can continue reading the article for more details on Civil Law courses.
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Civil Law Course Details: Highlights
You can refer to this table, highlighting some key points of Civil Law courses in India.
| Particulars | Course Details |
|---|---|
| Civil Law Course Level | PG, Diploma, and PhD |
| Civil Law Specializations | Contract Law, Law of Tort, Intellectual Property Rights Law, Family Law, Property Law, etc. |
| Civil Law Course Duration | LLM - 1 - 2 Years, Diploma - 1 - 2 Years, PhD - 3 - 5 Years |
| Civil Law Course Eligibility Criteria | LLM - A 3-year LLB or a 5-year integrated LLB from a recognized university. PhD - An LLM from a UGC and BCI-approved university. |
| Civil Law Course Admission Criteria | Entrance Exam-based |
| Civil Law Entrance Exams | UGC NET, CSIR NET, AIBE, etc. |
| Top Civil Law Colleges | K.R. Mangalam University, Kalinga University, Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU), Aryavart University, etc. |
| Civil Law Course Fees | INR 1 Lakh - INR 4 Lakh |
| Civil Law Jobs | Advocate, Transactional Lawyer, Family Lawyer, Assistant Professor, etc. |
| Average Civil Law Salary | INR 4.6 LPA |
| Top Civil Law Recruiters | AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., etc. |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Civil Law Relevant Information -
Top 10 Law Schools in India based on NIRF Law Ranking 2025
Civil law covers a wide range of legal challenges related to disputes between individuals and organisations. Apart from criminal matters, they mainly focus on protecting individuals' private rights and providing solutions for acts of wrongs committed against individuals or their property. They are also known as the "law of private rights,"
It covers legal fields such as property, contracts, family disputes, torts, consumer protection, and corporate affairs.
As India's economy is growing, for instance, real estate sector is expanding, plus increasing awareness of consumer rights, and the complications of modern family and corporate relationships have led to growing demand for civil litigation and advisory roles.
While in terms of career scope, Civil Lawyers can work in law firms, corporate legal departments, real estate companies, family law practices, NGOs, and even governmental departments dealing with land, housing, and civic administration.
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The difference is that Civil Law courses deal with issues between people or organisations. It's goal is to provide remedies for violations of private rights.
Criminal Law focus on the study of various types of crimes, legal practices, investigative methods, trial preparation, and the operations of the criminal justice system.
Know more about -
- Civil Law Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2026
- Top Civil Law Entrance Exam 2026
- Civil Law Course Syllabus
- Top Civil Law Colleges in India
- Popular Private Civil Law Colleges in India
- Civil Law Salary: Career Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters
- Civil Law Course FAQs
- Popular Civil Law PG Courses
Civil Law Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2026
The eligibility requirements for every Civil Law course level can be different. But they are mandatory to fulfill. Here's a basic idea of these conditions.
| Course Level | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| 5-Year Integrated LLB |
|
| 3-Year LLB |
|
| LLM in Civil Law |
|
| PhD in Civil Law |
|
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Diploma in Civil Law Relevant Information -
Law Admission 2026: Registration Fees, Eligibility, Top Institutes/Colleges in India
PhD Admission 2026: Registration, Qualification, Selection Process
Civil Law Admission Process 2026
The admission process for any Civil Law course is similar to that of the other Law courses. Here's a general idea of LLB and LLM in Civil Law admission process for your reference.
LLB Admission Process 2026
The step-by-step process of LLB Admission 2026.
- Fulfill the eligibility requirements.
- Register for your candidature (offline or online).
- As you complete that application form, attach all the documents needed.
- Register and appear in the entrance exam.
- Wait for the college notification regarding the merit/entrance result.
- Attend the counselling, if selected.
- Get your documents verified and pay the outstanding fees.
LLM Admission Process 2026
The step-by-step process of LLM Admission 2026.
- Fulfill the eligibility requirements.
- Register yourself on the official website.
- Appear for the entrance exam.
- Wait for the notification/result.
- Some colleges require a personal interview before selection.
- If selected, proceed with seat allocation.
- Get your documents verified and pay any outstanding fees.
A general eligibility criterion for Civil Law courses in India is here. Take a look
Undergraduate Programs (LLB) - Completion of Class 12 (10+2) with qualifying scores and entrance exams like LSAT-India or CLAT.
