LLM in Criminal Law syllabus : Latest Updated Syllabus for syllabus

Updated on Apr 30, 2025 10:38 IST

LLM in Criminal Law syllabus provides an explained and advanced understanding of criminal justice, substantive and procedural criminal law, and related socio-legal issues. While specific subjects and their format can vary in different universities, there are several core areas that are generally covered. course is spread over two years, divided into four semesters but some colleges offer a one-year LLM course.

Initially, students are often taught about foundational and interdisciplinary subjects such as Research Methods and Legal Writing, for advanced legal study and academic work. Courses such as Comparative Public Law or System of Governance provide a broader understanding of legal and political frameworks. Subjects like Criminology, Penology & Victimology teaches theoretical and practical aspects of crime, punishment, and victim rights. 

LLM Criminal Law syllabus aims to produce graduates with specialised knowledge and critical understanding of criminal law and justice, preparing them for careers in litigation, academia, law reform, and various other legal and policy-related fields. 

LLM Criminal Law Syllabus

Candidates can see the table below -

Semester 1

Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)

Constitutional Law-III (Focus on Criminal Justice)

Semester 2

Evidence Law

Forensic Science & Law

Cyber Law & Cybercrime

Semester 3

Special Acts (NDPS Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, etc.)

Legal Aid & Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Administration

Semester 4

Dissertation/Thesis

Seminar Presentations

Optional Courses (as per university)

LLM Criminal Law Syllabus 2025: Core Subjects

Candidates can see the table below -

Semester

Core Subject

Description

Semester 1

Criminal Jurisprudence

Explores fundamental theories of criminal law, liability, and punishment from a jurisprudential angle.

 

Advanced Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Analytical study of key provisions and interpretations of IPC including landmark case laws.

 

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)

Focuses on procedures of investigation, arrest, bail, trial, and appeal mechanisms in criminal law.

 

Criminology and Penology

Examines causes of crime, classification of criminals, punishment theories, and correctional reforms.

 

Legal Research Methodology

Introduces students to doctrinal, empirical, and socio-legal research methods relevant to law.

Semester 2

Comparative Criminal Law

Offers insight into how different legal systems handle criminal offences, procedures, and reforms.

 

Victimology and Restorative Justice

Covers victims’ rights, support systems, rehabilitation, and non-retributive justice approaches.

 

Human Rights and Criminal Law

Focuses on constitutional protections, international conventions, and safeguards in criminal justice.

 

White Collar and Organized Crimes

Deals with financial crimes, corporate frauds, cybercrimes, and laws combating organized crime.

 

Dissertation / Thesis

Independent research on a criminal law topic with guidance from faculty, ending in a viva voce.

LLM Criminal Law Syllabus 2025: Elective Subjects

Candidates can see the table below -

Elective Subject

Description

Cyber Law and Cyber Crimes

Covers legal frameworks related to digital offences, cyber terrorism, data privacy, and IT Act compliance.

Forensic Science and Law

Introduces forensic techniques in criminal investigations including DNA, fingerprinting, and ballistics.

Gender and Criminal Justice

Focuses on crimes against women and marginalized genders, laws like POCSO, and feminist legal theory.

Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Laws

Examines juvenile delinquency, Juvenile Justice Act, and rehabilitation systems for minors.

International Criminal Law

Studies war crimes, genocide, international courts (like ICC), and cross-border criminal prosecution.

Police Law and Accountability

Deals with police powers, custodial violence, reforms, and laws governing accountability mechanisms.

Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law

Focuses on NDPS Act, drug trafficking, legal regulation of narcotics, and rehabilitation.

Terrorism and Anti-Terror Laws

Analyses national security laws like UAPA, preventive detention, and global anti-terror frameworks.

Economic Offences and Anti-Corruption Laws

Covers money laundering, embezzlement, PMLA, Lokpal Act, and Prevention of Corruption Act.

Penal Reform and Alternatives to Incarceration

Discusses prison reforms, parole, probation, open prisons, and community-based justice models.

LLM Criminal Law Syllabus: Popular Books and Authors

Candidates can see the table below -

Book Title

Author

Description

Principles of Criminal Law

Prof. K.D. Gaur

Comprehensive explanation of Indian criminal law principles, judicial interpretation, and case law.

Indian Penal Code

Ratanlal & Dhirajlal

A widely cited commentary offering deep insights and section-wise analysis of IPC.

Criminal Law

P.S.A. Pillai

A foundational text for understanding Indian criminal law, updated with recent amendments.

Criminal Procedure Code

R.V. Kelkar

A standard reference covering procedural aspects of criminal law in India in a student-friendly style.

