What is LLM?
An LLM lets a law graduate study one area in depth. Core papers usually cover research methods, comparative public law and law and justice in a globalising world, followed by specialisation papers and a dissertation that you write under a faculty guide.
India has two formats. The one-year LLM, introduced under UGC regulations, is offered by most National Law Universities with admission through CLAT-PG or AILET-PG. The two-year LLM is offered by many central and state universities. The Bar Council of India's 2020 postgraduate rules sought to replace the one-year LLM with a two-year course; this has been contested, and NLUs continue to admit students to one-year LLMs through CLAT-PG 2027. Check the current status before you apply, especially if you plan to teach.
How it differs from close alternatives: an LLB is the professional degree needed to practise, whereas an LLM is not required to practise. An LLM is most useful for academia, judicial and policy work, and deep specialisation. A foreign LLM (UK or USA) is shorter and costlier and is often chosen for international practice.
Who is this course for?
- LLB graduates who want to specialise in one area of law
- Those aiming to teach law (LLM plus UGC-NET is the usual route)
- Lawyers moving into research, policy or think-tank work
- Judicial officers and advocates who want deeper subject knowledge
- Students planning a PhD in law
- People who enjoy long-form legal writing and research
What you study
- Core (Semester 1)
- Research Methods and Legal Writing
- Comparative Public Law / Systems of Governance
- Law and Justice in a Globalising World
- Seminar papers
- Specialisation (Semester 2 in 1-year LLM)
- 3–5 papers in the chosen area
- Seminars and research projects
- Dissertation submission and viva
- Year 2 (2-year LLM)
- Advanced specialisation papers
- Clinical or teaching practice
- Optional/elective papers
- Dissertation
Specialisations and electives
Corporate and Commercial LawConstitutional and Administrative LawCriminal and Security LawIntellectual Property LawInternational Law and Trade LawHuman Rights LawEnvironmental and Energy LawTechnology and Data Protection LawFamily LawTax Law
Eligibility & admission
- An LLB degree (3-year or 5-year integrated) recognised by the Bar Council of India; final-year students may apply.
- CLAT-PG: at least 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) in LLB. AILET-PG has similar minimums.
- Universities using CUET-PG or their own tests set their own minimum marks, usually 45–55%.
- No upper age limit for CLAT-PG.
How admission works
- Decide on the format (one-year at NLUs or two-year at universities) and your specialisation
- Register for CLAT-PG (for NLUs), AILET-PG (NLU Delhi), CUET-PG or a university test
- Take the test; CLAT-PG has 120 objective questions on core law subjects
- Fill counselling preferences or apply to institutes with your score
- Accept the seat, pay the fee and submit LLB marksheets and certificates
Entrance exams
CLAT-PGfor one-year LLM at NLUs; CLAT 2027 is on 6 Dec 2026
AILET-PGfor LLM at NLU Delhi; held on 13 Dec 2026
CUET-PGfor LLM at Delhi University, BHU and other central universities
University entrance testsrun by many state and private universities
UGC-NET (after LLM)required for Assistant Professor posts and JRF
Planning to study LLM?The AISEE merit scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition fees at participating colleges. One online exam, results by rank.
Apply for AISEE-2027
Top colleges for LLM
| College | City | Why it stands out |
|---|
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU) | Bengaluru | One-year LLM via CLAT-PG; NIRF 2025 Law rank 1 |
| National Law University Delhi | New Delhi | LLM via AILET-PG; NIRF 2025 Law rank 2 |
| NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad | Via CLAT-PG; NIRF 2025 Law rank 3 |
| WBNUJS | Kolkata | Via CLAT-PG; NIRF 2025 Law rank 4 |
| Gujarat National Law University | Gandhinagar | Via CLAT-PG; NIRF 2025 Law rank 5 |
| Faculty of Law, University of Delhi | New Delhi | LLM via CUET-PG |
| Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | LLM via CUET-PG |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (Faculty of Law) | New Delhi | Central university; NIRF 2025 Law rank 8 |
Ranks are from the NIRF 2025 India Rankings where shown. Check each college’s official website for this year’s seats, fees and cut-offs.
Careers & salary
Assistant Professor of LawTeaches at law schools after LLM and UGC-NET (or a PhD).
Legal researcherWorks with research centres, law commissions and think tanks.
Specialist counselAdvises firms or companies in a niche such as IP, tax or competition law.
Law clerk-cum-research assistantAssists judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court with research.
Policy adviserHelps draft and review laws and regulations for ministries and regulators.
International organisation rolesWorks on human rights, trade or arbitration with international bodies and NGOs.
Top recruiters & sectors
National Law Universities and private law schoolsSupreme Court and High Courts (research roles)Law firms (specialist practice groups)Regulators such as SEBI, CCI and RBIBig Four firms (tax and regulatory)Ministry of Law and Justice and law commissionsPolicy think tanksInternational NGOs and arbitration centres
Salary
An LLM alone does not fix a salary. Fresh LLM graduates without work experience often start at ₹5–10 LPA (approx.) in academia, research or specialist legal roles. Assistant Professors at government institutions are paid on UGC pay scales, roughly ₹57,700 basic per month plus allowances.
Lawyers who already have firm experience and add a specialised LLM can move into higher roles of ₹15–30 LPA or more (approx.). Specialisation, institute brand and prior experience decide pay. Figures vary; check current placement reports.
Scope & higher studies
India's legal sector is growing in specialised areas such as arbitration, insolvency, data protection, competition law and technology regulation. Law schools have also expanded rapidly, creating demand for qualified teachers, which is the most direct use of an LLM.
For students who want to practise, an LLM is useful but optional; experience matters more. For teaching, research and policy, it is close to essential. Watch for any change in the one-year versus two-year LLM rules, since that can affect teaching eligibility.
After this course
- UGC-NET / JRF for teaching and research funding
- PhD in Law
- LLM or SJD abroad
- Judicial services exams
- Post-doctoral research and fellowships
LLM FAQs
Is the one-year LLM still valid in India?
NLUs continue to offer one-year LLMs under UGC regulations, and CLAT-PG 2027 admits students to them. The Bar Council of India has sought a two-year LLM, so check the latest UGC and BCI notices before applying.
Do I need an LLM to practise as a lawyer?
No. An LLB from a BCI-recognised college plus enrolment and AIBE are enough to practise. An LLM is for specialisation, teaching or research.
What marks are needed for CLAT-PG?
You need an LLB with at least 50% marks, or 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Final-year LLB students can apply.
Can I become a law professor after LLM?
Yes, usually after clearing UGC-NET. Many universities now also prefer or require a PhD for promotion.
Is an LLM abroad better than an Indian LLM?
A foreign LLM helps if you want international practice or arbitration work, but it is expensive. For teaching in India, an Indian LLM with NET is usually enough.
AISEE - 2027 Online Scholarship Application Available 