Postgraduate Programs (LLM) - A recognised LLB degree from a reputable university.
Best of Luck !
Hi,
No, you cannot straight a way pursue Civil Law after 12th in India. Here are the reasons why so:
No Standalone Degree: Civil Law is not offered as a distinguish UG course in India.
Integrated Law Degrees: However, you can carry on with common law degree such as Bachelor of Laws (LLB) after 12th. These LLB courses will include Civil Law as a core subject along with other legal areas.
Specializations: Some LLB courses or postgraduate Master of Laws (LLM) programs may offer specialisations or electives focusing on specific areas of Civil Law, like family law or property law.
Hope this answer cleared your doubt !
Top Civil Law Entrance Exam 2026
Admission to any Civil Law course in India is mainly based on the entrance exam process. Either colleges accept national-level exam scores or conduct their university-level tests. Here are some top Law entrance exams in India you can prepare for.
|
Entrance Exams
|
Exam Dates
|
Exam Schedule
|
|---|---|---|
|
UGC NET 2026
|
December 26 (Tentative) | UGC NET Exam Date 2026 |
|
CSIR NET 2026
|
December 26 (Tentative) | CSIR NET Exam Date 2026 |
|
AILET 2026
|
December 26 (Tentative)
|
|
|
AIBE 2026
|
June 7, 2026 |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the exam.
Civil Law Exam-Relevant Topics -
AIBE 21 (XXI) Exam 2026: Application Form (OUT), Official Notification PDF, Eligibility, Syllabus
AIBE 21 (XXI) 2026 Exam Fees: Check Category-wise AIBE Application Fee
How to Prepare Constitutional Law for AIBE (21) 2026?
11 Feb ' 26 - 30 Apr ' 26 | AIBE 21 Registration Date 2026 |
1 May ' 26 - 3 May ' 26 | AIBE 21 Application Correction Window 2026 |
9 Jan ' 26 - 15 Mar ' 26 | MH CET Law 2026 Application (for 5-year LLB) |
Mar '26 | MH CET Law 2026 Admit Card (3-Year LLB) TENTATIVE |
25 Feb ' 26 - 6 Mar ' 26 | Payment of Confirmation Fee to Consortium for Fre... |
2 May ' 26 | CLAT 2026 Fourth Merit List |
12 Feb ' 26 - 12 Mar ' 26 | AP LAWCET Registration 2026 Begins |
16 Mar ' 26 | Last date for submission of Online Applications w... |
There are multiple entrance exams for admission in Civil Law. In order to become a civil lawyer, aspirants are first required to enroll themselves in an undergraduate degree course followed by an LLM programme. A number of institutes and universities offer admission to candidates on the basis of entrance examination.
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Civil Law Course Syllabus
Since the Civil Law is a broad area, including specialized areas like Intellectual Property Rights Law, Contract Law, Law of Torts, etc. The syllabus for these specializations and their course levels differ. For your reference, here's the syllabus for some top Civil Law specializations at the LLM level.
LLM in Intellectual Property Rights Law Syllabus
Here's an overview of an LLM IPR Law syllabus followed in India.
|
LLM in IPR Subjects Semester I |
|
|---|---|
| Legal Research Methodology | Principles of Constitutional Governance & Legal Processes |
| Legal theory & changing social order | Principles of Intellectual Property Rights |
|
LLM in IPR Subjects Semester II |
|
| Patent Law and Practices | Copyright Law and Practices |
| Trademark Law and Practices | Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications |
|
LLM in IPR Subjects Semester III |
|
| Protection of Plant Varieties and Traditional Knowledge | International Legal Regime Relating to IPR |
| Science, Technology, and IPR: Law and Policy | Intellectual Property Rights and Emerging Trends |
|
LLM in IPR Subjects Semester IV |
|
| Dissertation Research | - |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
More on Civil Law qualification -
LLM Syllabus & Subjects List 2026
LLB Syllabus & Subjects List 2026
LLM in Human Rights Law Syllabus
An LLM Human Rights Law course is focused on the study and advocacy of human rights principles and laws. Listed below is the overview of an LLM Human Rights Law syllabus followed in India.
