LLM in Criminal Law Admission 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Fees, & Selection Process

Updated on Jun 3, 2025 11:07 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

LLM in Criminal Law admissions are based on the performance in exams such as CLAT PG, AILET PG, and other university-specific exams. Some colleges also provide admissions based on performance in their undergraduate studies in law, i.e., LLB. The LLM Criminal Law course duration is typically 1 year, but it can vary from university to university.

To pursue this course, candidates must have completed an LLB degree (either a 3-year or 5-year integrated) with a minimum of 50 to 55 percent. Some universities offer relaxation in marks for candidates from SC/ST/OBC categories. 

There is no age limit, and registration with the Bar Council of India is not required for admission, although it is necessary for legal practice.

Popular colleges for LLM Criminal Law are NALSAR Hyderabad, GNLU, Faculty of Law (DU), SLS Pune, and various others. 

LLM Criminal Law graduates have various career opportunities, such as criminal lawyers, defence counsels, public prosecutors, or legal researchers. They can also appear for judicial service exams, or work in corporate legal departments, NGOs, or government agencies like the CBI, NIA, and Human Rights Commission.

LLM in Criminal Law Eligibility

The below section provides LLM Criminal Law eligibility for top colleges as well as general qualification criteria.

LLM in Criminal Law Eligibility for Top Colleges

Some of the most prestigious law colleges and universities offer an LLM course with a focus on Criminal Law, each with specific eligibility requirements and entrance examinations. 

The table below highlights top colleges, the courses they offer, and the key eligibility criteria:

Colleges

Course Offered

Eligibility

NLSIU Bangalore

Master of Laws

  • LLB degree or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC/PwD candidates; 45% for SC/ST candidates.
  • Exams: CLAT

NALSAR Hyderabad

Master of Laws

  • LLB degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
  • Exams: CLAT, TS PGLCET

NUJS Kolkata

Master of Laws

  • LLB degree or equivalent.
  • Exams: CLAT

Jamia Millia Islamia

Master of Laws

  • LLB degree with a minimum of 50% marks from a UGC-recognized university.
  • Exams: JMI Entrance Exam

Faculty of Law, DU

Master of Laws

  • 3-year or 5-year LLB degree from a recognized university.
  • Minimum 50% marks for General category; 45% for SC/ST/PwBD/CW categories.
  • Exams: CUET-PG

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LLM in Criminal Law General Eligibility

Refer to the table below to learn about the detailed qualifications for LLM in Criminal Law courses in India. Candidates who have completed their graduation must take care of the following criteria before searching for the colleges and PG courses in the relevant field and specialisation:

Criteria

Description

Academic Background

- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognised university in India. 

- Some institutions may consider LLB (Hons) or other relevant undergraduate degrees.

Minimum Percentage

- Many universities require a minimum percentage (e.g., 50-60 percent) in the LLB degree. 

- Specific requirements may vary between institutions.

Entrance Exam Scores

- Completion of relevant entrance exams like CLAT-PG, AILET, or university-specific entrance tests.

Work Experience (Optional)

- Some institutions may consider prior work experience in the legal field, but it is generally not mandatory.

Other Requirements

- Some institutions may have specific requirements such as a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, or a personal interview.

LLM in Criminal Law Admission Process

Given below are the general steps to enroll in LLM in Criminal Law courses, including:

  • Prepare for national Law entrance exams like CLAT. Also, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria i.e., a cleared bachelor’s degree in any relevant domain. 
  • On qualifying you can check the universities and colleges falling under your exam scores or merit.
  • Apply to the colleges of your choice and go through their fee structure.
  • Once you get selected for admission, complete the documentation process and submit the fees to begin with the classes.

LLM Criminal Law Course Related Information:

CLAT 2026: Exam Date, Registration Process, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation Tips, Free Mock Tests

CLAT Rank Predictor 2025: Predict your CLAT 2025 Rank Here

Top LLM in Criminal Law Entrance Exams 2026

As LLM in Criminal Law is a PG Law course, hence it is required to look for the exams that are conducted for PG Law courses. Some of the main exams are given in the table below as well:

Entrance Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

SLS AIAT 2026

Dec '25 (Tentative)

SLS AIAT Exam Date 2026

CLAT 2026

Dec '25 (Tentative)

CLAT Exam Date 2026

AILET 2026

Dec '25 (Tentative)

AILET Exam Date 2026

AIBE 2026

Dec '25 (Tentative)

AIBE Exam Date 2026

NOTE: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

LLM Criminal Law Exam Related Information:

Top 10 NLUs in India after CLAT Result, Previous Year & Expected Cut-offs

CLAT 2025 Marks vs Rank (Revised): Key Differences, Changes After Revised Results, Merit List Deciding Factors

LLM in Criminal Law Admissions 2024: Top Entrance Exams Syllabus

If you want to have a look at the syllabus for the exams that you can take for admissions in LLM courses in top government universities and other renowned private colleges then consider reading the table given below:

Exam

Syllabus

CLAT PG

Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour & Industrial Law

LSAT India

Criminal Law, Company Law, Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property Law, Law of Contracts etc

AILET

Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour & Industrial Law

SLAT

Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour & Industrial Law

ILICAT 

Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Company Law, Public International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, Labour & Industrial Law

Predict Your Chances with CLAT and AILET Cutoff Predictor 2025

LLM Criminal Law Admissions 2025: Quick Preparation Tips

Following are some quick preparation tips you can utilize now to get ahead:

  • Identify your target exams: Research and finalize the national/state-level law entrance exams you'll target (CLAT, AILET, LSAT, etc.). Focus on understanding their specific exam patterns, syllabi, and weightage of different sections.
  • Start familiarizing yourself with the syllabus: Most law entrance exams cover legal reasoning, logical reasoning, English language, quantitative aptitude, and general knowledge. Begin building a basic understanding of each section.
  • Practice with past papers and mock tests: Regularly solve past papers and mock tests to get comfortable with the question format, time management, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Analyze mistakes and learn from them.
  • Seek study materials: Utilize resources like previous years' papers, sample questions, recommended books, and online study materials to enhance your preparation. Consider joining coaching classes (optional) based on your needs.

LLM Admission Relevant Information:

 List of NLUs in India

LLM in Criminal Law Admissions 2025: Application Status

Law aspirants aiming to pursue an LLM in Criminal Law must stay updated on the application timelines of various universities and law schools across India. Admission cycles typically begin between December and April, depending on the institution and entrance exam schedule.

Aspiring candidates are advised to regularly check the official websites of the universities and colleges they have applied to for the latest updates

LLM in Criminal Law Admissions 2024 in Government Universities

The following table covers some prominent government law universities offering LLM in Criminal Law course, along with an overview of their course fees and admission processes for the 2025 admissions cycle, based on available information. 

Name of College

LLM Criminal Law Course Fees

NLSIU Bangalore Admission

INR 22,300 - 13.45 L

NALSAR Hyderabad Admission

INR 12,000 - 7.95 L

NUJS Kolkata Admission

INR 10,000 - 3.66 L

NLIU Bhopal Admission

INR 1.1 L - 7.25 L

GNLU Gandhinagar Admission

INR 15,000 - 6 L

NLU Jodhpur Admission

INR 1.1 L - 8.25 L

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

LLM in Criminal Law Admission 2024 in Private Universities

These private universities often offer specialised courses and unique academic environments. The admission processes typically involve national or university-level entrance examinations, followed by counseling and merit-based selection. 

Below is an overview of some notable private universities offering LLM in Criminal Law courses, along with their approximate course fees and admission details for the LLM Criminal Law admissions 2025:

Name of College

LLM Criminal Law Course Fees

Faculty of Law, DU Admission

INR 12,000 - 18,000

GGSIPU, Delhi Admission

INR 70,000 - 4 L

University of Calcutta Admission

NA

Lucknow University Admission

INR 11,800 - 2.5 L

Banaras Hindu University Admission

INR 400 - 11,800

Government Law College Admission

INR 20,600 - 30,500

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Admissions 2025: Colleges Accepting Different Exam Scores

Candidates who wish to pursue LLM Criminal Law must first shortlist the colleges on the basis of various criteria such as fee structure, specialisations, placement opportunities, career scope as well as infrastructure and hostel facilities. The most important factor to be kept in mind before deciding a college is to check the relevant entrance examination score accepted for LLM Criminal Law course.

Click on the links below to find popular LLM Criminal Law colleges in India as per the entrance exam score acceptance.

LLM Criminal Law Admissions FAQs

Q. What is the basic eligibility criteria for LLM in Criminal Law admission in India?

A. Generally, you need an LLB degree (3-year or 5-year integrated) from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score, usually between 50% to 55%. This might be relaxed for reserved categories. 

 

Q. What is the typical syllabus for LLM entrance exams in India?

A. The syllabus usually covers core law subjects like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Law of Contracts, Law of Torts, Criminal Law, Public International Law, Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property Law, Legal Reasoning, and Legal Aptitude. Some exams may also include General Knowledge and Current Affairs.