Criminology and Penology

Dr. N.V. Paranjape

Discusses crime causes, penal systems, theories of punishment, and criminal profiling.

Law of Evidence

Batuk Lal

Covers Indian Evidence Act with practical examples, case laws, and admissibility issues.

Victimology

Dr. K.I. Vibhute

A focused study on victim rights, compensation, and restorative justice in Indian legal context.

Comparative Criminal Justice

Malcolm Davies & Hazel Croall

An international perspective comparing criminal justice systems and reform initiatives worldwide.

International Criminal Law and Human Rights

Dr. Reema Singh

Explores intersection of human rights law and international criminal prosecution mechanisms.

White Collar Crime in India

Sutherland & Indian case studies

Analyses economic crimes and regulatory gaps, blending theory with landmark Indian judgments.

Table of contents
  • 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.
17 Courses
2.25 L - 15.91 L
16 LPA

#1 NIRF

6 Courses
1.49 L - 7.45 L
12 - 14 LPA

#2 NIRF

65 K - 7.75 L
7 - 16 LPA

#3 NIRF

34 K - 80 L
10 - 20 LPA

#4 NIRF

13 Courses
10 K - 6 L
6 - 16 LPA

#5 NIRF

15 Courses
2.7 L - 25.3 L
4.3

#7 NIRF

Popular Private LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India

4 Courses
1.25 L - 3.75 L
4.4

Law Applications open. Apply Now

1.6 L - 14 L
3.7

#26 NIRF

Law Applications open. Apply Now

3.08 L - 5.2 L
25 K - 5.4 L
5.0

Law Applications open. Apply Now

1.06 L - 13.1 L
4 - 6.8 LPA

#27 The Week

Law Applications open. Apply Now

85 K - 13.81 L
2.8

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.
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There are a total of 120 seats available at Medicaps University for BA LLB (H). Students must appear in the MLAT exam and secure good marks to get a seat at the university. To secure the seat, students have to pay the course fee.

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Anjali Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

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Yes, Nirma University does offer hostel services to BCom LLB (hons) students. There are separate hostels for both boys and girls with different facilities and room accomodations. Hostel fees can range between INR 4.25 Lacs to INR 5.25 lakh.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

There is no mention of a rule regarding changing course in the middle of curriculum from BCom LLB (hons) to BA LLB (hons) at Nirma University. Generally, candidates are able to change their course this way if their are seats available in their chosen course.

However, candidates should ask this from a

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Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, candidates can participate in moot court competitions during BCom LLB (hons) curriculum at Nirma University. Candidates also get an option of either pursuing an intership or moot court during final year of BCom LLB (hons) curriculum.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Nirma University BCom LLB (hons) seat reservation includes 15% reservations for NRI/ NRI sponsored categories. This reservation includes 9 out 60 total seats for BCom LLB (hons) course offered by Nirma University, Institute of Law. 

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

SASTRA University gives 50% weightage to Class 12 scores and 50% to CLAT scores in Phase-II. In Phase-I, admission is entirely based on scores of the aspirants in CLAT. In case the applicant has not appeared for CLAT, weighted score for 50% will become 0 but the Class 12 aggregate will be given 50%

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Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered Yesterday

Yes, candidates can apply for Nirma University BCom LLB (hons) admisions before receiving their Class 12 board exam scores. Such candidates must provide some proof of them passing Class 12th to complete BCom LLB (hons) application process. 

This proof can include a signed letter from the principle ac

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Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Nirma University BCom LLB (hons) admissions require following documents from candidates:

  • Class 10th and Class 12th marksheet and passing certificate
  • ID and address proof
  • CLAT-UG scorecard
  • Transfer certificate

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, candidates are refunded any BCom LLB (hons) fees paid to Nirma University upon cancelling their admission. Nirma University has its own refund policy which has been tabulated below:

Refund PercentageDate of Admission Cancellation
100%Up to 05.07.2026 
90%From 06.07.2026  
to 19.08.2026  
80%From 20.08.2026  
to 18.09.2026 
60%From 19.09.2026 
onwards 

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

BCom LLB (hons) fees at Nirma University is INR 19.67 Lacs in academic year 2026. This amount has both yearly as well as one-time payments. Tuition fees comprises INR 18.75 Lacs out of the aforementioned amount and is charged on yearly basis at INR 3.75 lakh.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

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No, Nirma University BCom LLB (hons) admission is no longer open for academic year 2026. Candidates were required to complete their BCom LLB (hons) admission forms by third week of April this year.