|
LLM Human Rights Law Subjects Semester I
|
|
|---|---|
|
International Human Rights Law
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Human Rights in India
|
|
Constitutional Law and Human Rights in India
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Research Methodology and Legal Writing
|
|
LLM Human Rights Law Subjects Semester II
|
|
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Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation
|
International Humanitarian Law
|
|
Human Rights and Development
|
Emerging Concept of Human Rights
|
|
LLM Human Rights Law Subjects Semester III
|
|
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Constitutional Governance of Human Rights in India
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Refugee Law
|
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Jurisprudence & Human Rights: Lego Philosophical perspectives
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Extension Activities & Educational Tours
|
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LLM Human Rights Law Subjects Semester IV
|
|
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Human Rights and International & Regional Perspectives: Implementation Mechanism
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International Humanitarian Law
|
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People’s Rights to Self-determination
|
Dissertation Research
|
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Since Civil Law courses have many specialized areas, each specialization has its own curriculum set according to the course level.
Civil Law Subjects: Specialisations | |
Intellectual property law | |
Taxation law | Constitutional law |
Securities Law | Corporate law and governance (including international business) |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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The types of subjects covered in the Civil Law courses in India are here. Take a look
Civil Law Syllabus | |
Comparative Constitutional Law | Teaching methods & Research Methodology |
Comparative Jurisprudence | Public international law |
Environmental Law | |
Jurisprudence | |
Law and Justice in Globalising World | Access to Justice |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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Top Civil Law Colleges in India
Civil Law courses are offered in various specializations among hundreds of top Law colleges in India. The number of colleges providing Civil Law (in-specific) courses is only 4. The table below will help you get the details of these colleges.
| Best Civil Law Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU) | INR 1 Lakh |
| Kalinga University | INR 1.3 Lakh |
| K.R. Mangalam University | INR 3.6 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
More on Civil Law course Colleges -
Top Law Colleges in India 2026: Ranking, Fees, Courses, Admission, Cutoff
Civil Law Applications open. Apply Now
Civil Law Applications open. Apply Now
Hi,
Civil law and common law are the two dominant legal systems in the world. They differ in their sources of law, how they are interpreted, and the role of judges. Below table highlights the civil law scope in India and abroad, compared to common law
Characteristic | Common Law | Civil Law |
|---|---|---|
Intro | Common law is a legal system originating in England and Wales, in which law is created and refined by judges through precedents set in previous court rulings. It is contrasted with the civil law system, which is based on comprehensive legal codes. | Civil law is a legal system originating in mainland Europe, in which law is codified into comprehensive, detailed collections. It is based on the principles laid out in these collections, rather than relying heavily on precedent set in previous court cases. |
Source of Law | Judicial decisions and interpretations (precedent) | Comprehensive legal codes and statutes |
Role of Judges | Judges interpret and apply the law, playing a key role in shaping the law through their rulings | Judges apply and interpret the law as it is written in the codes, with less emphasis on precedents |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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There are only 3-4 Civil Law-specific colleges in India. Here are their details
| Best Civil Law Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU) | INR 1 Lakh |
| Kalinga University | INR 1.3 Lakh |
| K.R. Mangalam University | INR 3.6 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
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Popular Private Civil Law Colleges in India
Civil Law Applications open. Apply Now
Civil Law Applications open. Apply Now
Civil Law Salary: Career Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters
After pursuing the course, candidates become eligible for the following job profiles in the field of law in India. Check out some major types of civil lawyers and their roles mentioned below.
| Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Litigator/ Lawyers | In civil disputes, civil litigators represent clients. They could be employed by law firms, corporations, or government bodies. | INR 3.1 LPA |
| Family Lawyers | A family lawyer is responsible for handling cases related to family issues like abuse, succession, alimony, family partitions, child custody, etc. They support the clients in providing solutions to such issues. | INR 3 LPA |
| Divorce Lawyers | They deal with cases of disputes among spouses. A divorce lawyer is also responsible for the legal division of assets among the spouses and resolving child custody issues. | INR 10 LPA |
| Intellectual Property Attorney | They deal with cases related to intellectual and creative innovations. The professional is responsible for issues like patents, copyrights, trademarks, duplication, industrial design rights, and many others. | INR 10.6 LPA |
| Employment Lawyers | Clients are represented by employment lawyers in employment law concerns such as discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment. | INR 3.5 LPA |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
More on Civil Law Jobs and Salary -
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Top Law Firms in India: Career Guide, Salaries, and Internships
Top Civil Law Recruiters
Civil law graduates are hired by these corporations and organizations for several positions, including litigation lawyer, transactional lawyer, corporate lawyer, intellectual property lawyer, and in-house counsel. A career in Civil Law can be a difficult but rewarding one. Civil lawyers play a vital role in our society by assisting people in resolving disputes and protecting their rights. Top recruiters in the civil law profession are
| Civil Law Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| Aditya Birla Group | Tata Group |
| Infosys | Wipro |
| Mahindra and Mahindra | Bajaj Auto |
| Central Bureau of Investigation | Enforcement Directorate |
| Securities and Exchange Board of India | HDFC Bank |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
There are many. Some top Civil Law career options in India are given here. Take a look
| Job Profiles | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Attorney for Litigation | Representing clients in court cases including violations of contracts, rights to property, accidents, etc. |
| Corporate Lawyer | Offering legal counsel to businesses on issues pertaining to contracts, M&A, intellectual property, etc. |
| Judge | Overseeing civil proceedings and providing legal interpretation. |
| Legal Advisor | Offering civil law advice to companies or government organizations. Representing people who cannot afford private legal counsel is the role of a legal aid lawyer. |
| Academic | Practicing law at research institutes or universities. |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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There are so many MNCs, law firms, and civil courts that require civil lawyers in india. Some of them are here. Take a look
| Civil Law Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| Aditya Birla Group | Tata Group |
| Infosys | Wipro |
| Mahindra and Mahindra | Bajaj Auto |
| Central Bureau of Investigation | Enforcement Directorate |
| Securities and Exchange Board of India | HDFC Bank |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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Civil Law Course FAQs
You can refer to this section for some frequently asked questions around Civil Law courses in India.
They do it through online databases, legal research tools, e-learning platforms, and virtual moot courts. It enhanceslearning, facilitates research, and prepares students for the technologically advanced legal profession.
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Popular Civil Law PG Courses
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There are some major differences between the courses in Criminal Law and Civil Law.
Refer to the table given below
| Criminal Law | Civil Law |
|---|---|
| The criminal law curriculum revolves around the legal principles, processes, and practices related to criminal offenses. | The Civil Law syllabus equips students with knowledge of the legal principles, processes, and practices governing disputes between people or organizations, excluding criminal offenses. |
| PG, PhD, Diploma, and Certification. | PG, PhD, and Diploma. |
| Strategic thinking, criminal investigation, trial advocacy, interviewing & negotiation, etc. | Legal research, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, legal writing, and communication. |
| INR 1,000 - INR 15 Lakh | INR 1 Lacs - 4 Lakh |
| Symbiosis Law School, NALSAR University of Law, GNLU Gandhinagar, SIMTS, GGSIPU, Alliance School of Law, etc. | K.R. Mangalam University, SAGE University, Kalinga University, Aryavart University, etc. |
Legal Manager, Contract Attorney, Legal Advisor, Legal Researcher, Legal Assistant, etc. | Lawyer, Advocate, Transactional Lawyer, Family Lawyer, Assistant Professor, etc. |
| Advocacy, Judiciary, Law Enforcement, Legal Consultancy, Education, NGO, etc. | Colleges, Universities, Law Firms, Public Sector Undertakings, etc. |
| Trilegal India, Khaitan & Co., Ahlawat & Associates, Sagar Associates, etc. | Aditya Birla Group, Tata Group, Infosys, Wipro, Mahindra and Mahindra, Bajaj Auto |
| INR 3 - 8 LPA | INR 3 - 7 LPA |
Source - Multiple external/ official sites on the web and data may vary.
Hope this helps!
D
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The Civil Law course is generally studies as a core subjects in LLB curriculum, whereas, in LLM you can take it as a specialisation. Students can also consider studying it as a specialisation at diploma or certificate level. Civil Law provides a brief understanding of legal principles governing private matters, that includes Contract Law, Property Law, Tort Law, and Family Law.