Q. How do I apply for LLM in Criminal Law courses?

A. The application process is usually online through the official websites of the respective universities or the conducting bodies of the entrance exams (e.g., the CLAT Consortium for CLAT PG, NTA for CUET PG). You'll need to register, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.

Q. What is the duration of the LLM in Criminal Law course?

A. The standard duration for an LLM courses in India is two years, divided into four semesters. Some universities following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 might offer a one-year LLM course for eligible candidates who meet specific credit requirements.

Q. What is the typical course curriculum for LLM in Criminal Law?

A. The curriculum usually includes advanced study of criminal law principles, criminal procedure, criminology, penology, victimology, international criminal law, white-collar crimes, cybercrimes, and contemporary issues in criminal justice. It often involves research work and dissertation. 

Q. What should I focus on while preparing for LLM entrance exams for Criminal Law specialisation?

A. Focus on a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of criminal law, constitutional law, legal reasoning skills, and current legal developments related to criminal justice. Practice previous year's question papers and take mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.

Q. Are there any certifications or additional courses to enhance LLM in Criminal Law specialisation?

A. Yes, there are various certfications and additional courses that can enhance an LLM in Criminal Law specialisation. These certification courses can focus on specialised areas within criminal law such as human rights, cyber crime, and criminal litigation. Moreover, certificate courses in areas like cyber law, criminal litigation, or juvenile justice can provide deep knowledge. Some institutions also offer LLM programs with specific concentrations in criminal law, such as cormel law and criminology. 

Q. What is the difference between LLM (Criminal Law) and PG Criminology?

A. LLM in Criminal Law deals with legislation, procedures, and jurisprudence related to Criminal Law. While PG Criminology is the study of crime as a social phenomenon. 

Hence, LLM in Criminal Law professionals emphasis on legal analysis, argumentation, and application of Law, while PG Criminology students focus on understanding criminal behaviour, criminal law enforcements and developing crime prevention strategies 

Q. Which entrance exams are required for admission to the top colleges for LLM Criminal Law course?

A. Below are the exams for LLM Criminal Law courses for admission in top colleges:

  • CLAT PG (Common Law Admission Test - PG)
  • AILET PG
  • MH CET Law (PG)
  • DU LLM (through CUET PG)
  • SLAT PG
  • JMI LLM Entrance
Table of content
  • Popular LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
  • Popular Private LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
  • Popular LLM in Criminal Law Specializations

Popular LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India

Following are the most popular LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India. Learn more about these LLM in Criminal Law colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
15 Courses
3.5 K - 1.89 L
3.4

#2 The Week

14 Courses
24.8 K - 13.45 L
8.4 - 16 LPA

#1 NIRF

7 K - 22.65 L
4.3

#5 NIRF

Law Applications open till Nov 30, 2025. Apply Now

23 Courses
5.5 K - 7.88 L
3.8 - 9 LPA

#5 Outlook

3 Courses
64 K - 3.62 L
7.1 - 8 LPA

#22 NIRF

13 Courses
10 K - 6 L
6 - 16 LPA

#5 NIRF

Popular Private LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India

8 Courses
1.07 L - 3.75 L
4.3
3.6 L - 10 L
1.6 L - 10.5 L
4.0

#17 Outlook

88 K - 9.5 L
3.5 LPA

#34 The Week

Law Applications open. Apply Now

1.27 L - 7.42 L
4.2
1 L - 8.75 L

Popular LLM in Criminal Law Specializations

Following are the most popular LLM in Criminal Law Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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78589798
Dinesh upadhyay

Scholar-Level 16

Answered 2 months ago

The core subjects studied at almost every level of the Criminal Law course are Foundations of Criminal Law, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), Criminology & Penology, Legal Research Methodology, etc.
Core subjects are the mandatory subjects that every student in a programme need

...Read more

N

Nikita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some top recommendations on Criminal Law books that are my personal favorite:

  • "Understanding Criminal Law" by Joshua Dressler.
  • "The Indian Penal Code" by K.D. Gaur (Commentary).
  • "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander.
  • "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson.
  • "The Code of Criminal Procedure" by Ratanla

...Read more

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

No, they are not. Online Criminal Law Diplomas are not sufficient to practice as a Lawyer in India. In fact, the BCI does not approve many degrees and certifications done online or in a distance learning mode.

There are certain eligibility requirements that need to be fulfilled for legal practice. Yo

...Read more

I

Ishita Uniyal

Contributor-Level 9

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