Candidates who failed to apply within this time are now required to wait for 2027 admissions to begin i

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Saurabh Khanduri

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Answered Yesterday

No, Nirma University BCom LLB (hons) eligibility criteria does not require candidates to have Mathematics as a mandatory subject in Class 12th. Candidates who want to apply for BCom LLB (hons) only need to pass Class 12 board exams with a minimum aggregate of 45% to be eligible. Their chosen stream

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Saurabh Khanduri

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Yes, CLAT-UG is a mandatory entrance exam for BCom LLB (hons) admission at Nirma University. This institute does not accept any other entrance exams for this course nor does it conduct any exams of its own for admission. Candidates can beginning applying once CLAT-UG registrations begin.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

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Answered Yesterday

Candidates can begin applying for Nirma University BA LLB (hons) course as soon as CLAT-UG registrations begin. CLAT-UG registrations begin in August of last year and remain open for one month. CLAT-UG is conducted in December with results declared in January.

Candidates will be able to apply for Nir

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Saurabh Khanduri

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No, Nirma University does not accept LSAT scores for BA LLB (hons) admission. LSAT India is an exam specifically for admission to three year LLB courses. Since, Nirma University does not offer LLB courses, it does not accept LSAT for any course offered by it.

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Saurabh Khanduri

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There is only one mandatory internship present within Nirma University BA LLB (hons) curriculum. However, candidates can go for internships beginning from third semester. Candidates are advised to take all these internship opportunities during their curriculum to build a better portfolio upon gradua

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Saurabh Khanduri

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Answered Yesterday

BHU counselling process for BA LLB (CAP-UG) starts in second/ third week of July. The counselling process continues till August end. The seats are allotted in multiple rounds on the basis of entrance merit. 

B

Bipasha Jha

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Answered Yesterday

Application fee for CAP-UG is INR 500 for General/ OBC-NCL/ EWS categories. Categories like SC/ ST/ PwBD have to pay INR 250. The applications are available on official website.

B

Bipasha Jha

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Answered Yesterday

Nirma University BA LLB (hons) seat intake is comprised of 180 seats out of which, 27 seats have been reserved. Remaining seats at Nirma University are open category for general candidates. Currently, no other seat reservation policy is present at Nirma University, Institute of Law.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, the reservation details are as follows:

CategoryReservation 
SC15%
ST7.5%
OBC27%
EWS10%
PwBD5%
BHU employee wards15%

B

Bipasha Jha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, candidates who want to apply for BA LLB (hons) admission process before receiving Class 12 board exam results can do so after appearing in CLAT-UG.

However, such candidates are required to provide some proof of them completing Class 12th to be able to apply for BA LLB (hons) course.

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Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, BHU offers an integrated BA LLB Hons programme. It is offered for five years by the faculty of law. Admissions in the course are based on CUET UG scores. The eligibility to apply is Class 12 with at least 50% marks (General). 

B

Bipasha Jha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Placement rate recorded during Sage University Bhopal LLB placements in 2025 and 2024 was 100%.

S

Saakshi Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Sage University Bhopal LLB placements highlights of 2025 and 2024 are presented below:

Particulars

LLB Placement Statistics 2024

LLB Placement Statistics 2025

Median package

INR 2 LPA

INR 2.5 LPA

Number of graduating students

26

19

Students placed

19

11

Students selected for higher studies

7

8

N

Nishtha Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, BA LLB at BHU cannot be completed in three years. The course is offered for five years. The syllabus of the programme is divided in 10 semesters. It is compulsory for students to complete all semesters to get the degree. 

B

Bipasha Jha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

During BA LLB (hons) admissions at Nirma University, candidates will need following documents:

  • Class 10th and Class 12th passing certificate and marksheet
  • ID and address proof
  • CLAT-UG scorecard

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Nirma University BA LLB (hons) fees is INR 19.67 Lacs in academic year 2026. This amount has both yearly as well as one-time payments. Tuition fees comprises INR 18.75 Lacs out of the aforementioned amount and is charged on yearly basis at INR 3.75 lakh.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, candidates can receive refunds from Nirma University if they choose tocancel their admission. These refunds will be offered based on a custom policy which is as follows:

Refund PercentageDate of Admission Cancellation
100%Up to 05.07.2026 
90%From 06.07.2026  
to 19.08.2026  
80%From 20.08.2026  
to 18.09.2026 
60%From 19.09.2026 
onwards 

 

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, Nirma University BA LLB (hons) admissions have been closed for academic year 2026. Candidates who wanted to apply for BA LLB (hons) were required to participate in CLAT-UG counselling rounds. CLAT-UG counselling ended in May.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, Nirma University BA LLB (hons) eligibility criteria does not require cadidates to have Law as a mandatory subject in Class 12 board exams. A candidate's chosen stream or set of subjects in Class 12th are irrelevant for BBA LLB (hons) course's eligibility.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

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